Search Results: NaturallyCurly
Image by: @craft_and_mane
What is your hair type?
2c + 3a
What has been the most empowering moment of your journey so far? Most challenging?
Strangers will send me their selfie on Instagram talking about how I have inspired them to start wearing their hair natural and they are so surprised by their own hair and what it’s doing! They say my posts have really helped them know what to do with their hair and where to start. That really empowers me to continue to believe in myself as someone who can help others in this journey, while I figure out my own hair. It’s helped me realize you don’t have to “know it all” before you begin to help others.
How do you prefer to protect your curls at night, bonnet, scarf or satin pillowcase?
I am a HUGE cheerleader for a silk pillowcase. It has been one of my most valuable purchases. I also wear a buff at night to preserve the definition in my curls, and that helps a lot. Buffs are also by far the most comfortable solution I’ve found.
Read more: How Curlies are Using the Buff in the Pursuit of Second-Day Hair
Who is your curl crush?
Oh gosh, so many! When I first discovered the Curly Girl Method I couldn’t believe the community there was on Instagram! It’s like its own little world! Everyone sharing details and techniques. It’s crazy how you can feel at home with a bunch of strangers, simply because of your hair. It’s amazing!
I really love:
- @dervscurls primarily for the shape of her adorable shaggy cut.
- @Lovelifecurls for her confidence in wearing short hair.
- @marina_curly_veggie for cute scarf styles and how to videos!
What’s your curly girl essential?
Right now I live and die by a bandana or a scarf. My hairline has so much postpartum regrowth happening that a bandana really comes in clutch. I have like 5 of them that I’m currently rotating through, depending on what I wear. I simply fold the square fabric to mimic the shape of a headband, put my hair in a cute top knot, wrap the bandana around my head and tie it at the top. This is my go-to style when I am with my kids or being casual. Sometimes though (depending on the scarf”> I can dress it up and wear it to work!
Do you prefer to shampoo or co-wash?
I am all about a cowash! When I go through old products that I used to use I can’t believe how stripping they feel! I just can’t stand them anymore. It’s like a cowash has become my new normal, so anything with a rich lather makes my hair feel SO dry, especially on the mid strands and ends. I also like to use a conditioner or use a masque after I cowash.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I am always trying new things, however, this combo is my favorite! I start with a cowash and a killer head rub. As I Am Coconut Cowash is my favorite. After I cowash, I either condition or use a masque. DevaCurl Melt into Moisture Masque and SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque are my go to’s. I let the masque sit while I shower, then rinse it out with cool water. Then, I flip my head over and do a little bit of finger combing, but not a lot. Mainly squish to condish (with water”> and praying hands to promote curl clumping. Then, I lightly blot with a cotton T-Shirt and start to apply my stylers. Some of my favorites are Lusbrands Wavy first, then apply DevaCurl Light Defining Gel or Bounce Curl Light Cream Gel by itself. Sometimes I apply more styling product when it’s 50% dry (Smasters technique“>. I love diffusing with my Dyson hair blowdryer! Once dry, fluff my roots and SOTC (scrunch out the crunch“>!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
What is your hair type?
2c/3a
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was frustrating! My hair was always super thick, long, frizzy, and a tangled mess! My mom would strictly do braids on my hair cause the moment I would leave it loose, I’d get huge knots at the nape of my neck & my hair would just be a big poof ball! I would love it when my hair was straightened cause it was always 10x easier to manage and it was silky smooth.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
The brutal summer heat we had back in 2016! At least that summer felt extra hot to me because I was moving at the time and having my hair straight or even the thought of having to sit there blow drying it in that heat was just too much. I was moving in with my sister and she already had Cantu’s shampoo & conditioner & a foam mousse by SheaMoisture so I decided to give them a try and I was surprised at how wavy my hair was! Of course, I had heat damage, but it didn’t look half bad and I decided at least for the rest of the summer I could do this routine! It was easy & simple and I truly liked the results. I stuck with it & two weeks into it I became so obsessed with the amazing curly world I had discovered and never knew existed!
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
They love it! At first, my mom was upset ONLY because I had tailbone length hair and had to cut off quite a bit due to all my heat damage. I assured her my hair would grow back, but it would now be all healthy hair! My hair has grown a ton since, & tailbone length hair is definitely my goal. Other then that, I received a lot of support & I was quite surprised at how much people loved my curls & how they were eager to learn how I was making the change! Because of them, I transformed my Instagram into a natural hair haven & love helping other curlies around the world!
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
At first, it was hard because I still craved straight hair from time to time lol but I just stuck with it and pretty much just did it! I started out with learning as much as I could about the curly girl method and then just tried affordable products and different styling methods every so often until I had a routine down.
What is your current hair regimen?
I wash my hair probably every 3-4 days. I alternate between shampoo and a cowash. I deep condition 1-2x a week. I style on very wet hair and add my products in, then smooth it out with my wet brush or Denman brush, and scrunch away. Then, I diffuse until it’s 100% dry.
Here’s Amanda’s Holy Grails and Styling Tips
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Definitely using my wet brush or the Denman brush has helped me a lot! This is how I achieve nice big curls and get my curls to clump together. Without this step, I notice my hair is a lot more stringy and frizzy.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
PATIENCE IS KEY! I know it’s hard, especially for those with tighter curl patterns than me, but once you give it time and stick with it, you WILL see results! In the end, it’s definitely 100% worth the struggle because you will fall in love with your hair, but more importantly you’ll fall more in love with YOU!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
What is your hair type?
3b
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up, I never knew how curly my hair actually was. I always went to the hair salon ever since I was nine years old to get my hair straightened. I thought that straight hair was considered “Good Hair” because that’s how society always made it seem, especially my mother.
$$AD$$What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I wanted a big change in my life. I was going through a lot mentally and physically. I wanted to love myself and understand my worth as a young lady. I did it for myself not because it was a trend.
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
At first, my family did not understand it at all. They made me feel sad because they would call me names and try to make it seem like I had bad hair because I wanted to embrace what I have.
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I transitioned from damaged hair to natural hair by changing hair products that contain no sulfate, parabens or silicones and instead of making home remedies because I couldn’t afford deep conditioners. I used to cut my own hair for years because I know exactly what part of my hair needed to go because it was damaged and because we all know how expensive curly cuts can be. I became a huge fan of natural oils because until this day they make my wash and go’s so much easier.
$$AD$$What is your current hair regimen?
I am fully transitioned. I love it so much because it who I am. My hair is growing a lot and I now have black hair and I will change it really soon because I love experiencing new things.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
So far what truly works for me is to use a deep conditioner for every wash and also to pre-poo with Righteous Roots or with my own mix of oils that I create myself with natural oils from the Dominican Republic.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
I would definitely recommend anyone who is transitioning at the moment to be consistent with your hair. You will not see results right away and that’s okay. Please do not let anybody discourage you because they are fully transitioned and you’re not. We all started somewhere and everyone’s hair is different. Love yourself first.
Image via iStock
Feel that chill in the air? It’s fall, curlies!
Even the warmer states and regions are feeling the cooler breezes now. But now that it’s time to break out the coordinated layers and cute scarves, have you considered that your hair care should be transitioning with your wardrobe?
For a hair care routine to be effective, it has to be adjusted based on the changing seasons. Your curls won’t need the same things year-round, and failing to make changes can lead to your locks not getting what they really need to stay healthy and beautiful! We’ve got you though. Here are a few key tips for transitioning your haircare from summer to fall to ensure you’re rocking your best curls, no matter the weather!
Ease up on humectants and daily lotions
In the summer, you need extra humectants to lock in that moisture, but the air in the fall tends to dry out a little. Remember, water molecules move from low volume to high volume, so the wetter the air, the dryer your hair! Since fall flips the script, you naturally need fewer humectants to coat the cuticle of the hair. HOWEVER, while you might not need as much humectant product in your arseneal, moisture is still important! Don’t even think about ignoring moisturizing routines altogether (we know you weren’t, but still“>. Try easing up on the hair creams and lotions if you tend to reach for them on a daily basis, and sub in a weekly deep moisturizing mask to keep your hair hydrated.
A few good products for performing weekly treatments include TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask, Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl-Defining Moisture Mask, or EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Hair Masque.
You might even feel like getting fancy and doing a face mask while your hair sits! Curl glow and skin glow are perfect fall coordinates, after all.
Take time to trim
Fall is a great time to watch leaves shed, but not so much any broken strands! Take the time to evaluate the tips of your curls for any split ends or damage that needs to make like a tree and LEAF, then dust/trim/cut accordingly. Seasonally speaking, since winter is traditionally the time to put your hair in protective styles with the goal of deep hydration, it makes sense to make fall your usual trim time. This means hair will be healthy and ready for the winter of protective styles and extra moisturizing treatments.
Let it all out
If you want to have your curls really shine before putting them up for the colder months ahead, now’s the time for them to take center stage… yes, even more than usual. With summer, the goal is usually to keep your hair up, protected, and out of your face since the hairstyle heat trap struggle is so real. But with cooler weather and less threat of humidity-causing frizz, fully ‘out’ looks are a great choice for fall! Just make sure you’re keeping up with the shorter daylight hours for optimal selfie sharing.
Clarify your hair after summer
This is important if you spent a lot of time enjoying the sun, sand, and surf of summer time. Remember how much you were moisturizing those curls in the heat, protecting them from the sun, and re-upping your leave-ins once you got out of the pool? You actually can have too much of a good thing if all that product has layered itself in your strands. Start fall off without build-up left over from summer fun, and get that slate nice and clean! And if you’re in search of a few great clarifying products, check out Mop Top Clarifying Rescue Treatment, CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo, and As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo!
Seasons come and seasons go, but great hair in transitioning from one to the next never has to change…even if your routine does.Ready for more tips and tricks this fall? Make sure you’re following us @naturallycurly, and make sure you’re tagging us in your fab photo ops! And be sure to share any that you have with us in the comments below!
Image: @curlonamission
What is your hair type?
3a
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
My hair has always been a huge part of my identity. Growing up, my hair was extremely thick and long, but my mom blowdried it straight nearly every time she washed it. I kept up that practice when I started doing my own hair, at around age 12. Even with the blowdrying, my mom knew how to care for my hair. She did regular hot oil treatments, deep conditions, and trims. My hair was healthy, but I rarely wore it in its natural state.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I began to embrace my curly hair when I got to college in the late 1990s. This was around the time artists like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Amel Larrieux were popular. These natural-looking women were so beautiful to me. I also went to college in Atlanta, and during this time it was a mecca for the neo-soul movement, which embraced natural beauty, hair texture, and individuality. I began to wear my natural curls.
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
For the most part, people are very accepting of my natural hair. Some of my closest friends didn’t even realize my hair curled so much. Many people are amazed at the texture. To this day, folks ask me if I set my hair on rollers or rods to achieve my curls!
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I just put down the heat tools. Thanks to my mom, I knew the fundamentals of caring for my hair, so heat was really the only thing I needed to eliminate. My curls appeared pretty quickly.
What is your current hair regimen?
I change my hair all the time. I love its versatility, but I always come back to my curls. I cut off my waist-length hair soon after I had my son and wore a pixie for a couple of years. A few months ago I decided it was time to bring back my curls, so I’m in the process of growing it out (though I am LOVING my short curly hair”>. I wash my hair twice a week, once with a sulfate-free shampoo and once with a co-wash, and follow with a silicone-free conditioner. I use a lightweight leave-in, and then a styling gel such as the Ouidad Climate Control Gel. I live in New Orleans where the humidity is insane so this is essential. I clarify my hair about once a month with a shampoo that contains EDTA to eliminate hard water build-up, and I deep condition weekly.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
For me, it’s all in the daily refresh. With short curly hair, you can’t hide behind a bun or braid when you have bad hair days. So I refresh my hair daily with either a refreshing spray like Ouidad’s Botanical Boost or just water, depending on what my hair needs that day. I never saturate my hair. I use wet hands and just smooth frizzy, unformed curls back into place. I may add a tiny bit more gel, depending on the frizz factor. Also, I can’t skip wash days.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
Stick with it! Your hair can go through so many phases before it gets to a place you like. With a lot of patience, trial and error and some technique, you’ll get there. Hair should be fun, and not taken too seriously. Also, don’t be afraid to cut if you need to — it WILL grow back!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
What country do you live in?
Jamaica
How would you best describe your hair type?
Naturally Curly, 3c
What has been the most empowering moment of your journey so far? Most challenging?
The most empowering moment of my curly hair journey has most definitely been my big chop on January 31st of this year. I have always had big, bouncy curls and was known for having “inches,” so cutting most of my hair off definitely ruffled a few feathers. There’s no doubt that the curly/natural hair community idolizes having huge hair and even I got caught up with that pressure – so cutting my hair off freed me from some of that pressure and allowed me to find the beauty in my natural hair again.
How do you prefer to protect your curls at night: bonnet, scarf or satin pillowcase?
At night, I sleep with either a satin bonnet or a satin scarf over my hair, it all depends on the style my hair is in.
Who is your curl crush?
Though my hair has always been natural, I’ve had instances in my life where I’ve had heat damage and my hair was just completely fried! In 2013, I decided to put the flat iron and blow dryer down and actually learned how to care for and; style my hair without heat. From my childhood years, my hair has always been blowdried for manageability (thick hair problems!”>, so as I got older around 14 or 15, I started to see more people embrace their natural textures and I decided, why not? I’ve always had a full head of hair and I’ve never seen my true texture, so I went for it! As I got older, I immersed myself into the curly hair community and I came across Jewellianna Palencia, who’s my ultimate curl crush, and I knew this was the right decision! She’s everything!
What’s your curly girl essential?
My curly girl essential has definitely got to be deep conditioning! Regardless of texture, curl pattern – all that. Deep conditioning is key. I believe deep conditioning is essential especially if you wear your curly hair out in its natural state. It’s exposed to so many drying agents (the environment, wandering hands, etc.”> and needs to be kept moisturized. There’s no leave-in conditioner or curl cream that can do what a great deep conditioner or hair mask can do; it really works wonders.
My personal favorites are: Deva Curl Melt Into Moisture, Strands of Faith Intense Deep Conditioning Treatment, Carol’s Daughter Rhassoul Softening Hair Mask and CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Mask.
Do you prefer to shampoo or co-wash?
I love both. It all just depends on the state of my hair. I love a good lathery shampoo, sulfate-free of course, for when my hair has seen better days and is in need of a deep cleanse and my scalp is crying out for a complete refresh. With regards to co-washing, I don’t do traditional co-washing anymore, I use conditioning cleansers. So, I “co-wash” on days where my hair is in need of moisture with a light cleanse, just to refresh my curls, especially after wash and go’s.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current hair regimen consists of lots of conditioning.
I do the “condition-wash-condition” method.
1. I lightly condition my hair before cleansing, to remove shed hair and prep my hair for cleansing. For this step, I love to use my Deva Curl Wash Day Wonder.
2. Cleansing; like I said previously, I love both “co-washing” and shampooing. I do my hair every 3-4 days to prevent it from drying out. My favorite cleansers are: Deva Curl No-Poo Decadence, Camille Rose Naturals Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse and CURLS Cashmere + Caviar Hair Bath.
3. After I finger detangle and deep condition my hair with my Q-Redew Steamer, then I style my hair. Some of my favorite moisturizers and stylers are: CURLS Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner, Jane Carter Solution Curl Cocktail & Camille Rose Naturals Curl Maker and my go-to style is a wash and go!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
You’ve attended Texture On the Runways in the past, what stood out to you this year?
It’s an event that really brings everyone in the community into one space: the brands, the influencers, the stylists who come from all over for New York Fashion Week. The setting of Gotham Hall is a beautiful venue, and seeing Amara LaNegra was one of the highlights for me. Just seeing all of the girls who I’ve been coming up with in this industry.
Was there a moment of the runway show that has stayed with you?
Yes, Mielle Organics. Her presentation showed all of the different emotions we experience in our community specifically of envy, jealousy, hate, low self-esteem, she really called those things out by having her models run down the runway in stunning looks. They were painted in black and gold and were trying to steal the crown. Her overall message was that everyone can wear a crown, and it was a beautiful thing to see all of the women represented who were battling different issues, whether it be that they fear they don’t fit the mold, their hair isn’t curly enough or the right texture, they don’t have long enough hair.
How do you feel like textured hair is being represented in the fashion world as a whole right now?
I feel like it’s still very much political. When well-known designers are featuring natural hair it’s still seen as a political stance or controversial because we’ve had designers appropriating the culture and making it their own. I have seen natural hair on the runway but I felt it was to prove inclusivity, so I’d like to see that continue five years down the line. Hopefully, it’s not a trend. At Texture On the Runway I think it’s amazing to see natural hair being styled by brands who’ve embraced it, like Cantu, and to see the owners and people who work for these brands working to make their vision come together.
You mentioned being able to see the people who have come up with you in the audience, what’s that experience like?
Well the first thing I noticed is that the influencers are getting younger, I’m not the young one anymore, so I was like hold up! Let me introduce myself so I’m not out of the loop. One of the young influencers was telling me that they never used to wear their hair curly until seeing Texture On the Runway 2016 on social media! It was the Crème of Nature collection where they were all wearing red and Victoria, aka @vic_toryy, was one of their models. Seeing Victoria’s hair inspired her to embrace her natural hair and embrace herself. The representation coming down that runway that night inspired a young girl two years ago, and then here she is at that very event. And I know Victoria so I introduced her to Victoria since she was there that night. It’s all about re-establishing connections, catching up with people you don’t get to see all the time. I just like the camaraderie – everyone is so welcoming and friendly.
I’ll definitely have to tell our team that story about the impact of Texture On the Runway from two years ago.
It’s been great to see the show grow. I remember the location in 2016 and have seen it in Gotham Hall twice over. It’s an influencer family reunion, it’s a good kiki. I enjoyed myself and it just felt amazing to be there.
A couple people have said that about the family reunion, so I think that’s really what people are getting out of it.
It’s so refreshing because I get to see all of these familiar faces, like when I first moved to New York and was just starting out, Sabrina was my manager. I got to catch up with her at Texture On the Runway. We all help each other in some way, or we’re going to, or we have in the past. So that’s what makes it a family reunion.
What is your hair type?
3c
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
As a child, I disliked my curly hair and wished it was straight. I grew up around people who didn’t look like me, and it was difficult for me to embrace my natural curls. For many years, I straightened my hair, which led to terrible heat damage. I finally began to see the beauty in my natural hair and embraced it! I’m so glad I snapped out of it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
I started embracing my natural hair more after watching Tia and Tamera rock their natural curls on Sister Sister. However, I still didn’t fully like my hair because I compared my curls to everyone else. Big mistake! After getting married and having my daughter, I really began to love my natural hair. I did tons of research, started a YouTube channel and I learned to take care of my hair, which in turn caused me to fall in love with my natural curls and life has never been the same.
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
Fortunately, my friends and family love my hair and ask for tips all the time! I couldn’t be happier to have such amazing and supportive people in my life!
Image: @happycurlhappygirl
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
Although, I never had a relaxer, my hair mimicked one due to heat damage. I gradually cut off some of my hair to help speed of the process and took care of my hair to get my curls to pop and to be healthy.
What is your current hair regimen?
I’m big on moisture! Therefore I make sure to implement moisture as much as possible! I usually wash my hair once a week with a sulfate-free shampoo, always making sure to deep condition regularly. This helps tremendously! I then style once a week, which is usually a wash and go! Because my hair is out the majority of the time, I make sure to mist my hair daily with either aloe vera juice or plain water. I sleep with my hair protected by a satin scarf and I make sure not to neglect my scalp in my regimen!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Yes! My wash and go technique has helped tremendously — I share all the time on my YouTube channel! Technique is everything to get a desired style!
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
DO NOT COMPARE YOUR HAIR! It’s so hard not to do this when we’re glued to our social media of women with long, curly hair and we sometimes find ourselves wishing we had someone else’s hair. Don’t do it! Focus and love YOUR hair because it’s beautiful and it needs YOUR love so that it can flourish in its own way! Have patience, it’s so important! It will not happen overnight, but be encouraged that it CAN happen! Stay consistent and don’t give up. You can achieve ANY style and you can achieve healthy hair!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
What is your hair type?
3a
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I felt like I was the ugliest thing in the world. Growing up, I didn’t look like any of the Bollywood heroines and I definitely didn’t look like anyone from the Brady Bunch.
There was a scene where Marsha brushes her hair 1,000 times and I thought that was the secret to straight hair. I followed her method and it didn’t work out for me. Girls like her scarred me for life!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I saw beautiful black women online embrace their natural hair – something I have never seen in person. I live in Alaska, so there is not much diversity here. The few women of color that I grew up with definitely did not wear their hair natural. But in 2012, when I first joined Instagram, I saw hundreds of black women wear their hair curly! It inspired me to drop the hair straightener.
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
I straightened my hair every day for years. Until one day, I accidentally went to school with wet hair. As my hair started to dry, my ringlets emerged. My hair was big, full, and curly by 4th period.
People were shocked. Jaws were dropped. These two boys wanted to propose to me. As they were arguing who was going to marry me, I walked away and met up with my best friend – who has straight, blonde hair. Only her reaction mattered to me. To me, she was the epitome of beauty. But to her I have “the most beautiful hair in the world!”
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
It wasn’t until 2015 until I started being strict with the CG Method.
What is your current hair regimen?
I use JBCO & Red Pimento oil on my scalp to generate hair growth. I do this the night before I wash my hair.
My current routine is on my YouTube channel. Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lflIngQz_I
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
I diffuse my hair upside down with a DevaFuser. I plop my hair onto a microfiber towel and dry my roots until they are 80% dry. I use cool, low air so this takes a long time, but I have to do it for volume.
Image: @spisha
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
Accepting your hair in its natural state is a political statement. You’re telling the world that you’re not going to conform to someone else’s beauty standard.
And you know what, your ancestors had curly hair. You clearly inherited it from them. So show you’re proud of your heritage and be who you are supposed to be!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
What is your hair type?
3c
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
My hair was straight until I turned 12. I am bi-racial. My father is Bajan and my mother is Filipina. When it started to transform from straight to curly it really confused me and I had a hard time taking care of it. It was so much for me to handle that I threatened to cut it all off because I was so frustrated. Instead, at the age of 12 years old, I begged my mom to take me to a salon for a perm.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
At that age of 12, all you want is to fit in. Being different made me the topic of discussion. Some people started calling me Mufasa from “The Lion King.” When I got a perm all of that changed. I loved having straight hair and the compliments, but it saddened me that after I washed my hair, it was back to being curly. I felt like I was sold a dream that would never come true. So after battling it for three years, I decided to let go and embrace what I have, instead of trying to conform to society’s beauty standards.
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
In 2008 when I transitioned, my family and friends were very encouraging. It made the process easier to know that my support system was on board.
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I admit that during the beginning, I wasn’t happy with the two different textures and I would resort to still using the flat iron. After gaining more knowledge through forums, I did protective styles during that time. My two main styles were twist outs and braid outs. Every couple months I would trim my relaxed hair little by little until all the relaxed hair was gone.
$$AD$$What is your current hair regimen?
My hair products are forever changing because I am a product junkie, but the process is the same. I am a fan of the condition-wash-condition method. This is where you condition first to detangle. Then you wash your scalp and let the cleanser go down the length of your hair to get rid of buildup, then lastly you deep condition. This method has helped me tremendously when it comes to the amount of time I’m in the shower. I have less shedding and fewer tangles and single-stand knots, which are the devil. After the shower I follow the LCO method. Or during the summer I add a gel for more definition.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
One word: shingling. This method changed my life. It gives crazy amounts of definition and makes all my curls uniform, which I love. This is where you take each individual curl and smooth and twirl it around your finger. It takes forever because it makes hundreds of curls around your head, but it is so worth it. When I style this way it will last seven days.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
- Step 1: STOP heat all together. Find the protective style for you. I loved twist and braid outs but you might like braids or wigs. Also focus on getting a protein and moisture balance in your hair.
- Step 2: Get a routine going that caters to your hair needs and stick with it for no less than 30 days. See what works and what doesn’t and make adjustments accordingly.
- Step 3: Trim or cut off damaged hair that can’t be repaired. There is no point of hanging on to hair that isn’t healthy.
- Step 4: Patience. Nothing worth having is easy. Enjoy your journey, get to you know hair, and listen to it.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
What is your hair type?
3a
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up, my hair was always pretty straight, whether that was because it was straight or whether it because I brushed it every day, I’m not sure! When I hit 14 my hair went BAM and suddenly I had a head of thick, curly hair that I had no idea what to do with. I quickly became known as “that girl with the big hair” wherever I went, and I was so envious of those girls who could put their hair into a sleek ponytail with zero effort.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I discovered the Instagram account of @sydnieslittleworld and was amazed at the condition of her curls – I didn’t realize normal people could have hair that looked that good! I quickly became hooked on natural hair care and watched all the YouTube videos I could find, followed every curly Insta under the sun and spent a lot of money on hair products!
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
My family was fairly supportive. During the transition phase I wasn’t looking my best all of the time so I think they were a little confused about what I was doing! My sister actually said to me the other day, “Remember when your hair looked greasy and bad all the time when you were transitioning? I’m SO glad it doesn’t look like that now!” Thankfully it’s improved! During this time I was always trying new things – including making my own disastrous hair masques, prompting a co-worker to ask me if I’d forgotten to rinse out my conditioner!
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
When I started the Curly Girl Method I began to wash it a lot less. I went from washing my hair three or four times a week to washing it once or twice a week. It was a really slow process and I ended up wearing it in a bun a lot. I got a big chop, too, and started doing a lot of hair masques. However, I was still dying my hair and using some heat. It wasn’t until I really started listening to my hair and cut out the dye, all heat and started learning about porosity and protein when my hair began to look good!
What is your current hair regimen?
Once a week I do a hair masque with a heated cap, which I try to leave on for an hour, and I follow up in the shower using curly friendly shampoo, which I massage into my scalp using a shampoo brush. Then I rinse, and then apply conditioner, which I rinse out with lukewarm water. Then once I’m out of the shower I tip my hair upside down and rake curl cream through my hair, section by section. I then scrunch out some of the excess water and then apply a gel, scrunch out some more water and then wrap it up in a microfiber towel for about 30 minutes. Then I air dry my hair, and after an hour or so it’s ready to scrunch and that’s it! A couple of times a week I might do a little refresh by applying the same styling products to wet hair.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
For me air drying was such a game changer! One of the first things I did when starting the CG method was buy a new hairdryer and diffuser; however, I found that my curl pattern became looser and didn’t look as good when I used it. I’m also fairly impatient, and could never be bothered to sit with it on cold so I would use it on the hot setting in the hope of speeding things up. After six months my hairdryer broke and thank God it did! When I air dry, my curls form so much better, and follow a more ringlety pattern – plus it’s so much better for my hair health to be using less heat.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
If you’re struggling with not getting the results you want, take a look at aspects of your routine and tweak them to suit your own hair. No one’s hair is the same and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you, so try to develop your own routine. Also don’t be afraid to go back to products or techniques — some of the products I hated when I started I absolutely love now!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:@kimlisameyer
What is your hair type?
3b/ 3c
$$AD$$What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
During primary school, I loved my long, curly hair. My mom managed to try all sorts of hairstyles and I loved it so much. It was easy to manage and I could try new things all the time. During high school I started straightening my hair every week. I was peer pressured to see that straight hair is beautiful. This caused me a lot of anxiety to keep straightening my hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
During high school I couldn’t take it — I was crying every week while trying to get my hair sleek and straight. I decided in grade 11 to just ignore the comments and rude words, and I embraced my natural hair. It was curly due to the heat damage but I’m five years natural now and it’s been the best decision of my life.
How have your family, friends, and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
My friends were all brainwashed by social media years ago that straight hair is beautiful. But ever since I transitioned, they’ve seen the beauty in being yourself. This helped me grow and helped them to see people differently and love them for who they are. My family has a view that natural hair is a no-go. My grandmother never understood how one could not blow out her hair for functions or for Christmas. She would say things like “You could’ve at least tried to look nice!” and “Why can’t you do something with that mop?” It affected me in the beginning, but my mom encouraged my siblings and me to stay strong and love ourselves. All my siblings are on a natural hair journey and we try to help our family and friends change their view of and mindset about curly hair.
$$AD$$How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I did not big chop. I stopped putting heat on my hair (blow dry, hair iron, etc”>. I deep-conditioned my hair consistently and let my natural hair grow it’s way out.
What is your current hair regimen?
I wash and condition. Finger coiling helps me get my curls bouncing up and down.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Finger coils!! Deep conditioning and oiling my hair helps keep the shine and heal those damaged ends.
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
You are beautiful. People all have insecurities and some put theirs onto you. Remember that beauty lies within. Your hair is one part of loving yourself and allowing true happiness and self love to reflect in your life. People will see that smile on your face and compliment you more on your beauty that is coming from within. Remember, hair and clothes doesn’t define you. Love who you are and those things will follow and shine due to the transitioning happening inward and then affecting your outward self.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Photo by Khaled Ghareeb on Unsplash
“What is my curl pattern?” is the most frequently asked question on NaturallyCurly, and for every photo that is shared, there seems to be a few things that consistently go unnoticed. First, I want to acknowledge that curl pattern is helpful when addressing styling and a few hair care tips like lightweight products versus heavy products, but it is probably the least important factor when it comes to hair care.
Other factors like porosity play a larger role in how you care for your hair than curl pattern. But if you are new to the curly community, or perhaps if you’ve been here a while and haven’t figured out this curl pattern stuff yet, then there are a few things that could be hindering your pursuit of your curl pattern.
Read more:This Matters More than Curl Pattern
1. You need to let your hair shrink
Stretched styles (e.g. twist out, braid out, etc.”> will not give a proper representation of your curl pattern. Also, wet hair is not a proper depiction, as the water is weighing it down. After cleansing and deep conditioning, shingle a moisturizer and styling product throughout your hair with your fingers, and allow your hair shrink as it dries. Some say you can identify your curl pattern in its wet state but a wet 4a can easily be mistaken as a dry 3c, so a shrunken wash and go in its dried state is the most accurate way to make an assessment.
2. Stop combing your hair after you wash it
Put the comb down. There is nothing wrong with using a comb to detangle or even style, but combing separates your natural curl alignment/curl definition. The best way to observe your curl pattern is after it has been washed and not styled with tools. I know it is a natural tendency to comb your hair in order to style it, but this only disrupts the curl definition.
3. Heat damage
Let’s not be in denial. You mean to tell me that the leave out that you kept straightening to match your weave or extensions is 3b but the rest of your hair is 4b? If you use heat tools frequently, then more times than not that is why you cannot figure out your curl pattern. Give your hair a six-month break from heat styling. If the texture at the roots is different from the length of your hair, then you definitely have heat damage. Much like transitioning with relaxed hair, without cutting the damaged ends it can be difficult to observe your true curl pattern due to the weight of the damaged hair.
4. Dryness
If your hair is dry, it is less likely to maintain curl definition. Make sure your regimen is centered on putting moisture into your hair. Most of the women I know who are able to capture their curl definition are avid about deep conditioning and sealing their hair with an oil or butter. If you are using a gel with drying alcohols instead of fatty alcohols, this could be another reason your hair is dry.
5. You’re still transitioning
Everyone thought they had the same hair as Tracee Ellis Ross until it was time to cut those relaxed ends. Oh, was it just me? Trying to identify your curl pattern while your hair is transitioning is quite difficult and not an accurate portrayal until you cut the relaxed ends. The weight matters. I remember when people would show me pictures of someone with a 4a, shoulder length wash and go and say they were not going to big chop until they reached that length. My response would always be, “Well, I guess you are going to be transitioning for 3-5 years with no trims.” When transitioning, the best thing to focus on is moisturizing, deep conditioning, protein treatments, and low manipulation styles. Curl pattern is completely irrelevant.
6. You’re focusing on frizz
Although looser curl patterns have a higher tendency to create and sustain curl definition, frizzy hair exists for every curl pattern. Frizzy hair does not automatically qualify you as 4c and curl definition does not automatically make you a 3b. I have seen frizz and definition across the board. Frizzy, 3b hair exists just like defined, 4c hair exists.
7. You do not have curl definition
There is a difference between someone whose hair does not clump, versus someone who has frizz.
If your hair does not clump into a consistent pattern while wet, then you do not have natural curl definition, and that is fine. There is nothing wrong with your hair.
If your hair does have definition while wet, then you do have a curl pattern but your unique texture is just more prone to frizz without the proper moisturizing products, styling products, and techniques, and that is fine. There is nothing wrong with your hair. Remember, curl definers can only capture a curl, not create one. Learning how to master your wash and go takes time, and that still does not guarantee that frizz will be completely eliminated; it may only be reduced.
Nikki, 3c (left”> and Devri, 3c (right”>
Is all of this confusing? Need an example? Check out our editors Nikki and Devri in the photo above. They both have 3c hair but Nikki’s hair is very defined and Devri’s is very frizzy. More great examples are vloggers Jouelzy and Traeh (below”>. They both have 4c hair but Traeh has a more defined curl pattern and Jouelzy’s is less defined.
Jouelzy (left”> and Traeh (right”>
Some people never learn about their curl pattern and have an equally healthy hair care journey, so please do not fret. Knowing your curl pattern is not the be-all and end-all to having healthy hair.
Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for, keep these in mind and take the curl pattern quiz. You can also check out this article which talks more about curl patterns and typing, dealing specifically with curl pattern changes.
Do you have any tips for finding a curl pattern? Share them in the comments below!
This article was originally published in 2015 and has been updated.
What is your hair type?
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
What is your current hair regimen?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:@markele.dejanae
How would you best describe your hair?
Naturally Coily
What is your hair type?
3c / 4a
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
For me, I was never fully satisfied with the way my hair was. I would always try to make it look the total opposite of what it really looked like. I never saw people that looked like me where I lived and because of that I always thought I was weird. I felt as if I had this hair that was uncontrollable. So I decided to bleach and straighten my hair as much as possible just to look like everyone else, not realizing that being different is the best thing EVER! Now I embrace it and I’m glad I did because I wouldn’t be where I am now! Loving my hair and encouraging others to do the same!
$$AD$$What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
I kind of got tired of the heat damage look. I started to embrace my hair when I finally seen very influential curly girls embrace their natural hair. I would always imagine and think like if that could only be me!
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
Since I’ve always been natural there wasn’t really a reaction to me wearing my natural hair. My family and friends are very accepting of anything that I do especially when it comes to me being myself.
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
I’ve always been natural but I definitely had to let go and grow my hair out and trim it as it grew since my hair was so severely damaged due to bleach and using heat almost everyday.
What is your current hair regimen?
My current hair regimen is pretty simple. I mostly stick to:
– Shampoo + conditioning once a week – Deep conditioning once a week – Trimming my ends every 4 weeks – Protective styling during the summerAre there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
Leaving my hair alone and letting it be free. Not feeling like I always have to do something to it has been key to my hair growth. Plus drinking tons of water and deep conditioning! Also using products that my hair LOVES! Its always important to pay attention to how your hair reacts to certain products.
$$AD$$Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?
Getting your hair back to its natural state takes time and patience. I know sometimes it can get overwhelming throughout all the different stages of you transitioning. But trust me, its worth the wait! Take care of your hair the best way you can by giving it what it needs which is MOISTURE! Our hair is like a plant, it needs protection and moisture. You can’t expect your hair to grow without it.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:@curlsfirst
What country do you live in?
How would you best describe your hair?
What is your hair type?
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Image:@curlsfirst
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?
How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?
Image:@curlsfirst
What is your current hair regimen?
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Nicole Kidman’s mop made her feel ‘awkward and repulsive,’ she says. ‘When I was little I had curls down to my bum, and people would always pull at my hair and say, ‘Ohhhhh, she’s got currrrls! I hated that.’….Even today, Kidman likes to wear her hair blown out straight. ‘The thing you hate about yourself tends to be the thing that everyone likes about you,’ she says. ‘Russell Crowe always says, ‘Nic, just wear your hair curly and leave your glasses on. That’s how you look best.’
— People magazine
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Watch out Grammys. Move over Fashion Week. The Ouidad Curl Convention – held on Sunday, April 18 – was the place to see and be seen this spring. In case you couldn’t make it, here’s what you missed:
For six lucky winners the day began at noon with a free curl consultation from Ouidad herself. The winners were then whisked off for a luxurious Ouidad Deep Treatment and Ouidad’s Trademark “Carve and Slice” haircut.
By mid afternoon festivities were under way for the approximately 150 attendees. After checking in to receive their door prize ticket, guests were free to enjoy complimentary refreshments and the gorgeous spring afternoon.
Ouidad held a captive audience as she shared her secrets and tricks of the trade on the proper care for curly hair, which included demonstrations followed by questions from the audience.
Door prize drawings, which are redeemable at the Greg and Tony Salon, included:
* 5 in salon Ouidad Deep Treatments
* 1 Manicure and Pedicure, 1 Full Body Massage
* 1 Grand prize Ouidad Deep Treatment and “Carve and Slice” curl styling.
At the end of the day, Ouidad held a book signing of her how-to book “Curl Talk”.
Guests left with a goody bag containing: Ouidad’s Love your Curls gift set (retailing for $25″>, 2 $5 Gift Certificates to the Greg and Tony Salon (1 good for Ouidad products and the other for Ouidad service”> and Ouidad’s “Vive le Curl” Juicy T-Shirt.
