Search Results: NaturallyCurly

Curl Bias on MTV
Curl Bias on MTV
By NaturallyCurly ·
  Member Katie alerts us to this one:Surly icon

There is a popular reality show on MTV called ‘Making the Band 2’. Six people were chosen out of a nation-wide talent search to form a hip hop band. The band members are being ‘made over’ into a more marketable image. There is a girl on the show named Sarah Stokes. Sarah was first told to lose weight. The second part of her makeover— they have straightened her long, tight ringlets into Pocahontas-looking straight hair. Typical.

Correcting It? Do we need correction?
By NaturallyCurly ·

From reader Sara in Sussex, England:

I read recently a label on a bottle containing ‘straightening fluid’. It read “corrective treatment for frizzy hair” We do not need CORRECTING!!

I Straightened My Hair So Much I Can’t Tell My Curl Pattern
By NaturallyCurly ·
I Straightened My Hair So Much I Cant Tell My Curl Pattern

Robin Sjoblom, owner and curly hair specialist at Southern Curl Inc. in West Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, answers your biggest curl questions. This month, she takes on heat damage and keeping the bounce in your curls throughout the day.

The Questions

Question: I used to straighten my hair so much that I’m not sure what my natural curl pattern/type is! Are my curls falling because of heat damage from straightening? Any advice?

Robin: Although curly hair has always been known as the chameleon of hair types, it is not impervious to heat stress —- you cannot live happily and unscathed in the dual world of straight and curly. You will have to make a choice. Straightening your hair with heat has a negative effect on natural curls, and all the treatments in the world will not resuscitate the life back into your curly hair. If you are looking to see your curly blessing once more, you will have to remove the heat-stressed hair from your head. This is the only way to change your #CurlStory and embrace your curly blessing.

Question: My hair has so much more body and curl to it, but by the end of the day, my curls turn more into loose waves.

Robin: Weather and your product regimen will play a serious role in your end-of-day curl bounce. The season and the humidity level will also determine your morning routine and style longevity. You can minimize end-of-day curl drama by adding a stronger gel to your routine, and a flexible holding spray. These small product adjustments will clear the path for a happier #CurlStory. Lastly, remember your curl-scription will never be the same from season to season. Just like we adjust our clothing from spring and summer to fall and winter, you must make the same adjustments for your curls.

Do you have any questions that you need answered by a stylist? Leave them below in the comments! If you live in the Atlanta area, call us for a complimentary video consultation and we will get your customized curly cut booked ASAP at 404-352-2875(CURL”> or visit our website at www.southerncurlatl.com.
Texture Tales: Sydnie Shares Her Curly Girl Essentials and How She Bounced Back From Heat Damage
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Sydnie Shares Her Curly Girl Essentials and How She Bounced Back From Heat Damage

Image:@sydnieslittleworld

What is your hair type?

3a

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up, I didn’t actually realize I had curly hair. My mum blowdried it straight, and I honestly thought frizz was a hair type. It was a constant battle of my hair being blowdried straight, put up in ponytail and then a French plait, which felt like my hair was being ripped from my scalp. My mum loved me and it was character building, I promise. So yeah, I was just the frizzy blond kid who didn’t know what was lurking behind the frizz.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?

I remember thinking one day, “This can’t just be my hair type.” I delved into a massive research session and discovered the phrase “frizz is just a curl waiting to happen.” Lorraine Massey saved me. I started to see other people’s curls and realized this might actually be achievable. I bought myself the “Curly Girl Handbook” and didn’t look back.

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

My family LOVES my curls. On the rare occasion I straighten my hair, they always tell me they prefer my curls because they give me more personality, and I completely agree. My friends were surprised to see my curls because they had no idea I had them. I recently saw some old school friends who said, “You didn’t have curly hair at school, did you?” I straightened it every single day. My colleagues at my current job have only ever known me with my curls and they’re always complimentary.

Texture Tales Sydnie Shares Her Curly Girl Essentials and How She Bounced Back From Heat Damage

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

I didn’t do a big chop, because I wasn’t sure I even had curls. I followed the Curly Girl Method and saw a massive change so quickly. The education I got from the curly girl handbook has been invaluable.

What is your current hair regimen?

Currently I was my hair with a co-wash such as DevaCurl One Condition or Boucleme Cleanser and then drench my hair in the Conditioner. If my hair needs it, I’ll also use Shea Moisture hair mask. I never wash my conditioner out fully. I then flip my hair upside down and apply my styling products (gels”> on SOAKING wet hair. I scrunch this in thoroughly and then use a cotton t-shirt to scrunch out the excess water and then plop for 10 minutes. I then diffuse my hair dry on a low power, medium heat setting until it’s fully dry.

Texture Tales Sydnie Shares Her Curly Girl Essentials and How She Bounced Back From Heat Damage

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

The Curly Girl Method has had the biggest impact on the health of my hair and the appearance. Plopping has also reduced frizz in my hair massively.

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 just starting your journey and you’re struggling, stick with it. My hair took a long time to get to where it is now. You need to encourage your curls into their natural pattern. Don’t be disheartened on bad hair days. Figure out how to style your hair — messy buns save me a LOT. Enjoy the journey and don’t fixate on perfect curls. Frizz is normally just around the corner, and the sooner you accept it, the more relaxed you’ll be.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: Makayla Tells us How She Styles Her Gorgeous 3a Curls
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Makayla Tells us How She Styles Her Gorgeous 3a Curls

Image:@makaylamclovin

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Curly

What is your hair type?

3a

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up with textured hair, my mom quickly learned how to style my hair when I was little. But as I grew older I hated that my hair was curly and big and all my friends had straight, silky hair. In middle school and high school I straightened and colored my hair so often it became damaged.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

When I realized that my curls made me different and they were beautiful! I wanted to start wearing my hair curly everyday, I slowly transitioned from straightening it everyday. Also, there became more and more affordable hair products to help with wearing my hair natural.
Texture Tales Makayla Tells us How She Styles Her Gorgeous 3a Curls

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

Everyone always told me to embrace my curls! It was me who was hesitant. When I did the big chop, it was a dramatic change but everyone loved it.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

I just initially just stopped straightening it. But kept coloring it, which still didn’t help the curls. Once I did the big chop my curls really flourished. I started using Deva Curl and no other products, I noticed a dramatic difference. My hair is HEALTHY & shiny and I absolutely love my curls now.

What is your current hair regimen?

I strictly use Deva Curl products and if I do feel edgy and want to venture off with another brand I make sure there are no silicones, parabens or sulfates in the products. I wash my hair once a week or every 10 days using the No Poo, and I style with Deva Curl styling cream and styling gel.
Texture Tales Makayla Tells us How She Styles Her Gorgeous 3a Curls

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

I haven’t colored or straightened it since the big chop and my goal is to keep it that way.

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 wanting to cut your hair, JUST DO IT. Hair grows back. I saw a quote once “straighten your hair, be happy for a day. Embrace your curls, be happy for life.” And it’s true! Love what you were born with.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: Tiffany Shares Her Hair Journey of Embracing her Beautiful 4a Curls
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Tiffany Shares Her Hair Journey of Embracing her Beautiful 4a Curls

Image:@tiffanylaibhen

What is your hair type?

3c / 4a

Not sure what your hair type is? Take our quiz!

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

As a Puerto Rican, Haitian and African American mixed girl growing up, I often envied the fine, easily washed and styled hair that the hispanic side of my family had. During the summers, my mother and cousins would easily be able to put their hair in ponytails to get in the pool and I would have to sit for hours to get braids, or what we now know as protective styles. When I would get my hair straightened, I prayed that it would miraculously just remain that way. It took hours to wash, detangle, blow dry then style my hair. Both I and my mother dreaded it.
Texture Tales Tiffany Shares Her Hair Journey of Embracing her Beautiful 4a Curls

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I always felt that there had to be an easier way! It made no sense to me that some people could embrace and love their natural hair texture, and others couldn’t. I became obsessed with the idea of loving myself the way that I was created. In 2014, I began leaving my hair in its natural state after washing every once in a while. Then in 2015, I fully committed to embracing my natural curl pattern and finding products that worked best for me! It was the best decision I’d ever made!

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

In the beginning, everyone made so many comments about me looking like a lion, commenting on my “afro”, asking me if I was a “natural chick” now, all comments which were underlined with sarcasm and ridicule. Being as though I was just starting the journey, I was still very vulnerable, so it hurt my feelings. But I was determined to get to the other side and truly see what my hair could become.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

I did not do a big chop. Instead, I slowly cut all of the damaged hair off over a period of 2 years (2015-2017″>. During those years, I did braid outs, rod sets, and wore weaves until my healthy hair grew to a length that I was comfortable with. But if I could do it all again, I would do a big chop because once the damage was gone, my grew unbelievably fast!
Texture Tales Tiffany Shares Her Hair Journey of Embracing her Beautiful 4a Curls

What is your current hair regimen?

I have weekly or twice weekly wash days. I’ve just learned that my hair is low porosity and protein sensitive, so I try to stay away from products with protein. I detangle & prepoo, shampoo, deep condition (DC”> with heat, then I style using a leave in and cream or gel. I usually wear my hair in a wash and go!

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

Staying away from protein has made a HUGE difference in how soft and moisturized my hair is! I’ve also been using warm/hot water to open my hair shaft before deep conditioning (DC”> and them cold water to rinse the DC out and seal in the moisture. When I am refreshing, I use warm water to open the shaft and apply the products. I use a cotton t-shirt to dry my hair rather than a towel. Lastly, I have been shingling to reduce frizz, encourage definition and also help my hair to look more shiny.

Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?

To any women in the transitioning phase, please document your journey EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!! This is soo important! We stare at our hair all day every day, and are often unable to see the difference. But when you document, you can look back a month or 2, or even a year, and see just how much you’ve actually evolved! Being able to compare photos is what gave me hope to continue my journey in some of the hardest moments. Also, have PATIENCE with yourself. It will not be easy to get your hair back to health. But follow other women who have been there and stay encouraged by their success. If we can make it to the other side, then so can you! We are welcoming you with OPEN ARMS GIRL!!!!

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: Dominique Shares Her Secret to Natural Voluminous Beach Waves
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Dominique Shares Her Secret to Natural Voluminous Beach Waves

Imge:@powerdomi

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Wavy

What is your hair type?

2c

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I DIDN’T grow up with textured hair! I grew up envying my entire family’s curly hair while I had seemingly flat, straight hair. I hated it. I dreamed of BIG CURLS. As I grew older the wave in my hair would only become visible occasionally, while on beach holidays for example. It’s only until about 3 years ago that I decided to stop using toxic products in my hair and slowly, I discovered that my hair was changing. I searched on YouTube how to style wavy hair and discovered the Curly Girl Method. After learning from fabulous curly accounts and researching online, I decided to start posting MY hair transformation on Instagram. I felt so strongly that I needed to share the information that had helped me to discover the natural wavy texture that had been hidden all those years.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?

Once it became apparent that I DEFINITELY had very wavy hair I was so happy. I didn’t care about frizz, about looking “messy”. I loved what was growing out of my head in its totally natural, untampered state.

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

My mother hates wavy and curly hair ( she’s straightened hers all her life”> so I don’t hear any compliments from her anymore but it doesn’t bother me. My Dad on the other hand has been inspired to embrace his curls for the first time in his life and we have so much fun discussing his perfect ringlets, it’s crazy! My sister’s have also embraced their curls more and have taken my product recommendations and come to me for advice which is really sweet! Colleagues are a different story… I receive disapproving looks from a few people at my corporate office and it’s always from extremely “prim and proper” types so I guess my hair must look messy and unprofessional to them. It doesn’t stop me from rocking my wavy hair at work though!
Texture Tales Dominique Shares Her Secret to Natural Voluminous Beach Waves

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

The Curly Girl Method (modified since I use sulphate free shampoo”> is essentially what had the most impact. Learning about curly hair care was pivotal, education is key to a successful hair transformation.

What is your current hair regimen?

I cleanse every 3 or 4 days either with Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo or a cowash. My favorite conditioner is the one from Bounce Curl. I use a leave in conditioner and add plenty of water when styling. I apply either a gel or a custard for definition and hold using the “scrunch and pump” method. I always diffuse my hair and ALWAYS use mostly cool temperature with the occasional shot of medium temperature. It takes me about an hour to diffuse fully.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

YES : rice water rinses. I learned how to do them from @themestizamuse and haven’t looked back. The benefits are scientifically proven and my personal experiences have been phenomenal, I’ve shared a few posts and videos about them too because I can’t think of a cheaper, more natural or more effective hair treatment!
Texture Tales Dominique Shares Her Secret to Natural Voluminous Beach Waves

Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?

DON’T YOU DARE GIVE UP ON YOURSELF. The time will pass anyway so you may as well focus on learning as much as you can. You won’t believe the positive impact that sticking to this one thing will bring you. It’s an investment in yourself that you’ll NEVER regret!
Texture Tales: Here’s How Jessie Cares for Her Gorgeous 3a Curls
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Heres How Jessie Cares for Her Gorgeous 3a Curls

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Curly

What is your hair type?

3a

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I always grew up slicking my hair in a ponytail or straightening it for hours. I remember pulling a chair into my mom’s room every night and she would straighten my hair for me because I wasn’t able to do it by myself. One of the biggest things I remember is a point when someone I cared for told me they liked my hair better straight than curly and I took it to heart. I straightened my hair from that point on.

Texture Tales Heres How Jessie Cares for Her Gorgeous 3a Curls

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I started dating my now husband almost 6 years ago and he always begged for me to wear it curly. I never did.

I don’t know what it has been about turning 25, but I feel like I am truly trying to find myself. And I’ve learned that I have found myself through my natural hair. It has been such a freeing experience. Instead of focusing all my energy on how others see me and how others define beauty, I am defining my beauty myself. And I love it. And my husband loves it too :”>

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

Wonderfully! It seems silly, this curly hair journey. But it really has been such an incredible journey. I have learned more about myself, my spirituality, and love for friends and family. I think everyone around me can see the change in me, not only on the outside, but on the inside as well.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

I started the CG Method, but honestly the biggest game changer for me was getting off my hormonal birth control. It seems like a crazy idea but I noticed that I had lost A LOT of curl and couldn’t figure out what happened. I then realized that the time I started losing my curl, was when I started the pill. You hear about people losing curl during pregnancy, but never from birth control. I started doing research and I found others had the same problem. Once I got off the pill, I could almost instantly see a difference in my hair!

Texture Tales Heres How Jessie Cares for Her Gorgeous 3a Curls

What is your current hair regimen?

Currently I am loving Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo and daily Conditioner. I then use As I Am Leave-in conditioner. I switch up my stylers, but the one I can always go back to and know I will have a good hair day is Curl Keeper Original!

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

The biggest thing I’ve had to learn is to keep my hands out of my hair until it’s completely dry. I’m a tad controlling so I just want to fix every last piece sometimes and touch my hair way too much. Learning to let go and let it dry has impacted my frizz so much!

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. You will learn so much about not only your hair, but yourself. You will truly begin to see yourself naturally as beautiful, and I think that’s the best part of this journey. Don’t give up!

What’s your hair story? We’d love to share your story here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: Kiana Shares her Journey of Learning to Love Her 3b Curls
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Kiana Shares her Journey of Learning to Love Her 3b Curls

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Curly

What is your hair type?

3b

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Everyone used to praise my ringlet curls as a child, so when my curls became thicker, kinkier, and less “Shirly Temple-esque” as I got older, I no longer thought they were beautiful. I spent most of my teenage years straightening out these kinks in an attempt to fit in with everyone around me. Even though many people continued to say they loved my natural hair whenever I wore it curly, I never felt confident wearing it.

I had interpreted much of the praise I got when I was younger to mean that proximity to whiteness meant beauty. I was beautiful because my curls were loose, my skin was the “perfect” tone, my eyes were light… those “compliments” made me internalize my identity in a harmful way. I felt that Euro-centric beauty was the ideal, and straight hair was my way of achieving that standard of beauty.

Texture Tales Kiana Shares her Journey of Learning to Love Her 3b Curls

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

Media representation. And I don’t just mean Solange, Yara, Lupita, and Janelle Monae; I mean the natural hair community! Seeing bloggers, vloggers, Instagrammers, etc. wearing their hair in beautiful curls, coils, and waves made me appreciate my own hair a lot more. By my second year of college, I had stopped straightening my hair completely. I started to understand that loving your natural hair is a revolution; one that will help you love yourself more as well.

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

My mom always hated when I straightened my hair. As you get older you realize your mom was right about a lot of things!

Texture Tales Kiana Shares her Journey of Learning to Love Her 3b Curls

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

My hair had lost most of its curl pattern from straightening it so much, it was like a Zendaya wavy curly. I stopped straightening and bleaching my hair for two years and got regular trims every four months until the damage was no longer visible.

Read next: Brassy and Damaged? Here’s How Kiana Learned to Take Care of Her Bleached Hair

What is your current hair regimen?

Today, I wash my hair 2/3 times a week with a toning shampoo since I have bleached hair. I deep condition with Oiudad Curl Immersion Triple Threat Deep Conditioner twice a week, and use Olaplex treatment twice a week as a leave-in. My favorite curl cremes for styling are Morroccanoil curl creme, Skimdo curl creme, and Hairbalm by Hairstory. These never fail me. I style my hair while soaking wet and let it air dry.

Read next: See Kiana’s full routine here.

Texture Tales Kiana Shares her Journey of Learning to Love Her 3b Curls

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

Styling my hair while soaking wet makes my curls SO much more defined. Also pineappling at night keeps my hair from getting too frizzy – although I like a bit of frizz for volume. My biggest change though, was not getting my hair wet every morning, detangling, and styling (yes I used to do this every day – don’t ask”>!

Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?

Everyone’s hair journey will be different. Focus on your own and don’t ever compare.

What’s your hair story? We’d love to share your story here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: Anita Shares Her Tips for Rocking a Bomb TWA
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Anita Shares Her Tips for Rocking a Bomb TWA

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Coily

What is your hair type?

4c

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I absolutely hated wash and press every weekend. My hair is very thick with tight coils. It has since been trained to be more manageable, however, I have the TWA still seeking an easy cute, carefree style.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?

I’ve had the desire to do it for years, but it wasn’t as popular and I never learned how to properly take care of my hair in it’s [sic] natural state. I go to the gym often and I love the sauna so getting my hair done was counter productive. When I was natural, my mom was doing my hair, so I’m clueless in managing the texture I was blessed with.

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

Everyone wants to touch it like it’s something on display or foreign. Only those that have experience with being natural seem to understand.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

The big chop!!! Then I wore lots of two strand twists and twist outs. I actually went to a natural stylist because I was too impatient to see any of the methods I found on-line.
Texture Tales Anita Shares Her Tips for Rocking a Bomb TWA

What is your current hair regimen?

Wash at least twice a week using the LOC method daily. It’s still short so there’s not a lot for me to do with it.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

Color has the biggest impact on my hair. It brings out my skin tone and highlights my eye color really well. I also be certain to take biotin or hair vitamins to maintain the health of my hair, skin and nails.

Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?

It’s not the easiest task depending on your length and texture but it’s well worth the journey to finding your true self. Happy, healthy, natural hair.

What’s your hair story? We’d love to share your story here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: Chaithanaya Tells Us How She Cares For Her Beautiful 3a Curls
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Chaithanaya Tells Us How She Cares For Her Beautiful 3a Curls

What country do you live?

India

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Curly

What is your hair type?

3a

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

It was really hard to live on a society where curly hair equalled to frizz. I used to get questions like ‘ if you throw my pen into your hair, will it get lost’. More over, being a curly haired girl and belonging to a humid region, I could never wear my hair open to school or anywhere because it was considered messy. When I entered college, I straightened my hair. ( I straightened and coloured my hair thrice”>. Whenever I used to have hairfall, I used to be happy thinking atleast me no one will ask me or tease me about my curly hair!
Texture Tales Chaithanaya Tells Us How She Cares For Her Beautiful 3a Curls

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

After straightening and bleaching and colouring my hair thrice, I was in the verge of going bald, but, I didn’t have the confidence to stop straightening. Then I met my boyfriend who motivated me. He told me how beautiful curls are. Thats when I stopped it. He was the first person to ask me to stop straightening! When I was transitioning, every single person I met used to ask me to straighten it back but I had gained my confidence and I had decided that I’m never going to straighten my hair again.

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

In transitioning phase every one my family and friends used to ask me to straighten my hair back. However, now when they see the curly nourished hair, they tell me how beautiful it looks. My family is still in denial though. They ask me to comb my hair. The natural hair products make them feel I’m using too much chemicals on my hair. But I explain to them how to take care of curly hair and I understand it’s hard for them to accept the change but I’m sure they will realize it with time.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

First, I had chopped off the straightened part. I read some blogs and I bought cantu and devacurl ultra defining gel but I didn’t know how to use it. The first time I used it, I looked like a wet hen, because I used too much of gel. Then I left using styling gels, and started to follow squish to condish method using DevaCurl One Condition Original. This was game a changer for me. Later on I experimented with gels and it worked for me.
Texture Tales Chaithanaya Tells Us How She Cares For Her Beautiful 3a Curls

What is your current hair regimen?

I massage my scalp regularly with Rx oil. Sometimes I also add Rx oil to rosemary oil/ coconut oil and detangle my hair and apply on scalp. I keep this on for 30-40 minutes.
I wash my hair using my DevaCurl Low Poo and then apply deep conditioner. I finger coil if I have time. I generally keep deep conditioner for 10 minutes because if I keep longer, I catch a cold. Then, I wash the deep conditioner off my hair. After this I apply and wash conditioner using squish to condish method. I squeeze some water out of my hair( not completely”> then I apply a leave- in and gel to the tips of my fingers and run my fingers through my hair. After this step, I bend my head down and scrunch from the ends of my hair. Lastly, I cover my head with t-shirt until my hair dries.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

Tea rinses are heaven for my hair. I do it once in two weeks. It helps my hair look more moisturized and more bouncy curls are formed.
Another method I absolutely love is squish to condish. This always help me even in humid weathers. It makes my hair look more nourished.

Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?

It is hard to go out meet friends when everyone keeps asking you ‘ what happened’, ‘ you looked better with straight hair’ and what not, but believe me the end result is worth all that discomfort. I’ve a long way to go, but I’m happy I started this journey. I don’t fear curls anymore. I appreciate them. There was a time when I didn’t want to be curly, but now I wouldn’t change my hair for anything in the world!

What’s your hair story? We’d love to share your story here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales : Mari Tells Her Traumatic Experience That Lead To Her Embracing Her Wavy Hair
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Mari Tells Her Traumatic Experience That Lead To Her Embracing Her Wavy Hair

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Wavy / Curly

What is your hair type?

2c

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

As a child and well into my teens I had zero idea my hair was even curly. My mom kept my hair short and straight. I never had a say. In later years she told me she thought I wouldn’t take care of it if it was long. I remember having shoulder length hair in 3rd grade, but she always brushed it straight. In my junior year of high school I decided to let my hair grow and realized it was kind of curly. I liked it, but had no idea had to care for it.
Texture Tales Mari Tells Her Traumatic Experience That Lead To Her Embracing Her Wavy Hair

What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?

13 years ago I went through a traumatic divorce. I immediately chopped my hair just past my ears. I had to flat iron it every day for a year just so it was presentable. As I transitioned my way into single motherhood so did my hair. I dyed it, fried it and cried over it. About a year ago I just stopped. I began treating my hair like the jeweled crown it was designed to be rather than a snarly birds nest. It’s been a slow rebirth but I am happy to report I have a Devacut specialist who keeps my curls on point and bringing me joy! I started following one curly page after another and got hooked! Embracing my curls has opened up a whole new world to me. I may have stumbled into the curly world a little uncertain but now I am confident. Confident and Curly.

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

Everybody LOVES my curls! Strangers ask me how I get them so perfect, some ask if it’s a perm and my best friend’s mom remarked how beautiful my hair was then asked if it was a wig! What?!? Haha
My favorite compliment was from a complete stranger. We crossed paths entering a store and she said “I love your curls. Your curls are bringing me joy!” My co-worker was with me and every now and then he randomly says “your curls are bringing me joy!”
I always thank them for the compliments and give tips if they ask. I tell them it’s a process but it’s worth it and they can do it too.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

Initially I was extremely critical if my curls didn’t come out as curly,bouncy or defined as the day before, but then I realized curly hair has a mind of its own so I just started going with it and haven’t looked back. I have to admit for a long time I thought I only looked professional if my hair was straight. I said that aloud one day and my co-workers were shocked. They said they never thought my curls weren’t professional. I had to ask myself Who? Who taught me that? I still fight the feeling sometimes if I have an important meeting or something but I then I remind myself “Curly hair don’t care” and I proceed on curls and all.

What is your current hair regimen?

I alternate between air drying and diffusing throughout my hairstyling process. I am trying to wash every three days but sometimes that’s hard. Overall I am pretty happy with my routine but I’m always looking for new things to try.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

I have found the more wet my hair is when I apply my styling products the more defined and healthy they look. Also, using products designed for curly hair has helped.

Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?

The journey to getting your hair it’s healthiest is definitely a process. Be patient, reach out to others in the curly world for tips, tricks and encouragement. Above all just embrace it. Curly hair ain’t for everybody so own it and Curl on!

What’s your hair story? W’d love to hear from you! Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Does Salt Water Damage Curls?
By NaturallyCurly ·
summer curly hair

Photo courtesy: @actually_ashly

Are you a beach lover? While you may be enjoying your time in the sun and the sand, the same can’t always be said for your curls. Many articles out there tout the benefits of exposing salt water to skin, which can help wounds heal and cleanse skin of toxins. This leads some to believe that the ocean is a kind of miracle drug, but not so fast! Your skin may reap some benefits, but hair is a little trickier.

The ability of your hair to soak up anything that you put on it is an incredible thing. This is why we love our products – our hair “drinks” the perfect cocktail of our favorite things and transforms into any look or style we could dream of.

So think of having salt water in your hair like a product as drinking only salt water for a day. With the high salt content of ocean water, you would become dehydrated if you didn’t replenish your body with the hydration it needs. A similar process takes place in your hair. When the hair becomes dehydrated, you will notice changes in the way it feels and behaves:

  • It breaks more easily
  • It becomes dull and hard to manage
  • It takes longer to style and dry

So what does that mean for your summer vacation? Don’t throw out your bikini just yet! We have a few tips to help safeguard your curls so you can enjoy your favorite beach spot without worrying.

1. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Many people only treat their hair after exposure to sun and salt. While this is important, it is even more important to prevent as much damage as possible prior to your day at the beach. When you know you will be swimming in salt water, you should wash and condition hair as you normally would and then apply a pre-swim treatment designed to protect your strands and scalp from damage. If it has UV ray blocking sunscreen as part of the formula, even better! If you don’t own a pre-swim treatment or do not want to splurge for just a few beach days, wet and apply your favorite leave-in or deep conditioner. Anything that soaks into your hair and doesn’t allow salt water to get in is a check off your list. Here are some of our favorites:

2. Pay Attention to Hair

While you are having your fun at the beach, pay attention to your strands. While you shouldn’t spend the whole day stressing over your curls, do make sure to check your hair a few times. If you notice hair that feels brittle or frizzier than usual, it may be time to re-apply a moisturizer. Twist up your hair into a bun or put it in a protective style to help your hair retain the moisture.

3. Give Curls TLC

Even if you prepared your hair prior to going to the beach and kept it away from the salt water as much as possible, you should still give your curls a little extra TLC afterwards. It is best to apply a rich leave in conditioner after a day at the beach. If you apply a moisturizer beforehand and kept your hair up in a bun the whole day, should you skip the extra conditioning? Nope! Salt, sand, and other moisture enemies can still reach your hair by being carried in the breeze, and the drying UV rays of the sun will have an effect as well.

Still need more tips for swimming with natural hair? Watch Nikki’s swim routine using Brazilian Blowout products!

How are you protecting your curls from the salt and sun this summer?

Texture Tales: Lee Shares Her Natural Hair Story After Transitioning
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Lee Shares Her Natural Hair Story After Transitioning

What country do you live?

Guyana

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Coily

What is your hair type?

4a
Texture Tales Lee Shares Her Natural Hair Story After Transitioning

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

When I was much younger I remember when my mother combed my hair she always had a bowl of water next to her because my dry hair was so stubborn. Where I come from, Guyana, South America, straight hair was always the standard since we were last colonised by Britain, so the relaxer was everything and I ended up getting one really young (probably around 7yrs old”>. I hated my natural hair so much that as soon as my roots started looking too puffy I’d get a relaxer. When I got older flat irons became LIFE. I’d rather be late to school than go with my bangs frizzy, I thought I had a big forehead too so bangs were essential.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?

Eventually, I caught on to the natural hype and being more careful when it came to my hair. I’d deep condition, stay away as much as I could from heat, use sulphate free shampoos, stretch my relaxer you name it. While I was stretching my relaxer once I thought, I wonder what my natural hair looks like. And BAM! I went into transition mode. After a bit of transitioning I hated having two textures. I was disgusted with my relaxed ends after seeing how beautiful my natural hair was.
Texture Tales Lee Shares Her Natural Hair Story After Transitioning

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

Oh gosh, well most of the people in my family liked it, but my mother still says things like “look how long and nice your hair was” but she eventually warmed up to it. I still have an aunt that asks why my hair is so “hard” and why I haven’t relaxed it yet any time I see her.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

One wash day I had put conditioner in my hair and I was just looking at it and I thought to myself “Girl you’re really about to use your deep conditioner on those relaxed ends?” Uh Uh. You won’t. I grabbed a pair of scissors and did my big chop myself right then and there. I transitioned for a little less than 2 yrs so I had a fro when I cut off the straight ends.
Texture Tales Lee Shares Her Natural Hair Story After Transitioning

What is your current hair regimen?

I prepoo the night before using oils, conditioner and honey, wash my hair with something sulphate free either a shampoo or co wash or apple cider vinegar and deep condition once a week. I clarify twice a month especially if I’ve been co-washing because I get a lot of build up. Then I do a twist out (no heat”> or shingle then use my diffuser.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

Not using sulphate free shampoos and heat every week I’ve noticed is crucial to my length retention. In terms of styling shingling really shows my texture and my hair always looks perfect.

Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?

Be proud and patient. That’s the hair you were created with, don’t let anybody tell you smack about it. Waiting drove me nuts while I was transitioning but don’t rush it and don’t let detangling frustrate you!

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: Brooke Shares Her Experience Growing Up Bi-Racial And Learning How to Care for Her Curls
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Brooke Shares Her Experience Growing Up Bi-Racial And Learning How to Care for Her Curls

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Curly

What is your hair type?

3b

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up with very curly hair was a little complicated for me. My mom is white and my dad is black, but I grew up with just my mom. Most of my family and friends growing up were white, so I felt a little like the odd man out physically. I was brown, curvy and curly headed while everyone else was white, slender and straight haired. I began to feel like that was what was considered beautiful, and what I was could only imitate. I basically only wore my hair up and a slicked back with grease because my mom (bless her heart”> put every *ethnic* product she could find in it! HOT. MESS. So naturally when I was old enough I began to get my hair relaxed and flat ironed it religiously. I didn’t fully love who I was…and didn’t fully know who I was.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?

When I was in college I read “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” and it changed me forever. I, for the first time, saw myself not only represented in literature but in history…and what a painful history it was. Out of that narrative came a drive to embrace who I am without alterations, with all my contradictions, kinks and curls. I began to let my curls show and to take care of them. My confidence began to grow, not just because I liked my hair, but because I liked who I was and where I came from.

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

They love it! They noticed not only my curls, but my positive attitude about them. Many have even inquired what I am doing so that they can practice healthly hair too! My husband always loved my curls (even though I would RARELY show them”> even before we were married. Now that I wear them proudly, HE is proud of how I embrace all of me.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

Well, I relaxed my hair in high school but that stuff is EXPENSIVE. So I basically couldn’t afford it so I just quit doing it. I did a big chop to help the transition but I still kept flat ironing it (why God??”>. When I was about 23 I had my first run in with the Curly Girl method and I loved it, but didn’t commit. Now, at 31, I am an avid Curly Girl Method believer and my hair has NEVER looked better!
Texture Tales Brooke Shares Her Experience Growing Up Bi-Racial And Learning How to Care for Her Curls

What is your current hair regimen?

I wash my hair with a no sulfate shampoo once a week and co-wash once in between those times. I use the Blueberry Bliss Leave-In and then my old faithful LA Looks Extreme Sport Gel, and using products with no silicones or drying alcohols!

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

My hair doesn’t seem to love heavy oils so backing off of those on refresh days really helps. Also, I do much better with gels than with cream or mousse and that knowledge is a life saver!

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, honey! It’s so worth it to take care of the hair God gave you! Just like anything, we sometimes have to fight for the good things in life. So, if you feel like you’re “fighting” with your hair, remember that you are worth it and that God doesn’t make mistakes:”>


What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: How Kira’s Hair Changed from Straight to Wavy + Top Tips for Wavies
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales How Kiras Hair Changed from Straight to Wavy Top Tips for Wavies

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Wavy

What is your hair type?

2c

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Actually, I grew up with straight hair until I hit puberty at the age of 11. All of my immediate family has stick straight hair, so it was a bit of a shock. Needless to say, no one in my family knew what to do with my newly wavy hair. It wasn’t until high school when I finally learned how to care for it!

What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?

At first, I wasn’t a fan of my loose waves. I desired tighter, more defined and voluminous curls. I used a curling wand almost daily to achieve my desired look, but the maintenance was tiring. At 15, I decided to embrace what I was given, even if that wasn’t much. So I started out using a curly hair conditioner and DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel. While this didn’t give me the ringlets I’d dreamed for at first, it helped me achieve that look in the long run. Okay, I’m a 2c, so it’s as good as it’s gonna get! It took a lot of effort to love, but I’m glad I decided to embrace my hair.

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

My dad often made comments on how I should brush my hair. He told me it would look sleek and shiny. At first, my friends made comments about how ‘messy’ and ‘frizzy’ it looked. One of my dear friends asked me often if I could straighten it, so he could see what it looked like. My own mom even made a comment about how ‘uptight’ my curls looked, since I made the switch to diffusing my hair and cutting it shorter. On the opposite end of that spectrum, I had a type 4 girl tell me how my hair was ‘barely curly’. Each one I’ve dealt with in a different fashion. I try my best to ignore it and love what I’ve got. Because, truthfully, their opinions don’t matter when it comes to my hair.
Texture Tales How Kiras Hair Changed from Straight to Wavy Top Tips for Wavies

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

I asked my old hairdresser to cut it into layers. Not knowing how to style man hair anymore, she did what she could, recommended DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel and off I went! This was pretty much all I did for a while. Just comb it, scrunch the gel in and go. But that wasn’t enough. I finally came to the realization that my hairdresser was clueless as to my hair type, so I sought out a new hairdresser. In the meantime, I read dozens of articles about type 2 hair, how to care for curly hair, etc. I never fully tried the CG method. I follow some parts, but not all. After all, I’m still using a wide tooth comb!

What is your current hair regimen?

I shower the night before to condition, followed by a leave-in of coconut oil. My hair works better if I do this step in advance. The next morning, I hop in the shower to quickly wet my hair. Most days, I comb out my hair, put a little frizz serum on, then twist sections on the canopy of my hair. I follow this by scrunching in creams and gels. Lots of different gels. I haven’t found “the one” just yet! After this, I normally plop my hair for about 40 minutes until it’s time to diffuse. Halfway through the diffusing time, I scrunch in a little more gel and continue to diffuse until mostly dry. I only have to do this every 2-4 days, thankfully. On the other days, i it’s do a quick refresh and I’m set.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

I recommend the Squish to Condish method, along with the Smasters method. My hair absorbs moisture pretty well, and has no natural hold. The Smasters method helps to keep that hold I desire. However, the biggest one would be twisting/finger curling sections of the canopy of my hair, as it does not curl up to the roots by itself. This has made the biggest impact, I find. It’s time consuming, yes, but well worth the effort.

Any advice you’d like to give other women who may be in the transition phase or need some encouragement in their hair journey?

Don’t give up. There are going to be days when that flat iron or curl wand look tempting. Don’t do it. There’s going to be times when you feel defeated by the way it looks, or maybe by someone else’s comment. Keep your head up. It can get difficult sometimes, but I promise you, you’ll find the right hair product, or discover a new technique along the way that completely changes your hair. Don’t succumb to the “straight hair is beautiful” ploy. Curly hair is different, yes, but different is beautiful; whether you’re a 2a, 4c, or somewhere in between.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: Sharelle Shares Why Going Natural Was The Best Decision She Ever Made
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Sharelle Shares Why Going Natural Was The Best Decision She Ever Made

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?

I didn’t get to experience textured hair growing up. My mother relaxed my hair at a very young age and that is the way it always was. I was always told I had long beautiful hair, so that’s the way I thought it was suppose to be. I had no clue of what “Natural” or “Textured” hair was until about 6-7 years ago.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?

Word of mouth. Coming from Waco and moving to Houston is what truly inspired me. Not many people in Waco were natural, and in Houston it seemed like every other black woman was natural. I decided to spread out my relaxers to once every 4-6 months since they were so damaging and people began to ask if I was natural, and were suggesting for me to go natural. After much research I decided to transition to natural. Best decision I ever made!
Texture Tales Sharelle Shares Why Going Natural Was The Best Decision She Ever Made

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

I would say it was 50/50. Those who were knowledgeable of the natural process thought it was great. Those who were not familiar were curious or did not like it. My response was to trust the process, once my natural hair began to grow I inspired so many family and friends including my mom and sister.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

I wore sew-ins mostly until I felt comfortable styling my transitioned hair with products that worked for me.

What is your current hair regimen?

My hair regimen is to wash and deep condition on the weekends and wear my braid out for the week. On the first day my braidout is super defined, but as the week goes by my hair gains more volume which I love!!! I use [Camille Rose Styling Cream](https://shop.naturallycurly.com/camille-rose-naturals-aloe-whipped-butter-gel-8-oz/”> for my braidout and use SheaMoisture products to shampoo, condition and deep condition.
Texture Tales Sharelle Shares Why Going Natural Was The Best Decision She Ever Made

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

On the ends of my braids I made sure to finger twirl a little more than an inch of unbraided hair or I use rods on the ends of my braids. The key to long lasting braidouts or twistouts is leave-in conditioner. I use Giovanni direct leave-in conditioner.

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 GIVE UP!!! When you have come to a point where you want to give up think about the results you will have with your hair. And do not transition for too long, once your natural is at least 5-6 inches long I say cut the relaxed hair off and begin your true natural hair journey.

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.

Texture Tales: Tiffany Tells Us Why She Decided To Big Chop
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Tiffany Tells Us Why She Decided To Big Chop

How would you best describe your hair?

Naturally Curly

What is your hair type?

3c

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Where do I begin?! Well, growing up in the MD/DC area, I went to school with children from many different cultures, ethnic groups, etc. I had quite a few friends who were Indian and I loved their straight dark hair. I kept asking my mom if I could wear mine straight to school and she always told me no. I didn’t understand that my hair would only stay straight for a few hours and come back home tangled after playing at recess lol. I didn’t grow to appreciate my natural coils until college when the natural hair movement started to sprout. I had been perming my hair up until that point, and slowly began to chop and transition my freshman year. I’ve done the big chop a few times because I love having fun and expressing myself through the different stages of growth! I love my hair!

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

I began to see women around me and in media embracing their hair and it gave me a sense of empowerment to do the same!

How have your family, friends and co-workers reacted? What was your response to them?

Texture Tales Tiffany Tells Us Why She Decided To Big Chop
When I first decided to chop off my hair to go completely natural, I got various responses from friends and family. My hair was very long and many of them didn’t understand why I’d just cut it all off and start over. Once my hair grew back, I gained more support for keeping it natural.

How did you transition to wearing your natural texture?

I started off by cutting my hair into a short bob my freshman year until all the permed ends were gone.

What is your current hair regimen?

I wash my hair once a week with treseme shampoo and conditioner. I then use Aunt Jackie’s Quench as a leave in conditioner and seal with DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel.
Texture Tales Tiffany Tells Us Why She Decided To Big Chop

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a big impact on the way your hair looks?

I always wash and go and air dry to eliminate frizz.

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 girl! Don’t get caught up in other people’s hair types, curl patterns, etc. Your curls are beautiful and unique to you! WERK!:”>

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.