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Curl Authority: Jonathan Torch

Texture!, a special collaboration between MODERN SALON and TextureMedia Inc., interviews Jonathan Torch Founder of Curly Hair Institute and stylist for Curly Hair Solutions. Is YOUR hairstylist following these curly cutting rules? 

What are your top techniques for cutting and styling curlies:

JT: Our curl-cutting systems transfer excess bulk from unflattering facial features, while enhancing flattering features not only for face shapes but for head shapes as well. We cut curly hair only while the hair is very wet and 100 percent detangled.

What are your must-have texture products:

JT: Curly Hair Solutions’ Curl Keeper provides complete style control between shampoos; day two of Curl Keeper could look better than day one once you understand how to reactivate it.

How did you acquire your “texpertise”:

JT: I got interested in curly hair when I discovered an effective method to cut curly hair and, later, in teaching clients how to control their curls and frizz. Curl style success became a balance of curl control and cutting. Every day brings unique curl situations in our salon; the variety of curls, along with the various ways of responding to them, has kept my interest and enthusiasm as a hair stylist for the past 30 years.

What is your best advice for working with texture:

JT: Take your time. Play with the hair before you wet it, and study what is happening when you work with the curls. No two curls are the same, and no two clients are the same. You have to customize and not use a standard one-cut-fits-all. Once the hair is wet, play with each curl. You will soon recognize patterns that belong, or hairs that do not. My most important tip is to learn how to use products correctly. Curly Hair Solutions works every time, on every curl. However, there can be a large learning curve in using products that might take both the stylist and client lots of practice to perfect.

What textured looks are you loving for spring:

JT: With most curly hair styles it is easier to wear hair longer. The curl has to be long enough for a ringlet to form, but remember that curly hair shrinks as it dries, creating a spring. This spring is very exciting, because big hair is so popular right now. So, volume is the way to go and it’s so easy to achieve. The current trend is sexy messy.

Read the digital edition of Texture!

Real Texture Talk: Ashley Witherspoon
Ashley Witherspoon

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Ashley Witherspoon: Hey! My name is Ashley. I just turned 22 and I’m a student at The City College of New York. I’m a girly tomboy who loves sports and video games, but who also loves being pampered! I’m half-Trini but I love Spanish and Asian culture…I’m taking Japanese at the moment and I’m semi-fluent in Spanish. I’m also a small group leader in an awesome club called Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

AW: I first went “natural” when I was seven, but I didn’t start the process of “being natural” until my sophomore year in college. I had no idea that my hair was this curly! I started trying out different products, watching YouTube gurus and reading forums which helped me take care of my hair in a way that worked for me (and for my wallet”>.

NC: What is your current routine?

AW: On a wash day, I start off with SheaMoisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo and then follow up with SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque, which I leave on for 1-2 hours (or sometimes overnight”>. Then I rinse and detangle with a Denman D3 brush. Then I use the SheaMoisture Curl & Style Milk and make sure my hair is completely detangled. I finger comb with SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, making sure to stretch and scrunch it in. Finally I smooth on my oil concoction (EVOO, almond and grapeseed with 2 MSM capsules”> and finish with SheaMoisture Curling Soufflé. I flip my hair over and put on a satin cap to define my curls (10 minutes”> and then let it air dry. It sounds complicated, but after a while it comes naturally!

NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

AW: When I wake up, I spritz my hair with a conditioner+water mix and decide, based on the weather, what to do with my hair. If it’s really cold or really hot, I’ll put my hair in a protective style. If I’m leaving my curls out, I put on my oil immediately after spritzing my hair, followed by the SheaMoisture Curl Defining Pudding and Curling Soufflé. I really like the clump and scrunch method.

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Brianna DeBoise

Ashley Witherspoon

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

AW: I’m in love with the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus line. I’ve tried other brands and products, but nothing works as well for me as this line of products! It’s also completely natural, which is a great bonus.

I also can’t live without my modified Denman brush! The definition is ridiculous and it is immensely helpful in the detangling process. My satin bonnet, pillowcase and scarf have also become staples that I can’t live without.

Raw shea butter, EVOO, and water are also some of the best basics for my hair. When I’m in between products and don’t have the time (or money”> to stock up, they’re definitely clutch!

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

AW: I usually leave my curls loose or put my hair in a bun, which keeps my hair out of the way while stretching. It’s a functional hairstyle!

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

AW: I spritz my hair with conditioner+water and use a little bit of oil, focused at my ends. I either pineapple my hair, put it in cornrows, or pull it into a bun. Then I put on my satin bonnet and secure it with a satin scarf.

NC: What about your hair stylists?

AW: Pily is the best! I love her and the ladies that work in her shop. Dominican salons sometimes get a bad rap, but she actually takes the time to make sure my hair is getting what it needs and works with me so that I’m happy (and my hair is too”>. She has a genuine passion for hair, curly or straight!

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Marisol Correa

Ashley Witherspoon

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

AW: The freedom and versatility! I can do so much with my hair…I can straighten it, leave it out, braid it, pull it back, whatever! Another cool thing is that I don’t really have to worry about the weather. If it’s raining, so what? Snowing? Don’t care. Beach days? Heck yeah! I don’t have to worry about spending a whole lot on my hair for a little water to ruin it. I love that fact that my hair is unique and flexible.

NC: How do you thing having curly hair impacts your life?

AW: It definitely takes more time, but it’s worth it. It also shows me how to be more appreciative of other textures. I get stopped or asked about my hair a few times a week and it boosts my confidence like you wouldn’t believe. It’s great to know that there are people who embrace themselves just as much as you embrace yourself. I feel more confident now than three years ago when I felt like I had to straighten my hair to feel pretty. Not anymore! I love curls!

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

AW: No amount of flexi rods and flat irons can make you any more beautiful than you already are! Be creative. Learn what works for you, tweak other people’s methods and read labels!! Nothing sucks more than spending a fortune on products that don’t work for you. Your curls are more than just a hairstyle. People recognize you for them, so love them! Don’t let any one discourage you towards or away from being natural. I was born with straight hair so I have just as much right to straighten it! I know there are some hair haters out there who try to school other naturals and curlies about the process, but it is a personal and beautiful thing. Natural doesn’t necessarily mean sticking to your curl pattern, it means stick to natural products. If you want to straighten or braid or even use weave, go for it! If you want to stick with what God gave you, that’s awesome too. This is YOUR journey so lead it the way that’s best for YOU!

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!

AW: I’m a part of an awesome movement called the Price of Life which is fighting to end sex trafficking and human/labor slavery. This year, the focus is on NYC…my chapter of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship is launching a week-long campaign in October and I am part of the leadership team! I can’t wait! I’m also starting to take my hobby of photography more seriously and plan on doing so photography/short films and videos starting this summer. Last but definitely not least, I’m going to work on getting my hair back to waist length, bouncy and full of life! It’s definitely going to be a long road but an exciting one. 

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Char Sillimon

Red Carpet Survival Kit

Red Carpet Survival Kit

5 DIY Treatments for Volume

Most people assume that curly hair is thick hair, curl pattern is only one element of your hair type. There are fine haired curlies out there who know know all too well the struggles of achieving fuller volume in their hair. We are constantly fluffing to hide our scalp, and our twists and braids always look sparse. While there is no easy way to turn fine strands into coarse ones, or add more strands to our heads, there are some simple masks to help give body and temporary thickness to the hair we do have. 


5 DIY Treatments for Volume

Lemon and Cucumber Shampoothie

This February, NaturallyCurly is celebrating a full month of Curly Mixology! Each day we’ll feature one recipe for you to treat your curls to in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tweet us your favorite recipes with hashtag #CurlyMixology or share them on our Facebook page!


Lemon and Cucumber Shampoothie

Real Texture Talk: Jessica Fortin
Jessica Fortin

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Jessica Fortin: Hi, my name is Jessica Fortin. I am a junior at Boston College, where I am studying nursing.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

JF: I straightened my hair everyday until my junior year of high school, when I decided that it was time for a change. It took way too much time to tame my extremely thick, curly hair.

NC: What is your current routine?

JF: I don’t do much to my hair—mostly because it’s cheaper and easier that way! Getting the occasional trim to keep my hair healthy, washing my hair regularly, and scrunching with minimal product is really all it takes.

NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

JF: I wash my hair with Frederic Fekkai Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner at night. Then, I wrap a towel around my head to remove excess water. While my hair is still damp, I scrunch with Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream. Then I go to bed with damp hair and just hope for the best!

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Marisol Correa

Jessica Fortin

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

JF: I always need clips or bobby pins to hold my hair away from my face. As far as product goes, I love my Frederic Fekkai Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner and the Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream. I don’t change up my products very often…I like to stick with what I know!

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

JF: I like to wear my hair back and out of my face. I usually wear it half-up by pulling it back in a clip or I use bobby pins and braid back the sides.

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

JF: Aside from scrunching my hair with product after I shower, I don’t really do anything for my hair at night. I just go to sleep and wake up with a curly surprise in the morning!

NC: What about your hair stylists?

JF: I have been going to the same stylist for years and I won’t go to anyone else! Her name is Wendy and she’s great because she keeps it simple—she thins out my hair a bit and layers it to take off some of the weight without making my hair an awkward length, which can be terrible with curly hair!

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Bobi Curls

Jessica Fortin

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

JF: I received a lot of compliments, which encouraged me to keep wearing my hair curly! It was so different for me, and I didn’t like how my hair looked at first, but my friends and family would always tell me how beautiful my hair looked. I disagreed with them, but I eventually became comfortable wearing my hair curly.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

JF: The best thing is that it’s so simple to achieve a unique look! I do very little to my hair and I still feel that I achieve a look that differs from everyone else’s.

NC: How do you thing having curly hair impacts your life?

JF: It is so easy! I don’t have to worry about the risk of straightening my hair and then getting caught in the rain/snow/humidity, which usually results in some kind of afro. It’s much easier to embrace my curls and if the weather isn’t ideal, I just go with it.

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

JF: Embrace your curls! Many of my friends with straight hair always say that they wish they could have curly hair like mine. Having curly hair gives you the option to go straight when you want, but you can also do so much with your natural curl!

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!

JF: I am currently studying abroad in Parma, Italy. I plan on traveling around Europe for the semester until I return home to Michigan for the summer, and then I’ll be back at Boston College for my senior year in the fall!

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Molly Geipel

DIY Flaxseed Hair Gel
Flax seeds

Ever since we spied Linette Torres’s amazing coils and read that she attributed them to homemade flaxseed gel, we’ve been dying to DIY it ourselves! Luckily for us, NaturallyCurly user Curly-Spirally shared her recipe with us, along with very detailed instructions. 

What you’ll need

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of flaxseeds (linseeds in the UK”>
  • Sauce pan
  • Strainer (wire or nylon”>
  • Whisk

Directions

  1. Pour water & linseeds into saucepan, turn stove to high
  2. Stir every so often to keep the seeds moving and keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pan
  3. Bring to a boil, gently stir continuously
  4. Turn heat down when a thin, foam-like jelly forms, keep stirring
  5. Turn off heat when seeds are suspended in the clear jelly instead of sinking to the bottom
  6. Pour the liquid and seeds into the strainer over a bowl
  7. Beat the gel with a whisk for 10 seconds
  8. Apply to hair as you would a gel! 
Lavender Hair Spray

This February, NaturallyCurly is celebrating a full month of Curly Mixology! Each day we’ll feature one recipe for you to treat your curls to in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tweet us your favorite recipes with hashtag #CurlyMixology or share them on our Facebook page!


Lavender Hair Spray

Real Texture Talk: Marisol Correa
Marisol Correa

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Marisol Correa: Hi, my name is Marisol. I’m a wife and mom to four healthy, happy and beautiful children. I’m also an event coordinator for Four Brothers, LLC, and during my spare time I blog, vlog and wear many other hats!

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

MC: I embraced my curls later in life — I wish I would have done so sooner! I truly enjoy them now and I have never looked back.

NC: What is your current routine?

MC: I’m a bit of a “product junkie,” so my routine varies. I use a sulfate-free shampoo 1-2 times a month. I also co-wash every three days, more or less, deep condition weekly and always seal my ends with an oil or butter.

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

MC: My must-have products are coconut oil, avocado butter, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, various oils, butters and creams…I’m a product junkie!

My must-have tools are my fingers, a wide-tooth shower comb, a Denman brush and a Tangle Teezer.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

MC: I’m a big fan of wash-and-gos, two-strand twists, twist outs, pony puffs, and twists and curls.

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Bita Pourtavoosi

Marisol Correa

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

MC: My nighttime routine depends on the type of style that I’m wearing. I always make sure to sleep with a bonnet, satin cap/scarf, or a satin pillowcase. When I do a wash-and-go I follow my wash-and-go routine.

NC: What about your hair stylists?

MC: I don’t have a stylist…I do my hair on my own! Now that I’m natural, I am very particular about who touches my hair. I was the same way when my hair was relaxed, but now it has gotten worse!

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

MC: There were plenty of haters…even family members ridiculed me! But it wasn’t about what made them happy; it was about what would make ME happy. I didn’t want to hide behind the “Creamy Crack” and live a “LYE.” I wanted to rock what God gave me and be proud as a Naturalista. Take me as I am!

NC: Did you big chop or transition, and for how long?

MC: I was a short-term transitioner; I transitioned for about six months. I chose to transition because I didn’t know what my natural hair texture was! I wanted to get reacquainted with my curls and do plenty of research before choosing to continue transitioning or do a big chop. I did my first big chop in June 2011. During the transitioning process, I had used heat on my hair to blend the two textures. I didn’t know much about heat damage at the time, so when I did my BC I had major heat damage!

I did my second big chop in July 2011 and cut my natural hair, which was about six inches long at the time, down to a half inch!

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Molly Geipel

Marisol Correa

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

MC: I love the versatility. I love being able to experiment with products and find out what my hair loves. And I love just letting my curls go wild and free!

NC: How do you think having curly hair has impacted your life?

MC: I truly believe that it has impacted my life in a positive way! I’m into fashion, makeup and all things beauty — much more now than I was before. I personally feel that, for the first time in my life, I truly love myself. I accept myself for who I am!

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

MC: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people, whether it’s family or friends. And if it seems that you’ve run into a dead end and are thinking, “I can’t,” take a breather and reassure yourself that you can! Ask for help. Ask a family member or friend, consult with a natural hair beautician, search websites…and most importantly, don’t quit!

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!

MC: When I’m not taking care of my amazing children, spending time with my family, tending to the home front, working, blogging or vlogging, I’m working on getting back into my acting career! I used to model, act, sing and dance. I put it all on the back burner so that I could focus on my family. Now that they are getting older and are in school, I feel like I’ve gotten my second wind!

Where you can find Marisol:

Blog/Website: http://www.MamaNaturalista.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/mamanaturalista

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/MarisolCorrea

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/MarisolC79

Instagram:  http://www.Instagram.com/MamaNaturalista

Pinterest:  http://www.Pinterest.com/MamaNaturalista


MORE: Real Texture Talk: Brianna DeBoise

Banana Baby Food Hair Masque
This February NaturallyCurly is celebrating a full month of Curly Mixology! Each day we’ll feature one recipe for you to treat your curls to in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tweet us your favorite recipes with hashtag #CurlyMixology or share them on our Facebook page!

Baby Food Hair Masque

Stripping with Style
This February NaturallyCurly is celebrating a full month of Curly Mixology! Each day we’ll feature one recipe for you to treat your curls to in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tweet us your favorite recipes with hashtag #CurlyMixology or share them on our Facebook page!

Stripping with Style

Real Texture Talk: Molly Geipel
Molly Geipel

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Molly Geipel: My name is Molly. I am a junior English and Psychology major at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, and I’m currently studying abroad in London!

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

MG: I didn’t start embracing my curls until high school. Before that, I didn’t know how to manage them, so they were a mess! For a long time, I just ignored them altogether and worked a ponytail every day. Then in middle school, I tried everything I could to disguise them, which led to a rather fraught relationship with my flat iron. I learned to work with my curls instead of against them in high school, and we’ve been on good terms ever since!  

NC: What is your current routine?

MG: My routine is really simple. My hair is thick and coarse in addition to being curly, so I use a good quality shampoo to keep it healthy and soft. Right now, my favorite is Redken All Soft

NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

MG: I usually wash my hair at night, giving it plenty of time to dry before bed. I find that my hair takes time to “set” after drying and usually looks and feels better after a few hours than it does immediately after drying. After washing my hair, I’ll sometimes use a leave-in conditioner, especially if my hair has been feeling dry. Otherwise, I just quickly comb through it with my fingers and let it air dry.

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Maeve Kennedy Gormly

Molly Geipel

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

MG: Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner, Davines Defining Invisible Style Cream, and my CHI Flat Iron.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

MG: I’m not very creative when it comes to styling my hair. On a normal day, my hair is usually down and loose or in a ponytail.

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

MG: My hair holds shape like no other, so if I want to wear it down the next day, I have to sleep with it down. If I don’t, I will wake up with an unsightly ponytail bump in my hair the next morning.

NC: What about your hair stylists?

MG: I have a favorite stylist back hope in Indianapolis that I’ve been going to for several years now, at a salon called DL Lowry. She’s really good at working with my hair’s unwieldy texture and shape. She always flat irons my hair when she’s done trimming and shaping it, which is a treat for me as I can never get it quite as straight when doing it myself.

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Brianna DeBoise

Molly Geipel

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

MG: I’ve gotten nothing but positive reactions to my hair since going natural!

NC: Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?

MG: In my junior year of high school, I got sick and tired of dealing with my unruly hair all the time and I cut it all off. I had a pixie cut for about a year before I grew it out again. It was liberating to not have to mess with the unpredictability and unmanageability of curls for a while, but I missed their distinctiveness! I’ve proudly kept my hair long and curly ever since.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

MG: It’s unique! And I think it’s ultimately more versatile. I can straighten my hair fairly easily, but people with really straight hair often have a lot of trouble curling their hair.

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

MG: Don’t fight them and don’t be shy about looking different! Your curls will make you stand out and they will be the envy of straight-haired girls everywhere, I promise. I wasted a lot of time trying to disguise my curls…it would have been better spent embracing them and learning how to work with them!

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!

MG: I’m studying abroad in London for the semester. This summer, I’m hoping to come home to a publishing internship and/or to working in a local cupcake shop!

MORE: Real Texture Talk: Kara Barcelo

Amazing Whipped Shea Butter Conditioner
This February NaturallyCurly is celebrating a full month of Curly Mixology! Each day we’ll feature one recipe for you to treat your curls to in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tweet us your favorite recipes with hashtag #CurlyMixology or share them on our Facebook page!

Amazing Whipped Shea Butter Conditioner

Creamy Supreme Conditioner
This February NaturallyCurly is celebrating a full month of Curly Mixology! Each day we’ll feature one recipe for you to treat your curls to in the comfort of your own kitchen. Tweet us your favorite recipes with hashtag #CurlyMixology or share them on our Facebook page!

Creamy Supreme Conditioner

2013 Editors’ Choice Awards

Our curly, coily and wavy hair experts have spent many months testing hundreds of new and existing curl products for the 2013 Editors’ Choice awards.

These 42 exceptional deep treatments, oils, cleansers, frizz fighters and more are all you need to know and own. Click on the products below for reviews, ingredients and styling tips for these winning products. For a list of the products (by hair type”> check out our Editors’ Choice page.

Now without further ado, meet the Award Winners!


Editors’ Choice 2013

Best of the Best Winners 2012

If you have curly hair, you know how important product recommendations from your curlfriends can be. See what thousands of NaturallyCurly.com readers picked as the best products for curly, coily and wavy hair for 2012.

These 30 exceptional frizz fighters, curl refreshers, leave-in-conditioners and more are all you need to know and own.


Best of the Best 2012

Real Texture Talk: Maeve Kennedy Gormly
Maeve Kennedy Gormly

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Maeve Kennedy Gormly: My name is Maeve Kennedy Gormly and I am from Stockton, California. I am 22 years old, and I am working on my MSW with a clinical concentration in mental health at the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. 

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

MKG: I’ve had my share of hair trauma, including the time my dad broke a hairbrush trying to untangle my hair, attempting to use baby oil as conditioner in seventh grade and my ninth grade crush telling me that I might be attractive if only I could “do something” about my hair.

My hair was pretty straight from ages four to fourteen, but with puberty came waves and frizz. I tried to iron and spray my hair straight. Sometime in high school, I realized that I wasn’t meant to have the smooth, straight hair that I so desperately wanted, so when I went to college, I didn’t pack my straightener.

NC: What is your current routine?

MKG: Over the years, I’ve learned that my hair looks better when I do less, so I try to keep my routine as low maintenance as possible. I almost never straighten or blow dry my hair. I only detangle my hair in the shower when it is doused in conditioner, and I try not to use shampoo more than once or twice a week instead of washing my hair the “normal” way, I just rinse it thoroughly or use conditioner.

NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

MKG: My hair is more wavy than truly curly. Sometimes I just let my hair air dry without any product, but that means crazy frizz and limp waves by lunchtime. Usually, I use some mousse, leave-in curl conditioner, or spray gel. If I really want my hair to last throughout the day, I use hair spray. My hair tends to devour product, so I do not really need to worry about stiffness, even if I use gel or hair spray.

MORE: 

Maeve Kennedy Gormly

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

MKG: I don’t go anywhere without a hair elastic, because frizz happens. I am not too picky about my products and I maintain a strict budget, so I use products from Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine, Curl, or Wonder Waves line or from Herbal Essences Totally Twisted line. When my hair gets really dry, I use an Aussie or Pantene deep conditioner.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

MKG: Nothing too fancy — I usually just let it fall as it will or I’ll pin a little back or to the side to keep it out of my face.

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

MKG: If I am going to bed with wet hair, I either braid it or use mousse or an anti-frizz cream. If I am going to bed with hair that is already dry and curly, I sometimes “pineapple” it or put it in a loose braid to keep it from getting tangled.

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

MKG: Almost all of the feedback was positive when I started to “roll with the wave” because my straightening attempts usually just left my hair looking poofy.

MORE: How to Pineapple Your Hair

Maeve Kennedy Gormly

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

MKG: No one can tell if it is not cut perfectly! I have been cutting my hair at home for almost ten years, which is nice for my budget! I used to cut it wet, but now I cut it piece by piece when it is dry and curly. It’s nice being able to count on beachy waves after swimming in the ocean. Above all, I think the best part is versatility — curly hair is just a little more interesting than straight hair.

NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your everyday life?

MKG: Having wavy/curly hair taught me valuable lessons about vanity, humility, and self-worth. I was deeply insecure about my hair as a teenager, and before I learned how to make my hair work for me, I learned to value myself beyond what I saw (and often loathed”> in the mirror.

At fifteen, before I understood any of the deeper social and cultural contexts, I swore that India.Arie was singing “I am not my hair” directly to me. I learned to not feel boxed in or defined by my hair, my freckles, my weight or whatever my insecurity of the week might be.

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

MKG: Going with whatever your hair wants to be naturally saves so much time and energy. You have curly hair? Rock it! Straight hair? That’s great too! No hair? I’m sure that you have a beautiful head! We turn our hair, and our appearance in general, into a symbol of who we are, how pretty we are, how special we are — but when it comes down to it, it’s just hair. You are more important than what is on your head — you are not an object to be tweaked and fixed, and your value is much deeper than your appearance.

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!

MKG: I am enjoying grad school and interning as a counselor at El Centro de Cardenal, a youth GED program that is part of the Dorchester branch of Catholic Charities. This is also my third year as a resident assistant at Boston College, where I have had the opportunity to get to know many amazing women and men. I like life chats, tea, cooking and bicycles, and I am always looking for half-decent horchata in Boston.

MORE: 

17 Short Celebrity Hair Cuts

17 Short Celebrity Hair Cuts