Search Results: NaturallyCurly
by Mahisha Dellinger
Caring for your angel’s tresses can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Armed with the proper education, the right technique, and, most importantly, the right products – you can master the art of caring for ethnic hair.
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with hair. Because my hair was easy to manage, I began styling my own hair at an early age. Using my long locks, I taught myself how to French braid and soon became a styling expert (or so I thought”>. As I matured, my interest in healthy black hair peaked. I learned which hair care ingredients were good for my hair type and which ingredients were not. I learned how to shampoo, condition, and properly handle my hair. Most importantly, I learned to love my hair. With the proper care, your child will love his/her hair too!
Over the years I’ve read, seen, and experienced unbelievable acts of ignorance regarding ethnic hair care. It is my attempt to provide a few basic tips and tricks so you will avoid common pitfalls
A Few Things You Should Know…
- Black hair is extremely fragile. A gentle touch is required to avoid unnecessary breakage and hair loss. Therefore, always use a wide tooth comb or pick when combing the hair. Avoid fine tooth combs as they snag and pull out curly/kinky hair. Invest in a quality brush; natural boar brushes are the best.
- Curly/kinky hair needs moisture, moisture and more moisture! Consider this when purchasing hair care products. Avoid drying products such as hair spray, mousse, holding gels, etc. Opt for moisturizers, leave-in conditioners and styling lotions.
- All products are not created equal. Just because a product claims to be created for “curly hair” doesn’t guarantee that it will be suitable for ethnic curly hair. Products created for Nicole Kidman’s curly hair may not work for Angela Bassett’s. Caucasian hair tends to produce more sebum (oily secretion created by the sebaceous gland”> than black, textured hair; therefore, black hair requires more oil. Read — no — scrutinize the ingredient list. Look for natural oils and quality ingredients. Remember, the ingredients are listed in order of volume.
Common Mistakes Made When Caring for Ethnic Hair
Error #1 – Over shampooing – Black hair should not be shampooed every day, or every other day for that matter. Instead, shampoo your child’s hair every 7 days, max! We recommend shampooing 2x a month. I know this may confuse those who shampoo daily; however, you must remember that black hair needs oil, and because it distributes less sebum, frequent shampooing can dry out the hair and scalp. Try our Curly Q’s Hydrating shampoo. It gently cleanses the hair without stripping away essential oils and nutrients.
Tip for getting through ‘shampoo-less’ days: Rinse hair with warm water, apply Quenched conditioner, and rinse well. This will give you a clean start and provide added conditioning and moisture without stripping away protective oils.
Error #2: Under-conditioning – Proper conditioning is one of the most important steps for healthy hair. Unfortunately, most do not take the time to adequately do so. I recommend giving your daughter a deep conditioning (with heat”> once a month, especially during the winter season. Our Quenched conditioner works great…with or without heat.
Error #3: Using the wrong products – We’ve discussed the need for natural oils for black hair. However, you must know that not all oil is good oil.One misconception that plagues African Americans concerning hair care is the use of grease. Grease (thick pomade-like product that usually contains mineral oil and/or petrolatum”> is commonly used to moisturize dry hair and scalp. Do not use products that contain mineral oil or petrolatum. Both of these cheap oils clog pores, rob the hair’s moisture and can retard hair growth. Natural oils are the best bet. Jojoba and coconut oil are great conditioning oils. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E; potassium, and scalp soothing sulfur. Curls and Curly Q’s products contain all of these!
Error #4: Combing, detangling, and styling faux pas — To avoid pain, tears, and massive hair loss when combing out kinky hair, part the hair into four sections. Get a tight grip on the hair (not to hurt your child”> and start combing at the bottom and work your way up to the top, section by section. If her hair is extremely thick and coarse, secure the combed out section with a pony tail holder to avoid further tangling. You should always use a moisturizer when combing her out hair, doing so will help to soften the hair and ease comb-ability. NEVER USE WATER TO “WET” THE HAIR! Our Moist Curls moisturizer is a great choice!
Girls and ponytails seem to go hand-in-hand. Here are a few tips to avoid pig-tail disaster. Do not use rubber bands to secure her ponytails, instead use elastics and covered bands. Rubber bands can cause undue breakage and damage. Remember to ALWAYS remove the pony tail holders before bed time. Make sure you braid (or twist”> the hair completely…all the way to the ends. Exposing the ends to environmental elements will guarantee split ends. I recommend adding a coat of leave in conditioner to the ends before braiding for extra protection. Remember, the ends are the oldest and most fragile part of the hair. They require extra attention.
What you need
- Wide-toothed comb or pick…the wider the better (Goody has a variety of combs available at most grocery stores”>
- Natural bristle brush (The Body Shop has a nice selection of brushes”>
- Hydrating shampoo (try Curly Q Hydrating Shampoo”>
- Moisturizing Conditioner (try Curly Qs Quenched Conditioner”>
- A daily moisturizer – this will add needed moisture, and ease comb-ability (Moist Curls is a great daily moisturizer”>
- Natural oils to apply to the hair (I recommend Pure avocado oil also available on our website”>
- Cream hair dressing for light control of frizzes (Curly Q Styling lotion is a great choice”>
- Elastics for securing ponytails
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I always liked how my hair looked when it was wet, but it would dry puffy and frizzy. I tried using gel but that made my hair stiff and crispy looking. I was never taught how to style my hair naturally. At one point I got a chemical straightening treatment, but I hated the results because it was still wavy after the treatment, just a little less so. I hated it so much that I actually got a perm to try to get my waves back. For most of middle school I straightened my hair daily. I rocked the wavy hair with straight bangs look too.
At one point in high school I played around with wearing my hair wavy, but a botched hair cut my freshman year of college led me to start straightening it again.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I stumbled into the subreddit r/curlyhair and it inspired me to really to to learn how to care for my hair and learn how to style it well.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Learning how to care for my hair so that it is actually healthy and looks good naturally. It’s so nice being able to wear my wavy hair confidently. I have loved connecting with the wavy curly community on Instagram as well. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in this journey.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep with my hair in a loose pineapple on top of my head.
Who is your curl crush?
I’ve loved Megan/ @wavycurlychronicles from the beginning of my hair journey. She’s so kind and uplifting and I love her hair. My hair loves a lot of the same products as hers too.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Gel. If I had to pick one hair product it would be a good hair gel. If I could pick two I would pick a good hair towel.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
- Shampoo: Bounce Curl clarifying shampoo
- Conditioner: Bounce Curl conditioner
- Stylers: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel, Xmondo Wavetech foam, Innersense I Create Volume lotion
- Hairspray: Innersense I Create Finish
- Tools: Hairrepear towel, Curl Keeper spray bottle and Flexy Brush
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Having the patience to see results. It takes a long time to undo all the damage you’ve done to your hair. I didn’t do a big chop, so I had to wait while I grew out my hair and slowly cut off the damage. It also takes a lot of trial and error to find the products and techniques that give you the results you want.
What is your hair type?
Type 2c
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
The MAP Method by Scott Musgrave. I took his online course and it was a turning point for me. His course helped me find the right application techniques for my hair specifically.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Don’t worry, you will get there! There is a lot of trial and error to find the products and techniques that work for you, but you’ll find them eventually. Keep experimenting.
Text faces or Lenny faces describe emotions just like emojis. Browse these unicode character strings in the gallery.
Ashley, @acragga
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up I didn’t know I had curly hair. My hair stylist always called it “impossible wave.” People didn’t know the things we know now about curly hair. I brushed it out every day. It was dry and frizzy. Kids would throw things in my hair and see how long it would take for me to notice. I hated everything about my hair. When I was 17 I got my first hair straightener and I didn’t look back. I straightened it daily. I accepted the fact that I just had ugly hair and I thought it would never look good unless I flat ironed it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
A few years ago after a year of gradual lightening it was time for the last bleaching to get to the platinum blonde I had been working towards. I was working with my long-time hair stylist and I trusted him. Unfortunately it did not end well and my hair was fried. I couldn’t brush it without it coming out in clumps. It felt like straw. I didn’t leave the house for months. People laugh but I always say hair depression is real. It’s such a part of who we are. Finally I decided I had to get it fixed. And I had my first appointment with a Devacurl stylist. I’ve been wearing my hair curly ever since and it changed my life. It took a long time and a lot of patience to get it healthy again. But I’m so happy I did.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most powerful part of embracing my natural hair was accepting myself for who I am. I realized I had been literally burning and damaging my hair every day just to look like someone else, when the natural way it grew out of my head was beautiful just the way it was. It changed my life. It changed who I was. It gave me a newfound confidence that I had gone my entire life without. At 30 years old I finally loved the way I looked and was comfortable just being me.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I protect my curls at night with a loose and high ponytail covered with a silk lined cap or buff. I also use a silk pillowcase. It’s great because in the morning I just have to take it out and fluff it and go. Instead of spending two hours straightening it. People always think my curly hair takes me more time and effort than just flat ironing it but a wash lasts me five days and I just wake up and go.
Who is your curl crush?
I have so many curl crushes! My very first was HiFelicia. I found her on Instagram and was so inspired. Toni_macaroni is another one with stunning curls. Outside of Instagram I’ve always loved Shakira’s hair and of course Sarah Jessica Parker.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I absolutely cannot live without my Denman brush. Brushing my hair when styling it was a huge game changer for me. Second place would have to be Kinky-Curly Knot Today leave in. It is hands down my favourite product. Nothing else compares to it.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I wash my hair with a low poo every 3-5 days. I deep condition once a week and do a protein treatment every six weeks. For styling I always use a leave-in and cream or activator. My favourite combination is Kinky-Curly Knot Today and Devacurl B’leave In mixed with a little Devacurl Styling Cream. But I also like As I Am Leave In and AG Re:Coil. Then I section and brush with my Denman and scrunch in a gel. Devacurl Ultra Defining, Bounce Curl, or Jessicurl Spiralicious are my top gels. Then I diffuse with my Orchid diffuser.
Editor’s Note: The Xtava Orchid diffuser is popular in the curly community but it was recalled back in 2018
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I think the most challenging part of curly hair is the moisture protein balance. I recently over-moisturized my hair and it actually took a few months to correct it. I had no idea that too much protein or moisture could have such an effect and take so long to reverse. Even after all of these years I often have a hard time figuring out which one my hair needs.
What is your hair type?
3a
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Definitely using a brush to define my curls. When I started the Curly Girl Method I wasn’t using a brush at all. And it was not going well. I was not happy with how it looked. Brushing it after applying my leave-in dramatically changed my results. But also following the basics of Curly Girl Method when it comes to ingredients. I know what I’m putting in my hair now and giving it what it needs. Healthy hair is beautiful and the goal should always be for the hair to be healthy and the rest will fall into place.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Just do it. Why spend all that time and money trying to be someone you’re not? Your hair is beautiful just the way it is. Curly hair is unique and amazing and is a part of what makes you special.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair was a bit challenging for me. It was easy as a young child when my mom would do my hair. But difficult for me once I began to explore my hair on my own. At the elementary/middle school I attended, there were only 5 African-American students, and I was one of them. I was surrounded by long strands of wavy and straight hair. And it was a bit upsetting because no one had the same hair texture as me. I felt pressured to straighten my hair because I didn’t like how curly and frizzy my hair was. I didn’t like how “poofy” my edges were and the fact that they would not lay down. I decided to straighten my hair and keep it straightened all the time. I was not accepting of my natural curly hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
In 2015, I was a freshman in high school. I was in a completely different area with a major shift in demographics and I was surrounded by people who actually had similar textures as me. For me that was a big wake up call. But by then, my hair was fried. My natural curl pattern was non-existent. So I decided to educate myself about my natural hair. I would stay up all night watching YouTube videos from different naturalistas and researching terminology and products that would benefit my hair on Google. Seeing how these women wore their natural hair in different beautiful styles no matter the texture or length encouraged me to take care of my hair better so I would be able to achieve long and healthy hair as well.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment for me in my natural journey was when I finally did the big chop. It was liberating for me. Not only letting go of inches of my hair, but releasing all of the past internal struggles I dealt with along the way that held me back from loving my natural self. I remember that day like it was yesterday. December of 2016 I was a sophomore in high school. I remember telling myself in school “I’m going to do the big chop when I get home”. And that’s exactly what I did. I went home, took my dad’s scissors, stared in the mirror and smiled. I went straight for it. As soon as I was done, I had a huge smile on my face. I was so happy that my then bra strap length hair was now a short bob.
How do you protect your curls at night?
To be honest, I’ve become a bit of a lazy natural. I usually just put a bandana around my edges and a regular bonnet over whatever style my hair is in. But if I truly want to protect my curls. I either do the pineapple method or the banding method and cover with a satin bonnet which was life changing for me and my curls.
Who is your curl crush?
I have so many, but my favorite curly girl is definitely Bianca Renee. Her curls are perfect and her tips are so helpful. She was also a major help for me while I was transitioning as well as after my big chop.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I absolutely cannot live without my pick. My motto is, “The bigger the hair, the harder they stare”. It is a must that I fluff my hair out 24/7 and I can’t do that without a pick!
Read more: How to Use An Afro Pick For Big Curly Hair
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current hair regimen varies based on what style I want to achieve. Different styles require different kinds of maintenance. However, it is a must that I moisturize daily (LCO method when I’m doing a wash and go”>, massage my scalp daily, and oil my scalp every 2-3 days.
My favorite products are:
- Curls Leave In Conditioner
- NeoCurly Curls Poppin Moisturizing Leave- In Cream
- HoneyCurlz Daily Moisturizer
- Xtreme Wetline Gel
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment was the transitioning period. Since my hair was 2 different textures because of the new growth and the damaged hair, it was hard to do styles that would hide that. I tried to do braidouts and twistouts but they would not be successful. Ultimately, I ended up keeping my hair in buns.
What is your hair type?
3c
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
As far as styling wise, the praying hands method has really helped to elongate my curls so I won’t have as much shrinkage when I’m doing a wash n go. Health wise, I’m still learning. But I would say doing ACV rinses every now and then and hot oil treatments have really helped to revive my hair when it’s a bit dry and dull.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice to anyone struggling is to not give up. It may be a bit cliche, but natural hair journeys are not meant to be perfect. We are all different, with different textures and no one’s hair journey will be the same. Know that sometimes the product that works for the other girl won’t work for you. Know that sometimes it can take 20 tries before you get the perfect wash n go. Know that even though your curls may not curl up like the girl in the YouTube videos you are watching, your curls are still beautiful and unique. Know that there is no such thing as “good hair” when referring to textures. Don’t compare your curls or yourself to anyone else. Accept your natural curls for what they are and embrace them. No matter if it’s naturally wavy, curly, coily, or kinky. We each were given a unique crown on our heads, and you gotta make sure you rock it.
@jamiefrombklyn
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was different since I was the only one in my family with big kinky hair. I almost always had a protective style before getting relaxers. My hair has always been big.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
I was on Tumblr one time and this girl had big beautiful curls, and I wanted my hair just like hers. My mom told me I could have hair like the picture if I chose to start taking care of my hair. So I took the next step.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Being able to love my hair and all the tests and trials it comes with. I also love the fact that I’m able to help so many people with tips and tricks on how to handle thicker hair.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I do a loose pineapple and sleep with a bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
@Jasmeannn, she and her curls are so beautiful! And she’s a cancer like me :”>
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
A leave-in cream!! I can be a lazy natural so whenever I don’t want to spend hours doing my hair a leave-in cream comes in handy.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Kaleidoscope hair products, Garnier Curl Cream and Carol’s Daughter have been a huge part of my hair regimen. I wash my hair every two weeks:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deep Condition
- Leave-In
- Styling products
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Now that my hair is the longest it’s been I find myself having to learn it all over again. It’s a little frustrating but also exciting because I get to try new products and methods.
What is your hair type?
4a
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Working in sections!!!! It helps to prevent breakage which natural hair is prone to.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
YOU are beautiful. Your hair doesn’t define you. It’s very easy to compare your hair to other hair textures but you were blessed with your own crown for a reason. Learn it, love it and embrace it.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair was a struggle. I did not know how to properly care for my hair or which products to use. As a result, whenever I did rock my curls my hair was crunchy and had no volume. I always felt prettier with my hair straightened, so my mom took me to the hair salon monthly. This went on all through my high school years.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
Crazy enough, This pandemic! Back in May when the hair salons were closed I started to watch YouTube videos on how to care for curly hair. I kept seeing all the girls with beautiful curls and remembered that I once too had pretty curls. At that point it just became my mission to recuperate my curls.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
My most empowering moment was when a total stranger on one of my Facebook groups told me how much more confident I looked in my pictures with my curly hair. It was amazing to me how she was able to notice just by looking at my pictures.
How do you protect your curls at night?
To protect my curls at night, I put my hair in a pineapple and use both a satin bonnet and a satin pillowcase.
Who is your curl crush?
Tracee Ellis Ross is my hair queen.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
That would be my diffuser. The volume I get with it gives me life.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I’m still in the middle of transitioning so deep conditioning weekly is a must. I also like to do oil treatments twice a month. My favorite styling products right now are LUS and Ecoslay Orange Marmalade.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Not dying my hair! I’m trying really hard to stay away from hair dye since I’m still transitioning so I have to let my little grey hairs live their best life.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Avoiding heating tools all together. My hair has changed so much in just a few months sometimes I can’t believe it myself. I also used Olaplex 3 for the first 2 months weekly and I know that made a big difference for me as well.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice will be to take time to educate themselves in their hair texture. When I decided to transition I watched many videos, followed girls with similar hair to me and took their advice on how to take care of my hair. Some of the things worked some didn’t and that’s how there is going to be trial and error. The important thing is to be patient and embrace the journey.
Image:@jenny_thecurlymom
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I am one of two siblings. My elder sister has straight hair, while I inherited curls from my maternal uncles. My mother (straight-haired”> always took care of our hair ever since I could remember. From DIY homemade masks to oil blends, she did it all. Hence why we grew up loving and taking care of our hair. Unfortunately, she had no clue how to manage my frizz and define my curls. So I grew up confused! I knew how to take care of my hair health, but didn’t know how to make those curls hold together for days! And like others, I was also subjected to mean jokes and taunts on my mane. And finally the moment I touched 21 years, I started getting my yearly straightening done— almost 6 times in 12 years!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
It happened one fine day when a fellow curly recommended me to join this Facebook group “Indian Curl Pride”, a group dedicated to curlies all across the nation. It was then I learned about the Curly Girl method. And the rest is history. While researching and studying, I also came across NaturallyCurly and since then there is no looking back. It has been a life changer!
Image:@jenny_thecurlymom
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The confidence it gave me to love myself the way I am. Today people recognize me for my CURLS !
How do you protect your curls at night?
My night routine starts with 4-5 mins of scalp massage with my finger tips. On alternate days I incorporate oil during scalp massage. Post massage, I make a loose bun with a satin scrunchie, wear a satin bonnet and sleep on a satin pillow cover. The pillow helps protect my skin as well. Also the reason I use both the bonnet and pillow cover is that I don’t want the oil to transfer on the pillow as I have acne prone skin. This helps in keeping my pillow clean.
Who is your curl crush?
Since the first person I interacted with was Asha Barrak, Admin of “Indian curl pride” Facebook group and Owner of the Brand Ashba Botanics that makes curly hair approved products, she will always be my first crush.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
There are many! My satin scarf, my satin robe (current favourite”>, my heat cap, my silk mittens for SOTC, and my microfibre cap and gloves. In short, anything satin is my curly girl essential ❤️
Image:@jenny_thecurlymom
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
So I will share my routine and write my favourite products next to it.
- Co-wash: 2 times a week. MySoigne Hair cleanser
- Shampoo: Once a week. Earth Rhythm Murumuru Shampoo Bar & Only Curls hair cleanser
- Conditioner: Not Your Mother’s Tahittian Gardenia & Mango Butter, Reequil Murumuru conditioner (Indian Brand”>
- Leave In Conditioner: Kinky Curly Knot Today Detangler
- Curl Cream: Cantu Curl Activator and BounceCurl Clump and Define Cream
- Gel: As I Am Curling Jelly, Giovanni La Strong Hold gel
- Oil: Righteous Roots Oil
- Deep conditioner: Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Mask and Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Mask.
Ps: I am a big PRODUCT JUNKIE. I hoard products like crazy. I love experimenting with different product combinations and comparison. Luckily we as a family of 5 members have shifted to 100% CG approved products hence none of my products go waste. My straight haired husband and 2 boys also co-wash their hair, use conditioner and leave-in.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I struggled with products. It was difficult to understand what will work for my hair type . Balancing protein & moisture was another challenge. Second challenging part was the transition stage. Being conditioned to shampooing my hair daily, shifting to co-washing and extending my wash days was hard.So yes, coming out of age old deep rooted conditioning was very stressful at some point .
Image:@jenny_thecurlymom
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
My to-go method to ensure ultimate hydration is Squish to Condish using the Bowl Method. I never ever skip this step.
It works so amazingly well on my hair that on days when I don’t use any stylers, I still get well defined curls which last for a good 24 hours.
Another favourite technique while applying gel is the modified shingling method. Here I pick the thick clumps and smoothen it with my fingers . It takes less time as compared to shingling.
AND PLEASE DO NOT SKIP YOUR DAILY SCALP MASSAGE.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice would be to start with focusing on hair and scalp health first, and then curl definition. I believe that a healthy scalp is the key to healthy hair.
Secondly, more than the products, it’s the technique that matters. Once you get a hold of the technique, you will definitely get good curls with minimum products.
Image:@comegetyacurl
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Like many other now proud curlies, I did not feel comfortable with my hair texture. I used a lot of water & products to weigh down my hair because the volume made me self conscious. My mom, who I got my curls from, taught me valuable tips to maintain healthy curls, but I still felt self conscious by the comments made by others, strangers or classmates. By 9th grade, after begging her and my dad for my years, she allowed me to chemically straighten my hair. I still needed to spend hours smoothing out my hair, but had lost all curl definition. It took about 2 hours to straighten my hair and I did this a couple times a week. I remember my dad seeing me pass the flat iron over and over a section and saying “Enough, it’s straight already” lol.
Image:@comegetyacurl
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
A few things triggered the transition to embracing my naturally curly hair. One, I was starting to notice thinning due to over processing (straightening & dyeing”>. Two, I saw my brother grow out his hair (rock band vibes”>; it was stunning. I had a new appreciation for my hair texture when I saw my brother flaunting it proudly. Lastly, I started to experiment with natural skincare products and a holistic view at health which made me question the ingredients in my hair care. I started to repair my hair using tips my mom showed me and of course the natural hair community on YouTube. @SpankieValentine was the first influencer whose routine I followed to regain my hair health. I found a DevaCut specialist in Los Angeles who coached me on CGM.
What has been the most empowering moment of your hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment thus far would be seeing my influence on curly girls across the globe. I love receiving DM’s and sharing success stories or photos; girls of all ages expressing their appreciation for being curly and proud. In addition to my overall confidence; there is something about being naturally YOU that makes you feel powerful in all other aspects of your life. I have been rocking my curly hair for about 8 years now.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Most times I will throw on a silk bonnet. I get mine from an IG seller @raynestorm2017. Or I will use a silk scarf with the knot tied on the top. Whatever I use, it needs to be comfortable because I am a fussy sleeper :”>
Image:@comegetyacurl
Who is your curl crush?
I have a few! But if I had to pick one, I would say @Joyjah. She is so stunning inside and out. I love watching her stories, especially those from her hometown in Belize. I also have an obsession with red curls!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Leave-In Conditioner! This was always a staple for me, even as a kid. My mom always said, “make sure you use lots of leave-in!”. On a relaxing Sunday I will ditch my gel or mousse stylers and give my hair a break with just a leave-in conditioner.
Image:@comegetyacurl
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current regimen is washing 1-2x a week and DeepConditioning. I usually deep conditioner out of the shower for an hour and rinse in the sink! It’s easier… My favorite products right now are Rizos Defining Cream, EcoSlay Flaxseed Gel, Oway Organics Curly Potion, Bouncecurl CremeGel & Shampoo, SheaMoisture Deep Conditioner, Mielle Organics Deep Conditioner, OGX Beauty Combing Creme, Garnier Fructis 1min Hair Mask, Aussie Moist 3 Minute Treatment, Not Your Mother’s Shampoo & Conditioner.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging part has been finding quick, easy and hairstyles for work. I can’t wear my hair down in my current job & I wasn’t always comfortable in my last job. My 3rd day hair turns heads in meetings lol. I found some elegant updos on YouTube that are simple for quick morning routines and do not put too much tension on my curls.
Image:@comegetyacurl
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Water, conditioner and gel with good ingredients are the most essential pieces. Everything after that is extra in my opinion. I did not deep condition for most of my hair journey in the beginning… shh… don’t tell on me hehe. The Denman brush was also impactful! There are different methods to using it, but it helps with detanging and getting defined curls!
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Curly hair is gorgeous and being different is cool, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise ;”> I still get negative or odd comments about my hair in 2020, but they are outweighed by positive ones now. My favorite response to someone’s negative comment is “Good thing the hair is on my head & not yours…” hehe.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
When I was really young my mother did my hair. Thank god I wasn’t tender headed because it sure did gangle often. As soon as flat irons came out I started straightening my hair every chance I could. I grew up in a white neighborhood so I felt “better” with it straightened.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
I’m an actress and I was going out for a lot of commercial auditions in 2015. A friend of mine told me I should consider wearing my hair curly because most commercials he had seen with black women had them with their natural hair. Now before he said this I had booked 3 nationals commercials, one of which my scene didn’t make the cut. After I started wearing my hair naturally, I booked 22 national commercials over the next few years. I’m sure I had gotten better over time, but my natural hair surely helped.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I think the best think about wearing my hair natural is not having to cover it up in the shower, or working out (and sex”> and not worrying about sweating out my edges.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I like to put in a natural leave in conditioner, seal the moisture in with Jamaican black castor oil, make about 6 two strands twists and wear and silk bonnet to sleep.
Who is your curl crush?
Nobody makes me feel more in love with my curly hair than Tracee Ellis Ross!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Jamaican black castor oil!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I adore the Hydrating Avocado Deep Conditioner from naturallclub.com. This product is so natural you have to put it in the fridge or freezer lol. It makes your hair so soft immediately, making for the easiest combing ever (always with a wide tooth comb”>.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I first tried to wear my hair curly in 2013 as a suggestion from a boyfriend, but I couldn’t keep it moisturized for the life of me. It was constantly breaking and I noticed instead of my hair growing longer it was breaking off
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Putting a leave in conditioner to moisturize and an oil like Jamaican black castor oil to seal in the moisture has been a life saver.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Most of us were taught to hate our hair, so we have to learn to love it and when you do, it’ll show.
Image:@curlipedia
If you’re currently transitioning and newly embracing your curls, you may have come across the popular technique, The Curly Girl Method. When you’re first starting your journey it can feel daunting not knowing where to start or which products to use, so many curlies have found this technique to be helpful to better understand how to create a healthy hair regimen that fits their unique hair needs.
What is the Curly Girl Method?
The Curly Girl Method, from Lorraine Massey’s book “Curly Girl: The Handbook,” is a hair care method that trades in damaging habits (like shampooing and heat styling”> for a healthy curly hair regimen using quality ingredients free of silicones, parabens and sulfates. While this set of recommendations has been shown to have incredible results for many curlies in our community, you should always feel free to modify them to suit your hair!
Now more than ever, it’s important to be conscious of your health and what you put in and on your body. Choosing the best products for your hair depends on a few things such as hair needs, ingredients and overall hair goals.
Image:@pumphaircare
To help simplify your hair regimen, Pump Hair Care created a vegan curly hair collection that is Curly Girl Method Approved and nourishes your strands from the inside out. Not to mention, this innovative and eco-friendly hair care brand is packaged in sugar cane tubes, with a zero carbon footprint to create a safe and clean environment for us all.
Image:@pumphaircare
What makes this brand so unique is the entire collection is plant based, vegan and cruelty-free. Their hero product that is key for strengthening and hydrating your hair is The Curl & Grow Mask , a deep conditioner packed with Biotin, Jojoba Seed Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Nettle Leaf Extract to strengthen and nourish your curls to enrocurha ehealth hair growth. This mask is designed specifically for co-washing so no shampoo is needed before using this mask.
Want to see how to use this hair mask to bring your curls back to life?
Watch this video below to see how @alyssarxs used the The Curl & Grow Mask and the Pump Soft Curl Gel to stregthen and define her curls with only two easy steps.
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For the conscious curlies, let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients to understand the amazing benefits:
Biotin: contains high levels of Vitamin B which forms proteins to thicken hair and encourage hair growth.
Rosemary Leaf Oil: A powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, the extract in this plant is known to increase circulation and stimulate hair growth! Better yet, rosemary has been shown to even fight alopecia and restore hair loss.
Nettle Leaf Extract: Rich in vitamins and minerals that aid as antioxidants (iron, magnesium zinc”>, which protects your hair from signs of aging, and stimulates growth.
Jojoba Oil: Made of 97% monounsaturated fats and it is similar to sebum, the natural oil that the scalp secretes, which is what makes it the perfect hair moisturizer! You can moisturize your hair without disrupting your scalp’s PH balance, and this helps you fight dandruff and promotes hair growth
Have you tried Pump Haircare? If so, what product is your holy grail? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Image of @naturalfrecklesandcurls
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Extremely challenging! Growing up I knew my hair was very different, but I just didn’t understand how or why. I had seen others with curly hair, but always just thought I was born with a textured tangled mess, and that my hair had missed the actual curl memo.
We kept my hair very short most of my life because of how tangled it always stayed and how I reacted to brushing it. I was even given a perm at some point while I was younger to try and help control it. Then as soon as I was old enough, I began bleaching and flat ironing it…every single day. Growing up, it was the main thing I wished I could change about myself on a daily basis.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
I have to give most of the credit to my husband. From day 1, he has always been partial to my curls. He encourages me to embrace my natural beauty and self daily and it finally rubbed off.
I began to research about caring for curls online and came across a few Facebook groups where I read about the Curly Girl Method. I had no idea something like this existed until this point. The transformations were so inspiring to me that I wanted to give the curly Journey a try for myself. I never dreamed the one thing I despised the most would transition over to something I love and now cannot imagine changing about myself.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Image of @naturalfrecklesandcurls
Hands down it would be meeting my Curly stylist. I had never met anyone more knowledgeable about curls in my life and the moment I sat down in her chair I took on a whole new love and appreciation For my curls! For as long as I can remember I have held onto this attachment to length for my hair And the moment I finally let her shorten It , I have never looked back. That was like the biggest pivotal moment of my curl journey and a sense of relief for the unrealistic expectations I held onto so very tightly. She helped me understand more about my hair in that 2 hour span than I had in my 30 plus years of life.
How do you protect your curls at night?
My sleep routine is pretty simple! I don’t love having things on my head at night when it comes to fabric of any kind so I pineapple my hair with a PuffCuff and sleep on a silk pillowcase. I also try to do a scalp massage every night with a few drops of oil. A silk pillowcase alone was a major step towards improving my morning curls.
Who is your curl crush?
This is so tough because there are so many unique and beautiful curlies in the world that it’s hard to pick! But the curls that I have been mega inspired by since the first time I saw them are rocked by toni_macaroni ! The volume she can achieve will always be a major goal for me, and she is a huge promoter of loving yourself as you are, which I have always admired about her.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My brushes !! I have such a tangled texture that brushing multiple times during a wash day is imperative for me. This is one of those curly girl rules that I absolutely cannot follow.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Image of @naturalfrecklesandcurls
I detangle often each and every wash day. I like to dry brush before washing, then shampoo and detangle while I condition. To style I like to detangle again, rake in a cream, scrunch in mousse and a gel, and then I go straight to diffusing. I have a handful of products that I use consistently which include:
- Lusbrands steps 1, 2 and 3
- Innersense Enliven Curls Collection
- Pump Haircare Curl and Grow Mask
- Uncle Funkys Daughter Squeaky Shampoo
- Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Mousse
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The constant trial and error. When I first started the Curly Girl Method I thought the only way to success was sticking to the rules exactly as they were spelled out in the book.
It took me some time to understand that these are just guidelines and that the Curly Girl Method isn’t a one-size-fits-all outline. Having very fine, mixed porosity, multi-textured hair, I had to learn to bend and break a few rules, and let go of the fact that my curl journey might look a little different than others.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
When I finally gave up on soaking wet styling and discovered damp styling, I began to have mega success in my wash days.
Other techniques that have got me to this point are upright side to side styling, brush styling to break up curl clumps, and micro-plopping. Styling upside down always spelled disaster for me, and I would get so frustrated thinking I was doing something wrong. Learning that there were other techniques to try out changed everything. You have to learn that it’s okay to try something new when you aren’t pleased with the results you are getting.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Image of @naturalfrecklesandcurls
My biggest piece of advice would be to learn to love your hair in all of its moments and stages. Curls are like people, amazingly unique. No two curlies are exactly alike, so each journey will look a little different. I always tell people to think of it like a road trip. We all have the same destination programmed, but the routes and distances will all be different depending on where we’ve started. The key is to learn to love and embrace your texture where it’s at in this moment,
then the journey will come across a little more smoothly and become life-changing as you learn and grow. Letting go of perfection is a must, because it truly doesn’t exist; instead we must embrace and believe that all waves, curls and coils are equally exquisite.
Image: @curlyhairnepal
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
As a curly girl in Nepal it is difficult to get hands on good hair products, let alone “curly girl” products. I grew up chemically straightening/relaxing my hair for 15 times. Also multiple use of iron rods to smooth my hair was a norm for me. I never left my home with my bushy, curly hair because I feared being bullied for having hair like that. Getting names like “noodles”, “broom”, or anything bushy was kind of normal and still prevailed here. However, my perspective towards having good hair has changed and I’m more than happy to carry my curly hair wherever I want to. I am also encouraging my fellow curly girls in Nepal to accept their hair texture and be confident with what they have.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
After constantly relaxing my hair in the name of making it look good, I had totally damaged its actual texture. Returning back to my homeland after completing my studies made me realize that there is much more than just “looking good” in your hair. I vowed not to chemically torture it again. That’s when I came across naturallycurly.com and learnt about hair types, texture, porosity and all. After almost 2 years of not manipulating my hair with any chemicals or heat, I followed tips to even take care and make it look good. My curly hair journey is not just a trend for me but it’s my lifestyle now.
Image: @curlyhairnepal
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Almost 2 years of transitioning phase without knowing about how to take care of my curls is my most empowering movement. I had a mix of straight and curly (frizz ball”> hair on my crown, but still I did not hesitate to carry that with confidence. As I vowed not to straighten them ever, this 2 years long journey was a challenge for me. Especially being in a profession as a doctor, where I am supposed to look “put together” all day.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Satin bonnet, pillows and pineapple bun, all those methods help me.
Who is your curl crush?
Spisha, I love her confidence. She is the first person I saw on social media with perfect curly hair. Never thought my hair would look perfect too. She inspires me.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My satin scrunchie or invisibobble. This will sound funny but, good hair days don’t need any attention. However, bad hair days need “hair styles”.
Image: @curlyhairnepal
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I am following CGM but modified according to my hair needs.
After shampoo and conditioner, I use ample amounts of Cantu Coconut Curling Cream (favorite”>, followed by diy flaxseed gel. Scrunch and microplop then air dry. Alternatively, I deep condition my hair.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Limited and expensive products available in my country made/ is making my curly hair journey difficult. I wish we have good products available so that I can explore and give my hair what it deserves.
Image: @curlyhairnepal
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Deep conditioning regularly on each for around six months helped my hair health a lot. I was almost addicted to deep conditioning. I used the diy deep conditioning method mostly.
Image: @curlyhairnepal
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Curly hair journey is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle. It’ll take time to embrace a certain lifestyle, that’s why patience is the key here.
Follow your favorite curly hair guru and be careful not to overdo anything.You will get there one day. Hugs and kisses, Curlyhairnepal.
Image Source: @curlymathu
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I didn’t realize my hair was textured, I always thought it was straight with some waves. It was also always majorly frizzy and thick and predominantly braided. My hair was long and thick and my mum didn’t know what to do with the frizz so it was easier to brush it back than do anything else. I used to try to create Beyoncé like curls with my curling wand, not realizing I probably had them under there all along!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
I just wanted my hair to be healthy. My postpartum hair loss was awful, my hair was thinning and I could see areas of my scalp that I had never seen. So for me, I just decided I would stop using heat and try the curly girl method for a year and see where it took me. After 6 months, I found myself trying a modified version of CGM due to product buildup and hard water impact on my hair. I had no expectations ever around my hair becoming as curly as it is now, and I couldn’t be happier with how much healthier it is.
Image Source: @curlymathu
What have been the most empowering moments of your curly hair journey so far?
The day I went out and it was raining and I didn’t care about what happened, I was just happy that my hair was washed, healthy and natural. My second most empowering moment was when my mum actually said how different my hair might have looked growing up if she had known it curly and if she knew how to style it.
What have been the most challenging moments of your curly hair journey?
When others have found the holy grail and I’m still wavering on wash day fails. I’ve learned to understand that learning your hair takes time and it’s changes can be temperamental like my kids! I think expecting consistent results which I don’t always achieve. I’ve now learnt that some of us need a bit more time learning a spit our hair and that’s ok, it’s wonderful to learn to love something we are lucky enough to have.
Image Source: @curlymathu
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I always pre-poo with a deep conditioner. I am currently out of a deep conditioner, so I often create DIY masks using eggs, yogurt and a bit of honey for shine and moisture. I currently use Innersense as my hair is quite fine now, lightweight products tend to work best for me. I love a rice water rinse as my hair always holds better after an injection of protein. I have also always used Pantene Mousse on refresh days or on wash day since the start of my CG journey. I am also experimenting with curl training which is massively helping.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my Innersense conditioner, a little goes a long way and my hair loves it!
Tell us about #Bipoccurlies and what inspired you to create this series?
#Bipoccurlies is a showcase of Black, indigenous and people of colour curlies. It tells their stories of their journey with natural hair and it involves a weekly feature and live interview around topics that help shine a light on issues faced in our respective races. I created this because George Floyd and the aftermath of his death, awoke in me a sense of fear, a fear for the next generation. It also made me realise that the power to change that is in our hands and not just through words and a few protests here and there. It needed more. I didn’t know then that people would engage with it in the way that they did, but my passion for this is truly around racial equality, if stories like those featured showcases and highlights issues that a standard curly girl insta handle won’t show, then I don’t see why that’s anything, but good. Racial equality and diversity should be something social media algorithms favors, but actually that isn’t always the case.
What stereotypes and misconceptions do you hope to conquer through your platform?
I want those that feel uncomfortable to share what I’m doing to ask why? Is it because of your audience and you not wanting to upset the “norm”? I have been told “it’s too political”, I have had influencers not want to share this because I’ve asked them to; but this is the point. Until it becomes natural for a non BIPOC individual to want to share these features, for a non BIPOC individual to say actually you’ve changed my mind and for me not to have to find an acronym for marginalized voices, that is the dream. There are plenty of non BIPOC individuals who have massively supported this, but there are also a great many influencers out there who are still under the impression that featuring a couple of black brands and talking about it once in a blue moon is enough. It isn’t and I’m doing everything I can to change that narrative and for people to come to my page to find support, inclusion and a true ambassador for racial equality. Besides, the added benefit of meeting new curlies that you wouldn’t otherwise think to find if they don’t have the same curl texture as you.
Image Source: @curlymathu/
What advice do you have women striving to embrace their natural beauty?
Natural beauty is entwined in self esteem. In order to love your natural beauty, you need to love yourself and that can take time. Social media can show us heaps of people who personify beauty to us, but it can equally somehow leave us feeling alone. You are never alone, your thoughts make you. Just remember you are beautiful and it’s ok if you don’t see that every day but always try and say one thing good about yourself to yourself.
What can we expect from you in the future?
#Bipoccurlies is evolving rapidly, I am doing more philanthropic efforts through my voice on this, I will be speaking more on various topics and natural hair and there may even be some brands being featured so stay tuned!
Image:@curls.jul
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up, I possessed so much self hatred. I truly believed that my hair was the ugly and unattractive. I remember being about 6 years old and crying over how much I hated my hair. I would beg my mom to straighten my hair, and once I got older, I would straighten it daily. Smooth, pin straight hair was the ideal when I was growing up, so it was frustrating to see so many commercials shaming frizz and curls, and promoting straight hair. It took many years to learn to love what I already have.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
Going to therapy pushed me in the direction of self love, which also meant appreciating my naturally curly texture. In addition, I was sick of spending hours trying to tame my frizz, only for it to come back the minute I stepped outside. I began to do research on how to take care of curls, and found the curly girl method.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment in my hair journey was getting rid of all of my products that contained sulphates, silicones and parabens. It felt like I officially started to take care of myself by eliminating harmful ingredients from my routine.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep with a pineapple bun using a satin scrunchie. I also sleep with a silk pillowcase to prevent friction.
Image:@curls.jul
Who is your curl crush?
Hands down Ayesha Malik. She’s one of the first people I started following after learning about the curly girl method, and we have a similar pattern so it’s easy to find products that I like through her. The way she uses her platform is admirable, and I am constantly blown away by her bravery.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I constantly find myself reaching for Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner. The slip I get is amazing, and it’s always easy to detangle after applying it to soaking wet hair.
Image:@curls.jul
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
In the shower, I’ll start with a low-poo, typically Curls Blueberry Bliss Hair Wash, and I’ll scrub my scalp with my fingers for about 1-2 minutes. Then, I smooth on my conditioner, adding water occasionally for slip. I’m a big fan of Bounce Curl Cream Conditioner. I use a comb for detangling and scrunch in the conditioner with water once I finish detangling. I don’t rinse the conditioner out completely, allowing for extra moisture. I always rake in a cream or a leave in, usually Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner, or Curls Blueberry & Coconut Hair Milk. Finally, I’ll scrunch in a gel while flipping my head side to side for even distribution. For drying, I primarily diffuse on warm air, using the pixie diffusing technique.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging thing for me was learning not to become so annoyed if I have a “failed” wash day. It’s more important to live in the moment than to focus on how “bad” your hair looks on any given day!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Oil treatments really sped up the growth of my hair. Once a week I apply Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Red Pimento Oil to my scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes. My hair has grown rapidly because of this over the past 5 months, and my hair feels healthier too.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Don’t forget to deep condition once a week! I didn’t know about the wonders of deep conditioning until a year into my hair journey. Even now, my hair doesn’t quite feel the same when I forget to deep condition.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I grew up in a traditional Puerto Rican home. My mother was never fond of curly hair. I clearly remember how many times I cried, as a child, while my mom or my older sister was untangling my hair. My hair was always frizzy and unmanageable. All efforts were in vain, my mom just didn’t know how to care for my thick, curly hair. Finally, at 9 years old, I was given my very first “Just for me” relaxer kit. I remember smelling the burn from my hair the next day while sitting in class. I had to leave my hair pin straight greasy for a few days before I was able to wash.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
At the end of 2018(entering 2019″>, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune deficiency disorder. This disorder triggered chronic eczema in my skin and scalp. I was told that applying heat to my scalp assisted in flare ups I was going through during that time. Nevertheless, I was stubborn and didn’t start my natural hair journey until March of 2019. It’s very hard for someone that has been raised with the mindset that curly hair makes you look “dirty or untidy” to break free from that mentality. When I made the commitment to embrace my natural hair I had to mentally prepare myself for the negativity I knew I would get. Although my biggest supporters were my 5 sisters, my mother was not thrilled about my decision to embrace my natural curly hair.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
My most empowering moment of my natural hair journey was when the last of my damaged hair was removed. When I first started my journey, I went to a curly specialist that told me I had to get a pixie cut in order to move forward. I remember walking out sad and disillusioned, the one person I thought for sure will help me , crushed my hopes of transitioning to natural (because I knew I will not get a pixie cut”>. Finally I ran into a curl specialist profile and decided to message her, from that moment on everything changed for me. Coming to the realization that I had accomplished my goal and had a new appreciation and love for myself was my most empowering moment.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I protect my curls at night with an extra large satin handkerchief or bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush is the influencer kats.curls. She literally took me under her wing from the very beginning of my healthy hair journey.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My curly girl essential I can’t live without is my extra large satin handkerchiefs. I use them for working out, sleeping, protective styling from the sun, and even when I do a pineapple to clean around the house.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My current regimen is Enummi Shampoo and conditioner. I am a huge believer in having a good balanced routine to meet all the needs of your hair. In order to achieve this I use curlygenny_ hair masks weekly, Shea Moisture Deep conditioning hair masks 2x/ month and also use Olaplex 3 every 4 weeks. My current “go to” leave-in product is Curlsmith weightless air dry cream and in-shower styler fixer. I also make sure to take multivitamins and collagen to maintain optimal results with new hair growth. In addition to this, I scalp massage daily with righteous roots oil. I know…it’s a lot!! But it is SO WORTH IT!!!
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
My most challenging moment was 5 months into my journey. When you’ve reached the halfway point of the journey, you get into a very awkward stage where everything inside of you screams to fall back into old habits. I remember being invited to a wedding and almost straightening my hair. At that moment, I removed all my accumulated hot tools (worth over $700″> and gave them away, otherwise I knew I would fall back into old habits. When I decided to take this step, I knew that I was fully committed to the process.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
One of the techniques that I believe has made a huge impact on my hair health is scalp massaging daily for a minimum of 5 minutes. Scalp massage has many benefits, hair growth being one of them. Another technique I adopted during my transition was finger coiling. Finger coiling encouraged my curls to take the form in which they have today. Yes, in the beginning it looks very unnatural, but when you get to the place where you no longer have to manipulate your curls to take form, it makes the process all worth it.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice for women struggling to love their natural texture is to give it time. It’s worth it! And the satisfaction you get from reaching your goal is priceless. As a mother of 3 curly girls, having them be active members of my process and journey of loving and embracing me for myself made a world of difference. I am raising 3 curly girls that love and embrace their natural curly hair.
Image Source: @curlyloveclub
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
My earliest memory of having curly hair takes place circa 1995. My mother, who’s hair was silky soft and straight as an arrow, was bewildered with how to style my naturally curly hair. In an [unsuccessful] attempt to control its shape and provide some definition, I sat in a booster seat in our kitchen, listening to her hum as she wound my curls one by one into papers and perm rods. This was the first of many attempts throughout my youth to try and control my hair into something it was not. I was so unhappy with my hair as I had no idea how to style it without the use of heat tools or an actual iron —for clothes! Yikes!
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
Image Source: @curlyloveclub
2018 was a hard year. Little did we know 2020 was coming! I was having a hard time loving where I was at in life. I was stressed, tired and my hair was beginning to grey— at 27. In an attempt to conceal the inevitable process of aging, I turned to my now toxic ex-girlfriend, bleach. I lightened. I balayage’d. I half-headed and I went full-headed. What ended up happening is my hair began to literally snap off in protest. At the end of the summer, with hair akin to straw, I looked into the mirror and I said to myself out loud “enough.” I decided right then I would quit fighting to be something I am not. I wanted to love me for ‘me.’ So I began my research and nursing my curly hair back to life.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
As I began to learn about and embrace my curls, I knew very quickly I was going to have to let go of a couple things. First up was some length. I cut off as much hair as I could reasonably tolerate in order to have a healthy clean slate. Second, I had to let go my expectations of perfection. This was going to be about the journey, not the destination! Learning to care for my curly hair was like taking myself on a first date with a lifelong acquaintance. Awkward at first, uncomfortable getting to know one another but soon flourished into something magical. Somewhere along the bumpy road I stopped liking how I looked better with straight hair and truly felt more beautiful wearing my hair naturally curly. Or as I now prefer it, being “me”.
How do you protect your curls at night?
At night I put my hair up in a pineapple on the top of my head and sleep on a silk pillowcase. Occasionally I will use a Buff.
Image Source: @curlyloveclub
Who is your curl crush?
I have too many curl crushes! So much pressure! But I’m going to have to say Hannah (@hanzcurls“> for her dreamy red headed curly-rapunzel vibes. She’s a stunner and sugary sweet!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I love my wet brush. Great for detangling and styling. Affordable, accessible and works wonders for my hair.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Currently my regimen is Shampoo + condition, leave in, curl activating cream and a mousse or gel! My HG products are Ag Recoil and the underrated Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Mousse!
Image Source: @curlyloveclub
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The time. Wanting results yesterday! I’m super impatient so growing my hair out has felt more marathon, less sprint. I’m trying to learn how to be patient in the process and be grateful for the & lows.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Cutting out heat styling would be my most important contribution to my hair’s health. I used to straighten every day *gasps* only to then re-curl with a curling wand because it looked fried straight! Gently detangling, deep conditioning, Olaplex No. 3 and ditching terry cloth towels for a softer alternative are a close second.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
It takes time but hang in there. You got this. Please know that nothing on the surface can define your worth, only you have the power to do that. You are the perfect ____ [mother, daughter, friend, mama, etc.] to someone regardless of how your hair looks, remember that.
Dr. Kari Williams is an L.A. native who juggles multiple glorious roles as a doctor of trichology, educator, and entrepreneur. As the creator of the Goddess Locs, she has continued to be an hair innovator in Hollywood working with celebs like Megan Good, Jennifer Hudson, and Chloe x Halle and behind the scenes teaching stylists how to be empowered in their craft. Managing Editor Alexandra Wilson chatted with Dr. Kari about the origin of her infamous goddess locs, her hair journey, and addresses the misconceptions of protective styling, and more!
Image: Dr. Kari Williams
Tell us about yourself and how you got involved in haircare:
I am a specialist in natural hair care and braiding. I have been doing it for over 20 years. I have always loved natural hair and the art of braiding and began to pursue it professionally when I was in college. I am a licensed barber and cosmetologist and I use that skill set to help men and women celebrate their hair in their natural state. Because of my natural gift as a braider I really focused on natural hair care and then combined that with my background in trichology which focuses on scalp and hair disorders. When I decided to develop an expertise in trichology, it was motivated by the fact that I wanted to help people who deal with hair issues like itchy scalp, hair loss, and breakage.
You have done so many different styles with various celebrities, how did you get into that industry and what inspired you to create the goddess locs?
There are so many stylists who aspire to be a celebrity stylist, but it was never a personal goal for me. I wanted to own a salon and serve as many people as possible. What I learned on my journey is that celebrities are people like you, who typically want services by people who reflect their values. Their values are professional, consistency, and having respect for their time. I was focused on being the best stylist I could be to serve any of my clients…and some happened to be celebrities. When I am training or working with a new stylist, it’s important that they feel empowered in whatever their craft may be and that they continue to reflect the values of the type of client they want to serve.
About five years ago we were in an era where faux locs were making comebacks and Megan Good’s stylist had contacted me saying she wanted faux locs but wanted them to resemble Lisa Bonet. This proved to be a challenge because Lisa Bonet’s locs are styled with her natural hair and not faux locs, but Megan really believed I could help her achieve this style. When it came time for me to have a final call with Megan I was asking God to give me the word to tell her I couldn’t do it and within that prayer God gave me the wisdom and insight to do it. After she hit the red carpet everyone was calling them faux locs and I decided it was time to brand this new hairstyle and then I came up with the name “Goddess Locs.” I love sharing this story with stylists because many of them don’t know that a young woman from South Central created them in addition to encouraging them to value their ideas. The biggest lesson I learned from this experience was learning to protect my ideas and not undervalue them.
It’s so important to own and brand your ideas, what was the trademark process like?
I don’t own the trademark which is why the origin of how they were created is such an important part of my journey. I underestimated the value of my creativity. As soon as I had created it I was teaching it to people and as it grew in popularity I realized that I needed to trademark it and protect it. However; alot of larger Asian hair manufacturers had already filed trademarks for the name. I currently have a patent pending regarding the technique. That inspired me to create a training platform that would allow me to teach other stylists how to protect their ideas and develop a sense of ownership within the hair space.
Tell us about your method and technique Goddess locs and what makes them unique
One of the defining characteristics of the goddess locs is the soft wavy ends and the original version of them was created with all human hair which keeps it lightweight and healthy. A lot of people who choose to wear loc extensions want longevity and the older they get the better they look. Using human hair allows for the natural hair to still remain healthy once the locs are removed after a 3-4 month period. Within the course I go into how to properly install the base. The goddess locs themselves are really two styles in one, you have a base that is created with a loc or twist and then you wrap it. The beautiful aspect of locs is that they are never the same so I teach stylists how to consult with their client on that process and make it unique to their natural hair texture. There are proper ways to wrap the locs so aren’t too heavy and then when removing them you won’t damage the hair.
Tell us more about Beauty By Dr. K and what was the process like?
The process was really fun! I’ve been working within hair care with other product lines for years and what I discovered in working with my clients is that they wanted products that were easy, simple, and would provide daily moisture. I started with listing the essential oils and ingredients that I knew would be beneficial hair with an emphasis on moisture. I approached my line from my trichology background and really just started to assess identifying the needs of my clients which came down to moisture and simplicity. I wanted to create a simple hair care system that helped build a foundation for healthy hair. We’ve gotten away from the simplicity of a good hair care routine.
I’m keeping it simple for you! We’ll be releasing my hair oil, then two shampoos (cleanse and clarifying”> and then a conditioner.
Let’s talk protective styles, what are the biggest misconceptions of wearing protective styles?
The biggest misconception I want to address is that because you have a protective style you don’t have to do anything, which is wrong, you need to wash your hair. Don’t neglect your hair or get rid of your hair care routine, you want to maintain it while in the protective style. I would also say don’t leave your protective style in too long because many protective styles are used with extensions. A protective style doesn’t require extensions, I define it as a style that gives you a break from daily manipulation like twists, cornrows, or braids with our own hair. Wearing extensions can increase the longevity of the style, but if you wear them too long it can cause alopecia or hair loss, particularly around the hairline.
What would you say is a good time frame for wearing a protective style like a passion twists, box braids, etc.
I would say 8 weeks, but around 4-5 weeks you want to get a touch up. A lot of the tension takes place around the hairline and over time as the hair grows out of the extension it becomes a weight and it pulls around the scalp. If you aren’t getting a touch-up I would say 6-8 weeks and anything longer than that should be discussed with your stylist.
We saw you participated in the campaign “Pretty Shouldn’t Hurt.” What are some myths of protective styles?
It’s a huge myth that in order for a braid to last it needs to be tight. I know many women who suffer through pain and tension and convince themselves that it’s necessary for a good style. There are so many Black girls and young women who are experiencing permanent hair loss. There are plenty of ways to create braids and use proper braiding techniques that keep a client’s hair healthy and void of tension.
There’s a misconception that by wearing protective styles that equates to hair growth, can you shed some light on this?
When it comes to tighter texture hair types, the hair is naturally fragile. When people are wearing protective styles they aren’t manipulating their hair for 4-8 weeks so it allows your hair underneath to grow which helps for length retention. I highly recommend protective styles for people with tightly coiled hair patterns have finer hair strands and wearing protective styles can help with lengthening the strand.
What are some easy protective hairstyles that people can do at home right now?
Cornrows, flat twists, two-strand twists, braids and bantu knots, are all great that are versatile and provide a combination two-in-one style. When you undo any of these styles you can take them out and rock a whole different style with added definition. It’s a great time to get to know your hair and love it so when you do get back in the stylist chair you can communicate what you want.
What do you recommend for dealing with an itchy scalp?
First it’s trying to determine what is the cause of the itchy scalp. I always counter this question with when did you last wash your hair? You may need to increase the amount of washing depending on your activity or hair thickness. If you have really thick hair make sure you are parting through and directly applying the shampoo to your scalp. If you are experiencing an allergic reaction or constant flaking make sure you are using a medicated shampoo and combining that with a deep conditioner.
Could you define some key indicators of someone having a scalp disorder vs. an itchy scalp?
If you experience thick flakes around the hairline that are scaling or that sit in the hair, redness, scalp texture changes, or inflammation that’s an indication you have a scalp disorder. Dandruff (powdery flakes”> are different because those can be a reaction from a shampoo or product you used.
What are your recommendations for building a scalp care routine?
It’s about making sure you are getting to the scalp. The biggest part of scalp care is keeping it clean and if it’s dry you want to use a light oil to keep it lubricated.
Can you clarify what’s a good lightweight oil for the scalp?
Jojoba oil is one of my favorite oils for dry scalp or flaking. Any of your essential oils are going to penetrate really well into the skin.
What’s your advice, to grease or not grease the scalp?
You don’t want to grease the scalp, I recommend using light-weight oils on the scalp because they will absorb into the scalp. Grease should be used on the ends of the hair to protect from the elements and friction.
Reading ingredients can be hard, what are some moisturizing ingredients we should look for when purchasing products?
The easiest moisturizing ingredients are water-based products, natural oils like jojoba, butters, and glycerin. These are all nice and hydrating ingredients that will absorb into the hair and scalp.
What are your recommendations for combing out locs?
If you want to comb out your locs you are going to go through a long process where you may experience some hair loss. The length of your locs won’t reflect the length of your natural hair because locs are an accumulation of hair that has shed from your scalp and is no longer attached. You also have to consider the amount of friction that will occur from combing your hair, you may need to consider getting a haircut afterward to get rid of any frayed or damaged hair. I recommend letting the locs grow out without retightening and then once the loc gets to a length you are comfortable with then cut them and start styling your own hair.
What are your tips for detangling matted hair?
You have to first determine how matted the hair is. The Dr. K Comb Out Cream is magic in a bottle! I have detangled a lot of hair and the key is patience and products. The Comb Out Creme is specifically formualated for that process to help make it easier. The longer you allow the product to saturate in the matted hair, it will be easier to comb through. Also, tools are key! Be sure you have a good comb, like a rat tail comb. Then, you will gently start seperating the hair from the ends and working your way up. Tangled and matted hair usually creates like a webbing, so if you’re patient enough and have the right product and tools you can get through the process.
Image:@gabiwithcurls
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up curly in a country where all girls had long straight and often blonde, my hair was challenging. I always felt that I was different. The beauty standard is so rooted into the culture that a straightener is everyone’s best friend. There are quite a lot of curly people there, but you will never see us represented anywhere. Google ‘Lithuanian girl’ – you will see the standard of beauty. However, even though I felt that I am not pretty by the standards (curly dark hair and bushy eyebrows were not very trendy”>, I did not want to comply. I had straightened my hair occasionally and eventually dyed it blonde, however, growing up everyone knew I am curly. I was proud to be curly and saw that as a part of my personality, I liked being different and it made an impact to the way I am now.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
When I bleached and straightened my hair, my dad used to always say ‘stop torturing your hair’. Did I listen? I was a teenager, of course not. Later, at some point a couple of years ago my hair was so terribly bleached that it was barely wavy. It was dry and awful. To be honest, I am surprised I still had some hair. I am not sure when exactly it happened but I remember my friend Laura, who has a beautiful massive afro, introduced me to some products and somehow I started finding all of these beautiful curly hair instagram accounts and started reading. I did not stop straightening my hair straight away but I made my final decision to truly commit to CGM around Christmas time in 2018 and it was definitely one of the best decisions of my life!
Image:@gabiwithcurls
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I think I will never forget when I went to see my specialist curly hair stylist Erika for the first time. At that time I was already practicing CGM for over 6months but I needed a specialist to really do something with it. For the first time in my life I did not straighten my hair in a hair salon. The moment she finished diffusing, fluffed my hair and I saw my shiny shiny ringlets I CRIED! Out of joy of course! She said I am the only one who had ever cried in her chair like this but I could not be happier to see my hair finally coming back!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I have a silk pillow and a satin bonnet. Sometimes I sleep in a pineapple but the bonnet proved to be the best solution!
Who is your curl crush? I cannot name one! I learned most from:
- Elizabeth (@honestlizhere“>
- Bianca (@mzbiancarenee“>
- Dina (@curlytalks“>
- Hamsa (@curlsbyhamsa“>
- Toni Macaroni (@toni_macaroni“>
- Kristy (@curlyloveclub“>
There are so many more, I really cannot name one!
Image:@gabiwithcurls
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
If I have to choose one – CurlSmith Curl Defining Styling Soufflé. There are other great products out there but this was my first favourite that never ever fails my hair!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I wash my hair only once a week and I always deep condition! I try to not overload my hair with products and refresh with water only at first. My KEY to good volume is drying my roots with a cotton t-shirt before applying any stylers and only then diffusing. This discovery was a real game changer for me!
Image:@gabiwithcurls
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
In the beginning of my journey, the hardest thing was finding a sulphate free shampoo that would wash my scalp but also not irritate it. It sounds weird but my scalp really really didn’t like any natural shampoo. I used to wash my hair and on the first day feel so itchy like I had lice! Trust me, not a nice feeling. Now I stick to one shampoo that I know and don’t play around.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
I always say that deep conditioning is key to healthy hair!
For me personally the real game changer was drying my roots before diffusing, kind of modified damp styling. If I style it wet, I get the shine but water weighs the hair down and doesn’t really let it show its best. I only discovered this method back in April and nothing worked better than that ever since.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I know it is hard to say goodbye to a straightener, but you will only ever feel like the real YOU when you will finally embrace what nature gave you. Do not compare yourself to others, but there are so many great examples of successes that people have achieved, so trust me, its worth it!
