Search Results: NaturallyCurly
Image: @itsshowkneez
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I get my curly hair from my mother who always straightened her hair growing up. My mother’s hair is even curlier than mine. She would often get called “bush baby” when she wore her hair curly to school. The cycle of straightening her hair to fit in passed on to me. I would always feel like I looked untidy and unkept if I left my hair curly. I would get blow-outs since the young age of 7 years old so I could look “neat” for school. I would spend hours trying to get my hair straight only for it to curl back up and get frizzy in humid conditions. I also remember having a few childhood peers (all with straight hair”> who made fun of curly hair in pre-school and primary school. This forced me to try any method just to get my hair straight.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
Besides straightening my hair everyday, I also used to dye my hair very often when I entered university. Although I loved the different hair colors, my hair was extremely dry and brittle. I started to hate my hair even more when it was straight. During 2017 I started seeing a lot of women on Instagram who were embracing their curly hair. I saw many women with the same curl pattern as me and realized that my hair could also potentially look as good. At the end of 2017, I decided to do a big chop and to stop straightening my hair.
Image: @itsshowkneez
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment so far been using my platform to help other women to embrace their curls. My hair is finally in a healthy state and I have learned how to care for my hair. I’m now trying to share my tips and tricks. Second to this, my most empowering moment was doing a big chop. I thought my hair wouldn’t grow back at first!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I usually apply a little bit of almond oil to my hair and protect it with a satin scarf. The almond oil helps my hair retain moisture. I use the pineapple method.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush is definitely Jayme Jo. Her hair is so healthy and beautiful. I’ve been following her for a while and she’s definitely #goals.
Image: @itsshowkneez
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Definitely my satin scarf and my diffuser. Wash day for me takes a few hours so I always sleep with my satin scarf to make sure my hair lasts for a few days. My diffuser helps me achieve volume and also shortens my drying time. I definitely wouldn’t be able to wait to air dry every wash day.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I try to follow the curly girl method in terms of products. I shampoo with Sheamoisture JBCO and I deep condition with the JBCO Masque right after shampooing. I only shampoo and deep condition once a week. If I need to wash my hair more than once a week, I use the As I Am Coconut Co-wash which prevents my hair from drying out. When styling, I apply a leave in for moisture and a gel for definition and hold. My favorite leave-ins are: Sheamoisture Raw Shea Detangler, Kinky Curly Knot Today and Jane Carter Solutions. My favorite gels are: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle, Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel and the Mane Choice Crystal Orchid gel.
Image: @itsshowkneez
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment was figuring out how to sleep with curls and also which products to buy. The market is flooded with so many different products but it’s difficult figuring out which one will work for which hair texture. Certain products can also contain harsh chemicals so I had to do a lot of research into the different ingredients that go into hair products. Curly hair is naturally quite dry so it’s important to make sure the products we use are nourishing for our hair.
Image: @itsshowkneez
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Deep conditioning really changed my hair. Deep conditioning once a week reduced so much off my frizz. My hair also started growing so much faster once I started deep conditioning. I also find that sectioning my hair when applying products gives me much better results. My hair also became a lot more defined once I started using a gel to style. Of course, with all of this I figured out how to balance moisture and protein in my hair.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I think that society has certain standards of beauty that have prevented and still prevent women (mostly those with kinkier hair types”> from even being able to wear their natural hair. So firstly, I believe that society needs to change the beauty standards placed on certain hair types. Learning to love one’s hair in its natural form takes time and there’s a lot that goes with it given the standards of beauty that certain hair types face. What helped me start loving my curly hair was definitely learning how to style it and take care of it. Once I started getting good styling results, I started loving my hair more and more. Most importantly, trust the process!
@nikki_with_the_curls before transitioning
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I remember being a teenager and I wanted to have long, straight hair, like all the other girls. I got bullied in school, so I wanted to fit in so badly. I would try to straighten my hair, but by the time gym class was done, my hair was frizzy and wavy again. I remember even faking a sprain before.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
My 14 year old daughter was starting to embrace her natural waves and I was so proud of her. She encouraged me to do the same. So I did, while cheering her on and supporting her, while also being someone she could relate to.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I would have to say that wearing my hair in its natural state in a professional setting is empowering to me. I’m so thankful to have a boss who supported me and even joined me on my journey to healthy curls.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I love wrapping my hair up in a satin scarf and I sleep on a silk pillowcase, in case the scarf falls off.
Who is your curl crush?
My aunt is my curl crush in real life. I remember always looking up to her when I was a little girl. I always wanted hair like hers. She had the most beautiful long, dark curly hair.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My scalp massager, hands down! I love that thing!!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My hair is fine, so I clarify once a week or every other week. I try to stick with a conditioner with protein. I always use a curl cream (just a little”>, a foam and smasters with gel. I’m all about the volume and my hair is loving all the foams lately that help me achieve that!
Nikki after her transition
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Recently, I’ve realized my hair is more wavy than curly. I was always trying to brush style and manipulate with a ton of scrunching to try to make my hair more curly. But, I would always end up with hair that would look almost straight in the back. I recently got a very flattering hair cut that made me realize that I have wavy hair. Realizing this has made styling much easier.
What is your hair type?
2c
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Doing the smasters technique with a gel when my hair is about 60% dry has helped extend my wash day. Also, I’ve slowed down on using oils the weigh my hair down. Instead of scrunching out the crunch with oil, I’ve been using a pea size amount of cream. Now my hair is more bouncy.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Keep it simple and have fun with it. Life is full of heaviness, your hair doesn’t have to be. And instead of trying what works for everyone else, listen to what your hair needs.
Image: @littlewithbigcurls_
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up in a Dominican household, my textured hair was considered a “Pajon” which pretty much meant “wild untamed big afro”. So when someone would tell my mother “You need to fix her pajon” that meant “Take your child to the salon”. My hair was relaxed at the age of 10 and I had to get my hair straightened EVERY weekend, which I hated. However, in my mind I had to keep my hair nice and straight because that was when I looked “pretty”.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
In 2007 I decided to cut off all my relaxed hair, because I was over the chemicals being added to my hair and how smelly my hair would get when I would sweat. Even though I still continued straightening my hair weekly, I would sometimes rock my curls until one day in 2014 I washed my hair and my curls were completely gone. I had MAJOR heat damage. So I went to work and educated myself on natural hair. I had no idea that there was a huge natural hair community out there to help guide me. I was in awe!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment in my journey was in 2015 when I big chopped & never looked back. I now have been natural for 5 years :”> My healthy hair journey has been amazing! I learned to embrace & love myself & my curls. I’ve met so many amazing people on this same journey & knowing I have a whole community to lean on for support is really a great feeling.
Image: @littlewithbigcurls_
How do you protect your curls at night?
Before going to sleep I massage my scalp with my favorite oils combined, Jojoba & Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I put my hair in a high ponytail (Pineapple”>, wrap a satin/silk scarf around my head & I sleep with a satin pillow case. I move a lot when I sleep so if my scarf falls off (which it has”> I have my pillow to keep my curls protected.
Who is your curl crush?
Omg I have so many, but since I have to choose one I’m gonna say that my curl crush is @brandirell I just love her!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My curly girl essential I can’t live without is definitely my hair pick. I have one in every bag own, one by my bed, one in my car, another in my office at work. lol
Image: @littlewithbigcurls_
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Currently I wash my hair once a week, co-wash bi-weekly. I deep condition weekly religiously using either heat or steam. Once a month I do a hot oil treatment.
I style my hair using a cream/butter styler and sometimes I add gel on top of the cream/butter, it really just depends on the product I’m using. When applying the stylers I do it on drenching wet hair, I find when I do this I get the best results.
I air dry till my hair is about 70% dry then I diffuse. Once my hair is completely dry, pick at my roots for more volume.
A few Of my favorite products are the Papaya Castor Scalp Cleanser by Eden Bodyworks, Honey Miracle Hair Mask by TGIN ‘Thank God It’s Natural”, As I Am Leave-In Conditioner, and Natural Curl Defining Creme by Eden Bodyworks.
Image: @littlewithbigcurls_
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment of my natural hair journey was when I gave myself some heat damage by straightening my own hair. I know right!!! I would straighten my hair once a year for length check taking all protective measures. BUT it happened and I seriously cried and was so angry at myself. Like girl…you know better! I couldn’t believe I was dealing with heat damage AGAIN. But with a hair cut and EXTRA TLC my curls bounced right back!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Scalp massaging nightly with essential oils has definitely helped with growth and keeping my hair and scalp healthy.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Be patient. Take your time with learning your hair, what it likes and doesn’t like. Consistency is really important in achieving healthy hair. But most importantly, love & embrace YOUR hair. Its part of you!
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I had straight hair until the summer before starting college when my texture completely changed. I was mostly in a state of denial and never took the time to care for my new texture.
Hairstylists told me they loved my curls, but then elders from the Cambodian community, including my own mother, were telling me that I needed to straighten my hair because my curls were unacceptable and unsightly.
Simultaneously, I felt like I was highly fetishized and sexualized by men of other races who found my hair to be “exotic”. I didn’t have anybody I could look up to from my own community who had hair like mine, nor did I see it represented in the media.
I was groomed into believing that, as an Asian woman, I could never be considered beautiful to my own race because of my hair texture, my skin color, and my body frame.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
The year I started embracing my curls, my friend, Melanie, asked me to volunteer for her curl cutting class in March where she gave me a cut specific to my texture and gave me hair care tips. It was a very indisputable way for me to face what my texture actually was.
At the same time, I was naturally becoming more curious about curly hair through my former colleague, Tiffany, who has beautiful curly hair. She’d let me in on what it’s like living with her specific texture and how she took care of it. The more we talked about curls, the more I wanted to explore this part of my identity.
One day, I realized that I had to stop waiting for a role model who looked like me to magically appear. I decided to become my own role model instead.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I’m very lucky to say that I have had many empowering moments during my natural hair journey, and those moments are embedded in each and every single message I receive from other women who express that they share similar experiences to mine and are appreciative that they came across a photo of my face with my natural hair texture.
It’s astonishing how impactful and reassuring it is to simply see someone else mirror the parts of yourself that you want to love and validate. Ultimately, these moments have become part of this synergy that I hope will positively influence other people to step into their own light as well.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Way before I started embracing my curls, I’ve been sleeping on a 100% pure non-dyed 19mm mulberry silk pillowcase I ordered from an Etsy vendor called AdorabellaBaby. Additionally, I put my hair up in a “pineapple”, with either a silk or satin scrunchie.
I’ve tried bonnets and scarves, but I still prefer just my pillowcase and pineapple.
Who is your curl crush?
I have so many!!! Here’s a list of a FEW curl crushes including influencers, celebrities, poets and writers:
@honestlizhere, @lalahdelia, @kellyshabahzian, @spisha, @theblendedbeauty, @jannelleoshaughnessy, @curlybritt, @mamacurlee, @cleowade, @tashimrod and @iamsandraohinsta
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My diffuser! This particular tool and drying method is my biggest difference between having a good hair day and an OUTSTANDING hair day. My volume, bounce and definition is that much better when I diffuse compared to when I air dry. I don’t have any particular brand for a diffuser that I obsess over, I just use the attachment that came with my CONAIR blow dryer.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Cleansing/conditioning routine: I cleanse my scalp every time I wash my hair because it’s super fine and prone to buildup. While conditioning. I massage all my curl clumps with water and conditioner until every strand is properly coated (each clump should be smooth and slimy”>.
Wet styling routine: Divide my hair into 4 (top/bottom, left/right”> then finger rake leave in conditioner in each section. Then I’ll finger rake in some sort of a curl cream throughout my whole head, then use the praying hands method to apply gel in 4 sections. Depending on time, I’ll diffuse upside down with warm air or let air dry.
Product lineup: changes every so often but have recently fallen in love with Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair Mask (deep conditioning”>, and Innersense’s I Create Hold Gel and I Create Volume Lotion. Two of my favorite drugstore buys are Aunt Jackie’s Flaxseed Gel and Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The idea of attending a community event organized specifically for people with curly hair is quite unnerving for me because I’m concerned about being judged for taking up space, and I’m never sure if I’ll feel like I belong if I don’t see other people who look like me showing up in the same room.
I was in this situation not too long ago and had a lot of doubt about attending a particular event. At the time, I didn’t have enough energy, confidence or headspace to take on the reality that I more than likely will be reminded of my difference in a room full of people.
Through the encouragement from friends, I ended up going and am so grateful for it. I made some really great connections there and felt like I was at home.
I’m putting it out to the universe that I wish to see more events for the curly community in southern California please!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Praying hands method will always be my favorite way to apply products during the wet styling process. On my hair personally, this particular application method guarantees less frizz with the best definition and doesn’t weigh my hair down.
I also am very committed to deep conditioning at least every 1-2 weeks.
When I first started, I didn’t have any heat or coloring damage, but it did take about 8 months before I started seeing ideal results. Being consistent and curious has been key to my hair health and the progress of my curls.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Loving your natural texture is a choice and an effort that you have to make every single day. It’s something that you have to show up for on your own.
But you never have to do any of it alone.
Thanks to the internet, there are so many resources and groups you can join to connect with other people who share your story or who can help you learn the power of your curls.
Image: @curly.lori.lane
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
When I was a child, my mom had no idea how to handle my thick curly hair, so it was always cut really short. It was dry brushed daily. I started hating my hair when I was about twelve. I remember writing about it in my diary, hoping it would just look good for the next day at school. But it never did. So I would put it in a bun or braid to hide it. I wished it could just be silky straight and smooth like everyone around me. My sister would occasionally straighten it for me with an iron. I don’t think flat irons even existed yet.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
I’ve always worn my hair curly, only straightening or getting a blow out once in a while, for special events. But I was starting to highlight it more often, which caused it to dry out and loose curl. I was about to get it chemically straightened and hope for the best when I saw a post on Facebook about plopping in leggings. I had no idea what that meant and clicked on the link to a Curly Girl Facebook group. My first thoughts were…. woah, this is too much. And after scrolling through posts, I thought…..ya there’s no way these people have really curly hair, they must be curling it or something. A month later, I figured I’d make an effort to see if this was real before looking into chemically straightening and I’m soooo happy I gave it a chance!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Definitely being able to help other people struggling with their hair! I was so overwhelmed when I was new, so I love being able to give back.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep in a buff. But now I’m thinking about trying a silk pillow case so my curls can be more free.
Who is your curl crush?
Jackie! @mymanecurls
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
As long as I have a conditioner and a gel, I’m good. I have a few conditioners that work great for cowashing, conditioning, deep conditioning,
and leave in.
Image: @curly.lori.lane
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Cowash, Then add conditioner with praying hands. Squish to condish until my hair feels softer. Detangle with wide tooth comb and my fingers. Squish to condish again. Rinse all or most of the conditioner out. Divide hair in half and rake in leave in on each side. Flip head upside down and rake in more leave in, use a wide tooth comb to create clumps, praying hands to smooth, then gently scrunch. Wide tooth comb again, praying hands again, and gently scrunch again. Add gel with praying hands, then gently scrunch. Plop anywhere from 5-30 min. Sometimes microplop right before diffusing, sometimes not. Diffuse for 15 min or air dry.
Some of my favorite products are Yes to Carrots Nourishing Conditioner, Vo5 Extra Body Volumizing Conditioner, GVP Conditioning Balm, Giovanni Direct Leave In, Herbal Essences Gel, LA Looks Blue Gel, Biotera Defining Gel, Blueberry Bliss Jelly, Jessicurl Spiralicious, Giovanni LA Hold Gel, MopTop Curly Custard and Treluxe Hi Definition Gel.
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Image: @curly.lori.lane
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The hardest part for me has always been learning how to keep my hair balanced between protein and moisture.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Yes! Cowashing, squish to condish, taking my time when applying stylers, heated deep conditioning with protein, and avoiding coconut.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Do not compare your hair! Instead, learn to love your own!
Image Source: @houseofcurlsuk
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Being the only one within the family with thick, coarse, curly hair, I grew up not knowing how to care for my curls in the correct way. All my friends had straight hair, and then there was me, who had this mass of frizzy hair left to its own devices as my mum had no idea what to do with it. I looked up to my older cousins who would have the latest hairstyle and would make my mum take me to get my haircut just like them, however, it never turned out like theirs, and I didn’t understand why. I then turned to heated tools when I was older as I thought I had no other option to “smooth” and “tame” my hair, and wanted to fit in with everyone else.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
As I got older, I grew to love my hair; however, the decision to start this healthy hair journey was so I could learn how to care for it properly. I was getting so tired of my hair feeling so dry and damaged, and spending each day forever using hot tongs to try and create these big curls, which unbeknownst to me, I already had! They just needed the right products, knowledge and care! The Curly Girl Method opened up this whole other world! I could see a difference after one wash, so I was hooked and intrigued.
Image Source: @houseofcurlsuk
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Going on holiday and not constantly worrying about what I would do with my hair and how it would look. We took our daughter to Disneyland in Florida last July, and in a place where I would have been continuously stressing about ending up looking like Monica from friends, I was able to relax and not worry what my hair looked like, and that felt so good!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I have a really simple night time routine, I put my curls up into a pineapple with a satin scrunchie and then sleep on a silk pillowcase. I don’t like the feeling of anything on my head when sleeping so I haven’t been able to sleep with a buff on.
Who is your curl crush?
@chebella! She has length, gorgeous curls, and volume; everything a curly girl strives for!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My universal diffuser head, I now only have to take this if I travel and not worry about traveling with a hairdryer. The one I have is by GAMA and is really deep; I can fit a lot of hair in at one time which is great when you have a lot of it!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Image Source: @houseofcurlsuk
I like to keep things simple, so my routine is pretty straight forward. As I have so much hair it requires quite a bit of product to style, so I prefer to shampoo and alternate with a clarifying one every other wash, to ensure build up doesn’t occur. The Bounce Curl clarifying shampoo is great; not too harsh for frequent use, but cleansing enough to do the job. I also never forget to deep condition and do my scalp massages, I love Righteous Roots oil for this. I also do Olaplex treatments at home after I’ve had colour applied.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Finding the right protein balance for my hair. The moisture/protein balance is one of the hardest aspects of this curly journey that I’ve found so far; it’s a very thin line between good and oh so wrong! My curls do not like a lot of protein due to having coarse, low porosity hair and can only really handle some of the less stronger ones. I try and stay away from products that have soy, wheat or too much keratin in and only use small amount of products with rice, vegetable or quinoa in. I will do a rice water rinse every 4-6 weeks or when I really need it. Unfortunately, there’s no magic solution to this, it’s all about trial and error and finding out what your hair likes and dislikes.
Image Source: @houseofcurlsuk
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Wet plopping has made a huge difference when it comes to curl training my curls and allowing excess product to be absorbed meaning less drying time, as I like to use a diffuser to dry this is great.
For product application styling my curls with my head upside down and using the praying hand’s technique has been a game-changer. I’ve got thicker, more defined curl clumps and less frizz.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
This journey is a process, and you have to trust it. The transitioning period is hard, but once you see good days happening more often than the bad ones, the satisfaction and sense of achievement is so worth it. Don’t strive for perfection or somebody else’s curls/waves or coils; each head of curls is unique, just do you!
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I grew up in a suburban, homogenous town, where the majority of girls and women had silky straight, usually blonde, hair. I actually never even had a friend with curly hair until I reached college! Curly hair was extremely rare in my town, and those who did have it usually straightened it. So when I reached puberty and curls started springing from my head, I soon became very insecure about them. I was super self-conscious and considered myself shy, and I definitely didn’t like not fitting in with everyone else around me. On top of it all, my teenage brothers would make fun of me for having “frizzy curly” hair, which made my eventual sprint to the straightener all the more easier.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
Throughout high school, I frequently got Brazilian Blowouts and keratin treatments. However, once I got to college and met friends who embraced their curly hair, I realized that having it wasn’t a bad thing, as I had grown up thinking. In fact, for the first time in my life I met people who (gasp!”> loved curly hair, and I started to see it as a blessing instead of a curse. I also became more confident and outgoing than I was in high school, so I didn’t feel the need to hide behind straightened hair anymore. I finally started to believe that curly hair was something that makes you unique, and I was no longer scared of standing out.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
After years of Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments, I started to believe that I no longer had curly hair. As I now know, my curls start to become ringlets about 2-3 inches from my scalp, and I never let enough time go in between my treatments to see them form. After my last Brazilian blowout, I let my hair grow out more than usual because I had bad side effects from the treatment and didn’t want to get it again. Once I saw how different my new growth texture was from my treated texture, I decided to transition and let my hair grow out curly for the first time since the age of 15. I started my journey with a curly haircut (although, not a big chop”>, and since then I’ve been cutting it little by little. It has been amazing to see my curls transform since then.
How do you protect your curls at night?
My hair is too short to put into a pineapple, so I have been sleeping on a satin pillowcase ever since my first curly cut.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crushes have evolved throughout my hair transitioning process, especially as my hair grows and gets curlier. However, one constant curl crush has been Keri Russell during her Felicity days. Oh, and Zendaya!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My Denman brush! The first time I used it I saw a huge difference in my curl definition, and I’ve been using it ever since. It makes my hair shiny, defined, and frizz-free.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I’ve tried a lot of new products over the past year as my hair has changed. Recently, though, after watching documentaries and reading about the toxic chemicals in beauty products, I’ve switched to non-toxic products only. I love all natural, non-toxic products like Calia and Innersense because they actually help my hair health in the long run. Since using Calia shampoo, I’ve gotten rid of my dandruff problems. Innersense Beauty’s gel and curl cream works wonders when you learn how much product your hair needs. I can feel my hair getting healthier as I keep using them, and it’s incredible! Switching to non-toxic products can be a bit of an adjustment, but the results for your hair are amazing.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
In high school, I was always very influenced by the opinions of others. Whenever my brothers said something negative about my hair, I believed them, and I started to associate having curly hair with my low self esteem. Since transitioning, I still hear a lot of “jokes” about my curly hair when I come home for school breaks, be it from my brothers or their friends. A month ago, one of my brother’s friends said some pretty negative things about girls with curly hair, and asked me why I don’t just straighten mine. It was a really good feeling to realize that those comments don’t affect me now like they did in high school, and that I didn’t feel the need to immediately straighten my hair after hearing them. I know now he’s just a boy who grew up in an isolated town who has certain views because of it, and it means nothing about me, or the rest of the world.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Switching to non-toxic products has definitely changed my hair and scalp health for the better. Overall, though, I’d say that finding what works best for your hair and taking people’s advice with a grain of salt is the best thing you can do for your hair. Some things that work super well for one person’s curly hair can work way differently for yours. Find a way to wear your hair that you love and that works for you.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I know it’s frustrating, but it gets better each day and it’s so worth it in the long run. The satisfaction of one good hair day during the curly hair transition is better than any satisfaction I got from a keratin treatment or from straightening. When I’m feeling discouraged, I look at pictures of my virgin hair (so, for me, pictures of when I was 15!”>, and think about how great it’s going to be when it gets to that state again. The short term struggle is worth the long term relief!
Image: @curlybeviie
What was it like for you growing up with natural hair?
I have always been natural, I have never permed or relaxed my hair. With that I spent years trying to figure out what worked best for my hair and how I wanted to style it. Until middle school, my mother was the one who cared for my hair. She constantly kept my hair braided or in cute little puff or twisted styles. Around 13 is when I began attempting to care for my own hair… hot mess! I didn’t really know what to do with it so I wore it in a ponytail everyday. Then in high school I began wearing my hair down more but would very irritated by the shrinkage. I had no clue at the time what shrinkage was lol! Senior year i decided to dye my hair and start my process of styling my hair in a fro shape. The rest is history from there dealing with color damage, trying countless techniques/products, undercuts, watching videos, etc!. I always loved my natural hair despite the fact I didn’t really know what to do with it for a while.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
My mother installed confidence and love into me about my natural hair since I was little. She always taught me to love the way I was born and don’t let anyone tell me different. I owe it all to her the reason why I loved my natural for so long.
Image: @curlybeviie
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment is when people began addressing me in person and telling me how much I have inspired them. It’s crazy how people see my self confidence and embrace it for themselves. I never knew my hair could do so much for others.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging part are ignorant comments I receive telling me ‘I’m not black’ or “My “good hair” doesn’t count’. I seriously hate hearing that, it’s extremely annoying. I am fully black and have shared a struggle with my hair just like everyone else. Texturism and colorism are terrible concepts that have been accepted by some and people at times project that on me.
Image: @curlybeviie
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Picking and scrunching have changed my life for the better. They are the key to how I keep definition while achieving volume. I started doing this back in early-ish 2017, and my fro has prospered since then.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I know it’s hard sometimes, I have struggled too, but nothing is better than your natural self as a whole. Forget what you have been told is the ‘standard’ for beauty your whole life…YOU ARE THE STANDARD. Continue to strive caring for your natural hair by watching videos, trying techniques and products and trying new styles. It gets easier, I promise.
Image: @curlybeviie
Tell us about your new hair care line, NeoCurly products. What inspired to create this line?
I seriously hate the concepts of texturism and colorism. My entire life, most of my friends were brown/darker skinned with type 4 hair. I always noticed how people approached and talked to me differently to them and I disliked it. I didn’t understand why they did until I got much older. I hate hearing them say how much they hated how they look or how their hair looked, how others saw them and lack of representation. Being lighter skinned with type 3/4 curls, I was often told I wasn’t “black enough”. After a year in grad school, I started working on NeoCurly. My inspiration was not myself, but all naturals I had came across. No matter the skin tone, curl pattern or texture or nationality, I wanted to make all blacks feel loved, welcomed, included, and catered to. That’s the mission of my brand, black unison.
Image: NeoCurly
What are the key ingredients?
As of now, it is rosemary and lemongrass. Research has shown these two combined help aid in hair growth and skin care. I know priority of a lot of naturals is length, so I wanted to start off with helping with that and moisture. I do a lot a research into my ingredients before I approve.
What makes NeoCurly unique?
NeoCurly is more than a hair care brand, it is a community. My plan is for NeoCurly to be very prominent in charity and volunteer work aiding the black community. We launched in November and already had our first toy drive in December! My team and I want to do our part in bettering and uplifting our black community. There are plans for scholarships, ambassador opportunities, photoshoots, employment and more in the works through NeoCurly.
Image:@curly.glorii
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
From an early age It wasn’t a great experience. I was bullied as a kid for being a petite girl with long big curly hair. I was always getting called names. I would go to the bathroom when my hair got too puffy to soak it in water & make it flat but it only made it worse. I didn’t know how to take care of my hair. My mother would do anything to make me feel better by styling it but at the time we didn’t know much about working with curls or any products as we do now. After the teasing & bullying I went into a deep depression & had low self-esteem. I went to a salon & cut my hair into a pixie cut. Ever since I flat ironed and even relaxed my hair from middle-high school, I didn’t want to deal with it anymore.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I went to a beauty school to get my hair done. There I realized my passion for hair. I enrolled into the same school the next day & I met a teacher who I spoke to regarding my curls. She taught me how to diffuse & how to train my curls. I started learning more about the CGM & what products to stay away from. I soaked in all the information I could from books & from YouTube. I never touched a relaxer again & I found my confidence through my curls.
Image:@curly.glorii
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
To be able to help others like me through my platform. Giving advice to younger girls to embrace their curls gives me such joy. I stand for not letting anyone put others down & to embrace your differences. Once you work on the inside the outside will flourish.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep with my hair in a pineapple, with a silk bonnet over & a silk pillow case just in case!
Who is your curl crush?
I’d have to say Chellis Curls & Lynn Kate. They gave me a lot of inspiration when I started my journey.
Image:@curly.glorii
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I’d say my pick but I use my hands more for volume, so I have to say my silk bonnet. It helps wonders to keep my wash & go lasting through the week!
What is your current hair regimen?
Any favorite products you’d like to share? I’m a LCGO kinda girl. (Leave In, Cream, Gel, Oil”> I make sure to distribute the products evenly then I use my denman brush to shape my curls & finger coil the curls that frame my face. I diffuse on low heat then apply oil to break the gel cast. I separate clumps, pick my roots then all done! I’m currently loving Camille Rose products especially the famous Curl Maker & Moisture Milk.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging would have to be going blonde. You don’t see many platinum blonde curly girls. I knew the color I wanted & it took a very long time to achieve without damage & keeping my curls. Thanks to olaplex, trims, deep conditioning & taking my time, I was able to achieve this!
Image:@curly.glorii
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Trimming every 3 months, deep conditioning every week & scalp massaging have done wonders for my hair. It’s all about caring for it.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I would tell them staying consistent will help you achieve the results you want. Watch youtube videos & don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember who you are. Your hair is a part of you. If I can do it, you can too.
Image:@k_adore
When did you decide to embrace your natural hair?
It wasn’t until 2011 when I decided to go back to being a natural. I did the big chop in 2011 and I haven’t considered going back to chemicals since.
What made you decide to get sisterlocs and how long have you had them?
I decided on sisterlocks because of the versatility, low maintenance and the freedom they allow. My sisterlocks were installed in 2014.
What inspired you to embrace the grey and what advice would you share for women experiencing going grey?
I simply just decided to stop using dyes on my hair. I wanted to have a complete head of natural hair, and that meant the coloring had to stop. I stopped dying my grey hair in 2016. However, going gray is a process and I totally understand some of the issues with going gray. For others that are struggling it’s ok. Our hair is beautiful, but sometimes it takes time to build up the confidence and courage to embrace the grey.
Image:@k_adore
What has been the most challenging moment of your hair journey so far?
I haven’t had any challenges. I love my locs and I just allow my hair to grow and to be free. I have truly loved every stage of my SL journey and just welcomed any transitions.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Inspiring others. I have received an overwhelming response to my hair, and particularly my grey hair. I’m honored to inspire others to love their natural grey hair.
How do you protect your hair at night?I sleep on a satin pillowcase.
What is your current hair regimen?
I shampoo my sister locks about every 2 weeks. Only shampoo and no conditioner. There’s not much maintenance, but I often spritz them with water and apply a light oil. I get my sister locks retightened every 7 weeks.
Image:@k_adore
Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I don’t really have any favorite products because I don’t use many products. I use Suave Clarifying Shampoo and a Moroccan Oil.
Any key techniques or methods that made an impact on your hair health?
I’m vegan and this may have impact on my hair. I strongly feel that what we eat shows on the outside. My advice is to be patient and trust the process. I have enjoyed every stage of my hair journey.
Image: @ingecurls
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I didn’t start curly. When I was a newborn I had a reasonable amount of hair and it was straight until I hit puberty and then it went crazy. It started off wavy and then got curlier. I had waves and ringlets, especially underneath. My mother loves my curls but I was like nooooo!!!! I had some years that I felt frustrated with my hair because it didn’t behave or look like the societal standards; long, straight or loose-textured hair as the ideal. It made me feel my hair was unattractive.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
From the moment that I learned how to take care of my hair and understand what my hair needs I started to love my hair and at the same time it was part of self love.
What has been the most challenging moment of your hair journey so far?
Getting to know my hair. The most challenging part was to figure out the protein /moisture balance. What treatments or products to use for my hair. Since I’m using the wet stretch test and figure out the signs of my hair I began to learn how my hair behaves on a regular basis.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
- That I figured out to know my own hair. I learned my texture, porosity and density and with these three important factors I know to choose the right products for my hair.
- Understanding how to read ingredient lists has transformed my curly hair journey also. Because knowing your hair is part of reading labels. This will save you so many trial and error fails because you can understand what you’re putting in your hair and how your hair responds to it.
- Experimenting a lot. I follow the rule that what will work for my hair won’t always work for someone else’s hair. For example I have high porosity, medium density and fine hair. My hair likes coconut oil as an ingredient. It also occurs that another curly has the exact same properties of the hair but the hair doesn’t like not against coconut oil as an ingredient at all. So all I can say is pay attention to how your hair reacts with certain ingredients. Don’t blindly follow one rule or technique just because it’s working for someone else; you know your hair best.
How do you protect your curls at night?
All I do is pull my curls up to the top of my head, then put it in a loose ponytail, called a ‘pineapple’. Aside from that, I sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Image: @ingecurls
What are your top tips for definition? Volume?
I’m definitely a volume curly girl!!
My tips are:
- Get a good haircut
- Clarify your hair
- Washing your hair upside down
- Use lightweight products
- Less is more, product amount counts
- Diffuse upside down and side to side
- Shake your roots with fingertips or hair pick
- Separate your curls
Who is your curl crush?
When I started this method I was inspired by Lulu @curlicue_lu.
Everything on her page was so clear, like the tutorials. I have learned a lot from her. She explains everything so well that this method is easy to follow.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I like to keep it simple these days. I like to have a clean scalp because that means healthy hair. And the scalp transformation system from Curlsmith gives me that clean scalp. For me it’s a must-have.
There are 3 steps:
Step 1 is the Super Slip Prebiotic PrimerThis helps create the perfect environment for hair follicles, strengthening the scalp’s barrier and prepping it for clarifying. This primer contain the ingredient fermented rice water
My experience: This pre poo feels so good on your scalp when you massage it in on wet hair. I was also amazed that I could detangle my hair easily at this stage.
Step 2: Wash & Scrub Detox ProbioticWhat does it do? Hair can’t grow long and strong if build-up gets in the way. That’s why clarifying is so important. This scrub’s texture is incredibly fine, you will barely feel it on your hands. This ensures that it can penetrate through to the roots and exfoliate gently, washing off effortlessly without residues. This wash and scrub contain the ingredient Apple Cider Vinegar.
My experience: You all know I’m a clarifying girl and this one is amazing. My scalp feels so clean without drying it out! This is definitely one of my favorites now.
Step 3: Post Biotic Calming ConditionerWhat does it do? This will soothe the scalp and moisturize the hair, restoring pH levels and moisture balance, especially after clarifying. This conditioner contains Hyaluronic Acid.
My experience: This one is like a spa experience. It has a perfect slip, it allows me to glide my fingers right through my hair and that’s what I’m looking for in a conditioner.
I finished with the In-Shower Style fixer.
This is a strong hold Styling Gel which will give extreme definition to your curls and coils.
Any key techniques or methods that made an impact on your hair health?
Image: @ingecurls
Wetplopping. I have learned this technique by Hif3licia. It’s a technique that you plop your hair into a shower cap instead of a towel. It helps reduce frizz, encourages root to tip definition and giving the chance to let the product absorb better into your hair.
What’s your hair story? Share your journey with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/wavy hair?
Image: @wavycurly
What has been the most challenging moment of your hair journey so far?
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
How do you protect your curls at night?
What are your top tips for definition? Volume?
Who is your curl crush?
Image: @wavycurly
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Any key techniques or methods that made an impact on your hair health?
What’s your hair story? Share your journey with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Dianne Nola is a master at bringing out the full potential of waves, curls and coils. Inside her sun-filled San Francisco salon – she was named Best Curly Hair Stylist by San Francisco Magazine’s – Nola’s clients can relax knowing they are in expert hands.
NaturallyCurly: What made you decide to become a stylist?
Dianne: I graduated from U.C. Santa Cruz with degrees in the performing arts and became a stylist to provide a stable income for her creative pursuits, providing me with the flexibility I needed as a performing musician. Plus, I had no desire to be in an office!
NaturallyCurly: How did you gravitate toward curly hair?
Dianne: Focusing on texture meant focusing on who you were naturally and that was always my intent. I had taken many classes and had my own method of cutting curly cuts dry. But after training at DevaCurl in New York, I felt like I was home.
NaturallyCurly: You were once quoted that an experienced curl stylist is like a psychic and hair doctor in one. What did you mean by that?
Dianne: When you go to someone very experienced, they already know a lot about your hair. The missing piece is your lifestyle and expectations.
NaturallyCurly: You’ve continued to hone your craft, with certifications from DevaCurl, RËZOcuts and RËZOlites and Curly Hair Artistry, to name a few. How would you describe your technique?
Dianne: I utilize a very wide and deep toolbox. I am extremely meticulous, yet intuitive. I also have pictures and hair maps of all my clients. I cut dry with a rotating gravitational and sculptural approach, considering the bone structure and body frame. I teach using cooking analogies.
NaturallyCurly: In addition to taking classes, what are some of the other secrets to honing your skill.
Dianne: Constant study! Focused practice! I am only curly so that practice enables me to be at the top of my game. Workshops, classes, certifications, YouTube, closed online pro groups, reading threads, friends, stylists, and most importantly clients.
NaturallyCurly: You work with such a wide variety of textures. What are some of the different considerations when working with waves, curls and coils?
Dianne: When cutting, I use more tension on wavy hair but no tension on coils. When working on the set, I work with water differently depending upon the texture. For waves, I use Light and voluminous products stacked without much water verses extremely hydrating products with all the water left in on coils.
NaturallyCurly: Who are the stylists that inspire you?
Dianne: I love Atoya Bass’ work and personality; she cracks me up! Mona Baltazar is extremely gifted.
NaturallyCurly: What are some of the hottest curl trends?
Dianne: The Shag! The shag with bangs, without bangs, short and long!
NaturallyCurly: What are the biggest mistakes that curly girls make when working with their hair?
Dianne:
- Using product incorrectly and blaming the product.
- Thinking your hair is like the vlogger or pictures, when in reality it cannot be so easily defined.
- Thinking your whole head is just one texture or one porosity. It is much more complex than that. In the same way that you might have many tones of hair color all over the head—your hair is extremely unique.
NaturallyCurly: Can you share a few of your favorite curl tips – things curly girls can do at home to make their hair look its best?
Dianne:
- Clients often tell me, “you’re so gentle!” My technique for scrunching is to gently “hug the curls” with your hands and scrunch out the crunch.
- Most curly girls ask me how they can get rid of their cowlick in back. Two tricks: 1. At the end of your shower, arch your head back and gently rake your cowlick but just the first few inches in an arc up and back and/or 2. Marry the two sides of the cowlick together with a clip so they dry that way.
NaturallyCurly: Who is your curl crush?
Dianne: That’s a tough one! I’m in love with most of my clients’ hair. Alex Kingston’s curls are always beautiful to me.
Image: Kuawuane Burton Photography
The Growth Guru, Whitney Eaddy has taken the natural hair world by storm with her jaw-dropping hair growth transformations and knowledge for tips and tricks for healthy hair growth and retention. She recently sat down with us to talk about her journey, myths the hair world needs to debunk, and the best moisturizers we need and the conversation was priceless! Check out her story below:
Describe your natural hair in 3 words. . .
Magical, healthy & God-given
Share your hair journey and what made you want to help other women learn to embrace their natural hair?
I started getting relaxers at the age of two before I could even make my own decisions. I got this chemical treatment every six weeks until I was 19 years old. One day, in between relaxers I started feeling my roots and begin to feel curious about my natural texture. My first big chop was 2002 and since then I’ve done 4 of them. Looking back now, I think my first big chop was about me reconnecting with my roots and deprogramming myself from negative messages regarding my hair that was rooted in Europe’s beauty standards! I was then a 19-year -old, curious, slightly rebellious, college student and it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself! I’ve done all of the right and wrong things with my own natural hair! Once I finally found a routine and system that worked for me, I started putting together what has developed into Her Growing Hands methodologies. At the time, I didn’t quite realize the magnitude of what I was cultivating, nor did I think that the healthy natural hair techniques that I was manipulating would have such an impact on my life and the lives of so many others that I’ve been fortunate enough to touch!
What has been the most challenging and empowering moments of your natural hair journey? What lessons did you learn?
The most challenging moments of my natural journey are like most women I think, the moments where you are completely lost and don’t understand your natural hair at all. I learned to be patient and to be kind to myself and my hair and I learned what my hair will and won’t do. I’ve learned what my hair’s characteristics are and I think that’s so important for women to truly learn their hair which is one of the things I focus on in trainings and Her Growing Hands Salons.
It is so important that women understand THEIR own hair. Because each of our crowns are different. I don’t believe in the whole 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C philosophies. How can we take so many different types of hair and categorize them into a few buckets? Another thing is that the most empowering part of my natural hair journey has been to truly see myself in the light that God created me in without any extras (braids, wigs, sew-ins”>. Once the women learn to see themselves with the hair that God gifted them and feel comfortable in their skin with their natural texture that’s ultimately one of the purest forms of self-love.
For someone who is transitioning, what advice would you share?
For a transition, the first thing I always say is patience, patience, patience! Also trust the process and chop when you feel in your heart and your gut that it’s the time!
What natural hair myths do you strive to debunk?
There are three major myths that come across often. The first is that natural hair can’t grow! Our hair can do so many amazing things when protected and loved properly. Many protective styles out there are not properly protecting our hair and we have to look at what we actually call protective styling. In my methodology, anything that is installed to your hair that warrants hypertension and high manipulation ultimately will result in damage.
The second myth is that our hair requires heavy products. How many women come into the salons with heavy oil, butter, creams, and even grease all the while underneath their hair is parched and not hydrated at all. Most naturals are not retaining moisture properly! With my product line Juices N’ Berries, I hope to usher in a new way of taking care of our hair and ultimately result in the resolution of major hydration issues.
Another myth that I see is that oil is a moisturizer. Oil is not a moisturizer, although it is a natural conditioner that can be applied pre-or post styling to nourish your strands and scalp. Not to be confused with the conditioner that you would apply after your shampoo, oil is more like a daily conditioner if that makes sense. Proper hydrants are water-based. H2O is our best hydrator, but it’s important to balance it with lightweight oil.
What are your top tips for healthy hair growth?
I will always say that the keys were healthy hair care and growth are low tension low manipulation and keeping your ends healthy. It’s almost like working out, it’s not a complicated concept, however, it requires discipline & dedication. It’s more about what you don’t do to your hair! Less is more! Give it the good stuff and leave it alone!
What were your top hair transformations of 2019?
I pride myself on meeting ladies exactly where they are and empowering them with the tools and resources they need to grow their hair to its fullest potential. Below are some of the top transformations I have seen in 2019:
Image: The Growth Guru
Image: The Growth Guru
Image: The Growth Guru
Image: The Growth Guru
Tell us about your brand and the products you created and what we can expect in 2020…
So I have a collection of products called The Growth Guru’s Healthy Hair Collection. Each product supports an important component of healthy hair growth. In July 2019, I launched NaturalU Hair Illusions. These are U-part wigs and drawstring ponytails that can be used as protective styling pieces. The great thing about these protective styling pieces is that they are natural hair textures, so they look and feel like our own curly and kinky hair. They also are very low tension and manipulation, so they leave lots of room for your hair to grow underneath.
The next part of the Growth Guru’s Healthy Hair Collection is Silken Luxury Sleep, which launched in September 2019. Silken is a line of 100% mulberry silk pillowcases, scarves and scrunchies. These beautiful and lush accessories serve to protect your hair and skin through moisture-retention. Not only that but 100% mulberry silk is hypo-allergenic, infused with natural proteins, reduces split-ends, reduces acne and is organic and environmentally-friendly.
Last, but certainly not least, The Growth Guru’s Healthy Hair Collection includes Juices N’ Berries, which launches January 2020. Juices N’ Berries hair care line is formulated specifically for thirsty hair. It serves to heal, hydrate, revive and promote overall growth in all-natural hair textures. As a hair growth expert, the number one issue most naturals struggle with is dryness. Juices N’ Berries is the one-stop-shop for mitigating those issues. The line includes a co-wash, a leave-in, hydration spray, and hair growth elixir. Be on the lookout for that one as it launches the beginning of 2020!
My Her Growing Hands brand also has some other exciting things coming 2020. So I encourage all naturalistas to stay tuned for some exciting news releases here pretty soon!
Image: @sojazzaye
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up was hard since I was the only one in my household that had curly hair. My mom nicknamed me Medusa with my wild hair when she would comb it out, she struggled to maintain my hair and would just put it up in a ponytail most of my childhood. When I started doing my own hair I would normally try different styles I would see in magazines and on television by using what we had back in the days with gel, mousse, and hairspray. These products would leave my curls crunchy and hard, but hey they did have shine and hold. The easiest style for me growing up was parting my hair and slicking it back. When I would get haircuts they were the worst because they would cut my hair cut while it was wet and would add layers, then they would straighten my hair, and my curls would always be uneven.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
My journey started with being inspired by one of the darkest times in my life. During that time I had a lot of emotional pain and also many transitions going on at the same time and by watching other girls on Instagram with their curly hair, it inspired me and had also helped me to love myself in embracing my unique natural hair. After I started my journey posting my results, I realized how much I am also helping a lot of other girls which has kept me driven to keep going. I became more confident in myself and was happy to inspire many other women.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment was when I realized how much my journey has inspired others and how I became “hair goals”. I like to reflect on pics from the past to see how much I have grown not just with my curly hair but also within myself. The only time I like to compare myself is with the me from the past.
How do you protect your curls at night?
PINEAPPLES!! At night I sleep with a satin pillowcase (@osocurly“> as it helps with preserving my curls for day 2-3-4 curls. I would also use a bonnet and satin scarf when needed.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crushes are @Hif3licia, @Mismmo, and @chelliscurls these girls have truly inspired me on my curly hair journey!
Image: @sojazzaye
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Coiling scrunchie to wear my pineapples, @BounceCurl gel to refresh, and my hair pick by @Shaiamiel the Curl Doctor.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My curly hair regimen is normally washing once a week. I would use Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo with their Cream Conditioner, and every other week I would do a deep condition but also use alternative hair mask treatments. My favorite products are DevaCurl Super Cream and BounceCurl Gel is my holy grail, the DevaCurl Set it Free spray is a favorite to refresh and lockdown on my frizz as well.
Image: @sojazzaye
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging part of my journey was the transitioning stage before my big chop. I wanted to keep my hair long but I wasn’t able to get the best results as I had a lot of dead ends from straightening and bleaching it. After I went to see the Curl Doctor, @Shaiamiel and got the “Big Chop” is when I started to see my curls come to life before my eyes like never before, after that it got way easier.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Finger coiling has helped train my curls to give me more ringlets, it is to the point I do not even have to do it anymore as they just curl up now naturally. I do a lot of deep conditioning and scalp massages using oils to keep your hair growing healthy.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Your hair is your best accessory and it also is apart of your identity. Loving your curls is loving yourself. Discover yourself and show off your natural beauty to this world. You will always inspire others by being your authentic self, and that can start with your hair. The thing I love about curly hair is that every curl is different and that’s what makes us unique.
What’s your hair story? Share your journey with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:@najaljudd
Share 3 words to describe your hair
Natural
Luscious
Transformable
What was it like for you growing up with naturally curly hair?
My overarching experience growing up with naturally curly hair was my lack of knowledge about how to properly care for and style it. Neither of my parents were much help in this category so I really did have to figure it out on my own. I would leave my hair out any time I swam, I would not wear a silk scarf at night, I used the wrong detangling comb, I did not give my hair enough moisture, and I never deep conditioned or used any other strengthening treatments. I was an only child for a long time so I did not have anybody to look to for guidance.
I remember envying my friends who had loose curls or straight hair because I felt that mine always looked worse and was much less manageable. I could never just take down my hair from a ponytail and have it easily fall over my shoulders, or get out of the shower without it shrinking up. There were moments where I absolutely hated my hair for those reasons; I would ask my mom all the time if I could straighten it but she never let me use heat. Now I thank her for that. I was also always frustrated with my length. All I ever wanted was my hair to fall below my shoulders or at least stay put after the shower, but it never did. I remember crying to my mom about how ugly and insecure I felt about my tight curls and how I never knew how to style them in a way that I liked. I almost never wore it out; it was always in a bun. I also almost never saw my hair type in mainstream media and TV. This only intensified my feelings of frustration. Overall, I grew up not very happy with my tight curls, but this changed.
Image:@najaljudd
What made you decide to embrace your natural hair?
Honestly, I think I am still on the journey of embracing my natural hair but I think the primary reason I began to appreciate it and love it is because I became more knowledgeable on how to care for my tight curls. It felt good giving it the proper attention it always needed. I began to trim regularly, apply moisturizing treatments weekly, lessen manipulation, and seal in products with oil to ensure moisture. Additionally, I have tried different hairstyles that I never had before that catered toward my hair type. I found many of these tips, tricks, and styles online and on YouTube. Seeing other naturals online embrace their curls and share their knowledge was very helpful in embracing my own hair. I actually began to find joy in trying new products, styles, and treatments. My relationship with my hair became positive and nurturing. I gained tons of support and confidence from family and other naturals/friends who I met along my journey.
What has been the most empowering moment(s”> of your natural hair journey so far?
I was always hesitant to wear my hair out; I was horrified by my shrinkage and felt my hair never “looked good.” It did not fall below my shoulders and never stayed in one place. The most empowering moment of my natural hair journey so far was the first time I wore my hair out in an afro. Many of my friends and family have always encouraged me to do this but I had never felt comfortable. I wanted to do something different and decided to finally try it. Once it was picked out and loose, I looked at myself in the mirror and actually smiled. Obviously, I was not initially completely comfortable, but I knew this was an important step toward embracing my natural self.
What are your favorite natural hairstyles to express yourself?
My favorite natural hairstyles are out and loose and up in a pineapple. Now that I have gained confidence I always want my hair as big as possible, not to mention these styles are super easy!
Image:@najaljudd
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush is Amandla Stenberg. I really appreciate seeing her on the big screen with her tight curls, they are so beautiful!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My hair regimen tends to change quite often but my go-to products are Briogeo’s Curl Charisma Chia+Flax Seed Coily Custard, DevaCurl’s Wash Day Wonder and their Super Stretch Coconut Curl Elongator. Before washing my hair I apply the Wash Day Wonder and leave it in for about 30 min. I detangle in the shower with a wide-toothed comb; this product makes the process much more manageable as my hair feels softer and smoother. I use the Curl Elongator as a leave-in conditioner, and I seal that in with Castor Oil. To refresh my hair, I apply the Curl Custard with water when I feel my hair is in need of a pick me up.
Image:@najaljudd
What has been the most challenging moment(s”> of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moments of my natural hair journey so far tend to revolve around my shrinkage. I cannot stress enough how frustrating it was to have styled my hair only for it to shrink up once I stepped outside. I have spent a significant amount of time in public bathrooms attempting to pull my hair back down. I spent so long trying to find products that would prevent this from happening, but I never had much luck. I constantly checked the humidity and was discouraged each time it happened to be above 50%. As I learned more about my shrinkage through trial and error it became much easier to manage, and my days of shrinkage frustration lessened. My go-to styles for rainy humid days are cornrows and buns, which are still super cute!
What advice do you have for someone who is struggling to embrace their natural hair?
My biggest piece of advice for someone who is struggling with embracing their natural hair is to be patient and try not to compare yourself to others. Personally, I got very caught up in other individuals who I thought had “better” hair than me and it had a large impact on my self-esteem. Learning to truly embrace my natural curls was a process and I am still on the journey.
What’s your hair story? Share your journey with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
Image:@shaneengedi
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair in the early 2000s didn’t seem bad because society’s standard for “beautiful” hair was naturally wavy or curly hair— but, in retrospect today… it was VERY hard for me to fully accept my textured hair and love myself. With that, I’d play both sides of the fence by having 4a hair because I would put chemicals in my hair to soften my coils to a 3a curlier texture. Also, going to a predominantly white school heavily influenced me texturizing my hair to blend in with my synthetic, curly (3a-3b”> pony tail. So, growing up with textured hair didn’t seem so bad until now when I realize how badly damaged my hair was from the texturizers and flat iron; plus, how irritated my scalp was when my eczema flared up. Simply loving myself would have saved me from my many dermatologist visits in my adolescence years.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
Hmm, paraphrasing the word “embrace” means to accept something. I’m mentioning this because I’ve always accepted my naturally coily hair since my mom last permed it in 2002. So, no major “circumstance” suddenly made me embrace my hair. Since age 11, I’ve been given the autonomy to care for my hair without relaxing it—rather I’d damage it by burning it out with the flat iron. My favorite hairstyle for school was my low, puffy, ponytail. However, during my high school years I’d texturize my hair (sporadically”> to soften my coils to blend in with my synthetic, curly ponytail— but, I still accepted my natural texture. In context, I will say that I begin to “fully” and “outwardly” embrace my natural coily hair after I was given a platform to influence others since 2017. Lastly, I became more eager to show off my natural hair after I saw real results.
Image:@shaneengedi
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
My most empowering moment of my 2nd natural hair journey was when all my hair fell out the night before my high school graduation—yes, I was bald as a Sphynx cat— one word “TRAGIC”. My hair simply fell out due to a bad chemical reaction to my poorly bleached hair during high school. I don’t recall what hairstyle I wanted for graduation, but I obviously wanted it relaxed for the first time since 2002. I was unaware that bleached hair and relaxers don’t mix well. When paraphrasing the word “empower” which means “making something stronger or confident”— I was mostly empowered when I was forced to love myself while I was bald headed and had to wear wigs for years. Experiences like such, was a focal point in me learning about protective styles like quick weaves; and transitioned my thinking to “fully” embrace my natural hair without bleaching or texturizing it.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Every “natural hair guru” says the only way to protect your curls or coils at night should be done by using a satin bonnet, headscarf or sleeping on a silk pillowcase—and, pray the bonnet stays on your head overnight. But, in my imperfect world… my bonnets never stay on my head overnight, so I don’t use them ever. Rather, I’d just improvise by sleeping on a pillow (not silk”> that doesn’t cause split ends or dry out my hair. Honestly, I haven’t created a “good” way to protect my curls at night; mainly because I feel my consistent, nightly scalp massages (sometimes with JBCO”> does enough to stimulate growth. Plus, I would apply hair moisturizer mixed with water, when necessary, to prevent my hair from drying out and breaking off. So, my suggestion has always been “do what works best for your hair”—with good results, of course.
Image:@shaneengedi
Who is your curl crush?
Curl crush… well, I don’t have any curl crushes mainly because I don’t watch hair tutorial videos by influencers or youtubers to “admire or crush” on their hair. Also, my hair results never turn out like the results on the videos so to prevent myself from becoming discouraged in my own hair journey… I focus on my own hair care routines that works best for my hair. With that, I purposely shy away from hair pages that “exalts” the latest hair styles, trends, and hair “inspirations” to remain authentic and creative as a content creator using my platform. However, I have come across three hair influencers that I admire for embracing their natural hair and using their platforms to help others. My fav 3c-4a hair naturalista is @365daysofnaturalhair; my fav 4b natural influencer/blogger is @fari_ivy; and lastly, my fav 4c natural hair enthusiast is @thefrotales.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Since Fall 2018, I’ve stayed consistent in using pure, organic products in my haircare routine that’s really grown and thicken my hair—my coily pattern has flourished. I regularly use PURE Jamaican black castor oil by Rooted Treasure for moisture and strength– it’s pure, organic oil made in Jamaica. The main benefits I’ve noticed using this oil are less shielding and breakage, plus more shine and moisture. Finding an effective oil for my low porosity type 4 hair has been challenging because my hair would become dry and brittle after a long washday. However, using JBCO regularly as a moisturizer and strengthener has been advantageous. Lastly, my washday essentials are Moisture Silk shampoo and Leave-Me-Be conditioner by BournBeautiful Naturals. This shampoo super hydrates and cleanses my hair so that detangling is barely needed— it smells amazing! Also, this leave-in conditioner is my daily, go-to product when my coils need to be hydrated after a long work week—its conveniently lightweight to prevent build-up.
Image:@shaneengedi
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My hair care regimen I “consistently” practice to keep my hair healthy are scalp massaging nightly, moisturizing daily, and hydrating weekly. At first, I would literally put any product in my hair and tug on my ends with no regards and wondered why I saw no results. Then I start treating my hair like a “baby” that needs constant attention and nurture to grow and stay healthy— your hair must be properly cared for to be healthy. With that, I use my scalp massager by @rootedtreasure to massage their JBCO into my hair sometimes, and use my hands to spread my hair moisturizer all over my hair; then detangle my ends with Denman brush . Also, I moisturize my hair in the morning while styling my hair for work to prevent dryness throughout the day. Lastly, I hydrate my hair weekly with MOSTLY water and Miracle Curl Plumper by DevaCurl .
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Keeping my hair moisturized and hydrated was my biggest hair challenge of my 2nd hair journey since 2010. For years, I was very annoyed with my textured hair because I didn’t understand why it would be so dry and brittle after a long washday— which made styling very complicated. That’s when I started to do my own research for months on the many benefits of using organic, pure products, then verified their ingredients for its authenticity. Also, learning how to properly care for my low porosity hair was my second challenge. So, understanding my hair porosity helped me realize what products worked best for my hair so I could minimize dryness and breakage. Again, with research I learned that low porosity hair experiences major buildup and can easily be damaged if its conditioned too much because of protein—which made the “rice water challenge” trend a negative.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
When moisturizing my hair, I section my hair in two parts down the middle of my head to make detangling easier. I found that sectioning my hair saves more time than I thought and allows me to evenly disperse products throughout my hair and to my scalp. I’ve noticed that the more I section my hair to touch my roots, the more detangled my hair stays over a longer period even after its washed— especially when it’s parted at the natural part lines. My go-to detangling brush is denman brush which minimized a lot of breakage. I mostly use this brush during hydration to texturize or manipulate my curls. I’ve noticed that sectioning my hair prevents the middle of my hair that is not exposed to product as much from becoming overly dry and brittle. Other methods I use is LOC method when “hydrating” my hair—more water, less product.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Find confidence in the one who created you, and I identify my creator as God—some may say the Universe, or Allah. It’s inevitable for women as emotional beings to completely stop struggling to love their textured hair because its changes overtime. However, I found that placing my confidence in “The Creator” who created my hair “just for me” overcomes every mental battle.
What’s your hair story? Share your journey with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
