Search Results: NaturallyCurly
Are you looking for a product to bring out your natural curl pattern that provides moisture, long lasting hold and definition? Look no further, thousands of our community members voted on their favorite products to style their curls, coils and waves. From styling creams to gels, these are the best styling products that you should keep in your curl cabinet.
Best Gel for Wavy Hair:
Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel
While it can dry crunchy, that initial crunch scrunches out really easily, leaving the hair very soft to the touch, but the curls hold up all day. No ramen-noodle curls here! One of the best parts about it is the frizz control.
“I’ve never loved gels b4 this one. I always found they weighed my fine-med, high-porosity, thick, 3A/2C, 10-15% iced (graying”> hair down. I was always a mousse lover due to that fact, but even those were tricky. I’ve been embracing my curls (used to think they were just mild waves”> for almost 2 decades now. This is my topper/cocktailer for extra humid days. Doesn’t wreck my curl definition or bounce factor. Just scrunch after it’s dry, if needed. I’d say wavy & curly peeps give it a try.” -Ella
Best Cream for Wavy Hair:
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
Smoothes and enhances natural curl pattern revealing frizz-free volume. Made with pure shea butter to define your waves without weighing them down, a little goes a long way.
“Love, love, love! After applying the product to freshly washed and conditioned hair my curls began to form and pop. They felt really moisturized and maintained decent hold. This is the first curl cream that I have used without having to use a gel over it to get curls. I will definitely keep rotating this in my regimen.”- Jazzy
Best Mousse for Wavy Hair:
Giovanni Mousse Air-Turbo Charged Hair Styling Foam
Your style just got better, easier, and more voluminous. Help your hair spring into action by adding a few pumps to your wavy hair for an effortless yet defined look.
“This works really nice for fine, wavy hair. It fluffs up my hair and adds a lot of body and movement. It has a light scent that doesn’t compete with my perfume.”
Best Cream for Curly Hair and BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES:
Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream
The Define Cream is a multi-purpose luxurious leave-in cream that will leave your curls soft, bouncy and defined. It includes 10 exotic oils such as Organic Black Seed Oil, Avocado, Egyptian Abyssinian oil, Moroccan Rose, Argan oil & more!
” I have tried dozens and dozens of curl enhancers. Nothing compares to how soft this leaves my hair with curl definition and frizz control. UNBELIEVABLE!!” -Ericka
Best Mousse for Curly Hair:
Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam
Create beautiful hair from roots to ends with this lightweight styler. Use to add texture, boost volume, define curls, shape and sculpt wet or dry hair or enjoy as a root refresher between washes.
“I would recommend this product to everyone! The way it makes my curls look and feel is amazing. I’ve always used mousse and hairspray until I was introduced to the Innersense product. I will never go back! My curls have never looked so good. I am truly in love with my hair again.” -Linda
Best Gel for Curly Hair and BEST for ALL Hair Types:
Ecoco Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel with Argan Oil
This gel is formulated with Argan oil to define and revitalize your hair while adding brilliant shine. It has superior hold for a great wash and go, plus cam be used for keeping your edges laid for your sleek ponytail and bun.
“I love this gel so much it’s a must have. I love how the smell isn’t that overpowering and it doesn’t dry my hair out. I use this gel for my braid outs and my curls become so defined I’m in love!”
Best Gel for Coily Hair
Ecoco Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel with Olive Oil
Made with 100% pure olive oil which helps attract moisture to your scalp and holds it in. This weightless gel will leave your hair with a healthy shine and a superior hold.
“This has been a “go to” product for me since I went natural in 2012. This gel is good for wash n gos, ponytails and speaking the edges of my 4a natural hair type!” -Tabitha
Best Cream for Coily Hair:
Melanin Twist Elongating Style Cream
This lightweight, elongating style cream is designed to instantly hydrate and seal the moisture into your hair, making it more manageable, while also helping to detangle and reduce knots! This generous, nutrient-rich formula, contains five of the most nourishing, all-natural hair butters on the market: shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, kokum butter and cupuacu butter.
“This is the first styling cream that has truly transformed my heat damaged hair. Things I used to use that worked well did not after I gave myself heat damage, but this works. It was so hard to get my hair to retain moisture but my hair comes out moisturized, shiny and bouncy everytime. I recommend this to every natural I know.” -Natalia
Best Mousse for Coily Hair:
Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Mousse
Coconut and shea oils deeply hydrate hair from the inside out, leaving hair soft and nourished with brilliant shine. Fast drying foaming mousse leaves wraps soft and full of body. Can be used for wash and wear styles, twists outs and rod sets.
“The first mousse that I’ve used that wasn’t drying! To set my perm rods I used two large pumps with a little pump of the devacurl supercream. My curls came out smooth and silky as if I had put heat on it. As I was applying the products to my hair my curls looked AMAZING. Super defined and shiny!” -Philana
BEST Mousse for ALL Hair Types:
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
This unique formula infused with Almond and Avocado oil has a soft-pliable hold, dries quickly, and reduces frizz while giving off a gorgeous, natural sheen.
“I use this as a second day curl booster on wet hair and I love it. It does not make my hair crunchy at all like some mousses. It’s bouncy and light on my 3a/b curls. No frizz at all. This will be a staple in my curl care! Love it!” -Lisa
Best Hair Butter for Braids and Twists for ALL Hair Types:
Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter
This botanical blend of oils and butters will aid in managing thick hair, leaving a soft and smoother feel. Softens and moisturizes hair while nourishing the scalp and stimulating growth.
“This is my all time favorite and I NEVER have less than 2 jars in my possession at a time. This product is the standard by which I rate all other products! It feels good to my fingers and to my hair. My hair never cops an attitude with me and never misbehaves with this. My hair does exactly what I want it to do when this product is used. Whether a wavy ponytail, curly ponytail, or loose curl my hair shines. It leaves my hair moisturized, soft and lightweight. No flakes and no build up.”
Best for Twists and Locs for Curly Hair:
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Soufflé
Bring home this styling twisting souffle for your next twist-out, braidout, or bantu knots, and enjoy intense hydration and natural shine! Made with organic ingredients including pomegranate extract, honey, and essential oils, this formula provides the nourishment, definition, and hold that you need for beautiful, healthy styling.
“This product is SUPER moisturizing. It also defines my curls when I put it on & comb it in. I used it for my mini twists & it makes my twists look so neat. It has a perfect, LIGHT, hold for them.”
What are your favorite styling products? Let us know in the comments below. See the full list of Best of the Best winners here.
Whether you sleep with a silk pillowcase or scarf to protect curls overnight, chances are you have to refresh your hair in the morning to bring your curls back to life. Achieving great day 2 hair and beyond, doesn’t have to be difficult. To help take out the guesswork, we asked and you voted on your absolute favorite refreshers for wavy, curly and coily hair. Keep reading to find out the NC Best of the Best award winning refreshers that we always reach for to revive our hair in between washes.
TYPE 2
Raw Curls Anti-Frizz Spray
This anti-frizz spray helps to detangle your hair, plus refreshes your waves in between washes without weighing it down.
“LOVE this spray! I use it on wet hair before leave in for added frizz control and also as a refresher spray on day 2 or 3 hair. It makes SUCH a difference with my stubborn frizz and smells so good!” -Diane
TYPE 3
Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle Spray
The ultimate go-to for curlies, the Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle spray is formulated with key ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter to renew and hydrate curls in between washes.
“Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle spray is my new holy grail. I actually never even had one so it’s my first holy grail. I use it as a leave-in conditioner and to help refresh curls on non wash days. It works amazing for me. It’s light, so as a leave in for my curls and it’s excellent!” -Amy
TYPE 4 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Alikay Naturals Wake Me Up Daily Curl Refresher
This lovely mango scented combination will define and refresh your curls in one simple step. Helps revive your flattened, bed head hair and dried out curls to help them look fabulous again. A special blend of natural ingredients reduces frizz, enhances natural shine and locks in moisture all day. It works by clumping your curls together to help them pop.
“I’ve tried many curl refreshers on the market and this is the BEST! First of all, it has great ingredients with aloe vera listed second on the list. I find this product to be moisturizing and definitely not drying at all! Best of all, this curl refresh isn’t watery like the “others” and hence it doesn’t frizz my hair. For best results on second day wash and go’s, twist outs, etc, I lightly spray product into my hands and then distribute into my hair, fluff and go!” -Pastel
What is your go-to curl refreshing product you love? Share with us in the comments below.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I had curls when I was a toddler, then my hair turned straight as a kid (with a few ringlets at the ends”> and then my hair turned kind of wavy-curly when I became a teenager. I often hear this from other girls with loose curls. I didn’t fight my natural texture, but I had no idea how to manage it because no one else in the family has curly hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy/curly hair?
Actually, I was quite happy with my curls despite the fact that I had no idea how to handle them. However, I hated my natural hair color, I kept bleaching it. I totally ruined my hair by dyeing it at home, using horrible, cheap products with sulfates, silicones and alcohol. I diffused with hot air. My ends were breaking off constantly, I could not achieve literally any hair growth for years. I had a thin, dry ball of frizz and it was shedding a lot. I realized I couldn’t go on doing this to my hair, so I decided to learn how to take care of my curls and found the curly girl method. I have been following it for 2 and a half years now and it works wonders!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
As I mentioned earlier, my hair wouldn’t grow for years and I was incredibly frustrated over that. As my hair was getting healthier and healthier (it took a long time and I was impatient”> my hair started to transform. I wasn’t only retaining length, but my curl pattern has also changed a lot since then: my spirals and ringlets started to appear in place of the frizzy waves. I realized that ditching the hair dye and embracing my natural color was a great decision: as it was growing out, I learned to like it because of all the benefits I was experiencing.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I don’t make any fuss about it. :”> I use a satin pillowcase and put my hair in a pineapple with a satin scrunchie.
Who is your curl crush?
I have so many, it’s so hard to choose!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I have fine hair, so my hair loves protein treatments! And I can’t live without my Wet Detangler Tangle Teezer brush, it cuts down my detangling time literally into half and spares me an awful lot of breakage, too.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I follow the condition-wash-condition method: I pre-poo with an oil the previous night, I detangle with a conditioner, I shampoo and deep condition. My holy grail hair mask is the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Mask by Shea Moisture, it always gives me insane definition whenever I use it! I style with the Maui Moisture curl milk and I layer a gel on top of it. I air dry until my hair is 80% dry and after that I diffuse for volume and more bounce. I clarify on a regular basis with Shea Moisture’s African Black Soap and Charcoal Shampoo.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
In the first year I was really impatient because it took a lot of time before I started seeing noticeable progress. I was comparing myself constantly to my favorite influencers at the time who were either years ahead of me or had totally different hair types. It also took me a lot of effort to find out where to buy the hair products I was constantly hearing about because a few years ago I couldn’t find these in Hungary. (Now I shop online and also have a couple of drugstore options like Cantu and Maui Moisture.”>
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Figuring out the right balance between protein and moisture was one of the biggest favors I could do for myself. Styling with my Tangle Teezer or Denman Brush and finger coiling helped to bring back and encourage my curl formation and clumping. It also creates an even curl pattern if there are sections that need help.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Your curls give you so much personality and uniqueness! Your hair is special and makes you stand out. The most beautiful thing about this journey is that the more you invest in it, the more you will appreciate your results. We cherish what we earn. I promise that you will be proud of yourself and you will feel that it’s worth the hard work you have put into it!
Whether you’re currently transitioning, an OG curly girl or natural hair enthusiast there’s no greater joy than finding a product that works like magic for your curls, coils, and waves! With the overwhelming amount of natural hair products on the shelves it can be tough to decide which products to choose.
Luckily, we’re here to help take the guesswork out of finding the perfect product for you and also help you determine what your hair type is to help you better understand your curls.
Every year we poll the NaturallyCurly community and ask their favorite hair care products that are really ahhhhmazing and simply do what they say they’re going to do.
What makes the NC BOB Leaders in Curl seal unique and valuable is- it’s the unfiltered opinions of thousands of curlies around the world with various hair textures, plus our editors share their products that they deem worthy of a Best of the Best Leaders in Curl Award.
We created the Best of the Best Leaders in Curl awards to recognize those products deemed the best natural hair products of all time that we without a doubt love, selected by both our community and our editors.
This year, we had over 5,000 NaturallyCurly community members and team members have taken the time to share their favorite products, tools and necessities for curly, coily and wavy hair.
The Results
Ready to see who won this year? You’ll be surprised a few products actually won for ALL hair types and work well for various hair textures. Okay enough talking, we have compiled the votes and are excited to announce the full products list of must have items that every curly girl should try out.
Each winner is organized by the following categories with a special notation of recommendations for each hair type and overall highly recommended for all hair types.
TYPE 2
TYPE 3
Bounce Curl Enzyme Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
TYPE 4 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
TYPE 2
Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner
TYPE 3 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner
TYPE 4
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Hydration Intensive Conditioner
Deep Conditioner:
TYPE 2
Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
TYPE 3 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque
TYPE 4
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
TYPE 4
Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner
TYPE 2
Giovanni Mousse Air-Turbo Charged Hair Styling Foam
TYPE 3
Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam
TYPE 4
Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Mousse
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
TYPE 2
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
TYPE 4
Melanin Twist Elongating Style Cream
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream
TYPE 2
Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel
TYPE 3 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Ecoco Eco Styler Professional Styling Gel with Argan Oil
TYPE 4
Ecoco Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel with Olive Oil
TYPE 4
Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Soufflé
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter
TYPE 3
CURLS Blueberry CURL Control Paste
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Ecoco Ecostyler Professional Styling Gel with Olive Oil
TYPE 2
Bounce Curl Avocado and Rose Oil
TYPE 3
TYPE 4 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
TYPE 4
Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
TYPE 4
EDEN BodyWorks Papaya Castor Scalp Cleanser
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
TYPE 2
Curlsmith Full Lengths Density Elixir
TYPE 3 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Righteous Roots Rx TYPE 3 & OVERALL BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
TYPE 4
Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Hair Growth Oil
TYPE 4
ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
TYPE 2
TYPE 3 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Bounce Curl Alcohol-Free HairSpray
TYPE 2
Living Proof Restore Instant Protection
TYPE 3
Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant
TYPE 4 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Protectant
TYPE 2
TYPE 3
TYPE 4 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
TYPE 2
TYPE 3
Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle Spray
TYPE 4 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Alikay Naturals Wake Me Up Daily Curl Refresher
TYPE 2
Innersense I Create Lift Volumizing Foam
TYPE 2
Xtava Black Orchid Hair Diffuser
TYPE 3 & BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
Denman Classic Styling Brush – D3
TYPE 4
Felicia Leatherwood Brush With The Best
TYPE 2
BEST FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
TYPE 2
TYPE 3
TYPE 4
TYPE 2
TYPE 3
Cantu Moisturizing Curl Activator Cream
TYPE 4
Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk
Which of these are your favorite(s”> ? Let us know in the comments below.
Image: @thecurlybella
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up in Puerto Rico, long straight hair was the norm. I don’t have any memory of me wearing my natural hair out as a kid; I absolutely hated my hair. It wasn’t until 2017 that I decided to transition into being natural.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
My mom always wanted me to embrace my curly hair, but I wanted to fit in. It wasn’t until one day, I really missed her and needed to feel connected to her, that I heard her voice telling me to leave it curly and I finally listened. My mom passed when I was young so this is definitely for her.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
My first “because of you” DM. I don’t see myself as an “influencer” . My goal was to always show girls that they are beautiful and they didn’t have to go through what I went through as a kid. When I read that DM saying “you inspired me to start my curly hair journey”… it all clicked.
Image: @thecurlybella
How do you protect your curls at night?
I have a silk pillowcase and I sleep with my hair in a pineapple. I tried scarves and bonnets, but I take them off while I sleep… I guess they bother me at night.
Who is your curl crush?
So many I can’t pick! I do love a tighter curl. It’s so much easier to achieve volume, and it looks amazing.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Deep conditioners, my diffuser and my Felicia Leatherwood brush.
Image: @thecurlybella
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
During quarantine my hair is extra dry because I’m inside with radiator heat 24/7. So definitely doing a lot of Olaplex No.3 and deep conditioning treatments. Rizos Curls refresh spray has become my go to to keep my hair moisturized.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Growing my damaged hair out. I didn’t do a big chop, and I had parts of my hair that were so damaged that my hair wasn’t proportioned at all.
Image: @thecurlybella
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Consistency and patience! Consistently using deep conditioners and cutting my hair every 3-5 months. And being patient, not going back to heat until my hair was healthy enough to take it, patiently detangling my hair to avoid more breakage. I think also listening to my hair, knowing what it likes and doesn’t like because everyone’s hair is different.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Going natural isn’t a trend. If you’re not ready to make the commitment, don’t do it. It’s a long process that requires a lot of love and patience. Now, if this is something that you want to do because in your soul you wants to, do it. You will learn so much about yourself, not only will your hair grow healthy, but so will you.
Image:@naturally_madisen
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair was difficult at times, especially since my mom didn’t know how to manage it properly. Most of the time my hair would get thrown in a high puff or it would get straightened with the hot comb (yes, the one you heat up on the stove, and it used to burn the mess out of my ears and neck”>.
When I went to school I was constantly picked on by other girls and told that I need to get a relaxer and how my hair was too nappy. That’s when I decided to beg my mom for a perm.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I decided to embrace my natural hair because my relaxed hair started to thin out and it was damaged. Although I had the length I’ve always wanted, I wasn’t happy with how it looked. I had always thought about returning natural, however, I was scared to cut all of my hair off. After doing research, I found out about transitioning and felt more comfortable taking that journey so I could keep my length and have time to learn how to manage my own hair.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment of my journey so far is when I inspired my mom to embrace her natural hair after 40+ years of getting relaxers. I never thought I’d be able to go on this journey with her and teach her how to take care of a new texture. It has been beautiful watching her growth and I’m glad my journey gave her the courage to try something new.
Another empowering moment is when I finally decided to big chop. When I looked in the mirror after getting rid of my relaxed ends, I felt liberated. I actually ended up crying on my way home, but it was happy tears. This is something I told myself I could never do, but I gathered the courage and did it. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made!
How do you protect your curls at night?
Before putting on my satin bonnet, I put my hair in mini pineapples to stretch it a little and it helps my styles to last longer. I also use a satin pillowcase sometimes for double protection.
Image:@naturally_madisen
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush would have to be Khadijah aka Khadisiac on YouTube. She was the first person on Youtube that I found during my transitioning journey that helped me choose the right products and manage my hair. I have high porosity hair and she does too, and thanks to her, I found out about porosity early on which helped me a lot once I big chopped.
Want to undertsand your hair type? Take our hair type quiz.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
One thing I can’t live without is my Bunzee Bands, a hair tie that I use to get the perfect high puff. A high puff is my go-to style once my hair gets old, and this accessory makes the process of putting my hair up easier and faster.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
The first week of every month I use a clay wash to remove product build-up and give my curls a fresh start. My favorite clay wash is from Chocolate Kinks & Kurls, the Red Clay & Hibiscus.
On the other weeks, I pre-poo before wash day and use shampoo. Then I follow up with a rinse-out conditioner and I always use a deep conditioner for at least 30-45 min. I like double conditioning my high porosity hair, it’s something that has always worked for me. Once I finish that, I do a scalp massage and follow the LOC method to style my hair.
Throughout the week, I refresh with water if needed and fluff my hair out with an oil and a hair pick. I wear a satin bonnet every night to protect my hair and massage my scalp twice per week.
I have many favorite products, but two of my top brands I use consistently are Melanin Haircare and Nature’s Little Secret.
Image:@naturally_madisen
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging moment of my journey has been embracing my texture and loving my hair regardless of what other people think. When I first big chopped I had a vision of what I wanted my curls to look like, however, I knew that wouldn’t be the case. It took time and patience for me to figure out what worked best for my curls and over time I started to fall in love with them.
I had to realize that my curls are unique and beautiful. It’s good that it doesn’t look exactly like someone else’s! This is the texture I was born with and I’m proud to rock it every day with confidence now.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
One thing that has made a huge impact on the health of my hair is incorporating Ayurvedic Herbs in my regimen. Using different herbs has helped strengthen my curls, stimulate hair growth, and combat scalp issues I’ve struggled with for years such as itchiness and dandruff.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice is to continue to find what works best for you and be patient. This journey is all about trial & error and you can’t give up when things don’t turn out the way you expect. You will always learn something new about your hair and it’ll change over time. Once you find products and techniques that work wonders for your hair, you’ll start to feel more confident with it and see what your texture can truly do. Even without adding products to your hair, just know you’re beautiful and your texture is unique and helps you stand out from the crowd.
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!
Image: @tiffofalltrades_
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Honestly, it was a headache. My hair was very thick and long. I cried and screamed the whole wash day. It took my mom and my aunt to wash and style my hair. My mom would hold me down and my aunt would do the rest. It was pretty traumatizing and I needed a Tylenol by the end of wash day. I was so happy when my mom put Just For Me in my hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coilyhair?
What made me embrace my natural hair was proving to my two daughters that their natural hair is beautiful the way it is. I couldn’t show them without being an example. So I went natural and never turned back.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering part was me starting my Instagram to help inspire others to embrace their natural hair. I’ve helped thousands of women, including my mother, my aunt, my cousins embrace their beautiful texture.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I use a bonnet and satin pillowcase. I typically put two puffs in my hair to help stretch the style and then a bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
Honestly, I love looking at other textures and admiring the healthy and beauty of their hair. But I honestly love my curls and I’m my own hair goals. Once you love your hair it will start to flourish beyond your wildest dreams. But to answer your question if I had to choose when I first started I loved Naptural85 Whitney’s hair I also learned a lot from her.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my deep conditioners, not a specific one either. My natural hair regimen requires deep conditioning every wash day, that was a game changer for me. I also love products with Ayurvedic ingredients.
Image: @tiffofalltrades_
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My favorite products are Bask And Bloom Brahmi Root Masque, Mango Twisting Cream, and Silky Aloe Pudding. I’ve been loving Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight for my cleansing shampoo that doesn’t strip my hair , I also been using Eden BodyWorks Jojoba deep conditioner a lot these days.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I would say staying on top of my trims especially with quarantine. I’m due for one soon and I always go to Celsete_Steele when I need one in the DFW. When I don’t stay on top of it , I end up having to cut more off. That stunts my length retention goals.
Image: @tiffofalltrades_
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Yes I actually started using the method, where I use a leave in cream and oil or leave in and gel if I do a wash and go. I no longer use oil in the middle of adding ingredients because it then acts as a barrier to the cream that I would apply next. I noticed the difference by trial and error.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
My advice would be to stop comparing your hair to other people. Instead admire their hair health and come up with a routine that works for you. Try different techniques, that’s the only way you will find out what works. Also make sure to take the time and listen to see how your hair responds to a technique or product. I also suggest starting a hair journal with the date of your wash day and products and techniques you used. So you have a resource to go back to. Also mark what didn’t work, what caused build up, what didn’t have great definition. This helps you to narrow down your options.
@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 Source: @fropunzel_
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
As a child, having textured hair meant getting the bowrette bucket, pink moisturizing hair lotion, a cup of water, and a brush for my mom so that she could style my hair for the week with a few brush ups in between. When I was younger, I did not realize the value of the crown on my shoulders. I mainly grew up around girls with gorgeous, flowing, long straight hair, and no one really rocked their natural curls. The straight haired girls were considered “the pretty, popular” girls so, of course, immaturely, I wanted the same, and I asked my mom to relax my hair. My hair was beautiful relaxed, but I could never reach too far past shoulder length hair. It was not until I went natural in college that I finally achieved the length I wanted, and realized how much healthier my hair was without the creamy crack.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily hair?
Before going natural, my go-to hairstyle was a roller- wrap (curls at the top with straight hair around”>. I got extremely bored with my hair, and was at the point of just “dealing with it”. During my junior year of college, I moved into a house with 3 guy friends and one of their girlfriends who had natural hair. Naturally, being the only women, we started to hang and I began to experience her natural journey. I would watch her style her hair and how it would curl up so beautifully, naturally, but I could not experience this. I wanted to know the untainted parts of myself, and I wanted to learn how to undeniably love whoever that was. I began doing research and started learning the health benefits of going natural, and watching others’ journeys on YouTube, which encouraged me greatly.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
My most empowering moment was the day of my big chop. After doing some deep research, and transitioning for a year, I randomly decided to cut off my relaxed ends. I thought that because I stopped using the relaxer, my curls would automatically come in. I was still getting my hair straightened every two weeks after I stopped using a relaxer, which meant I was still giving myself heat damage. After washing my hair and preparing to cut it, my stylist determined the line of demarcation was much shorter than I thought. Instead of having curly hair down to my ears, I would have two inches of hair. I hated cutting my hair and would even cry sometimes! He asked if I was sure and started cutting. This became one of the most freeing experiences of my life and gave me so much more confidence as my raw, unaltered self.
Image Source: @fropunzel_
How do you protect your curls at night?
To protect my curls, I use silk pillow cases. Before going to sleep, I usually soak my hair bands in oil. I then put my hair in either one big pineapple or mini pineapples, and wrap it in my satin scarf, I then cover all of this with my jumbo bonnet that has silk on the inside. My bonnet has no band in it so that it does not damage my edges.
Who is your curl crush?
I definitely have more than one curl crush. I absolutely adore Jessica Lewis (Mahogany Curls“>, Tyjalayah Robertson (naturallylady“>, Alana Simone (ina90skindofworld“>, and Kimberly Cherrell. I adore these queens and their curls, not only, because of their hair, but they also influence and encourage their followers to laugh and focus on mental well being as well. They have so much personality, and are not to be themselves freely. I believe these ladies embrace the characteristics of the type of naturalista I believe that I am.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My curl girl essentials that I can not live without are water, my Aussie Moist Mega Moist conditioner, and my Michel Mercier Thick Hair detangling brush. These three things help me love on my curls and detangle them with ease and without damaging them. As a thick, oily natural, it can be difficult finding products that are hydrating and moisturizing enough and even harder to find styling tools that don’t rip my strands. These three things, however, are game changers and they are definitely my staples.
Image Source: @fropunzel_
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I always shampoo my hair in the shower and I make sure to follow my hair regimen once every week. I LOVE the Giovanni Creamy Avocado & Olive Oil Shampoo. Then, I condition with Aussie Moist Mega Moist Conditioner while detangling, then I apply my Aussie Moist Mega Moist 3 Minute Conditioner. After rinsing this out I usually use a hair mask and sit under the dryer for about 30 minutes. Once I rinse this out, I apply rice water to my hair and allow it to sit in my hair for at least an hour before rinsing. I proceed with the L.O.C. method with water as my leave in, a mixture of oils, and Cantu’s Shea Butter Repair Cream Leave-in Conditioner as my cream before styling.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most challenging part of my journey has been fighting hair damage from using color and bleach. I have fought this battle twice now. It is very frustrating, because coloring hair is a structure altering process, similar to relaxing hair. Both times after coloring my hair, it changed from soft, shiny, and manageable to dry , dull, limp curls. It also causes so many more split ends, and trimming more often is a must.
Image Source: @fropunzel_
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
When I detangle my hair, I have learned to put my hair under the running water with the conditioner while brushing though it for an easier detangling process. I also have incorporated rice water into my regimen which has made my hair stronger, shinier, softer, and easier to detangle. The L.O.C. method is definitely a tried and true natural hair staple for hair health as well.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
I believe you simply need a change of perspective. Your natural hair texture was picked specially for you by God, because it is part of what makes you uniquely beautiful. Whether you can run your fingers straight through it, or barely stick your fingers in it, all textures of natural hair are beautiful. The main focus should be on the health of your hair. The day after I big chopped, I got a sew in, because I did not know how to embrace my curls nor the length, but I was forced to learn how and take out my sew in, because my leave out was too short and kept flying up. I am so happy this happened, because it made me look in the mirror and fall in love with who and what I saw. If you’re having a hard time, just find others with similar textures and see how they rock theirs, and maybe it will help you rock yours!
A comic gone south:
Reader Jessica (CurlTalk: missjessica”> sent this comic strip in. Tsk tsk, Ms. Guisewhite
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.
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
It was very difficult because my hair was at a weird stage where it was big and puffy, but wasn’t necessarily curly. For the most part I always straightened it with a flat iron because I didn’t wanna deal with my natural hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly/coily/wavy hair?
My mom was my curly hair inspiration growing up. She has the most beautiful bouncy curls I’ve ever seen. I wanted curls just like her and I know I had them in me deep down somewhere.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Finding curly girl method groups and researching so much advice has helped so much. My hair is now my most noticeable and most complimented feature, so it lets me know all the experimenting and patience was all worth it in the end!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I wear a silk bonnet at night to protect my curls.
Who is your curl crush?
@curlsandblondies (Sanne”> on Instagram. Not only is she so informative, she is just so wise, raw and genuine when it comes to her curly hair journey. Her curls are absolutely gorgeous!
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie! Ever since I found out about this product I can’t live without it!
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
Jamaican black castor oil! It strengthens your hair, prevents breakage and promotes hair growth. I recommend it to everyone when including it in my curly hair routine.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
When I did a big chop to get rid of the blonde in my hair. Having it very short was difficult for me but it was so worth it to have fresh new curls.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Finger coiling has definitely made a huge impact on my curls when styling. It removes any frizz and makes my hair last for 2 or even 3 more days without having to re-style.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
It is A LOT of work and it takes dedication, patience and experimenting but it’s so worth it in the end! I wouldn’t go back even if you paid me.
Image @kraziicurls
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up with textured hair was uncomfortable. My hair was seen as unruly and wild when it was out in its natural state. No one around me or in my community wore their hair in its natural state. Everyone during that time period glorified having straight hair. Not to mention this was a time when getting your hair chemically straightened was popular. Overall, growing up having my hair slicked down and neatly tucked away was the best way for me to feel comfortable.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
For starters, my mother started relaxing my hair when I was about 11 years old. As I got older, I can honestly say I did not know how to manage my hair nor knew what my natural texture was because my hair was constantly in a straightened state. When it come down to it, I was honestly tired of having to rely on chemical treatments and heat to maintain my hair.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The most empowering moment of my natural hair journey was when I let go of all the heat and chemically damaged hair. I felt empowered and like a brand new woman.
Image @kraziicurls
How do you protect your curls at night?
To protect my curls at night, I always make sure to sleep with my satin lined bonnet on while sleeping on a satin/silk pillowcase.
Who is your curl crush?
My curl crush is any curly girl that embraces their healthy natural hair.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Some of my curly girl essentials are my satin lined bonnet, hair pick, hair oil and most imprtantly water.
Image @kraziicurls
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
My hair regimen includes giving my hair what it needs. Sometimes my hair requires more moisture and other times it requires a protein treatment. Often times, my hair requires low manipulation such as protective hairstyles. Depending on how my hair feels and looks, I like to switch up my hairstyles and products. One of my brands to use is Miche Beauty, specifically the hydrating and twisting butter.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
One of the most challenging moments of my journey was transitioning and getting to know my hair after the damage was cut. While transitioning, I needed to figure out what styles looked nice and which styles masked both hair textures. After transitioning, I needed to get to know my hair and figure out what kind of products and ingredients it liked and what it didn’t like.
Image @kraziicurls
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Wearing a satin/silk bonnet when I am home and going to bed has been a method that has made a huge impact. It has maintained the health of my hair while also keeping it hair moisturized for a longer period of time. Deep conditioning weekly, using products without harmful or harsh ingredients and not applying heat unless I am using a heat cap to deep condition have also made a great impact on the health of my hair.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Work on loving yourself wholeheartedly and loving your natural texture will soon follow. Embrace your crown because not only is it yours but it is what makes you unique. You are beautiful and so is your natural texture.
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!
