NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Deborah Williams: Hi! I’m Debbie Williams. I’ve been following NaturallyCurly for about ten years now. I can honestly say that I have learned how to manage my hair through the recommendations on NC, be it what salon to go to or what products work best for my curls.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
DW: When I was younger, my go-to hairstyle was a ponytail because my mom and I didn’t know what else to do with it. We tried different things, but the stylists in my area didn’t know how to handle my curls. I even remember being turned away by a stylist because she “didn’t know how she could help me.” That was seriously traumatizing for a thirteen-year-old girl, but I eventually got over it. Then, when I was a junior in high school, I was eager for a more mature look and chopped it all off for a pixie cut (with little sideburns and all”>. I started growing out my hair in college, and that’s when I really started to embrace my curls. For the first time I HAD to learn how to manage my hair. I started to experiment with products, and for the first time I understood how to wear my hair long and free without a hair tie.NC: What is your current routine/regimen?
DW: I wash my hair every 2-3 days depending on what I have going on and how my hair is holding up, and I condition every time I get my hair wet. When it comes to styling, I apply a healthy amount of Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner throughout my hair. Then I section it off and apply Ouidad Climate Control Gel using the rake and shake technique. I always finish it off with John Frieda Frizz-Ease Firm Hold Hold Hairspray.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
DW: I usually wear my hair down and out, especially if I want to feel “put together.” But a ponytail is my default hairstyle when I’m working out or feeling lazy. I still struggle with finding variety in hairstyles, especially for more formal events. Thankfully, my best friend hired an awesome hair stylist for her wedding, Gina Castillo, and she whipped up an amazing updo that was simple, elegant and just perfect for the occasion.
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NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
DW: My fingers and a wide toothed comb for the shower.NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural or started embracing your curls?
DW: I’ve always been natural. It was more about figuring out how to work with it and getting over the fact that I didn’t look like all my girlfriends.
NC: Did you every have any curly girl insecurities?DW: When I was younger I was really insecure about my hair. I wanted nothing more than to have straight, manageable hair. As I grew into myself, I also grew into my hair. There was definitely an attitude change when I chopped off my hair and had to own a short haircut. I remember my dance teachers telling me I danced different, more confident with out all my hair. Then as it started to grow back I just owned it more. I was proud of my curls and started getting a lot of compliments on it from friends and random strangers on the street.
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NC: What is the best thing about being curly? How has having curly hair impacted your life?
DW: You’re instantly unique — it affects everything from your personality to your style and how you interact with people.
NC: Does having curly hair affect your everyday life?
DW: It’s part of who I am. I wouldn’t be me without my curls. They’ve forced me be a little non-traditional, confident and comfortable with who I am. My curls helped me understand that it is okay to be different, have my own opinions and be my own person. I think these are lessons we all learn at some point in life, but having curly hair pushed me to accept these things early on. Thank goodness!NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
DW: Sometimes I see little girls with their unruly curls thrown up in a messy ponytail and I just want to tell them it will be okay. There will be a day when you will love your hair. I also want to shout, “Go to NaturallyCurly.com. It’ll change your life!”
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
DW: In May, I graduated with my masters in advertising from the University of Texas at Austin. I’m currently interning at a great agency in Portland, Oregon and look forward to landing my dream job. The rest is to-be-continued, and I can’t wait!
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