Bonjour, my name is Alicia–La Vie En Boucle on social medias–and I was born and raised in Paris, France. I am a full-time graduate student, an intern communication executive and I also work freelance.
My natural hair journey is very complex.
I wore my hair curly until 15 years old. Then I started relaxing my hair one year later. From that point, my hair was always relaxed and I had almost forgotten what was my real natural hair.
One day, one of my teacher said something that moved me deeply.She explained that the society made people straighten their hair to fit in. I realized that the society made me think that I would be prettier with straight hair. I decided to cut my very long hair up to my shoulders in 2011. During one year, I tried to love my curly hair.
The struggle was real and I did not feel confident enough. So I decided to relax my hair… Again. At the same time, running became a huge part of my life and I was trying to have a healthier lifestyle.
I looked up at natural hair products and then the decision was clear: I will not relax my hair anymore. I stopped relaxing my hair in 2012 and I have used a hair dryer since May 2014.
I absolutely love to discover new products and brands.
However, I always make a lot of research before buying anything. To be honest, I couldn’t live without Shea Moisture. (If somehow one of SheaMoisture’s staff reads this: please come to France. Your products are always sold out everywhere in Paris!”> I love the way my hair looks when I apply the coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing. I cannot live without my aloe vera and jojoba oil too.
My “secret” for waking up with gorgeous curls
I go to sleep with my hair wet and the magic happens. I woke up with bouncing curls… That’s my secret shh!
A healthy lifestyle matters
I have been practising fitness and running since 2012. I ran my first 10k in Paris that year. It was a huge step for the asthmatic girl I am. Sports give me the strength to believe in myself. As I became more confident, I wanted to embrace myself at the fullest and then I started to eat healthier. You don’t know how much food play a big role on your hair health !
I discovered hot yoga last fall. It helps me to be powerful and calm all at once. Now, I am more confident and I have enough self control to embrace my natural curly hair forever.
The curly community in Paris
I am currently based in Paris where the ideal canon of beauty is for women to be tall, thin, and to have long silk hair. What about being natural ? Lately, one hairstylist said on a TV show that curly hair is sick hair! A few years ago, I would never have been to a job interview without a perfect blow-dry. And I think so many textured hair women are still trapped.
My wish for other curlies
I would love to see all my hair fellows embrace themselves. I want to be a role model for the next generation. My fiancé’s family comes from West Africa, I don’t want my child to envy my hair as I envied my mum’s one. I want to be the change I want to see in the society! Being natural means being unique, what could be more beautiful?
We have a lot to do. We need first to help women and young girls to embrace themselves and then to educate society about textured hair. I have so many projects for the upcoming months. I am excited to be part of that wave.
Keep an eye on my journey!
