NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Tesa Cambor: My name is Tesa Cambor. I currently reside in Atlanta, GA.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
TC: I first decided to return to my natural roots in July 2011 after my 5-year-old daughter insisted on having her hair straightened like mine. We were at the beauty supply store and I was about to purchase an at home relaxer application when my daughter pointed at a kiddy relaxer.
With all the childhood innocence in the world she asked, “Mommy, can I have my hair straight like yours? Your hair is prettier than mine.” I asked why she thought that my hair was prettier than hers, and she responded, “Because it’s straight, and all my friends get to wear their hair straight.” I tried to explain to my daughter that she was beautiful just the way God had made her and that she should love and embrace her curls just the way they are and not try to change them. Needless to say, out of the mouths of babes sometimes a fountain of knowledge can be found. My daughter said, “But Mommy, you don’t love and embrace your hair just the way God made it.” I knew what needed to be done—I couldn’t teach her to love herself if I didn’t first love myself.
NC: What is your current routine?
TC: My regimen is very simple. I co-wash my hair every week, sometimes every two weeks if I’m rocking a protective style. If I have buildup or if I need a thorough cleansing after having a protective style, I do an apple cider vinegar rinse and gently massage my scalp until it’s clean, followed by regular conditioning. I deep condition my hair once a month if need be, or I’ll do a hot oil treatment.
NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
TC: I rarely have my hands in my hair because I usually rock a protective hairstyle. On the rare occasion that my hair is out, I like to start with freshly co-washed hair. I love to mix my own leave-in conditioners because my hair is naturally frizzy, and store-bought conditioners don’t give me the look I want.
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