NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Ana: Hi! I’m Ana and I’m 23 years old. I’m the most positive and confident person you could ever meet.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
Ana: I grew up thinking that relaxing my hair was the best way to avoid problems, thanks to my mother.
The first time my hair was relaxed was in 1997/1998 and at that time, I was about eight years and thought I was beautiful. Before age eight, my neighbor had always braided my hair.
When I moved, my mom started taking care of my hair…and messy hair was my trademark!
Everything changed in January 2012! I decided that relaxing my hair was no longer worth it…it was doing so much harm to my hair.
The best way to treat it well, after so many years of “maltreatment,” was time to return to my natural state: amazing curly hair. In November of that year, I had my first big conversation about the transition phase with one of my curly friends, Denise, who was going through the same thing.
NC: What’s your current routine?
Ana: My routine is very simple! I wash my hair about twice a week. I don’t use shampoo, so the night before I give my head a short massage with a mix of oils (coconut, black castor, and jojoba oil”>. This is the best way to nourish and detangle my hair!
The next day I wash with conditioner (Tresemmé Naturals“> and leave it in for half an hour. Then I dry my curls with an old t-shirt (to reduce frizz”>, and I finish with the L.O.C. method. Leave in – Giovanni, oil – Argan or Black Castor and then I use Whipped Butter Creme from Belle Amour Blends.
NC: On a curly day, what’s your process?
Ana: Again, it’s super simple. I usually pineapple my hair before I go to bed, and I sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect my curls.
In the morning, I just shake my head (like a crazy person”>, refresh my curls with a homemade spray (water + oil”> and when my hair is dry, I use whipped butter cream (if necessary”>.
Throughout the day, if I feel the need to refresh again, I use the spray…I always carry a mini version in my bag!
