Real Texture Talk: Alessandra Christiani

NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Alessandra Christiani: My name is Alessandra Christiani. I am a sophomore at Boston College and I am studying accounting and finance.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?

AC: I actually had poker-straight hair until I was fourteen. I hated the change in my hair and I fought it until my senior year of high school when I realized that I should just play up my natural 2B waves!

NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what's your process?

AC: I switch up my shampoo and conditioner, although I love Pantene. I co-wash every night, and only use shampoo twice a week. While in the shower, I comb through my hair before rinsing out my conditioner. Instead of drying my hair with a towel, I use a T-shirt to eliminate frizziness. I also use Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioning Cream to smooth my hair. When my hair is partially dry, I scrunch my curls using Garnier Fructis Extra Strong Curl Scrunch Gel to further define my curls. I usually sleep on my partially wet hair, and wake up ready to start my day.

NC:

AC: I typically wear my hair down, although I frequently sport a half up, half down look. Usually, I braid the front pieces of my hair back into a clip or a full ponytail. I love experimenting with a variety of braids, including French, Dutch, fishtail, and mermaid braids.

Read More: 3 Tips for Washing Wavy Hair

NC: What about your hair stylists?

AC: Whenever I need a haircut, I fly home and make an appointment at the Paul Mitchell School. Although it tends to take a bit of time, I get a salon-quality hair cut for less than $15. The stylists know how to work with my coarse, thick, curly hair.

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

AC:

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

AC:

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

AC: At night, I usually tie my semi-wet curls up in a ponytail. I am always extra careful to keep the ponytail loose to avoid unattractive marks on my hair in the morning.

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

AC:

NC: Does having curly hair affect your everyday life?

AC: Having c

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

AC:

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!

AC: I work as a marketing director for a start-up company called Jebbit. I am very passionate about business, and I also allot time to service groups on campus. Read More: Real Texture Talk: Penny Gabrielsen