What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I was a kid in the early 90s and always saw my mom and older sister rock their curls, but they always had the crunchy wet look. Then, when I was 11 years-old my sister straightened my hair with an iron (I still have a scar on my back from that day”>. I fell in love with how my hair felt and looked straight. I’d beg her to do it all the time.
When I could finally style my own hair and flat irons came out, I was hooked! I rarely let my natural texture be. Since the time I was 14 years-old I’ve been fighting my natural hair almost on a daily basis! I tried all the products, all the chemicals, all the treatments.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
I had been in a constant battle with my natural hair for over 20 years. I just couldn’t learn to embrace it, but when my daughter turned 14 years-old I saw her start doing the exact same thing I had been doing. She was fighting her beautiful curls and ruining them. I preached how bad it was, but I was still doing the same thing and not teaching her any better! I knew it was time I practiced what I preached so I made it a commitment to embrace my naturally curly hair. It has help is bond to spend together nurturing our curls.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I started the Curly Girl Method when I learned about if from a Facebook group. As soon as I started getting results and sharing them on that group, fellow curly girls were asking me to set up an Instagram. I’ve only had it for a few months and I can’t believe how quickly it’s grown. The love in the curly community is incredible! Seeing women be so open and kind about our struggles, successes, and experiences is extremely empowering. I’m in constant awe of how many strangers are willing to come together and share advice, a kind word and so much love.
It’s not just about hair, it’s about self love and embracing your authentic self!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep on a satin pillowcase and put my hair in a pineapple. I’ve tried doing scarves and bonnets, but it’s just more than what I want to do. I don’t like to over complicate things and the satin pillowcase works well.
Who is your curl crush?
There are so many beautiful women full of luscious curls, and more importantly advice for fellow curly haired women. I have so many crushes, but my original inspiration was Felicia aka hif3licia.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Protein treatments! My hair was so damaged and is high porosity, so once I started doing protein treatments it made all the difference and I still do them regularly.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I’m constantly trying products, but it’s usually in this order… low poo, conditioner, leave in, curl enhancer, gel or mousse, light layer of oil on scalp and ends of hair. Diffuse, scrunch out the crunch with a satin glove and fluff. Once or twice a week I do deep conditioner and/or protein treatment. I add steam and cover with a heat cap to penetrate my hair.
The best product I’ve used is a DIY gelatin mask. I add gelatin, chamomille tea, olive oil and honey. My curls tighten up and my hair is very shiny every time I do it!
Image:@curlsbypearls
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Letting go of control has been the hardest! Before I embraced my curls, I knew I could flat iron or curl my hair with a curling iron and I knew the results I’d have. I knew I could make my hair look good. The more consistent I become in my routine the healthier my hair becomes.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Deep conditioning and protein have drastically improved the health of my hair. I can’t stress enough how important it is to figure out your porosity and the needs of your hair and then take the time to do what it needs.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Be inspired by all the beautiful women out there embracing their natural hair. It’s easy to look at mainstream media and want the perfect blow out or curling iron curls we see everywhere… but once you start seeing the gorgeous curls, waves, locs and coils so many women confidently rock, you’ll start having a deeper appreciation for yours. Then you realize that with enough effort and patience, your natural hair will flourish like that too. Social media is a great place to start, because there is a huge community of women who want to support you in your natural texture hair journey!
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
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