What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
I always liked how my hair looked when it was wet, but it would dry puffy and frizzy. I tried using gel but that made my hair stiff and crispy looking. I was never taught how to style my hair naturally. At one point I got a chemical straightening treatment, but I hated the results because it was still wavy after the treatment, just a little less so. I hated it so much that I actually got a perm to try to get my waves back. For most of middle school I straightened my hair daily. I rocked the wavy hair with straight bangs look too.
At one point in high school I played around with wearing my hair wavy, but a botched hair cut my freshman year of college led me to start straightening it again.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I stumbled into the subreddit r/curlyhair and it inspired me to really to to learn how to care for my hair and learn how to style it well.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Learning how to care for my hair so that it is actually healthy and looks good naturally. It’s so nice being able to wear my wavy hair confidently. I have loved connecting with the wavy curly community on Instagram as well. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in this journey.
How do you protect your curls at night?
I sleep with my hair in a loose pineapple on top of my head.
Who is your curl crush?
I’ve loved Megan/ @wavycurlychronicles from the beginning of my hair journey. She’s so kind and uplifting and I love her hair. My hair loves a lot of the same products as hers too.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Gel. If I had to pick one hair product it would be a good hair gel. If I could pick two I would pick a good hair towel.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
- Shampoo: Bounce Curl clarifying shampoo
- Conditioner: Bounce Curl conditioner
- Stylers: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel, Xmondo Wavetech foam, Innersense I Create Volume lotion
- Hairspray: Innersense I Create Finish
- Tools: Hairrepear towel, Curl Keeper spray bottle and Flexy Brush
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Having the patience to see results. It takes a long time to undo all the damage you’ve done to your hair. I didn’t do a big chop, so I had to wait while I grew out my hair and slowly cut off the damage. It also takes a lot of trial and error to find the products and techniques that give you the results you want.
What is your hair type?
Type 2c
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
The MAP Method by Scott Musgrave. I took his online course and it was a turning point for me. His course helped me find the right application techniques for my hair specifically.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Don’t worry, you will get there! There is a lot of trial and error to find the products and techniques that work for you, but you’ll find them eventually. Keep experimenting.
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