Texture Tales : Mari Tells Her Traumatic Experience That Lead To Her Embracing Her Wavy Hair

Naturally Wavy / Curly

2c

As a child and well into my teens I had zero idea my hair was even curly. My mom kept my hair short and straight. I never had a say. In later years she told me she thought I wouldn’t take care of it if it was long. I remember having shoulder length hair in 3rd grade, but she always brushed it straight. In my junior year of high school I decided to let my hair grow and realized it was kind of curly. I liked it, but had no idea had to care for it.

13 years ago I went through a traumatic divorce. I immediately chopped my hair just past my ears. I had to flat iron it every day for a year just so it was presentable. As I transitioned my way into single motherhood so did my hair. I dyed it, fried it and cried over it. About a year ago I just stopped. I began treating my hair like the jeweled crown it was designed to be rather than a snarly birds nest. It’s been a slow rebirth but I am happy to report I have a Devacut specialist who keeps my curls on point and bringing me joy! I started following one curly page after another and got hooked! Embracing my curls has opened up a whole new world to me. I may have stumbled into the curly world a little uncertain but now I am confident. Confident and Curly.

Everybody LOVES my curls! Strangers ask me how I get them so perfect, some ask if it’s a perm and my best friend’s mom remarked how beautiful my hair was then asked if it was a wig! What?!? Haha

My favorite compliment was from a complete stranger. We crossed paths entering a store and she said “I love your curls. Your curls are bringing me joy!” My co-worker was with me and every now and then he randomly says “your curls are bringing me joy!”

I always thank them for the compliments and give tips if they ask. I tell them it’s a process but it’s worth it and they can do it too.

Initially I was extremely critical if my curls didn’t come out as curly,bouncy or defined as the day before, but then I realized curly hair has a mind of its own so I just started going with it and haven’t looked back. I have to admit for a long time I thought I only looked professional if my hair was straight. I said that aloud one day and my co-workers were shocked. They said they never thought my curls weren’t professional. I had to ask myself Who? Who taught me that? I still fight the feeling sometimes if I have an important meeting or something but I then I remind myself “Curly hair don’t care” and I proceed on curls and all.

I use Devacurl No Poo cleanser and conditioner consistently. I use Shea Moisture Yucca and Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Masque once a week and I just started using Dippity-Do Girls with Curls curl creme.

I alternate between air drying and diffusing throughout my hairstyling process. I am trying to wash every three days but sometimes that’s hard. Overall I am pretty happy with my routine but I’m always looking for new things to try.

I have found the more wet my hair is when I apply my styling products the more defined and healthy they look. Also, using products designed for curly hair has helped.

The journey to getting your hair it’s healthiest is definitely a process. Be patient, reach out to others in the curly world for tips, tricks and encouragement. Above all just embrace it. Curly hair ain’t for everybody so own it and Curl on!