Image Source: Martiana Caruana
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
My mum has really wavy hair which is up in a ponytail most of the time so frankly she had no idea what to do with my hair. I was literally the only person in the house with long curly hair (apart from my dad, but his hair was on the shorter side”>. It was acknowledged that I had curly hair but since no one knew what to do with it, it was treated like straight hair.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
I was watching Penny Tovar’s video on all the bad ways that you can take care of curly hair (ironically this video popped up in my recommended feed, it was the first ever video I saw of Penny’s“>. I recognized all the mistakes I was making and I was curious to see the potential my hair had while it was taken care of properly.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
On the day of my high school graduation, I washed it the day before so I could wear it down and in my eyes it didn’t come out good. So obviously, I went to the graduation feeling like my hair was a mess and that I should have straightened it. I even told my sister to remind me to flat iron it for my next graduation! But when I saw that almost all the girls with straight hair had attempted to curl their hair, it made me feel so proud that my hair was naturally made that way. I couldn’t have felt prouder walking on stage with my hair in it’s natural form (the pictures even came great too!“>.
Image Source: Martiana Caruana
How do you protect your curls at night?
I use water, olive oil and John Frieda’s Frizz Ease mousse for the LOC method. Then I loosely tie my scarf around my head and I top it all off with a satin bonnet to prevent the scarf from coming off during the night. Tying the scarf loosely and securing it with a bonnet really helped put less of a strain on my hairline.
Who is your curl crush?
Honestly? It’s me. I am my own curl crush. Yes I love looking at other people’s hair and admiring it but at the end of the day there is no one’s hair that I want more than mine.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My scarf and satin bonnet
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I am starting to really love the Organic Shop. It’s very affordable and it has a great selection of products that give moisture and shine.
Image Source: Martiana Caruana
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Going on for a year of being heat free. I just can’t resist it, my longest time done was 6 months.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Overall, deep conditioning once a week has been a huge game changer for me.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Your hair is not like anyone elses. Every wave, curl and coil is unique. That’s what makes your hair special. Being different and standing out can be a good thing. Also in the wise words of Joe from the Princess Diaries: Don’t let anyone make you feel inferior without your consent.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
