What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Well originally I had stick straight hair. It was straight, it never held a curl, and it was boring. Then around 11 or 12 my hair started growing in frizzy and nasty. I hated it. I’d blow out my bangs and all my hair every morning so all my cowlicks and frizz was semi gone. I was obsessed with smoothing products and over washing my hair. I had no idea how to take care of it.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?
When I was 14 I bleached all of my hair. It was yellow and nasty. The hair got so damaged it broke off. I kept washing my hair every day and it got dryer and dryer. This was when my acne got really bad too so I looked ridiculous. I cringe looking at photos of that ugly blonde hair. Then i realized my hair was kind of curly. I started letting it dry with a diffuser and a little bit of gel my mom had. My mom rarely wore her hair curly but she had some ouidad gel. Eventually I stopped shampooing everyday because my hair was so damaged I didn’t know what to do.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I started the curly girl method but then learned that it wasn’t 100% what my hair needed. I think learning that you don’t need to be so strict with your hair is something important everyone needs to know. People always ask me if it’s my natural hair when they see my lovely wavy curls and it’s a lot better than asking me when I was going to straighten it again.
Read more: Why These Women Don’t Follow the Curly Girl Method
How do you protect your curls at night?
Silk pillowcase, silk bonnet, and if my hair is trashed from me sleeping (it generally is”> I’m not afraid to hop in the shower and restyle everyday.
What is your Texture Type?
2C
Who is your curl crush?
Manes by Mell 100%. She has taught me everything I know about my curls.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
My prose custom shampoo and conditioner is absolutely amazing. Also my Sam Villa hairdryer and diffuser is awesome. And an honorable mention is this NaturallyCurly website.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
- I use my Prose custom shampoo and conditioner each wash.
- If I need a gentler cleanse I use the As I Am Coconut Cowash and if I need to clarify I use the Malibu C un-do goo.
- For leave-ins I love SheaMoisture Straighten and Restore.
- Curl creams I use the DevaCurl Wave Maker.
- For gels I really like the DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel and the Kinky Curly Curling Custard.
- For mousse I love the SheaMoisture mousse and the Maui Moisture mousse.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Comparing myself to others. I always wanted really curly hair but it took time to realize I don’t have 3C hair. My hair is unique and beautiful. I just wish I could’ve realized that sooner.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
I love my Denman brush. It is amazing. It really helps those curls spring. Also if your hair is feeling messed up or lacking shine before adding protein add moisture. My hair has gotten terribly dry and it never got better until I used moisture. Your hair might not be damaged, it’s just thirsty.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Keep trying! If you don’t succeed now, give yourself a month or two. Take pictures regularly or your progress and don’t be afraid to try out new products or techniques.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
