NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Carissa Siordia Vasile: My name is Carissa. I am twenty-seven years old and a busy mom of three little ones! I was born and raised in Southern California.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
CSV: I have always had a love/hate relationship with my hair. I am the only one in my immediate family with curls and my mother did not know how to care for and style my hair. Growing up, I washed my hair almost every day (yikes!”> and used cheap conditioner. No oil care, no knowledge of techniques…nada! I was always fighting with my hair and trying to straighten it or drown it in my brother’s hair gel. The heat, sulfates and silicones only made my hair dry and frizzy. Eventually it lost its curl and I was left with dry, confused waves.
It wasn’t until about three years ago that I started to learn how to care for my hair type. Since then, I have gained a better understanding of how my hair is different from straight hair and I have learned how to work WITH my waves and curls instead of against them. The result is a renewed relationship with my hair. We get along fairly well now. I prefer to wear it natural rather than scorch it with a flat iron. Healthy curls are better curls!
NC: What is your current routine?
CSV: I wash my hair with a moisturizing shampoo every two to three days. My favorite shampoo/conditioner combo is L’Oreal EverSleek. But since I have three kids, I can’t always spend money on the good stuff. When I’m in a pinch, I buy big bottles of Suave Professionals Almond & Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner. It works well for me and for my daughter.
After the shower, I leave my hair in a hair turban for ten minutes to let it dry. Then I scrunch in a bit of Eden Body Works Coconut Shea Natural Leave-In Conditioner. If I’m in a rush and heading straight out the door, I scrunch in Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse. Sometimes I blow dry my bangs but lately, I leave them curly.
