Texture Tales Iana on How the Pandemic Inspired Her to Embrace Her Curly Hair

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

Growing up with textured hair was a struggle. I did not know how to properly care for my hair or which products to use. As a result, whenever I did rock my curls my hair was crunchy and had no volume. I always felt prettier with my hair straightened, so my mom took me to the hair salon monthly. This went on all through my high school years.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally curly hair?

Crazy enough, This pandemic! Back in May when the hair salons were closed I started to watch YouTube videos on how to care for curly hair. I kept seeing all the girls with beautiful curls and remembered that I once too had pretty curls. At that point it just became my mission to recuperate my curls.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

My most empowering moment was when a total stranger on one of my Facebook groups told me how much more confident I looked in my pictures with my curly hair. It was amazing to me how she was able to notice just by looking at my pictures.

Texture Tales Iana on How the Pandemic Inspired Her to Embrace Her Curly Hair

How do you protect your curls at night?

To protect my curls at night, I put my hair in a pineapple and use both a satin bonnet and a satin pillowcase.

Who is your curl crush?

Tracee Ellis Ross is my hair queen.

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

That would be my diffuser. The volume I get with it gives me life.

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I’m still in the middle of transitioning so deep conditioning weekly is a must. I also like to do oil treatments twice a month. My favorite styling products right now are LUS and Ecoslay Orange Marmalade.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Not dying my hair! I’m trying really hard to stay away from hair dye since I’m still transitioning so I have to let my little grey hairs live their best life.

Texture Tales Iana on How the Pandemic Inspired Her to Embrace Her Curly Hair

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Avoiding heating tools all together. My hair has changed so much in just a few months sometimes I can’t believe it myself. I also used Olaplex 3 for the first 2 months weekly and I know that made a big difference for me as well.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

My advice will be to take time to educate themselves in their hair texture. When I decided to transition I watched many videos, followed girls with similar hair to me and took their advice on how to take care of my hair. Some of the things worked some didn’t and that’s how there is going to be trial and error. The important thing is to be patient and embrace the journey.

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