NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!

Alicia Angeles: My name is Alicia Angeles and I am a senior at Boston College. I’m 21 years old and from Montclair, New Jersey. I’m Puerto Rican and Dominican. Last year, I studied abroad in Madrid and this year, I am fortunate enough to be living in the “mods” here at BC.

NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

AA: I only started embracing my curls recently. I used to obsess over flat ironing my hair, and when I say obsess, I mean that I would iron it every single day. Thankfully, my hair isn’t completely burnt anymore.

NC: What’s your current routine?

AA: I wash my hair every two days with shampoo and conditioner made for damaged and frizzy hair. After showering, I use store brand gel and hairspray throughout my hair and leave it to air dry.

NC: From start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?

AA: From start, I’ll shower, and maybe wash my hair. Regardless of whether or not I wash my hair, I detangle it while I’m showering. After that, I towel dry my hair, then let it down and part it. I’ll apply a palmful of gel to each side of my part, then another palmful to the front and back. After using the gel, I spray each side, then shake it out and am ready to go.

NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?

AA: I love to wear my hair down or in a bun.

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

AA: I cannot live without my gel, hairspray, Vaseline and a flat iron.

NC: What about your hairstylist?

AA: I have been going to the same hair stylist since I was eleven years old. I refuse to go to anybody else, and have been loyal to her no matter what salon she works at in New Jersey!

NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?

AA: I just throw my hair in a bun and go to sleep!

NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?

AA: I’ve always been natural, so I didn’t really get a reaction. If anything, I got reactions when I straightened my hair!

NC: Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?

AA: I had a ton of insecurities because of how big my hair is and how hard it is to control. I hate swimming and sweating, because my hair frizzes right up afterwards!

NC: What is the best thing about being curly?

AA: Not everyone has curls! I love that it makes me unique.

NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?

AA: Throw some product in your curls, wear them loose, and be confident!

NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!

AA: I’m finishing up my last semester of college and then I will most likely move back to New Jersey and hopefully end up working in New York City.