Hi, I’m Daina Lyn Walls, New Jersey from North Jersey, but now live in South Jersey–there’s a difference, I swear! And I am a Copywriter for the Creative Team at Destination Maternity Corporation.
I have always worn my hair curly. I have never mastered straightening my hair myself.
However, in high school one year my friends was becoming cosmetologists and between Sun In and bad box dye jobs, my hair was not only orange, but it went completely & string-ishly straight! Then again in college, I was bored with the curls (I know, what a travesty!”> and between always coloring, the Brazilian Straightening before they got rid of the formaldehyde and my inability to not use gel with alcohol, my hair was ruined.
I had been with my boyfriend for years and said that once we got married I wanted to do my own hair and showcase my own completely grown out curls. So, in 2010 I vowed to have healthy, untouched, truly natural hair and that is when I discovered Lorraine Massey’s Curly Girl Book. I got married in 2013, did my own hair and have been CG for 5 years.
My curly hair must-haves
Obviously conditioner, since I co-wash. I look for a thick, creamy conditioner because I like to feel the slip and the moisture in my really dry 3b hair. I currently am using AG Re:coil. I really want to try Briogeo Curl Charisma Conditioner because I have heard pretty good things about it. I am not 100% faithful to conditioner, as long as it allows my hair to be finger-combed, I will try it!
As for styling products, I am a one product at a time girl. I only wash my hair twice a week (3 if I must”> and I don’t like to mix or layer products. I hate build-up and the one thing I noticed right away when I went CG was that I never get dry scalp anymore. I used to have dandruff every single day, so I don’t want to be over product-y, even though I always use too much anyway. I swear by Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator.
I know that one of the original owners broke off and created the same product under the name Sweet Soul Magic. I will use either, as long as it contains the original formula! I also make my own hair gel with just flaxseeds and water. At this point, I think most people have seen the how-to videos on this gem. I have also used AG Re:coil Curl Activator Cream, but I always just use too much of it. I like SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra Moisturizing Transitioning Milk when I want one of those super soft hair days or when it’s day 3 and I need to do a braid in order to not scare people.
[prodmod]
I am my biggest hair issue.
Every other year, like clockwork, I cut bangs. And immediately, I cry and swear I won’t ever cut bangs again. Then, I look at pictures of Keri Russel in Felicity (before she cut her hair”> and envy how long her front layers were. But other than that, I would say it is dry. I cannot seem to keep it moisturized. Oils and butters are too heavy, so they make it look waxy. Sometimes products with protein make my hair turn into hay. I think the less is more strategy works for me, but unfortunately I have a heavy hand with everything I do, so that quarter size amount companies recommend I take as silver dollar pancake size. I have gotten really good with leaving it alone and just letting it live its life. If it wants to get big, then so be it. I am from New Jersey and I am Italian… my hair just wants to show that.
Wind is not a friend. I hate getting caught in the back seat of someone’s car and they have their windows open. I have an unrealistic fear that once the wind gets a hold of my head, the spirals will unfurl. It doesn’t help with the creepy little bangs I keep cutting and regretting either. I also think the usual suspects like rain and humidity, but I have accepted frizz, so it is what it is. This is not a challenge, but it’s wild… people always want to touch my hair. I allow it.
So, in 2015 I am way behind or a complete radical… or just lazy? I am like a nonexistent person in the social media world. I do write social posts for the company I work for, which is ironic. I have Facebook, because well, I am not 100% off the grid, ya know? I know once upon a time I signed up for Instagram and my goal for 2015 is to utilize it, so you can follow me on there. My username is @Daigala! Once I start, people tell me I won’t stop. The one thing you will be sure to see? Curls.
