NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Laura: My name is Laura. I’m twenty-nine and I’m an Italian girl.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
Laura: I have always had natural curls, especially Type 3C from the ages 14 to 16. When I was seventeen, I relaxed my hair because all of my friends had straight hair. I wore my hair straight until I was 18 or 19. Then I decided that I didn’t want relaxed hair anymore; I noticed that my hair had lost its curl and realized that I look better with my natural, curly hair. Now I love my Type 3B curls!
NC: What’s your current routine?
Laura: I’m currently using a natural shampoo, Lavera Rose Milk Repair Shampoo, and Splend’Or Coconut Conditioner. Once a week I make a deep conditioner with coconut oil (100% natural”> or a karité mask. As far as styling products go, I usually use aloe vera gel (Zuccari, 100% natural”> or for special occasions the Sunsilk Cream. I trim my hair once a year.
NC: From start to finish on a curly day, what’s your process?
Laura: I usually wash and condition my hair in the evening. I begin to detangle my hair with a brush with large teeth while my conditioner is still in and then rinse. After patting the excess water out of my hair, I’ll finger comb gel or cream into my curls. Once a week after shampoo I use a karité mask or a coconut deep conditioner before shampooing. On days that I don’t wash my hair, I will sometimes wet my hair a bit to revitalize my curls.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
Laura:I usually wear my hair curly and loose, in a high ponytail, or in a high chignon. Sometimes I like to embellish with a headband.
NC:What are your must-have products and tools?
Laura: I must have Lavera Rose Milk Repair Shampoo, a good natural conditioner and a hydrating mask. For a styling product, I must have an aloe gel which hydrates my hair and the Sunsilk Leave-In Cream which helps me to prevent frizz. I also keep clips and a wood brush with large teeth on hand.
NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
Laura: I leave my hair down or put it in a loose ponytail on the top of my head.
NC: What about your hair stylist?
Laura: In the last few years, I have changed hair stylists frequently (I go to the stylist about once a year”>. I still haven’t found a stylist in Italy that I really love. I prefer to style my hair myself, aside from my yearly trim.
NC:What is the best thing about being curly?
Laura: The confidence I feel (except when the climate is humid”>. I like to see my spirally curls! I also spend a very short amount of time on my hair in the morning, and I save money because I don’t need to go to the hair stylist for special occasions; I can prepare my hair myself!
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
Laura: My curls make it easier for people remember and recognize me. Not many girls have hair like I do.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
Laura: You have to be patient because it takes time to find a good hair care routine and good products for each type of curl, but I assure you that when you find your right curly routine, you will be satisfied. Curls are spectacular!
