NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Alessandra Christiani: My name is Alessandra Christiani. I am a sophomore at Boston College and I am studying accounting and finance.
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls, or have you always enjoyed and embraced your curls?
AC: I actually had poker-straight hair until I was fourteen. I hated the change in my hair and I fought it until my senior year of high school when I realized that I should just play up my natural 2B waves!NC: So from start to finish, on a curly day, what’s your process?
AC: I switch up my shampoo and conditioner, although I love Pantene. I co-wash every night, and only use shampoo twice a week. While in the shower, I comb through my hair before rinsing out my conditioner. Instead of drying my hair with a towel, I use a T-shirt to eliminate frizziness. I also use Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioning Cream to smooth my hair. When my hair is partially dry, I scrunch my curls using Garnier Fructis Extra Strong Curl Scrunch Gel to further define my curls. I usually sleep on my partially wet hair, and wake up ready to start my day.
NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?AC: I typically wear my hair down, although I frequently sport a half up, half down look. Usually, I braid the front pieces of my hair back into a clip or a full ponytail. I love experimenting with a variety of braids, including French, Dutch, fishtail, and mermaid braids.
Read More: 3 Tips for Washing Wavy Hair
NC: What about your hair stylists?
AC: Whenever I need a haircut, I fly home and make an appointment at the Paul Mitchell School. Although it tends to take a bit of time, I get a salon-quality hair cut for less than $15. The stylists know how to work with my coarse, thick, curly hair.
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
AC: My go-to tools are definitely my clips, my comb to detangle my hair, as well as my Conair wand, for the days I want to perfect my spirals with a little heat. My favorite product is definitely the Garnier Fructis Curl Scrunch Gel. This product is a recent discovery that defines my curls and eliminates frizz, even in windy weather.NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
AC: Everyone, my family included, was surprised that I actually had curly hair! I get many complements on my unique hair and am told it looks better natural than straight.NC: What do you do at nighttime for your hair?
AC: At night, I usually tie my semi-wet curls up in a ponytail. I am always extra careful to keep the ponytail loose to avoid unattractive marks on my hair in the morning.
Read More: No-Frizz Styling Tips for Wavy Hair
NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
AC: I love how unique my hair is. It is a look that is hard to achieve using heat and other tools. Although it takes a lot of time to work with my hair, it handles styling well.NC: Does having curly hair affect your everyday life?
AC: Having curly hair has simplified my life. I roll out of bed with hair I am comfortable and confidence with. I never use a brush, so that is one less thing to do in the morning!NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
AC: Don’t try to fight them! Experiment with various hairstyles, daily routines and products until you feel confident with your appearance when you leave in the morning. Also, never fear asking others for advice — I have had random people in the grocery store ask what I do for my hair!NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects. Tell us about your life and what you are up to!
AC: I work as a marketing director for a start-up company called Jebbit. I am very passionate about business, and I also allot time to service groups on campus. Read More: Real Texture Talk: Penny Gabrielsen
