Image: @indiabatson
What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up, I straightened my hair daily because all the girls who looked like me had straight hair and what little girl doesn’t simply want to fit in?
What made you decide to embrace your naturally wavy hair?
I grew tired of straightening my hair. I had damaged it enough and was over it. I began doing research on the curly girl method and decided to drop sulfates and put my straightener down for good!
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I will never forget one day in middle school, I didn’t have time to straighten my hair and just rolled out of bed in a panic. My middle school teacher told me, “I like your hair better when you don’t straighten it.” It changed my perspective completely forever.
How do you protect your curls at night?
Pineapple
Who is your curl crush?
Spisha and Bianca Renee. I’m lucky enough to call them friends and talk on the phone with them way too much.
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Scrunchie
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I’m obsessed with Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk line, honestly. It’s Curly Girl Method approved and it’s affordable… GAME CHANGER. I love DevaCurl’s Melt into Moisture Mask, SheaMoisture’s Manuka Honey and Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment is PERFECTION for after I highlight my hair to get my bounce back. Recently, I’m loving Prose shampoo and Amika’s curl corps gel, especially since they’re both sulfate & silicone free.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
Having people tell me I don’t belong in the curly world, but I also don’t belong in the straight hair world, and this has left me feeling out of place as a wavy-hair girl. I hope one day the curly hair community will be more wavy-haired and welcoming of wavy haired men and women. Representation is something I’ve learned this past year is extremely important. In the curly world predominantly 3b/3c curls are shown the most, because they are the “most desired”. I’m ready to see an ad with 2a, 3b, and 4c women next to each other looking fabulous!
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
I am the most chill “hair influencer” out there!! I put my product in and run out the door. I embrace the frizz and work with what I’ve got.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
If you stop straightening your hair you can get back an hour of your day to eat pizza, watch Netflix or even watch my YouTube videos… if that isn’t encouraging I don’t know what is!?! No, but in all seriousness, stop comparing your hair to others and rock what the good Lord gave you. It will take time, but the journey is the best part.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.