What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?
Growing up, I always remember wash days as being awful. I remember lots of screaming and tears. My hair was thick and I remembered wishing it was smooth like my classmates who all had relaxers. I never knew how to do my hair myself and after a while, my mom gave up and had my hair relaxed.
What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?
One weekend my sister, @kimcurly23, came home from college for the weekend and she showed me videos with @mahoganycurls, @naptural85, and other natural hair youtubers. I was blown away because having natural hair was literally something I had never even considered. I loved how they were doing their hair themselves and using natural products to make diy products. All this was amazing and all new to me. I transitioned for about 4-6 months I think, then after a disaster with some ground almonds, I tried making almond milk and I decided to big chop.
What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?
The day I did my big chop was and still is the most amazing day in my natural hair journey! I felt so scared at first, but a man on the street told me I looked like “a natural empress” and for some reason, it cheered me up! I felt like a whole different human. I felt so liberated like this was the first time I was being my true self!
How do you protect your curls at night?
I never go to bed without a satin bonnet.
Who is your curl crush?
My sister- @kimcurly23
What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?
Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter and Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Exfoliating Shampoo
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I clarify once a month with an acv and water mix and I shampoo once per week. I believe that a clean scalp is one of the most important steps in growing healthy hair. Mielle Organics Mongongo Shampoo and the Do it “FRO” The Culture Mane Choice Shampoo are current faves. I deep condition bi-weekly based on the needs of my hair. So if it feels mushy then I sub my moisture deep conditioner for a protein treatment. I love the new Camille Rose Oud Rich Infusion Deep Conditioner for moisture and for protein I add a bit of my diy Ayurvedic herb mix to any deep conditioner. My favorite leave-in is the Natty Naturals Leave-in. It has tons of slip and is readily absorbed. For stylers, I tend to reach for my Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter, Oyin Boing or the Mielle Organics Pomegranate and Honey Curl Twisting Soufflé.
What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?
I permanently colored my hair and that has really set back my journey. I had a lot of fun being a redhead, but now the color is almost completely gone and I don’t think I’d ever color my hair again because it really loosened my curl pattern.
Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?
Deep conditioning with a plastic cap on plus my thermal hot head cap has really made a great impact on my hair! I find that moisturizing my hair and scalp and adding oil on top makes my hair soft and lessens friction which in turn reduced breakage.
What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?
Find what works for your hair type and I promise you’ll love your texture. I suggest following women with a similar hair type on social media. They can share tips on how to best care their hair.
What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.
