Tag Archives: personal stories
Healthy Curl Spotlight: Talia
1.) Tell us about yourself! Where do you live? What do you do?
I’m Talia! 25 years old born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. I relocated to Indianapolis in January 2010. I’m a Licensed Cosmetologist specializing in mens hair.
2.) What influenced your decision to be natural?
Well, when I moved I was pregnant. So I didn’t relax my hair for several months. But when I miscarried all I wanted to do was throw the creamy crack back on. Moving to a new city had me freaking out about who to have relax and cut my precious locks anyways! So I started relaxing it myself… I let my boyfriends sister do it once. We both burned my scalp. After my last relaxer (June 2011), I started thinking, “Why am I doing this to myself!” I began researching other options on Google and thank God I found CurlyNikki.com. After that it was over! I got so much inspiration from other women and I started my transition. After 16 years of the creamy crack, I’m free!
3.) How do you take care of your hair?
I just BC’d November 18th 2011 so it’s really easy right now. I cowash often and sleep with a satin bonnet. If I don’t wash that day I just get it wet with cool water in the shower and then style. I DC once a week.
4.) For the product junkies out there (almost all of us), what are some of your favorite products to use?
Product junkie? Me?? Lol guilty as charged! I’ve been experimenting with different products but here is what I’ve liked so far…
Shampoo: Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo
Condish: Keracare Humecto and Yes to Carrots
Leave In: Kinky Curly Knot Today and Giovanni Direct Leave In
Styler: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Oils: EVCO & grapeseed oil. I will keep experimenting with these though.
DC: EVOO, EVCO, and honey. Sometimes egg and mayo are also added.
Gel: Aloe Vera Gel (Lily of the Desert) Used for curl definition.
5.) Have you encountered any problems with your hair? (breakage, dryness, etc) How did you deal with them?
The biggest problem is my hand in hair syndrome!! I love to play in my curls! HIH Anonymous!?? It was really dry when I was transitioning though. And I had a ridiculous amount of breakage. That’s why I BC’d. I wanted to transition for a year but I couldn’t take the two textures anymore. It was impossible to comb, finger detangle, anything! Shout out to all the long term transitioners. It’s so hard!
6.) In what ways, if any, has your natural hair changed the way you view yourself, or how others view you?
I’m very proud of myself for cutting it this short. I never thought I could pull it off with my “jughead”! Thanks Dad! I’ve always had long straight hair. But it was time for a change. Becoming natural has made me more conscious of the health of my hair and my body. I realized no matter if people think it’s too short or too nappy or too crazy, who the heck cares! It’s my hair and I’ll rock a fro if I want to! My friends and family view me as brave and they think I’m obsessed with natural hair. My boyfriend yells “Natural!” every time he sees one on TV or in public! I guess I’ve taken everyone around me on this journey.
7.) What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about your hair or yourself since being natural?
I’ve learned as much as I may love another naturals hair, it will never look exactly like hers. Natural hair is so versatile and I feel like I have so many options now. It’s so much fun! I can’t thank my curlfriends enough for the love and support they have shown me. Honestly, I couldn’t have done it without them. The natural hair community is as thick as thieves!!
Thank you for sharing Talia! She’s right y’all, the natural hair community IS thick as thieves! Don’t let anyone tell you different! We support and teach anyone who wants to learn!
If you’d like to be featured, just send me an email at CurlRehab@yahoo.com and say so! I’d love to hear from you!
Healthy Curl Spotlight: Alex
Hello everyone! Welcome Alex, and her beautiful set of curls! This is my favorite interview to date, and I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!
1.) Tell us about yourself! Where do you live? What do you do?
I’m from Atlanta,GA and I’m currently pursuing my master’s in Epidemiology.
2.) What influenced your decision to be natural?
I’ve been natural all my life! I think my mom tried a kiddie perm when I was little and it didn’t take. Shrug. C’est la vie.
3.) How do you take care of your hair?
I condition and moisturize somewhat obsessively. By that I mean, I’ll deep condition overnight or stand in the shower to tack on that extra ten minutes to the recommended three to five conditioning time. I do that mostly because the rest of my routine is definitely a nod to the old adage “less if more”. I’m not a huge fan of protective styling, so I take special care to apply oils and moisturizers to my ends so I can just wear my hair out everyday. That’s how I prefer it anyway.
4.) For the product junkies out there (almost all of us), what are some of your favorite products to use?
Funny enough, I’ve developed a serious aversion to most of the natural hair product giants out there. I, for one, HATE heavy products that leave residue, so I’ve tried and now avoid most of the overpriced and underperforming “usual suspects” . Pretty much anything named after a dessert, gets the side eye.
So, ironically, a lot of my repertoire includes what would be considered “classically Caucasian”, Like Garnier Fructis shampoo, conditioners and deep conditioner, VO5, Trader Joe’s. For leave ins, I like Cantu, Pura Body Naturals Hair Butter, and some Original Moxie products. But my latest secret weapon is Paul Mitchell’s, The Conditioner. And yes, the results I get are just as epic and awesome as the name sounds. Insider tip though, Sally’s sells a generic version for half the price and twice the product and it works EXACTLY the same. I’ve tried both, so trust me on this one lol. I do whip shea butter mixes though and I hoard grapeseed oil, and pure aloe vera gel.
5.) Have you encountered any problems with your hair? (breakage, dryness, etc) How did you deal with them?
I had a crazy bout with heat damage, one that I’m close to finished growing out finally. Having had long hair my entire life, there was absolutely no way I was big chopping anything. I mean, let’s be real here, I am SO my hair. Not because it defines me, but because it affords me the creativity to constantly redefine myself. I don’t wear makeup, so my hair is how I switch things up. Having heat damage was almost a blessing in disguise though, because it pushed me to be creative in creating curl patterns and blending the two textures I had. I don’t really ascribe to hair typing or indulge in curl envy, because I’ve learned with the right products and styling techniques, our natural hair can adapt any texture out there.
6.) In what ways, if any, has your natural hair changed the way you view yourself, or how others view you?
Like I said before, I’ve been natural all my life. So that included six years ago, when I was in high school, before natural hair became the new black. But even back then I LOVED my hair and was ok with being different, relished it even. So, my hair was never a point of ridicule, because I made it a source of pride, and it became my signature. Even now, most women prefer a more coiffed look to the sort of bohemian way I wear my hair.
7.) What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about your hair or yourself since being natural?
That I know my hair best, and when it comes to my hair I have to do what makes me feel beautiful. Even if that means throwing some highlights in my hair, straightening it, or even (gasp!) perming it. When I first started making videos on Youtube, I got caught up in this whirlwind of advice and opinion and law and regimens and hair types with must have products and taboo hair dye. I had to realize that while some women looked gorgeous in mini twists, I looked and felt downright homely, and that was ok. That epiphany hit me so hard, it nearly unraveled those twists for me. I made an appointment the next day to get highlights, because that was what I wanted. So, I applaud the sister strutting down the street with her close cropped curls, and the one tossing her fresh press in the wind, because you can tell by the smile on her face, that she feels BEAUTIFUL. And when I see my halo of curls, blonde highlights and all, I can’t think of a better word to describe it- and that’s all that matters.
YES! LOVE you and your hair, Alex! Keep doing what you’re doing, your hair is thanking you for it!! You can see more of Alex on her YT channel here!!
Healthy Curl Spotlight: Letitia!!
Hello everyone!! Today’s Healthy Curl Spotlight is Letitia! Thank you Letitia for your submission!
Tell us about yourself! Where do you live? What do you do?
- My name is Letitia Stewart. I am currently a Family Nurse Practitioner student at Southern Adventist University. I am currently residing in Chattanooga, TN. Other than being a student, I’m working as a nurse in the Intensive care unit Float Pool at Memorial Hospital.
What influenced your decision to be natural?
- The creamy crack and my scalp didn’t get along! I enjoyed seeing the curls in my hair and realized that I can do so much more with my hair being natural.
How do you take care of your hair?
- I wash and condition my hair once a week.
For the product junkies out there (almost all of us), what are some of your favorite products to use?
- I like Shea Moisture products especially their curl and shine shampoo and their hold and shine moisture mist. I also like to use coconut oil for my dry scalp.
Have you encountered any problems with your hair? (breakage, dryness, etc) How did you deal with them?
- The biggest problem I face with my hair is keeping it moisturized. I spend extra time to make sure that I condition and seal the moisture in.
In what ways, if any, has your natural hair changed the way you view yourself, or how others view you?
- I love the various things that I can do with my hair and at the end of the day I love how healthy it looks. People love that my hair is curly and that I can get away with easy hairstyles such as the two strand twist.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about your hair or yourself since being natural?
I’ve learned that being natural doesn’t have to be hard. It’s about allowing your hair to be in its most healthy state.
“being natural doesn’t have to be hard.” I love this!! I firmly believe that too!
Healthy Curl Spotlight: Kenda!!
Hello everyone! This weeks Healthy Curl Spotlight is Kenda from LGI Fitness!!
1.) Tell us about yourself! Where do you live? What do you do?
My name is Kenda I live in Nashville, TN. I am mommy to Mia, a student, full time employee, and nighttime life and fitness blogger!
2.) What influenced your decision to be natural?
My daughter did! She was unhappy with having to wear her hair in an afro after coming from the pool. She called it “fat hair” and told me my hair wasn’t fat. It broke my heart that at three, she had a negative view of her hair. After she said that I looked at my friend Chaunte and told her to cut my straight ends off. My daughter was so happy while I was doing my big chop, I taught her that we have “big and curly hair” not “fat hair”. Now she loves wearing her hair out and in afro puffs. I have had no regrets.
3.) How do you take care of your hair?
I wash my hair weekly with Kinky Curly Come Clean moisturizing shampoo. I have dry scalp and so far it seems to be the only thing that tames it. Then I do a deep condition with either Herbal Essences Hello Hydration w/ a sealant of coconut oil and/or jojoba oil, or I do a treatment masque which varies weekly because I am a PJ!!! Since I still have a TWA, I usually either do twist outs or finger curls for a defined curl look.
4.) For the product junkies out there (almost all of us), what are some of your favorite products to use?
I LOVE Shea Moisture deep conditioners! I don’t have to use much and it leaves my hair soft and curls defined. I love that they use organic products and I don’t have to wonder what is going in my hair. I also love using just raw shea butter and mixing it with various essential oils my favorites are coconut oil, jojoba, and extra virgin olive oil.
5.) Have you encountered any problems with your hair? (breakage, dryness, etc) How did you deal with them?
Yea my scalp is extremely dry its been like this since I can remember, I have to wash my hair weekly and I use some topical crème from my dermatologist as needed. I just discovered jojoba oil is great for dry scalp so I use that a lot now as well.
6.) In what ways, if any, has your natural hair changed the way you view yourself, or how others view you?
I can definitely say that going natural has made me feel more confident. I feel that my outside matches what I feel on the inside. I feel like I look like who I actually am! I have gotten more attention from the opposite sex as well which is always a plus! My workouts are extra intense because I don’t have to worry about “sweating out” my hair or edges. I can just spray some water and co-wash and go! I LOVE IT!! The biggest thing that I have loved about this experience is that I have been able to plant the seed of self love and acceptance in my daughter. She knows that she is a beautiful black girl with a beautiful head of big curls and will tell you so!
7.) What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about your hair or yourself since being natural?
I have learned that everyone’s curls are different and unique and just because a product or style works for someone else, it doesn’t mean it will work for you. You have to find what works and stick with it! I am still learning but the journey is exciting and worth it!
Thanks so much for sharing, Kenda! I’ve heard your story one on one, and I’m so glad others get to hear it too!
If you would like to be featured as a Healthy Curl Spotlight, just send me an email at CurlRehab@yahoo.com!!
Healthy Curl Spotlight: Tristan
Hello everyone!! I’ve decided to do a weekly post showcasing natural ladies! Each spotlight post will give the ladies a chance to share their tips, tricks, and words of advice about their journey to acheiving healthy hair! Check in every week to walk in someone else’s shoes for a while, and maybe glean some healthy hair wisdom! Because, it ain’t no fun unless we all get some, right? Our first Healthy Curl Spotlight will be the lovely Tristan!!
1.) Tell us about yourself! Where do you live? What do you do?
HR Administrator by day; wannabe Design junkie by night. Living in Huntsville, AL
2.) What influenced your decision to be natural?
The stress of my last year of college resulted in dry, damaged, broken hair. I tried everything to get it back to normal and nothing worked. After I graduated I packed up my life and moved across country for my first “real job”. I guess the big change of moving gave me the courage to make another big change…going natural!
3.) How do you take care of your hair?
Wash once a week (with co-wash mid week); Kimmaytube’s Leave-In Conditoner after each wash (brings hair back to original pH balance); Protective hairstyles (two strand twists, braids, etc.)
4.) For the product junkies out there (almost all of us), what are some of your favorite products to use? Set: Eco-gel, Eco-gel, ECO-GEL! Moisturize: Jane Carter Solution Products Cleanse: Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo; Treat: Hot Six Oil Dry Scalp Conditioner: Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave In Conditoner
5.) Have you encountered any problems with your hair? (breakage, dryness, etc) How did you deal with them?
Dryness is a big one sometimes. Usually when I get lazy and don’t moisturize like I should. The great thing about being natural is that when this happens you can do a good deep treatment and your hair will feel great in just under an hour. It used to take me weeks to achieve this when I had a perm.
6.) In what ways, if any, has your natural hair changed the way you view yourself, or how others view you?
I definitely have less inhibition. It is liberating to wear YOUR hair and feel proud of it. I have also gotten a lot more compliments on my hair since being natural:) I guess because its so different than what most people see.
7.) What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about your hair or yourself since being natural?
You don’t have to conform and you don’t have to be afraid of who you are…Try doing you.. You might just surprise yourself 
Thank you so much Tristan!! I also love EcoStyler Gel. It gets my edges SMOOTH for ponytails and buns! Congratulations on your decision to go natural, and good luck!
I'm Holly, a chemist, foodie, and natural hair enthusiast! Here I share product reviews, DIY hair recipes, the hair journeys of others, and my own journey! Whatever the texture, style, or length, I'm dedicated to bringing Healthy back! Welcome to Curl Rehab!