My Curly Hair Journey
Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Tallahassee
As a five-year-old, my blonde, Hannah Montana-esque hair had only been touched by bubblegum shampoo, leave-in conditioner, and the beach waters of Miami. I had tight, bouncy curls that my fingers would get stuck in if I even dared to run them through my head. Yet, as I grew older, my hair started to get darker and, in an attempt to embrace my Miley Cyrus and Elena Gilbert-inspired era, I began using heat on my hair with the help of flat irons and blow-dryers. I was incredibly jealous. Not only of all the characters I looked up to but also my friends who would wake up with naturally straight hair, just having to brush it to look ready for the day — a total dream for me. As I graduated high school and entered college, I started getting bored of my straight hair and missed the volume of my curls. Thus began my curly hair journey (which hopefully inspires the beginning of yours, too)!
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
At first, to revive my curls, I would deep condition my hair weekly. I would apply the Garnier Fructis Conditioner to every inch of my hair and leave it on for hours while I did homework or watched Gilmore Girls. My hair was so dry and dead from religiously using the Revlon Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush, especially my ends. Deep conditioning and occasionally applying hair masks helped bring the volume back into my curls. However, this does not mean your hair should be washed daily. This could either make your hair even drier or too oily.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
When figuring out the schedule to wash my hair, I found it effective to wash it every third day — so, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Though I only shampoo it once a week, usually at the end of the week. On the other wash days, I only apply conditioner and brush it out in the shower. This step is crucial — only brush in the shower when your hair is wet! After brushing my hair in the shower, I scrunch my curls, flip my head down, and continue scrunching my hair. Before I turn the water off, I wash the conditioner out of my hair, scrunch it all over again, and put it in a claw clip or bun while I change into my clothes.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
The materials you use on your head also make a major difference for curly hair. Drying my hair lightly with a t-shirt instead of a towel has made my curls much healthier and helps to avoid frizz. Before bed, I use a silk wrap to lay around my head so my curls don’t rub against my pillow and frizz up. I usually put my hair into two Dutch braids after applying water and leave-in conditioner, followed by the silk wrap, and I’m ready for bed!
Image Courtesy: Aussie
When I wake up in the morning after washing my hair, I scrunch, scrunch, scrunch! I absolutely love the Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioner, the Aussie Leave-In Conditioner, and the Aussie Mouse. I first apply the leave-in conditioner and scrunch my hair. Then, I scrunch the Aussie moose throughout my hair, as it’s truly a lifesaver in maintaining my curls throughout the day. After practicing this for two semesters, and breaking up with my Revlon tools, my curls are now more defined and healthier!
Strike Out,
Writer: Natalie Willis
Editor: Jayna O
Graphic Designer: Lindsay Merrill
Tallahassee