CurlsGalore- Naturally Glam Hair Idol

CN: How long have you been natural?
CG: I have been natural for 11 months this May. My last relaxer was in March 2009 and I did the BC on June 13, 2009. A mere three months of transitioning. I became so anxious to see my curls; I didn’t want to fight the two textures. I just went for it!

CN: What is your regimen?
CG: Simplicity works best for me. My current regimen:

• Prepoo: Every 2 weeks with Aubrey Organic Honeysuckle Rose (Thanks, Nikki!) mixed with EVOO/honey (begin detangling)

• Shampoo: Every other week or once a week with Giovanni TTT Shampoo

• Conditioner(s): Buffer method (Thanks, Kimmaytube) w/Giovanni Smooth As Silk Conditioner every week or as needed; may switch it up with Aussie Moist/Hello Hydration/Desert Essences Green Apple or Coconut, just depends.

• Detangle in the shower by finger combing or using my modified Denman brush

• Leave in Conditioner: HE Hello Hydration (Thanks, Nikki!) mixed with castor oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera gel, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E oil. Apply to damp hair to maintain softness and moisture.

• Sealant: Shealoe mixture for strands and seal ends with castor oil (love it!)

• Styler: Bee Mine Curly Hair Butter: I started using this a few weeks ago and I apply it to refresh my twists before I unravel them, as well as, when I twist my hair. Awesome definition and smells yummy!

• Style of choice: Twistouts are my signature style. Shout out to the ladies of the Twist Challenge! I’m learning to keep my twists in as a protective style…I never really wore twists longer than a day or two. Not to mention, I’ve improved my twisting skills quite a bit!

CN: What is the one thing you’d tell a newbie to help her on her journey?
CG: Be patient and join forums/blogs like CurlyNikki. I stumbled upon this site, and had no idea I would become so hooked! There is so much information, support, and great advice about maintaining natural hair. It’s a wonderful community and I wish I would’ve found it when I first did my BC. You also want to come to a place of self-acceptance and know that this is more than just hair. It’s a self-transformation in almost every area of your life.

CN: How do you maintain length?
CG: I keep my ends moisturized and protected, especially when I sleep. I like to wear my hair out a lot, but lately I’ve been keeping my hair protected more by keeping my hair in twists and pinning them down. The longer my hair gets, the more I want to protect it. I make sure my hair is well-conditioned and well-moisturized. I’m proud to say I’ve seen no breakage or split ends, so far. *knocking on wood*

CN: What do you do to your hair at night to preserve your curls?
CG: I plait my hair in chunky twists at night. Dab a little Bee Mine Curly Butter on each twist and seal with castor oil on the ends. Throw on my satin bonnet and sleep on my satin pillow case. Wake up, unravel, and style as desired!

CN: What’s the best thing about being naturally glamorous?!
CG: The best thing about being naturally glamorous is feeling comfortable in my own skin! There is something about natural hair that commands attention and just oozes confidence! I’ve seen my perspective change about true beauty and self-worth. The hardest thing for me to do was to cut off my hair to .5” after years of straight, shoulder length hair. It was truly the boldest move I ever made and it was sooooo worth it!