Curly Chronicles Archives - The Holistic Enchilada https://holisticenchilada.com/category/curls/curly-chronicles/ Curly Hair Care Simplified Thu, 05 Jan 2023 20:40:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.3 https://holisticenchilada.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/the-holistic-enchilada-logo-updated-1-150x150.png Curly Chronicles Archives - The Holistic Enchilada https://holisticenchilada.com/category/curls/curly-chronicles/ 32 32 Gaby’s Journey Embracing Her Mixed Porosity Coarse Silver Curls https://holisticenchilada.com/gabi-embracing-mixed-porosity-thick-silver-curls/ https://holisticenchilada.com/gabi-embracing-mixed-porosity-thick-silver-curls/#respond Fri, 19 Aug 2022 22:13:01 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=7931 Today’s curly hair journey story is from Gaby Longsworth of Florida. Gabi has thick, coarse to medium, naturally curly hair with mixed porosity and some silvers. Read about her curly hair journey and how she embraced her texture and transitioned to gray. Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my...

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Today’s curly hair journey story is from Gaby Longsworth of Florida. Gabi has thick, coarse to medium, naturally curly hair with mixed porosity and some silvers. Read about her curly hair journey and how she embraced her texture and transitioned to gray.

before and after picture of Gabi with straight and curly hair

Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls in just a few steps!

What was it like growing up with textured hair? 

It was tough because I grew up in a tropical climate (Suriname) and it was always hot and humid. I did not know how to take care of my curls or proper hair products for curly hair and played a LOT of sports so I had a frizzy curly afro for many years.

What made you decide to transition to wearing your hair curly/wavy? 

Because my hair is so thick and coarse, blow drying it myself was out of the question. And I grew tired of using mild relaxers and chemicals to “get it to behave”.

picture of Gabi with straightened hair

What has been the most difficult part of your curly hair journey?

Prior to finally figuring out the proper techniques and hair products, the most difficult part has been the daily refreshing and always going to work with wet hair looking like a poodle. These days, it is dealing with high porosity colored ends vs low porosity new gray hair growth, and being multiracial, having a combination of fine, medium, and coarse strands, as well as a mix of 2c-3b curls.

What has surprised you most about your curly hair journey?

I feel like I discovered the holy grail of a proper and effective wash day and my curls lasting for a good 5 days! No daily wetting, just a quick refresh.

How have other people reacted to your hair transformation and journey?

I have gotten a LOT of compliments from friends, family, and complete strangers. And since I embraced my silver curls, it’s been an eye-opening and freeing journey, free of dye, free of society’s expectations to “look young” as a woman in her 50s.

picture of Gabi with hair tied back

What’s the most important thing you learned on your curly hair journey?

I have learned that some frizz is inevitable. And to embrace it for my hair type. Not to expect my curls to look like someone else’s shiny, glossy, and frizz free curls. My curls are entirely different.

What do you love most about embracing your natural hair?

I love that I am serving as a role model to young girls and women and to show that natural hair can be both gorgeous AND professional.

What are your curly girl essentials?

Mine are: silicone scalp massager/brush for wash day, T-shirt towel for plopping, wide tooth comb, Puff Cuff for pineapple, silk pillowcases, and my holy grail hair products for my hair type.

picture of Gabi with dyed curly hair

What is your current curly hair routine?

Wash day is on Sunday (it is like a spa day), and then quick refreshes in the mornings as needed.

Is there any technique or product that made a significant difference on your hair?

YES, my shower head filter because Florida has hard water. And on top of that, we have well water (!). Hard water turns my hair into a dry brittle strawlike mess.

picture of Gabi with mixed porosity silver curly hair updo

What is your top tip for others on their curly hair journey?

Understand the ingredients in hair products. Educate yourself so that you can make informed decisions on what will work for your hair.

Do you have any funny stories about your hair?

Lately, folks keep asking me if my hair is natural or if I did something to it. I guess because the silver curls look like they are painted on? It cracks me up!

If you want to learn more about Gaby’s hair, head over to her blog or Instagram.

picture of Gabi smiling with defined thick curly hair and silver roots

Want to be featured on The Holistic Enchilada’s Curly Chronicles? Submit your story here.

Facebook group simple curlies and wavies

Looking for curly hair tips? Check out these popular posts:

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

curly girl method pdf guide download

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Curly Chronicles: Transforming Frizzy Waves With A Simple Routine for Definition https://holisticenchilada.com/karens-wavy-hair-transformation/ https://holisticenchilada.com/karens-wavy-hair-transformation/#respond Thu, 07 Jul 2022 18:08:23 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=7815 Karen has thick, coarse, naturally wavy hair with medium porosity and lives in the South Central Texas area. Read about her curly hair journey and how she transformed her frizzy waves into defined wavy hair with a simple routine. Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start...

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Karen has thick, coarse, naturally wavy hair with medium porosity and lives in the South Central Texas area. Read about her curly hair journey and how she transformed her frizzy waves into defined wavy hair with a simple routine.

Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls in just a few steps!

What was it like growing up with textured hair? 

In the 1960’s/70’s there were no products and my mother had no idea what to do with my wavy, thick hair so I wore it in a pixie and everyone thought I was a boy…so it was horrible. In middle school, I grew it out and I looked like Roseanne Roseannadanna from SNL.

What made you decide to transition to wearing your hair curly/wavy? 

In 2019 A friend gifted me some products that were too heavy for her hair and all of a sudden the waves and curls became more defined. Then I went down the YouTube rabbit hole and found you and others to help me figure things out.

What has been the most difficult part of your curly hair journey?

Figuring out styling techniques to minimize frizz. I used to think it was products but know now it’s technique.

What has surprised you most about your curly hair journey?

The more healthy it is, the curlier it has become.

How have other people reacted to your hair transformation and journey?

Mixed reviews…”I love your curls” to “is that natural” to “so you decided to rock the 80’s look?”

What’s the most important thing you learned on your curly hair journey?

This is my crown and if I love the curls then that’s all that’s important AND my curls will never look like someone else’s so stop comparing and wishing it was less dense or coarse.

What do you love most about embracing your natural hair?

It’s really pretty even though I’m still trying to figure out styling techniques.

What are your curly girl essentials?

A good hair mask, Kinky Curly Knot Today, Kinky Curly Custard, Twist Weather Up Gel, and Jessicurl Spiralicious Gel.

What is your current curly hair routine?

1-2 times per ,week I wash and condition.

I usually just use Kinky Curly KnotToday Leave-In, Kinky Curly Custard, and a hard hold gel on pretty wet hair.

Wet plop after products are applied, then micro plop to remove excess water.

Hover diffuse and then diffuse side to side lifting the roots.

Root clip and SOTC with oil.

I sleep in a silk scarf on a silk pillowcase.

Is there any technique or product that made a significant difference on your hair?

Kinky Curly Custard has been a game changer. Lately I’ve been trying out a pea sized amount of Cantu Avocado Oil Curl Activator and I love it.

What is your top tip for others on their curly hair journey?

Start with a sulfate free shampoo and a silicone free conditioner, a curl cream and a gel. Play around with technique before going out and buying all the things. It will save you money and heartache.

Do you have any funny stories about your hair?

When I began my journey in 2019, I used Shea Moisture Leave in and I used a lot. My hair had clearly too much product and “wet” looking but it was actually defined and not frizzy so it was exciting that there was hope!

Curly Chronicles: Transforming Frizzy Waves With A Simple Routine for Definition

Want to be featured on The Holistic Enchilada’s Curly Chronicles? Submit your story here.

Facebook group simple curlies and wavies

Looking for curly hair tips? Check out these popular posts:

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

curly girl method pdf guide download

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Curly Chronicles: How SPK Takes Care of Her Thinning Curly Hair https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-chronicles-how-spk-takes-care-of-her-thinning-curly-hair/ https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-chronicles-how-spk-takes-care-of-her-thinning-curly-hair/#respond Fri, 23 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=6362 SPK lives in the Northeastern US and has naturally wavy and curly, low density, and medium to low porosity hair. She is currently dealing with some thinning but has embraced her natural hair for the last 18 years. Read on to learn more about her curly hair journey. Ready to transform your frizz into defined,...

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SPK lives in the Northeastern US and has naturally wavy and curly, low density, and medium to low porosity hair. She is currently dealing with some thinning but has embraced her natural hair for the last 18 years. Read on to learn more about her curly hair journey.

Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls in just a few steps!

What was it like growing up with textured hair? 

I wore my hair straight mostly.

What made you decide to transition to wearing your hair curly/wavy? 

Decided to go with the natural look about 18 years ago.

natural thin curls

What has been the most difficult part of your curly hair journey?

My hair is thinning, most likely because of some medications I need to take; therefore, I use Rogaine (now every other – to every 3rd day – used to be daily). The Rogaine tends to dry out my hair, but I use product, also, to keep it as healthy as possible. I have probably 2A-2B hair.

What has surprised you most about your curly hair journey?

I thought it would be easier than washing my hair daily and drying it straight – NOT QUITE! The easier part is that I can wash it now every 3rd or 4th day – depending on how much Rogaine slips out of the foam container!

How have other people reacted to your hair transformation and journey?

Most really like it!

curly hair journey for thinning hair

What’s the most important thing you learned on your curly hair journey?

Using different products, diffusing differently than when I wore my hair straight, using a microfiber towel to dry, creating a cast before drying, deep conditioning, etc.

What do you love most about embracing your natural hair?

I really love the look when it works out right!

What are your curly girl essentials?

Curly recommended shampoo and conditioner, leave-in conditioner, gel, diffuser, microfiber towel, etc.

What is your current curly hair routine?

Wash every 3-4 days, deep conditioning approx. 1X per month, leave-in conditioner, gel, other curly hair products as needed.

Is there any technique or product that made a significant difference on your hair?

I think all of the above have helped

What is your top tip for others on their curly hair journey?

Read everything you can about caring for curly hair – it’s not at all like straight hair…read, read, read, and learn, learn, learn!

curly chronicles: caring for thinning curly hair

Want to be featured on The Holistic Enchilada’s Curly Chronicles? Submit your story here.

Facebook group simple curlies and wavies

Looking for curly hair tips? Check out these popular posts:

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

curly girl method pdf guide download

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Curly Chronicles: How Jennifer Embraced Her Curly Hair That Used To be Straight https://holisticenchilada.com/how-jennifer-embraced-her-curly-hair-that-used-to-be-straight/ https://holisticenchilada.com/how-jennifer-embraced-her-curly-hair-that-used-to-be-straight/#respond Fri, 04 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=6281 Jennifer had straight hair as a child that slowly transformed into curls as she got older (something that happens to many women, because of hormones). She has naturally wavy, fine, high porosity hair and lives in Canada. Read on to learn more about how she was able to embrace her changing curls as an adult....

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Jennifer had straight hair as a child that slowly transformed into curls as she got older (something that happens to many women, because of hormones). She has naturally wavy, fine, high porosity hair and lives in Canada. Read on to learn more about how she was able to embrace her changing curls as an adult.

wavy hair journey

Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls in just a few steps!

What was it like growing up with textured hair? 

When I was a child my hair was stick-straight and could never hold a curl. Starting around 6 years old I always had a single patch of waves in the back of my head. My mother used to marvel at it and wondered if I’d be curlier as I grew. Fast forward to my 30’s when pregnancy hit and all those hormones… My hair had been getting more wavy with every passing year but I only ever attempted to “wear it curly” in the summer – crunchy frizzy mess! I thought it looked “beachy”. After baby number two I couldn’t get my hair straight with blow-drying and I didn’t enjoy using a flat iron. As days would wear on, the whole back of my head and bottom layers would pouf up with curl, never looking totally wavy but definitely not straight. I hated it!!

What made you decide to transition to wearing your hair curly/wavy? 

Becoming frustrated with my post-baby appearance I knew I needed a change. I didn’t want to rock the short mom cut (did it, hated it) and I really wanted to dive in and commit to a new style. I love my hair’s virgin natural texture, and I love the idea of having a permanent “style” without the expensive upkeep of an edgy cut or dye.

straight hair before it turned wavy and curly

What has been the most difficult part of your curly hair journey?

I washed my hair EVERY DAY my entire life. And brushed it. And if I worked out or was going out the evening I would wash it AGAIN. Training my hair to go a few days without a wash was hard, but lucky for me I was on maternity leave when I committed. I hate greasy hair, so it required a lot of self-restraint. I started this prior to starting the CGM, which I believe has helped with my success.

What has surprised you most about your curly hair journey?

How much curl I have! What started off as bumpy frizzy hair is now lovely clumps of waves and I adore them every day.

How have other people reacted to your hair transformation and journey?

NO ONE is as obsessed with my hair as I am, but what I’ve really enjoyed is seeing my friends embrace their waves and curls too. It’s a movement! Long time friends and family have asked what kind of curling iron I use and are always surprised to hear that it’s just my natural texture. For the record, my partner knows how obsessed I am and makes a point to stop and say “hey babe, your curls are looking awesome today!” after a wash day. So supportive!

wavy hair in transition

What’s the most important thing you learned on your curly hair journey?

Patience. Good things come to those who wait. Waiting for wash day, waiting for hair to dry, waiting to scrunch… it pays off!

What do you love most about embracing your natural hair?

I’ve always admired curly hair. My best friend in elementary school had perfectly curly hair and I just loved inspecting it and uncurling her springy curls to watch it bounce back. Every wash day I’m delighted to see my own curls defining and shaping and developing their own bounce!

What are your curly girl essentials?

I’m on a budget raising two young kids. I have splurged on the LUS system of shampoo conditioner and curl enhancer but it’s pretty pricy. From feel and smell, it is definitely the most luxurious product I have ever used.

I also use Am I Am Leave-in Conditioner and Eco Styler Argan Gel. Currently using A SheaMoisture hydration mask for days that o clarify with an Apple Cider Vinegar sulfate and paraben free shampoo. I have a pink microfibre towel for plopping – my neighbours see me wearing it and walking my dog in the mornings on wash days.

I wear the cheapest faux satin bonnets I could find on Amazon and have just started using a satin pillowcase as well. Helps tremendously!

embracing my naturally wavy and curly hair

What is your current curly hair routine?

  1. Wash twice a week. Clarify and deep condition at least twice a month.
  2. Wash scalp upside down, scrub hard at the scalp (I have mild scalp psoriasis that causes major flaking much to my embarrassment), rinse.
  3. Squeeze in conditioner and comb it through, then squish to condish once the tangles are out.
  4. I let it sit while I’m doing the rest of my shower.
  5. I rinse in cool water and then apply my products to sopping wet hair keeping an eye on my wet frizz. If I see too much I add a bit more conditioner and continue to squish until most of my hair is in a clump.
  6. I micro plop with my pink towel and then plop for at least 20 minutes. I air dry for the next few hours and add a few root clips. Once it’s dry I scrunch out the root cast and enjoy!

Is there any technique or product that made a significant difference on your hair?

GEL. I’ve always hated gel and I had no idea how anyone but business men in the 80’s used it. Eco Styler Argan Gel has given me the definition and hold that I was missing and my virgin hair soaks it all up so I don’t even have any crunch.

What is your top tip for others on their curly hair journey?

Hair in transition is frustrating. The payoff is worth it. Patience!

How Jennifer's hair went from straight to wavy and curly

Want to be featured on The Holistic Enchilada’s Curly Chronicles? Submit your story here.

Facebook group simple curlies and wavies

Looking for curly hair tips? Check out these popular posts:

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

curly girl method pdf guide download

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Curly Chronicles – Melyssa Shares How She Embraced Her Natural Curls https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-chronicles-melyssa-shares-how-she-embraced-her-natural-curls/ https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-chronicles-melyssa-shares-how-she-embraced-her-natural-curls/#respond Wed, 31 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=5746 Today, Melyssa, another blogger over at Melyssa Williams, is sharing her curly hair story with us. Melyssa lives in Oregon and has naturally curly fine hair. My favorite part of her story is how laid back she is about embracing her curls! This attitude is perfect because you cannot ever have 100% control over your...

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Today, Melyssa, another blogger over at Melyssa Williams, is sharing her curly hair story with us. Melyssa lives in Oregon and has naturally curly fine hair. My favorite part of her story is how laid back she is about embracing her curls! This attitude is perfect because you cannot ever have 100% control over your curls and need to let some things go. Read on to learn more.

Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls in just a few steps!

What was it like growing up with textured hair? 

In the 80s curly (permed) hair was all the rage but I was pretty little so by the time I cared about hairstyles, stick-straight hair was in. And it stayed in. For what felt like forever! I felt like the “before” in every makeover ever.

What made you decide to transition to wearing your hair curly/wavy? 

My husband of 22 years loves my curls and when I would flat iron it, he would always sigh and mutter “you just ruined the perfect hair…” After a while (even though I didn’t straighten all the time) I just decided to embrace the curls. I wanted little girls and boys to love the texture they were born with and I felt like a fraud whenever I straightened!

What has been the most difficult part of your curly hair journey?

Going through different transition periods (like childbirth and hormones), and when the same products and processes don’t work the same way twice!

What has surprised you most about your curly hair journey?

How many people say they love it. Sometimes I’m thinking, well you could have it too if you put down the flat iron…!

How have other people reacted to your hair transformation and journey?

I never went through a long time of flat ironing but people still sometimes overreact if they see me with curls. Even my own brother! Obviously, he’s not the most observant.

What’s the most important thing you learned on your curly hair journey?

Embracing what the good Lord gave me! And helping others has been so much fun.

What do you love most about embracing your natural hair?

It feels like “me.” I straighten about twice a year and for one it’s fun. And then I want to wash and go back to being me!

What are your curly girl essentials?

I rotate products. I love Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle shampoo and conditioner. I love a good sulfate free shampoo. I used to avoid curl creams because I thought they weighed my hair down, but now I’m obsessed with them.

What is your current curly hair routine?

Sulfate free shampoo, conditioner combed through with a wide tooth comb, curl cream and gel raked through first and then with praying hands. I air dry for quite a while and then diffuse.

Is there any technique or product that made a significant difference on your hair?

I love praying hands for clumps!

What is your top tip for others on their curly hair journey?

Don’t get frustrated. Starting over is as easy as getting in the shower. Trade products with other curly girls. Whenever I find something that didn’t work for me I give it away to someone with different texture.

Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your hair?

I’m a ballet teacher and sometimes my littlest students are intrigued with my hair. One time a three year old asked me if I had lost my hair brush and would I like her to ask her mommy to brush it for me? !!

Want to be featured on The Holistic Enchilada’s Curly Chronicles? Submit your story here.

Facebook group simple curlies and wavies

Looking for curly hair tips? Check out these popular posts:

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

curly girl method pdf guide download

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Curly Chronicles – How One Of Alexandra’s Worst Personal Experiences Led To Her Curly Hair Journey https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-chronicles-how-one-of-alexandras-curly-hair-journey/ https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-chronicles-how-one-of-alexandras-curly-hair-journey/#respond Fri, 30 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=4984 Today, Alexandra is sharing her curly hair story with us. Alexandra lives in Pennsylvania and has naturally curly, thick, fine, and low porosity hair. Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous...

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Today, Alexandra is sharing her curly hair story with us. Alexandra lives in Pennsylvania and has naturally curly, thick, fine, and low porosity hair.

curly hair journey
current curls

Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls in just a few steps!

What was it like growing up with textured hair? 

Hard. Not a lot of other girls in middle school had curly/frizzy hair. I definitely wore it up a lot and always felt left out of the straight hair club.

What made you decide to transition to wearing your hair curly/wavy? 

I was tired of feeling like my hair never looked nice. I hated seeing how limp and flat my hair had become. I wanted my old curls back so badly.

before curly hair journey
Before my curly hair journey

What has been the most difficult part of your curly hair journey?

Honestly, finding products that work consistently for my individual hair. I feel like I really struggle with my wash days coming out (slightly) different almost every time.

What has surprised you most about your curly hair journey?

How much I have grown to love my hair. I used to never wear it down, let alone wear it down and curly. I have all but retired my straightener for good!

How have other people reacted to your hair transformation and journey?

Everyone is always telling me how beautiful my hair looks. Even on days when I think my wash came out terribly and I don’t think it looks nice, someone will tell me they love my hair or how do I get it to look curly like that.

beginning of curly hair journey
Beginning of cgm journey

What’s the most important thing you learned on your curly hair journey?

Patience is key, it takes trial and error to figure out what works for your hair. And what works for other people is not necessarily what will work for you, find products that give your hair the best results.

What do you love most about embracing your natural hair?

Wearing my hair in its natural curly form feels more like me. I love that I can just be myself, a little off beat and a little different. Just like my hair 🙂

What are your curly girl essentials?

I am a HUGE Innersense fan. I use their Pure Harmony Shampoo, Pure Inspiration Conditioner, Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner, and their I Create Lift Mousse. I use Giovanni LA hold gel and either Innersense I Create Finish or EVOLVh Hair Spray.

after first deva cut
After my first Deva cut

What is your current curly hair routine?

I usually wash my hair every 4 days or so. I clarify about once a month (more in the summer if I go in the ocean) and try to do a rice water protein treatment every few weeks too. I work in an Emergency Room so since COVID I haven’t really been following a “routine” in terms of 2nd day refreshes in a while. Mostly, I just shove my hair inside a scrub cap and hope for the best.

Is there any technique or product that made a significant difference on your hair?

I have found that after I do my conditioner and leave in conditioner I need to apply my gel to each individual curl clump. So instead of using praying hands or a technique like that I will put gel in my hands, rub them together and then apply gel to each clump. After the gel is off my hands, I will go back and gently scrunch each clump towards my head. Also, I think a cotton t-shirt works much better than my microfiber towel for drying.

What is your top tip for others on their curly hair journey?

Try to have fun with it! At the end of the day, you are always your worst critic. I know sometimes all I see is uneven or unruly curls everyone else just sees curls. You will get a routine down, just keep working at it.

Do you have any funny or interesting stories about your hair?

My curly journey actually started from one of my worst personal experiences. In 2018 I tore my ACL and had to go to physical therapy like 3 times a week for the first few weeks. My PT Andrea has the most beautiful curly hair that I used to envy so badly. Well, Andrea brought me the curly girl method book and she convinced me to start on this journey with her (tbh I couldn’t walk so I didn’t have much else to do at the time). But as terrible and painful as that surgery and recovery were, I am so grateful because I got to meet Andrea and started on this crazy curl adventure.

curly hair journey transformation pin

Want to be featured on The Holistic Enchilada’s Curly Chronicles? Submit your story here.

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Looking for curly hair tips? Check out these popular posts:

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

curly girl method pdf guide download

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Curly Chronicles – Shannon Shares How 1 Haircut Changed Her Life https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-chronicles-shannon-shares-how-1-haircut-changed-her-life/ https://holisticenchilada.com/curly-chronicles-shannon-shares-how-1-haircut-changed-her-life/#respond Mon, 14 Sep 2020 14:27:43 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=4704 Today, Shannon Gaughf is sharing her curly hair story with us. Shannon lives in California and has naturally curly, thick, low porosity hair. Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls...

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Today, Shannon Gaughf is sharing her curly hair story with us. Shannon lives in California and has naturally curly, thick, low porosity hair.

Profile of Shannon Gaughf is sharing her curly hair story

Ready to transform your frizz into defined, bouncy curls and waves? Join my free Quick Start Guide To Mastering Your Curls email course below and be on your way to fabulous curls in just a few steps!

What was it like growing up with textured hair? 

When I was young, my hair was long and wavy and easy to maintain. I didn’t think anything of it. But when I hit puberty, my true curls came in, and suddenly I didn’t know what to do with my hair. My mom had straight hair and I didn’t know anyone with hair like mine to help me. This was also in the early 2000s when curly hair was still the butt of the ‘ugly unpopular girl’ jokes in movies and on TV so there wasn’t much available to me. I desperately wanted to have hair that you could wake up and it would be fine. I ended up rarely wearing my hair down for most of my young adult life–and if I did wear it down, it was usually crunchy, full of product, and not very satisfying. I never looked the way I wanted to look.

What made you decide to transition to wearing your hair curly/wavy? 

When I was in graduate school, there was a hair salon that I would pass every day that indicated it specialized in cutting curly hair. I felt that must be a sign that I should try it out! That haircut (Devacut) changed my life. I was amazed at how much better my hair looked and how to use the right products. Since then, I have worn my hair down 90% of the time.

Shannon Gaughf smiling at camera with thick curls pulled away from her face

What has been the most difficult part of your curly hair journey? 

A few things!

  1. I still get frustrated when my hair doesn’t look the way I want to when it dries.
  2. I’m constantly looking for a way for my hair to dry faster without heat (it doesn’t look as nice with heat unless I’m at the salon).
  3. It’s a lot more expensive to get a curly hair cut and finding the right stylist every time I move.

What has surprised you most about your curly hair journey? 

That there are more people like me out there that have social media platforms and know how to help! And also that I don’t have to use the Deva products (I recently transitioned out) and my hair will still look nice.

How have other people reacted to your hair transformation and journey? 

I transitioned about 8 years ago so people who haven’t seen me since then always marvel at my hair–which is so kind!

What’s the most important thing you learned on your curly hair journey? 

Curls are unique and that’s okay. There’s something special about everyone’s curls and no two heads of hair are the same.

Shannon Gaughf shows her thick, natural curls

What do you love most about embracing your natural hair? 

My hair is such a part of who I am! I don’t feel like me if my curls aren’t showing.

What are your curly girl essentials? 

Cowash shampoo, apple cider vinegar rinse, conditioner, leave in conditioner, and curl cream–all from Hairitage by Mindy. Also a regular microfiber towel, a microfiber hair towel, and a sleeping cap.

What is your current curly hair routine? 

Every morning I wash my hair with conditioner (not always with cowash shampoo) because my hair needs to be fully wet to be styled. I shampoo probably once every few days, when I think about it. I’m not on a strict schedule. Same with apple cider vinegar rinse and a hair mask–I do it when I feel like my hair needs it. I wrap my hair in a hair towel for no longer than 30 minutes. My daily styling products are leave in conditioner and curl cream from Hairitage. I flip my hair over and use the praying hands method, leave in conditioner first and then curl cream. I then scrunch with more curl cream, flip my hair up, and I’m done! It takes anywhere from 1-3 hours to fully dry. I mostly leave it down except when I need to pull it back for dance class (I’m a ballet dancer). At night, I sleep in a sleeping cap.

Shannon journey to embrace her tick natural curls

Is there any technique or product that made a significant difference on your hair? 

The Hairitage products are a godsend for me. Having affordable hair products is essential. Also, the recent discovery of wrapping my hair in a hair towel! I used to apply products directly on my sopping wet hair and it always produced beautiful results but it took so long to dry. I still have to get up early to do my hair but not as early.

What is your top tip for others on their curly hair journey? 

Find social media influencers to follow! They have great tips and support. Also, finding someone who is certified to cut curly hair is a must. Not everyone understands curly hair. It will change your life.

Do you have any funny stories about your hair? Please share an interesting story if you have one.

When I was 12, I was in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream playing a fairy and the director said we needed to have crazy hair. Well, my mom took that to heart and made my hair as big and poofy as she could. None of the other girls fully embraced the crazy hair directive and I really stood out.

A candid image of Shannon after she embraced her naturally curly, thick, low porosity hair

You can find Shannon on Instagram at @tinydancershannon

Want to be featured on The Holistic Enchilada’s Curly Chronicles? Submit your story here.

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Looking for curly hair tips? Check out these popular posts:

Curly chronicles Shannon discusses her naturally curly, thick, low porosity hair and how 1 haircut changed her life.
Shannon shares her story on embracing her naturally curly, thick, low porosity hair and how 1 haircut changed her life.

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Curly Colleen Shares Her Journey to Loving Her Curls https://holisticenchilada.com/how-i-learned-to-love-my-curly-hair-curly-colleen/ https://holisticenchilada.com/how-i-learned-to-love-my-curly-hair-curly-colleen/#respond Wed, 12 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000 https://holisticenchilada.com/?p=3376 Being a curly girl isn’t always easy. Growing up in a society that values straight, smooth hair, we were trained at a young age that our curls aren’t enough. Today I am sharing How I Learned To Love My Curly Hair. We were called names on the playground, left out of the “cool kids” club...

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Being a curly girl isn’t always easy. Growing up in a society that values straight, smooth hair, we were trained at a young age that our curls aren’t enough. Today I am sharing How I Learned To Love My Curly Hair.

How I learned to love my curly hair curly colleen smiling curly chronicles
curly girl method pdf guide download

We were called names on the playground, left out of the “cool kids” club in high school, and missed out on many trending hairstyles because they just didn’t work for our hair.

I struggled with the idea of accepting my curls for a very long time. I spent hours under a straightening iron until my hair was severely damaged. 

But after having three kids and experiencing postpartum hair loss, I decided to go on a journey to recover my curls. In doing so I came to love my curls for all of their unique quirks. 

How I Learned To Love My Curly Hair

Accept that you were uniquely made.

From a very young age, we were told and expected to fit inside a box created by society. A box that we were never intended to fit in. 

We were trained to believe that our curly hair wasn’t enough. That we needed to spend hours straightening and processing our hair in order to “fit in”. 

Today I want you to know that you and every one of your curls were created uniquely and on purpose. 

It wasn’t an accident, and it wasn’t a mistake. Your curls represent the ultimate authentic version of who you are. 

And there is freedom found in acknowledging and accepting that. 

Curly Collen showing off her beautiful curls curly chronicles

Comparison is a thief of joy

Rather than feeling like your curls are something you need to hide or change, it’s time for you to accept and embrace them. The good, the bad, and the ugly. 

That means frizz, rogue curls and all. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying to wear your crazy messy hair and call it a day. Not at all. The beautiful thing about curly hair is that the more you learn how to care for it, the better it becomes. 
I am saying that curls were meant to be free. 

And though we can care for them and give them everything they need to thrive, at some point you need to let go of your expectation of how you think your curls should look, and give them the freedom to do their thing.

Put another way, if you are a wavy embrace and rock those waves, girl. Don’t spend brainpower wishing you had more curly waves or wavy curls. 

Beauty truly begins when you decide to be yourself. 

Facebook group simple curlies and wavies

The grass is green where you water it

Meaning, those who take care of their hair have pretty hair. You can’t expect to throw your hair in a messy bun the majority of the time then have gorgeous curls when you decide to do your hair.

Gorgeous hair comes to those who take the time to invest in it.

Because like anything in life, the things that flourish are the things you invest in. Don’t spend another day wishing you had some magical hair. Instead, learn how to take care of your curls, and do it consistently. See 15 Things You Can Do Today To Get Perfect Natural Curls

Use the growing curly girl trend to your advantage 

In case you’re not aware, wearing your hair naturally is trending. People are tired of spending hours styling their hair to “fit the mold”.

Running a quick google search on “top curly hairstyles of 2020” will yield a ton of encouraging results. 

There are a plethora of actors and actresses that are embracing their natural curls and rocking it. 

Don’t take your curls too seriously 

Curls will be curls. The thing that makes curls beautiful is their imperfect perfectness.

 You can use the magical product and perfect technique. But have to allow your curls the space to be crazy. 

Curls were not designed to be perfectly unified. 

You will never be able to truly love your curls until you accept that there is no such thing as a perfect curl. 

A side view of Curly Colleen's hair curly chronicles

In Conclusion:

Learning to love your curls has to do with rewiring your definition of beautiful, and bolding stepping into the curly girl roll you were born to be.

By accepting that you were uniquely made, not comparing your curls to others, learning to take care of your curls, gaining inspiration from the growing trend, and giving your curls the freedom to be fun, you will learn that your curls are truly a blessing, not a curse.

Xoxo,

Curly Colleen
Bio: Colleen is a curly hair care blogger at www.colleencharney.com and is passionate about teaching women “How to bring dead curls back to life”.  She publishes high-quality weekly content covering all the ins and outs of caring for curly hair. You can connect with her on her lifestyle blog Colleen Charney.

Master your curls quick start guide cover with a side by side comparison of Delilah's waves in the past and her full curls now.

If you want help with embracing your naturally wavy or curly hair, you can join my FREE email course and download my FREE pdf guide, THE QUICK START GUIDE TO MASTERING YOUR CURLS, full of everything you need to know to get started and bring out your beautiful waves and curls.

You can also read my other popular posts on curly hair:

Also, follow me on Instagram as I’m always posting tips and tutorials.

Want to remember this? Save How I Learned To Love My Curly Hair to your favorite Pinterest board!

How I learned to love my curly hair bu curly colleen curly chronicles

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