Hola! My name is Justine, I’m 23 years young and I currently reside in NYC. This fall I will be heading into my last semester of college (YAY!) to complete my bachelor’s in Political Science. I have been on, what I like to call, “My Healthy Hair Journey” since 2012. For the past two years, I have not only learned how to properly care for my hair, but by accepting my curly locks for the natural beauty they are, I have also gained so much confidence in myself.
How long have you been natural?
I have been relaxer free since 2006. And, for the most part, heat (a.k.a. flat iron) free since 2012.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
Well, when I was 12 years old I started getting relaxers. Like any other curly haired 12 year old, I did not really know how to properly take care of my hair. At that age, I thought my hair was “big and poofy,” and I envied the girls with pin straight hair. I remember my mom telling me, “girls would kill to have hair like yours” — but of course, I didn’t believe her.
I stopped getting relaxers at the age of 16, after a beautician left a relaxer in my hair for way too long, and completely fried my hair. After having to cut like 6 inches off my hair, I vowed to never get another relaxer again! Unfortunately, shortly after, the flat iron became my newest addiction. I mean I would put the flat iron on one section of my hair 3-5 times just to make sure it was silky straight. I had no idea, at the time, how much I was damaging my hair. I remember telling people how curly my hair used to be, but because my hair had transformed into a mix of waves and straight pieces due to the accumulation of heat damage, they wouldn’t believe me.
I decided in 2012, as sort of a test to myself to see how long I could go with out using the flat iron, to wear my hair naturally. I cut off my damaged ends every 4-6 months, little by little. As I started seeing my new growth, and the overall health of my hair getting better, I stuck to my new no heat diet.
How would you describe your hair?
According to some of the popular methods of classifying wavy/curly/kinky hair, I think my hair is 3B/3C. But, let’s just say my hair has a mind of it’s own. The lower section of my hair is healthy, all year long. But, the top section of my hair (especially my crown area) struggles. I always have to pay extra close attention to my top section, because it’s always super dry and raggedy looking.
What do you love most about your hair?
I love how versatile my hair is. I also love how wild and big my hair can get. Usually on the first day of a typical washday my hair is tame and not that frizzy. But everyone knows second and third day hair is the best! On those days my hair has so much volume, and I love it.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
My hair journey has not always been easy, especially in the beginning. Let’s just say, in the beginning of hair journey, 75% of the time my hair was in high bun. I hate to say it, but I was kind of embarrassed of my hair. Due to all the damage I had, my hair did not have much volume or curl definition — it was a hot mess, to say the least.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
In the first year of my journey, I wore a lot of buns and tried (and failed most of the time) at other protective styles like: Bantu knots and braid/twist outs. My hair was extremely thin, and it was hard to keep the style without it falling flat by the end of the day. But, my buns never failed me (HAHA!). Today, I primarily stick to wash & go styles.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I remember some of my friends and family saying: “Why did you stop wearing your hair straight?” or “You looked so pretty with it straight.” I used to be so frustrated, especially when I tried to explain how damaging heat tools were to curly hair, or any type of hair for that matter. I’m happy to say that now my friends and family love my curly hair, and are really proud of me for sticking with my journey and not giving in to the heat temptation.
Honestly, it’s an awesome feeling when people notice the change/difference in my hair. I have even inspired a few people to give up the heat tools, and let their hair be free. My hair journey has given me the opportunity, through my experiences, to educate others on what I have learned on how to maintain healthy hair. The moments when I am able to help someone else with his or her hair makes my journey all the more worthwhile.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
Most of the time I co-wash my hair. When I’m down on cash (#collegestudentproblems), I use TRESemme Naturals Moisture Conditioner. But, my all time favorite conditioner is DevaCurl’s One Condition. It’s amazing, and you can use it as a leave in as well. When I shampoo my hair, which is usually AFTER a pre-poo treatment or BEFORE I deep condition my hair, I use any sulfate free shampoo, really. When I really need to clarify my hair I use Vo5’s Moisture Milk Shampoo. BTW, I try to follow “The Curly Girl Method,” so none of the products I use have silicones in them.
After I get out the shower, I follow the LCO-G (leave-in, cream, oil, and gel). I apply my product to soaking wet hair, which can be messy at times. My go to leave in is Kinky-Curly Knot Today. I follow that with Shea Moisture’s Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I could talk all day about Shea Moisture’s products. They are extremely affordable and give my hair a lot of moisture and definition. I seal my ends with jojoba oil because it’s really lightweight and doesn’t weigh my hair down. Then I apply gel to my hair, either Kinky-Curly Curling Custard or DevaCurl’s Ultra Defining Gel, and scrunch. Then I usually diffuse my hair (with low-medium heat) to give my hair some extra volume.
I pre-poo and deep condition my hair at least once a week. My pre-poo concoction consists of: EVOO, Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil, 1 Banana, 1/2 Avocado, and some good ol’ Raw Organic Honey. I leave that in for 45 minutes to 2 hours. For a protein treatment, sometimes I add an egg or some Greek yogurt. I wash the mixture out with a sulfate free-shampoo. And I like to use any Shea Moisture deep conditioner. Sometimes, I add a little coconut oil to the mix for an extra boost.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I just want to say YouTube and natural hair blogs saved my curl-life, literally! Still to this day, I’ll stay up watching videos and researching all things natural/curly hair.
My favorite YouTuber’s are SunKissAlba, LipsticknCurls, and Naptural85. My fave blogs/websites are blackgirllonghair.com and naturallycurly.com.
Don’t be afraid to be different. Try new things! One quote that really stuck out to me throughout my journey was, “First they will ask you why you did it. Then they will ask you how you did it.” Embrace YOUR process. You might have a lot of bad days during your journey, or any journey you endeavor to embark on, but stay strong because you never know who is watching, or who you could inspire.
Where can people find you for more information?
Yassss 🙂 I have an Instagram! Follow me on IG @lovejustine_xo
gorgeous hair, beautiful lady
really nice story n beautiful woman!!
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