Naturally Fierce Feature: Mel

My name is Melissa but everyone calls me Mel. I’m a New York Rican from the Boogie Down Bronx. My hair journey was long and tough at times but I’m super proud to be a Curly Girl! 🙂

How long have you been natural? or Have you always worn your hair curly?

I had my first relaxer at 13 and that only lasted 2 years so I’ve been natural for a looooooooong time!
How would you describe your hair?
Massive, unruly, unpredictable – kinda like well, ME!

What do you love most about your hair?

It’s all MINE!!! When I was younger, I used to be very self-conscious about wearing my hair out because it was so full and I didn’t want to hear the comments but I must say NOW – I LOVE to wear my big and wild!
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part of my hair journey was when I went to get my hair highlighted and blow dried by a hairdresser that I was referred to. It looked beautiful until I had to wash my hair. When I did my hair started to fall out in chunks and it had the most horrible smell ever (keep in mind my hair was mid back length). I was hysterical!! I had no clue what was going on. Unbeknownst to me, I found out that she put a light relaxer in my hair after the color. So as a result, I had to cut ALL my hair off. It was easy when it was short because I got ready to go out in no time but the growing out process was tough. The in between stage was the worst! At one point it was long but too short to put in a ponytail…URGGGH!! But I must say despite the mess I enjoyed experimenting with my hair regimen and finding out what products really work for my hair type.
What have your experiences been as a curly girl? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
They have always been positive! I have the curliest hair between my sisters and I so I stuck out like a sore thumb anyway.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I love wash and go’s! I try to wash my hair at least every 5 days. I also steam my hair every other week using my Huetiful steamer. That thing has literally changed my life! (ok I’m being a little dramatic) but it has made a significant difference in how moisturized my hair is vice sitting underneath a dryer with conditioner. After I wash and condition, I put in my styling product combo. I then diffuse my hair with my hair flipped over to the front under low heat for no more than 15 minutes and I seal my ends with either argan (my fav), grape seed, or jojoba oil.
Here are my staple products:
Wash: Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Hydrating Soak Shampoo and Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Knot Out Conditioner. If my hair is really dirty, I do my first wash with Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint soap (undiluted)
Deep Conditioner: Nubian Heritage grow & strengthen treatment
Style: Sebastian Potion 9 leave in treatment and Ecostyler gel (clear).
Seal: Josie Maran 100% Argan oil (you can find it at Sephora), 100% grape seed oil, or 100% jojoba oil (I normally get these from Whole Foods).
 
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs? I love HeyFranHey.com, urbanbushbabes.com, curlynikki.com to name a few…. I also love Tracee Ellis Ross’ and Taren Guy’s You Tube videos.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
As a Latina, I think there is this perception that we all have long straight or wavy hair but we also wear our hair in afros, braids, locs and curls. With this natural hair movement, it is a great opportunity for all cultures to embrace their hair and wear it naturally. Like I always say Rock Yo Rizos or Pelo (rock yo curls or hair)!!
Where can people find you for more information? My instagram is @rock_yo_rizos and check out www.rockyorizos.blogspot.com
 
Ladies, be sure to check her out on IG! Her rizos are amazing!!
Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair. Love your HAIR, if it is wavy, curly, kinky or coily.
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Are you naturally fierce? Email us to share your hair journey at globalcouture@aol.com.


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