My name is Crystal. I am originally from Chicago but currently live is San Antonio, Texas.
How long have you been natural? My last relaxer was December 2008.
What motivated you to go natural? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
My daughters motivated me to go natural. My girls are 8 and 5 and when they were born and I saw their hair I thought, “My hair must look like this.” Also, 5 months postpartum after having my 5 year old, (March 2008) I went to get my ends TRIMMED and the stylist cut my hair to my shoulders. My hair was mid back length. I was devastated to say the least and by December 2008 I felt like my hair wasn’t growing back. I discovered healthytextures.com and then decided I would go natural. I transitioned and then I cut the remaining relaxer off in March 2010.
How would you describe your hair?
My hair is curly. I think it is between 3a-3c (mixtures of textures throughout.) Much looser curl in the front and tighter in the back. I absolutely love my hair.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part for me is sharing it with my daughters. They boost my self esteem so much because when I do different things to it they say, “Oh Mami I love your hair.” I love that I am helping them to embrace their hair and love their curls. My 8 year old has struggled with loving her curls and now she is saying more and more, “I love my curls Mami.”
What do you love most about your hair?
I love the curls. I love the length (I’m hoping it will get longer and longer) I just recently got color and I am loving that a lot, too.
What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
I like using the banana clip for a faux hawk. I love a simply ponytail. I also love the wash n go (more like the wash, detangle, condition, rinse, apply leave in and lots of gel and then go).
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I just went home to Chicago and my Godmother saw my natural hair for the first time and although she said it was pretty she said she prefers it straight. My biological mother said she prefers it straight as well. But I think it is the old school in them.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I love my Eco Styler gel (Argan, Olive and Krystal), I love coconut oil, Tresemme Naturals, Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa, Kinky Curly Knot Today, Come Clean and their Curling Custard. I really used to love the Supersweet Back Treatment but I have eliminated sulfates and silicones from my hair and follow the curly girl method.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
I adore Kinky Curly Coily Me, Naptural 85, Sunshine’s Natural & Loving It and Daily Curlz. I also adore Mama Naturalista and Rock Yo Rizos and of course my blog!!!
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I love being natural. I love Jesus, my husband and our girls. I am so blessed to have them and they are all I live for. As far as inspiration, I am all about trying to have peace in my life. The harder I strive for it the more static tries to come my way but I won’t give up. Never give up.
Where can people find you for more information?
I blog at Crystalscurls.blogspot.com where I talk about my hair and my girls’ hair and my love of coupons. I am working on some things with the blog for the future I also make satin bonnets and other accessories at my shop at florbella.storenvy.com Instagram @crystalscurls & @florbellaboutique
ENTER TO WIN A BONNET
I am having a hard time finding bonnets that are big enough and will properly protect my hair and made out of very good quality material! I have always admired Florbellaboutique (love supporting and buying from independently owned businesses, especially owned by women) but unfortunately it has been out of my budget being unemployed right now. I also have a daughter who has a lot of hair too and could really use it as well. These are just some reasons that I would love to win!
Mine recently broke and have been looking for a replacement. Great quality and fabric. Thanks