Camille // 3C Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
C: Hi, I’m Camille Lauren, and I live in Ontario, Canada. I’m a visual artist studying Illustration at OCADU.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
C: I have been natural all of my life, with the exception of a home relaxer in grade 8 that didn’t take to my hair. As an adolescent, I alternated from puffy to straight through hot iron sessions at the salons, however I discovered my hair was curly after using Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioning Curl Cream in my wet hair rather than brushing it out as usual. I’m a proud Naturalista now, and I like that the look captures my wild child artsy essence. I try to stay away from heat, but in the wintertime I’ll opt for the straight style as a change.

How would you describe your texture?
C: My hair is mostly 3c. My strands feel medium-thick when they are moisturized, and coarse when I’ve had a long day in the sun. In its best state, my hair feels like soft, cottony clouds. The texture ranges from wavy in the middle of my head, with looser curls on the side. I have tighter corkscrew curls in the front of my hair where I used to have bangs, and in the back near the nape of my neck.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
C: Over the course of the month I generally keep it to 1 of 3 looks. Out and welcoming to the wind, half-up half-down, or in a messy bun on top of my head. My styling regimen is simple as I don’t like to overdo it with products, and tend to be on the go.

What does wash day look like for you?
C: I use either the Say Yes to Carrots brand or the One ‘n Only Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, which adds plenty of moisture and restores the bouncy nature of my curls. After shampooing, I section my hair into 6, apply plenty of conditioner and comb 1 section at a time with a Denman brush. After rinsing with cool water to lock in moisture, I use a hair serum called Cashmere Curls. It goes on my hair very smoothly, has no sticky residue, and it smells like peaches. I got a sample after attending the AFROCHIC 2013 Cultural Arts Exhibit, and I’ve used it ever since.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
C: My favorite go-to hairstyle is a half-up half-down do’. I’ve got a butterfly-style comb clip that holds my hair with little damage and tension to my strands. It’s made bold, natural hair updos quick and very possible. But I do wash and go styles pretty often. I love the free look my hair naturally falls into.

How do you combat shrinkage?
C: At times I will I do braid outs while my hair is still wet. I apply a leave-in cream like Yes to Carrots Leave-In Conditioner, sleep on it and gently pull out the braids in the morning. This stretches my curls into waves. I’m not very concerned with the shrinkage, but I do like to explore the different textures that my hair can achieve. If I want an extra special look, I will do a roller set without the heat. I’ll do that in the evening, and then take out the curlers in the morning when they’re dry.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
C: My hair texture has changed since I had it dyed brown with honey highlights from my original black color two years ago. I’m letting it grow out now, but it does require extra care while detangling.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
C: Comb strands a section at a time while wet with plenty of conditioner. Sleep with a silk pillow, or wrap hair in breathable fabric before going to sleep to make braid out styles last longer.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
C: Only moisturizing with olive oil or coconut oil. These tend to dry out my hair, especially in summer months.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
C: You can find me on social media @artofciel or at my website www.artofciel.ca.