Introduce yourself!
A: My name is Alyssa, also known as CurlyByNature21 on YouTube. I am from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Woohoo! Go Hoosiers!!
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
A: It has been almost six years since my hair last collaborated with a relaxer. I still canโt believe it has been that long! Growing up, all of the women in my life were (and still are) professional hairstylists. I could conveniently get a โtop of the lineโ relaxer anytime I wanted, at no cost to me. But, when I was sixteen years old, I realized that I could still achieve that โbone straightโ look without the use of chemicals. It was at that moment that I developed a careless attitude towards relaxers as a whole. To this day I donโt consider that realization to be the start of my natural journey. If weโre going to speak in technical terms here, then Iโd say I have only been natural for three years. The day I pitched the flat iron and consciously began embracing/nurturing my curls, now that was undeniably the blossoming intro to the journey of my natural freedom!
How would you describe your texture?
A: If I had to categorize them, Iโd definitely have to say that my curls are 3c. Overall, my hair is right in the middle between coarse and fine. Itโs kind of like having the best of both worlds. My hair is pretty dense though. The middle of my head being most dense and most coarse.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
A: When dealing with my hair, I like to keep it very simple. Once a week I co-wash using Aussie Moist Conditioner. I rinse it out halfway and VOILA! Thereโs my washโn go! If Iโm looking for a little extra oomph, I sometimes use a diffuser once my hair has air dried about 70%. Also, when I do my hair in a bantu knot out, my all-time fave product to use is Organic Root Stimulator Smooth โn- Hold Pudding. You can check out my tutorial at http://www.youtube.com/CurlyByNature21! Like I said previously, I just like to keep it very simple. On my driest hair days I use Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle as a deep conditioner and Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creme to keep it moisturized.
What does wash day look like for you?
A: I have tried all types of sulfate-free shampoos, but nothing compares to my Holy Grail โ LโOreal Paris EverCreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo. I can feel that my scalp is being cleansed while also feeling at ease that I am not using harsh sulfates. After shampooing, I put Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle on my hair for about ten minutes. I then continue with my washโn go regimen.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you donโt have a lot of time to style.
A: Usually if Iโm running behind and need a quick hairstyle I will either grab the spray bottle and refresh my curls, or I will throw it all up into a frohawk-looking style. Sometimes I donโt even have time for that, so when in doubt, bun it out!!
How do you combat shrinkage?
A: Man oh man! I wish I knew a solution. I am always looking for new ways to defeat that evil shrinkage!! That is probably my biggest beef with being natural. Whenever I struggle with terrible shrinkage, that is when my blow dryer and diffuser come in handy. It helps a little. I personally think that stretching my hair overnight in the pineapple position works pretty good. My second day hair is always POPPINโ!! Also, when shrinkage is really getting the best of me I sometimes do a braidout. The results look like a stretched version of my natural hair. You can check out my tutorial on YouTube.
Tell us about your hair color?
A: I had my hair professionally colored in a salon by my aunt. I canโt say specifically what my hair color is because it is the result of several different processes over a yearโs time. It has indeed changed my hair texture, but only in the front. I am currently in recovery mode. I have a video on my YouTube channel discussing my entire color journey.
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
A: I have always noticed that right in the middle of my head, my hair is very thick and coarse. Combing it out is pure TORTURE! When doing any style, I always have to focus most on that area because it is always the first to revert. Now as for my hair in the front, it is very weak. Itโs always been that way. The curls are pretty limp and I have to be very careful when using heat and especially when bleaching.
What are 2 doโs for your texture?
A: My hair loves to be soaked in conditioner and it responds well to lots of coconut oil!
What are 2 donโts for your texture?
A: My hair hates humidity, whose doesnโt? And also, I cannot use products with a lot of protein because it makes my ends break off.
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
A: Yes! You can find me on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/CurlyByNature21 and on Instagram at http://instagram.com/aimhighflyhigh.
Fabulous!
Beautiful. I subscribe to it channel.
I like her styles. The opening pic threw me because 3 types tend to wear that all the time, the other pictures showcase her styling. Lovely huge bun.
you kind of look like evelyn from basketball wives in some of your pics!
I was getting Tamar Braxtonโฆlol
I have watched her bantu knot out video about 30 times this year
โsix years since my hair last collaborated with a relaxerโ Lolol!
Gorgeous color and cut!
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Why the negatives? Some of yโall are so mean!!!!!!!!
This girl is my hero. Sheโs coloring, growing it out, bantu knotting, AND cutting sick designs into the side of her head! Werk. Me and my braid outs and buns will live vicariously through your fierceness.
What a gorgeous girl with hair to match!
beautiful curls and color. the hair in the middle of my hair is the shortest, frizziest and very coarse!
nice cheek bones!
themanecaptain.blogspot.ca
Love those curls!
I just wanna say i love your hair and i have 3c hair andi cant wait to flourish and pursue my natural hair journey!!!!!! ๐
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I LOVE your shaved side in the picture with the rose. You have a very cool style about you.
What is torture to her, is my hair all over, lolโฆ Though her hair is banging! I might try organic root products after reading thisโฆ