Contributing writer Angie Adams has such great hair we just had to ask her to spill the beans on her hair care secrets. She did it for her adorable little girls so it was easy to get her to drop some knowledge. Angie admits her wavy, natural hair journey hasn’t been easy, but she now has her long, luscious curls under control. Learn how…
1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?
I have been natural my entire life. I have never had a perm or temporary, chemical straightening treatment. My dad’s side of the family is almost 100% natural and so I guess I grew up in a family culture that did not process hair. However, on my mother’s side (including my mom) everyone had a perm. We have completely different textures and when I was old enough to get my hair “done” her stylist never recommended a perm for me. I went to the same stylist for about 15 years and so the trend continued. We NEVER discussed perming my hair and I never considered it.
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
My regimen has fallen off dramatically. If I took you back 2 years I would have to write a novel, but now I have twin 2 year olds and I do the bear minimum to my hair. My primary goal is to ensure that it is always moisturized, especially during the winter. I wash my hair twice a week and use an ultra moisturizing shampoo and leave-in conditioner. In-between washes I use a generous amount of moisturizer. The style that I wear is pretty straight forward, I braid it straight down my back. On the weekend I typically leave it down/out – but it becomes too high-maintenance during the week if I don’t braid it.
3. What are your staple hair products?
I use Paul Mitchell products. I have found that they work best for my hair. I use various types of shampoo’s and The Detangler as a rinse our conditioner, but I religiously use The Conditioner as a leave-in. It’s magic for my hair. It keeps it hydrated, shiny, and healthy.
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4. What are your favorite hairstyles?
My favorite hairstyle is around day 3 after I wash my hair. By this time my hair has grown in volume and has a 70’s look to it. I’ve always loved big, natural hair. Now that my hair is ultra long, I am finding it difficult to get the body that I want. The weight of my hair is pulling it into waves, as opposed to curls.
5. For many naturals it’s a journey to fully understand their hair. It’s a process of trial and error. What was your “Curls Understood™” moment (the moment you felt like, “I’ve got this!” or any essential advice you wish you had known at the beginning of your hair journey)?
I did not “get it” until after college really. I LOVED the straight look and spent most of my youth getting my hair “pressed”. Also, my mother did not know how to manage my hair because it’s quite different from her texture. I never wore it out of pigtails or french braids, but I guess that also had a lot to do with manageability. As I entered my last year of college I felt more comfortable playing with different styles and felt more comfortable in my skin. After college, I was able to afford better hair care products, therefore I had a selection to choose from. I would say that my mid-twenties to now has been a stable, consistent hair journey. I now know what my hair likes and dislikes. That said, I am always open to new products.
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