Kristin aka “Kdot, Love” has the most inspiring photos on Instagram. They make us want to change our hair up every week. From braids to locs, afros to blow outs, she has us loving the diversity of being a curly gal! Kristin has also joined our team as a Curly Ambassador. Learn how this natural takes care of her hair and what kinky, curly hairstyles she wears regularly.
1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?
I went natural when I discovered my hair was breaking off from coloring it. I’d never colored my hair before, but since I used to work at Ulta I’d get a discount in the salon and decided I wanted to try something new. I got a perm and a few weeks later I decided to get color. At first it was just a rinse, but I was so upset I couldn’t see the color unless I stood outside all day that I decided I wanted permanent color. Big mistake. I tried to transition for a few months, got frustrated and randomly decided to let my friend chop all my hair off one evening.
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
I shampoo my hair once or twice a week depending on if I was super active that week or if I just feel like it. I only co-wash daily. I use a conditioner by Nature’s Gate that contains jojoba in it. It’s simply amazing. After that, I’ll use a leave-in conditioner, detangle my hair with a Denman brush, apply coconut oil, shake out my hair and go! Twice a month I’ll deep condition my hair.
3. What are your staple hair products?
Staple products for me are my Nature’s Gate Jojoba Conditioner, my unrefined coconut oil from Trader Joe’s, Eden Body Works Peppermint Tea Tree Oil Mist, Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie (if I want a big full fro), and Eden Body Works Coconut Shea All Natural Defining Creme.
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4. What are your favorite hairstyles?
My favorite hairstyle would be my wash-and-go super fro! I get so excited each time I notice my hair gets bigger. Secondly, I love protective styles! Braids, Marley twists, etc. I just recently learned how to install my own faux locs thanks to YouTube. I’m super proud of myself!
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!”)?
Well, for me my Curls Understood™ moment was at the very beginning of my natural hair journey. When I first cut off my hair, I was in shock. Even though, it was random and I told my friend to do it I couldn’t believe what I had just done. It took me a few days to post a picture of myself on Instagram. When I did, I started to like it for the most part, but I found myself hiding behind flowers in my hair, big earrings and bold make up just to feel pretty. One day I woke up and was like, “I don’t need all of this!” and I stopped with the flowers and huge jewelry and only applied minimal make up. I saw a lot of comments on social networks about girls chopping off their hair and losing their sex appeal. This was so negative to me and made me realize that I needed to embrace this new me. I turned deaf to all negativity.
See more of Kristin…
Twitter: @lovekdot
Instagram: @lovekdot
Tumblr: lovekdot.tumblr.com
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