We’ve been following Deja for a while and even decided to make her our March My Curls Understood subscription box insert model because her photos are so inspiring. Seriously. Follow her like NOW! We caught up with this beauty and prodded her for some tips on how she keeps those curls on point.
1. Why did you go natural (assuming you haven’t always been natural)? How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural my whole life but I didn’t start taking care of my curls until about late 2013. I had a horrible experience with heat and color damage and when I say horrible, I mean I used to cry myself to sleep about it (laughs).
After I big chopped the first time, I did tons of research on how to restore my hair and maintain it. After going through that experience, I told myself never again. I’ve been taking my hair as serious as my health ever since.
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
My hair regimen is pretty simple. I cowash with Tresemme Flawless Curls Conditioner every single day because I love the way my curls look fresh. After I get out the shower, I directly put Garnier Fructis Marvelous Oil in my hair while wet.
Once my hair is damp, I finish with goddess curls by curls gel and then let my hair air dry. Randomly I will deep condition when I feel my hair dry or brittle but I try my best to leave my hair alone when it’s in good condition. Back to deep conditioners, Carol’s Daughter’s Marula Hair Mask, hair mayonnaise, or milk protein & olive oil are my favs!
3. What are your staple hair products?
For the past year, Tresemme Flawless Curls Conditioner, Garnier Fructis Marvelous Oil, Goddess Curls by Curls and Eco Styling Gel have been my commitment. They all complete my curls and honestly have helped my curl pattern. I noticed my hair has gotten curlier and healthier (using less heat helped as well). So yeah, those 4 products are my best friends.
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4. What are your favorite hairstyles?
I am content with my big curly fro, so that is my go to style. Other than that, on days I’m not too lazy to do my hair (laughs), I put my hair in a big messy or neat bun. I’m a fan of braids, pretty often I will put my hair in two braids and then put it into a low bun. I’m pretty boring when it comes to my hair but my curls bring all the excitement and I’m perfectly fine with that (laughs).
5. What was the last compliment you received about your hair?!
Last compliment on my hair that I remember, was “omg I love your curls” followed by “can I cut it and make a wig out of it?”. I respectfully rejected and tried to keep my facial expressions as nice as possible instead of looking at her like she was crazy (laughs).
6. Who is your celeb curly crush at the moment?
Even though I fell she is so underrated, Kelis is my hair crush forever. She tried so many different things and colors but her hair always looked healthy. Kelis creativity is inspiration to me.
7. 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)?
The moment I knew I had more control over my curls than they had control over me was when I first cut off all the heat damage. As time went on and I learned what my hair liked, such as deep conditioners, hair products and styles, I began to fell confident that I knew my hair like never before. Then, once I figured out my staple products and learned that they work every single time, I knew I understood my hair for sure. Such a great experience and feeling.
Advice I wish I was given, “take time to learn your hair and learn the right products and stick with them once you know”.
See more of Deja…
Instagram: @dejajanea_
