Originally from the Ivory Coast but born and raised in Belgium, Valentine Avoh designs and makes high-end wedding dresses. As if that wouldn’t keep her busy she’s also chief atelier for the belgian brand Marc-Philippe Coudeyre and contributor to the Belgian version of ELLE magazine. We asked Valentine how she keeps her hair polished and always presentable in such a fashionable industry.
1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?
I decided to go natural in 2008 because I was tired of using relaxer and damaging my hair. I was also tired of my hair looking like straw aside from when I was leaving my hairdresser.
Then a friend of mine went natural and it suited her so well that I decided to give it a try too. In the first year of going natural I texturized my hair following my hairdresser’s advice. Although I liked the result I stopped after a few months as I didn’t like the difference of texture between the new growth and my texturized hair. Plus it was still damaging my hair.
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
I detangle my hair under running water using my fingers and a wide tooth comb prior to shampooing. I shampoo more or less once a week and I try to condition my hair as often as I can. But when I am really in a rush, or lazy, I tend to skip it. I deep condition very rarely, less than once every 2 months, even though I would love to do it more.
After the shampoo/conditioner, if I don’t have much time, I apply a leave-in and some oil to my damp hair, after which I twist and let them dry naturally. When I can, I blow dry them lightly (so they are not completely dry) and I twist them. This gives me more volume and manageability during the week.
3. What are your staple hair products?
At the moment I use:
• Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus shampoo
• Darcy’s Botanicals Coconut Lemongrass transitioning creme (one of my favorite product!) and their Pumpkin Seed conditioner
• My Honey Child’s Type 4 Moisturizing Creme (also one of my favorites, especially in the winter)
These are the product I use generally once a week, but for daily maintenance I love avocado or jojoba oil.
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4. What are your favorite hairstyles?
I love twist and braids when I am at home (I work a lot from home). Then when I want to look pretty or to go out I wear my hair free in a twist out or pulled back/up with some wired headband that I made myself with some African fabric to add a dash of color.
5. You’re a wedding dress designer and probably work long hours. What time-saving tricks have you mastered for taking care of your hair?
I shouldn’t say this but when I don’t have time to take care of my hair, I just don’t ;-) Aside from that when I need to look presentable fast I just put my hair in a bun and I rely on make-up to save me!
6. 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 wish my didn’t listen to that hairdresser who told me to texturize my hair. The other thing I realized is that you have to accept your hair the way they it is. When you start you expect your curls to look more like this, or like that, softer, longer, looser etc… In the end you can lose yourself in products and tools thinking that they will give you a certain result. In the end you just need to accept your hair as it is. This was a Curl Understood™ moment for me.
See more of Valentine…
Site: www.valentineavoh.com
Blog: blog.valentineavoh.com
Twitter: @ValentineAvoh
Facebook: Valentine Avoh
Instagram: @ValentineAvoh
Pinterest: Valentine Avoh
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