This week we’re talking to “amateur green beauty lover and curly girl” Maria Rodriguez of The Clean Curl. Maria has a huge love for all things simple and natural. Her goal is to live as naturally as possible and you can see her journey discovering new products on her blog. Being a wife and a mother drives her to learn how to better serve her family and she hopes to share what she’s learned with you!
1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?
I can remember since high school wearing my hair natural on and off, though not well. Since then I have had a few starts to my curly journey in different states and climates. This time it has been since January 2017 that I haven’t straightened my hair and it has been so empowering.
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
I try and deep condition once every 1-2 weeks depending on time. I try and do a pre-poo once a week and I shampoo about once a week.
I tend to alternate shampooing and cowashing, every 2-3 days. It depends on the curls I want or what I have going on that day (if I have time to diffuse or I need to air dry) depends on my products. I have been able to achieve different curls with different products.
Recently I’ve been using the Innersense Volumizing Foam to create volume. The volumzing lotion with a the EVOLVh Wonderbalm has been giving me fluffy curls that have the perfect weight and movement!
SHOP THE PRODUCTS
3. What are your staple hair products? Which could you not live without and why?!
I like having options when it comes to styling but nothing beats a really great conditioner with really good slip. For me that is the ultimate foundation to a good hair day.
4. As a blogger/YouTuber do you feel pressure to always have your hair perfect?!
Sometimes I feel pressure to have perfect hair but not because I’m afraid to have bad hair days but for the missed opportunities to engage or inspire someone about their hair. I have connected with so many people who just come up and ask me about my hair and their own frustrations. I feel like it’s my welcome sign.
My Curls Understood moment was when I decided to wear my hair to a formal event and I followed through and so did my hair. It was a goal I had. A roadblock I needed to get through. I always used to end up straightening my hair to events or for pictures.
5. What are your hair goals for the rest of 2018?
I would like to try new way of styling my hair. I know how to get different curls but I need a different ways to wear it.
6. Who is your celeb curl crush?
Shakira! She has been rocking her natural hair before it was a thing. I just love big long curls.
7. For many curl girls 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)?
My Curls Understood moment was when I decided to wear my hair to a formal event and I followed through and so did my hair. It was a goal I had. A roadblock I needed to get through. I always used to end up straightening my hair to events or for pictures. I wanted to be confident enough to do that and it really turned out.
My essential advice is don’t be a stickler on the ‘rules’. Try different things, mix it up, and don’t stress. Just like you, your hair has its own personality and what works for one might not work for the next.
Don’t be afraid to break the rules, keep them as a guide but make your own rules. Also start small and give your hair some credit. Products are great but its your curls that are the star.
See more of Maria…
Blog: The Clean Curl
Instagram: @thecleancurl
YouTube: The Clean Curl
Facebook: The Clean Curl
