Thinking about rocking box braids on curly hair this Fall/Winter? If so, take inspiration from this week’s beauty Maia Heard aka @maialuwa. We should note that her hair looks AMAZING no matter the style (see the photos below). We get the deets on how she takes care of her luscious curls whatever the hairstyle.
1. Why did you go natural (assuming you haven’t always been natural)? How long have you been natural?
I have been natural all of my life. I have never had a perm, or a relaxer. My mother stressed the importance of accepting my natural hair at a young age, and explained to my sisters and I the versatility natural hair has. Of course we begged for perms, relaxers, and even the hot comb, because we dreaded the weekly washing, conditioning and detangle process. However, looking back, I think it was absolutely worth it.
Sure, as I grew older, I decided to experiment with coloring and straightening, but I would always cut away the damage and retort to my natural roots because that’s when I felt the most comfortable. I decided to stick with the natural look because I personally, am someone that is obsessed with changing my look and experimenting with new techniques.
There are an abundance of styles you can do with natural hair. Trust me, I have tried them all, box braids, cornrows, wash and go’s, sleek ponytails, kinky twist, twist outs, sew-ins, and the list goes on. With each and every style, I find myself loving my natural hair more every time.
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
My hair is relatively coarse, type 4A, 4B, so I usually wash it at least once a week. I start by wetting it, and then use the OGX Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and then follow with the Coconut Milk Conditioner. Then, with the conditioner in my hair, I detangle it with a Denman brush, or a wide tooth comb because I find this is when my hair is the easiest to manage. I allow the conditioner to sit in my hair for 5 to 7 minute, then rinse.
I usually try and dry it with a cotton t-shirt and then massage Raw Organic Coconut oil throughout my hair, from root to tip with my fingers, following with a few stroke from my Denman brush. Yes, it’s a little strange, but it makes my hair extremely soft. Afterwards, I put a nice amount of Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner just to lock in the moisture. Finally, I proceed with any hairstyle I desire.
3. What are your staple hair products? Which could you not live without and why?!
First, I absolutely could not live without Raw Organic Coconut Oil, it is a must-have product at all times. I use it not only for my hair, but for everything. It keeps my hair moisturized, soft and the moisture last throughout the week. Second, conditioner is a must. It is my hair’s most loyal friend. My favorite brand is OGX, because I’ve been using it for quite some time now, and it simply just works.
Don’t get me wrong, I always try to experiment with other brands every now and then just to see if there’s anything better, but I always find myself coming back to this one. It’s affordable, my hair loves it, and the smell is just a bonus.
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4. As a model, do you find hairstylists in the industry know what they’re doing with your hair?
As much as I enjoy posing for pictures, I wouldn’t exactly consider myself a model, however, I’m beyond flattered. I usually just help my friends with promoting their brands in whatever way I can. I am typically the one who comes up with hairstyle ideas for shoots, and I style my own hair.
However, If I want to go for something a little bit more difficult, such as a sew-in, I call up my good friend Ashante. Besides that, I haven’t really found anyone who I fully trust that can style my natural hair the way I prefer.
5. What are your hair goals for 2017?
My hair goal for 2017 is to continue to try new styles. I don’t ever want to be afraid of trying something new. Who knows? I may cut it all off and start over, or just continue to take care of it and see how much it grows.
6. Who is your celeb curl crush?
I would say my celeb curl crush right now would be Solange, because she defines originality. She is expressing the true beauty behind black hair. There is so much creativity within each of her hairstyles and it is becoming a movement that is being recognized throughout all cultures. Another one would be a YouTuber I’ve been following for years now, Alyssa Forever. Her curls are unbelievably rich, full, shiny, healthy, and beautiful. Her hair leaves me speechless.
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)?
Some advice I wish I had known in my earlier adult years was the importance of conditioner and the danger of the flat iron. As I stated previously Conditioner is honestly my hair’s most loyal friend. It makes managing my hair significantly easier and just strengthens it from root to tip. No matter what damage you put your hair through I feel conditioner will always revive it. Sure, it will take time, but if you are consistent with deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, hot oil treatments, and so on, the results will come.
Furthermore, when I say flat irons are dangerous, I mean it. Especially for my hair. If I want to straighten my hair I have to be aware of the amount of heat I put on it because the second there’s too much, bam! heat damage, and heat damage is the worse to reverse. This may not be the case for everyone. Some curly haired women are blessed, and don’t even worry about that problem and are able to straighten their hair as they please, but that’s not the case for me. I know my hair’s limits, and I know what works best for my curls.
See more of Maia…
Instagram: @maialuwa
