Gina, better known as Natural Belle, has some of the most inspiring photos of her beautiful daughter Freya on Tumblr. Little Freya has become somewhat of a star in the natural hair community and her hair and clothes are always pippin’. We reached out to the UK based duo to learn more about how to learn to take care of mixed race children’s hair, how to dress a toddler right and how to encourage children to appreciate their curls.
What inspired you to start your blog Natural Belle and the Tumblr account for your beautiful daughter Freya?
I started my blog in 2008 because at the time there was not much representation of black hair and beauty. The natural hair community was very new as was the term “beauty blogger”. I wanted a place to share my journey so I started Natural Belle in April 2008. Freya’s tumblr was a result of being a new mum and taking way too many pictures! The page was initial for family and friends to watch Freya grow up.
As it stands, her hair is of a looser texture and she will have a different experience socially with her hair, what is important is that she learns that she is more than hair or what society thinks of it.
What’s your weekly wash routine for your daughter?
I use at Big Hair Beauty products on Freya’s hair. I use their Soft Clean SLS Free Shampoo and their Soft Curls Conditioner along with the Leave In Moisturising Milk. It’s a great range for her texture and natural for her delicate scalp and hair. I was Freya hair twice a week she does not love the process as she is two and just want to play with her boats in the bath! We do a fuss free routine with a monthly coconut oil and tea treatment.
You and Freya have different hair textures. Was it difficult for you to learn how to take care of her biracial / mixed race natural hair?
Yes and I’m still learning! It’s hard not to be heavy handed with products her hair doesn’t need a lot of unlike my own. Also styling takes far less effort with Freya’s hair type though I wish her hair would hold a cornrow or two. She’s more of a wild curls and messy bun kind of kid!
What 3 tips would you give mothers whose texture differs from their kids?
- Research is key.
- YouTube was a great help for me in terms of finding products…
- …and techniques for looser hair types.
What are your favorite hairstyles for her?
I love Bantu knots and her signature curly fro.
Does Freya appreciate her curls yet or is she a little too young? How will you encourage her to love her hair?
She has a concept of hair, she watches me do mine and she loves playing with my afro textured wigs combing them with her toy styling kit! She loves products and thinks everything goes in her hair (mostly things that don’t belong in hair like lipstick). As it stands, her hair is of a looser texture and she will have a different experience socially with her hair, what is important is that she learns that she is more than hair or what society thinks of it.
She has such adorable style! What are your top stores for buying her clothes?
I buy her clothes mainly from H&M and a UK shop called Primark – it’s cheap and cheerful. I try not to go crazy with kid’s fashion but there is a lot of lovely things on offer. We swag out cheaper clothes with cool accessories and DIY items.
CHECK OUT FREYA’S STYLE
Blog: Natural Belle
Tumblr: Natural Belle Tumblr
Twitter: @naturalbelle
Tumblr (Freya): Freya Tumblr
Instagram: @NaturalBelle
