Lauren’s curly, wavy hair has always been impeccable. As a busy communications professional working for an agency she always has to look her best. She learned as a teenager what her hair responds to and hasn’t looked back. Lauren breaks down what products she uses, her favorite hairstyles and the story behind learning to love her curls. That’s why we started the Beauty of the Week feature, so you could learn from others and limit the guesswork.
1. Why did you go natural? How long have you been natural?
I first realized that I could wear my hair “curly,” when I was about 14. Even then, I didn’t like to wear it naturally because I thought it was too big and frizzy. Little did I know I just needed to find the right product (Paul Mitchell foaming pomade wasn’t cutting it). I’ve now been wearing my natural curls for more than 10 years. Unlike when I was younger, and wore my hair straight for a majority of the time, I now straighten my hair about once a year. I’ve definitely learned to embrace my curls.
2. Can you summarize your current hair regimen?
I wash my hair about once a week, but condition it 3 to 4 times. I always style my hair with a leave-in conditioner so that also helps to keep it moisturized. I’ll ask for a deep conditioning treatment every time I see the stylist (which is about every 8 weeks for a trim).
3. What are your staple hair products?
It’s been a long and hard road (I have pictures to prove it), but I have finally found the products and routine that work for me.
I keep it simple with a drug-store brand shampoo and conditioner. Right now I’m using Herbal Essence, but whatever is on sale that week works. I just try to find something for extra moisture or curly hair.
To keep my curls hydrated and (relatively) frizz-free, I use Mixed Chicks’ Leave-In Conditioner. I love it so much, and use it so often that I buy the 1-liter bottle. It usually lasts about 3 to 4 months. If I want extra definition, I’ll add a squirt of DevaCurl Light Defining Gel. A little bit of that goes a long way. Finally, I spray a bit of hair spray (again, just a drug-store brand) for hold.
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4. What are your favorite hairstyles?
I wish I could be a bit more versatile with my hairstyles, but I’m just not that skilled (or patient)! I have a few go-to’s. After a wash I’ll almost always wear my hair down. Day-2 it’s usually up in a high pony-tail.
My other favorite (which I’ve also been known to wear on special occasions) is a side, French braid with the rest of my hair pulled into a low pony-tail or bun. I’ve gotten pretty good at it, so it doesn’t take me very long to style, and looks neat. Recently, I’ve also been into sock buns (using the ankle part of the sock to roll your hair into a perfect bun), which is good for a rainy or humid day.
5. 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 (when did you really start to understand your hair)?
For me, it took finding the right stylist and right products to really understand my hair. Q at Parlour Salon gave me the right cut, and then helped me find the combination of products that work for me. It’s definitely an on-going process, but I think I’ve finally mastered the beast!
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