Meet Marylyn! Soon-to-be Mum (congrats!) and children's doctor. Marylyn shares how she stopped relaxing her hair after 20+ years of wearing her hair straight. A huge turning point for sure. Kudos to you, curlfriend.
The Journey
What inspired you to return natural?
I'm Marylyn, a 36 year old children's doctor, soon to be mother of a daughter!
As a child I always had a thick and dense head of hair, usually dealt with by my mother with cornrows or african threading. As I became a teenager and started to look after my hair myself, I became pretty keen to get my hair relaxed, and did it as soon as I was allowed to. I kept my hair relaxed for about the next 20+ years, faithfully trekking to a variety of different salons as soon as any "regrowth" started to show through.
Over the years I dealt with excessive shedding (which I didn't at that point relate to the relaxer), experimented with braids that tended to break my hair off, and had a disaster when a relaxer left on too long at a salon left me with chemical burns and only half the hair left on my head.
It took me a long time to decide enough was enough! When I finally did, I decided to gradually transition to my natural hair, and cut off the relaxed hair bit by bit, usually using blow drying to blend the textures. As I started to see my natural texture properly for the first time in about 2 decades, I started to appreciate how much versatility was possible, how thick and healthy it felt again, and I realised that having natural hair was going to be it for me going forward!
What were the challenges (if any) along the way of your healthy hair journey?
It was difficult at first managing two textures, then dealing with heat damage that came from my frequent blow drying at that point. It has also been difficult identifying products that truly work and streamlining what I do with my hair. Although I appreciate the fact that so many styles are possible with my hair, I'm at heart a low maintenance girl so it has been hard at times to put the time in to really look after my hair well!
What is your number 1 curl tip?
I would say only change one thing at a time. If you make too many simultaneous changes to your regimen if can be hard to identify what it is that has truly made a difference!
Discovering Flora & Curl
What made you buy Flora & Curl products? How did you hear about us?
I first saw the products on antidote street, accompanied by many positive reviews. Superficially liked the packaging initially, and then that it is made of natural ingredients, in the UK, specifically for curly to coily hair types.
How did you see your hair change after using Flora & Curl products?
I like that my hair feels soft and malleable when using the products. I love the scents also as they are pleasant without being overwhelming.
Which Flora & Curl product is your favourite and why?
My current favourite is the Sweet Hibiscus Twist & Braid Cream. It is easy to use, a little goes a long way and it gives me several days of soft and well defined hair when used on damp hair for a braid out
What is your current Flora & Curl haircare routine?
I use the Rose Water & Honey Leave-In Detangler to saturate my hair, then follow up with the Sweet Hibiscus Twist & Braid Cream. The African Citrus Superfruit Hair Oil I use to avoid frizz when separating my braid outs.
What sets Flora & Curl apart from other brands/products on the market?
It is so well presented, plant based so no nasties and smells really beautiful! It does what it says on the packaging too!
Embracing your true self can take time! Take it easy and naturally enjoy the natural you. Thank you so much for sharing your curl story with us, Marylyn! And a huge congrats on your special news!
Are you ready to ditch the harsh chemicals? Click here to get even more inspired. Want to help make a difference and encourage soon-to-be curlies to return natural? Let's do this, click here to submit your story!
Naturally Yours,
The Team at Flora & Curl
