Meet Emily from Southend-on-Sea, in the United Kingdom. Emily used to straighten her hair as she did not know how to look after her natural curls. During the COVID-19 national lock down in the UK, Emily decided to explore her curls and hasn't looked back since! Get inspired by Emily's journey:
The Journey
What inspired you to return natural?
During school I never knew how to look after my curls, I used to just put mousse in my hair, I didn't even know to scrunch out the crunch! There were also so many adverts favouring sleek and shiny hair, with curls being branded as 'frizzy' and needing to be 'tamed' that I grew to dislike my curls.
When I got to university I really started to begin using lots of heat on my hair; straightening and curling it for nights out , and ultimately damaging my curls. In February 2020, I decided to embrace my natural curls. My mum had already started her journey to return natural and I didn't even know why I was straightening it anymore. Lockdown gave me the time to really focus on my hair, and it has now been a year and I haven't looked back!
What were the challenges (if any) along the way of your healthy hair journey?
At first the information was quite overwhelming. There is so much more advice and products out there than there was when I was younger. It was daunting at first to take those first steps into new products, but I grew to understand what my hair needed, and the curly community on Instagram were really helpful and supportive.
What is your number 1 curl tip?
Patience! Curls can be unpredictable. One day you might have a great wash day and the next you might be disappointed with your results, but there are so many factors that can affect our curls, that you just have to embrace them.
Discovering Flora & Curl
What made you buy Flora & Curl products? How did you hear about us?
I had seen Flora & Curl on Instagram and decided to buy some products for my mum's birthday. I then sneakily used some myself and knew I had to buy some!
How did you see your hair change after using Flora & Curl products?
My hair felt a lot more moisturised and healthy. The definition I got from the products was amazing and the lightweight products were great for my fine curls.
Which Flora & Curl product is your favourite and why?
I love the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel and the new Sweet Hibiscus Curl Volumizing Foam has given me the volume I have always craved.
What is your current Flora & Curl haircare routine?
At the minute I use a little of the Sweet Hibiscus Twist and Braid Cream on soaking wet hair as a leave in. I then put my curls in the Gentle Curl Towel and leave it for a bit. Then I go in with the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Volumizing Foam and a little of the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel and diffuse until dry. Then I'll scrunch out the crunch with a little bit of the African Citrus Superfruit Hair Oil.
What sets Flora & Curl apart from other brands/products on the market?
Flora & Curl is plant powered so I know that my hair is getting all the good stuff from nature's most hydrating and botanical ingredients. A little goes a long way with Flora & Curl because of its potent formulations and the smell of the products is really therapeutic.
We love hearing all about your curl stories! Not only are they super interesting, they're so inspiring too! Thank you, Emily for sharing this with the Flora & Curl community! For more guest blogs like this one, click here! Want to share your curl story? Just click here!
Naturally Yours,
The Team at Flora & Curl
