Meet Mae from South Wales! Mae is sharing her curl journey with you to help you return natural with a much needed inspirational push! From religiously dying her hair, to finding out that she had waves, Mae discovers the curly girl realm and becomes consumed in all things natural to help return natural!

The Journey

What inspired you to return natural?

I’m Mae and I’m from South Wales!

I started my curly journey in lockdown. I used to bleach and straighten my hair religiously, but in lockdown I started letting my hair dry naturally, since I wasn’t going anywhere. After washing my hair one day, I noticed I had a bit of a wave (around 2a type waves so really loose). I never knew I even had wavy hair in the slightest! This encouraged me to do some research into how to care for wavy and curly hair as well learning about different products. I decided it was time to retire the hair straighteners, got myself some shampoo, conditioner and curl cream and decided to start to embrace the natural hair!

At first, my hair was incredibly frizzy from all the damage I’d caused over the last 20 years of my life. It wasn’t easy, given the amount of damage there was, but thankfully I couldn’t leave the house so no one got to see the mess that was my hair!

It has now been 15 months of not using bleach or straightening my hair, I can’t believe the difference! I now have actual curls and ringlets, plus my hair feels so much healthier!

What were the challenges (if any) along the way of your healthy hair journey?

My hair was so damaged from all the bleaching and straightening over the years. So it took me a long time to get it to a place where it was healthy, and that I felt comfortable going out with my hair natural. It can take a lot of patience, depending on how damaged your hair is.

What is your number 1 curl tip?

Apply your curl cream in sections! I have thick hair, and I find that separating my hair into sections and applying my curl cream helps so much. Add water while you style your hair too! The more water the better in my opinion, it keeps the hair nice and hydrated and it also helps with definition!

Discovering Flora & Curl

What made you buy Flora & Curl products? How did you hear about us?

I had heard great things about the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion, so finally I had decided to treat myself and get some! I absolutely love it and have since got the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel and Sweet Hibiscus Curl Volumizing Foam. All three items are a staple in my styling routine!

How did you see your hair change after using Flora & Curl products?

I have much better curl definition and ringlets!!!

Which Flora & Curl product is your favourite and why?

Tough choice! I think either the curl lotion or the gel, they are a perfect combo!

What is your current Flora & Curl haircare routine?

After I wash my hair, I section my hair and apply the Flora & Curl Curl Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion. I brush or comb it through, if I have time I will brush curl my hair. I repeat this for all sections, adding water as I go. Once I’ve done the whole head, I’ll use the Flora & Curl Sweet Hibiscus Curl Volumizing Foam and scrunch it in, followed by the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel, which I glaze and scrunch. I then hover diffuse my hair.

I also use the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion at the end of the drying process towards my roots (just a pea size) to get rid of any frizz that might of occurred. A little goes a long way for both and I love it!

What sets Flora & Curl apart from other brands/products on the market? 

They smell great and they work fantastic on my hair!

Thank you for sharing your curl journey with us, Mae! This was a fab read and most definitely an inspirational one. The differences in Mae's curls are just jaw-dropping, right?! 

Feeling inspired curlfriends?! Click here to read more Curl Journeys! Fancy sharing your journey with us? Just click here to submit your story! 

Naturally Yours, 

The Team at Flora & Curl