Meet Shir, a valued member of our curl community living in CT. She shares her journey to embracing her natural curls, and details how she has fallen in love with her natural hair. 

The Journey

What inspired you to return natural?

Hi, my name is Shir, and I am located in CT, having moved here from NYC in 2016.
My main inspiration for going natural was that I wasn't able to find a salon that
offered Japanese straightening when I moved here.

I chemically straightened my hair for more than 20 years, thinking I had "bad hair"
due to frizz. When I moved to CT, I tried Brazilian blowouts, but was frustrated with
how pricey they were and how they did not last very long. Then, I went to the salon
and asked for a perm, and was in disbelief when my stylist was not willing to do it,
saying he thinks my hair is naturally curly. The journey started there, cutting the
straightened ends little by little, and it took about five years for the full curl pattern
to come out.

During this time, I experimented with methods of caring for my hair, and I feel more
confident now that I can give my hair what it needs. I watched countless YouTube
videos, followed a million different curly influencers on Instagram and tried
probably every curly product on the market.

I used to hate my hair and want to change everything about it, but going through
this self-discovery process helped me learn to not only embrace my curls, but
completely fall in love with them.

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

The main challenge where I live is there is no one who can really cut curls. My
favourite stylist still cuts my curls wet. The one "curl specialist" I went to in this
area gave me a great cut, but I had to style my hair again when I came home, which
does not justify the overpriced, 2-hour experience. I also can't stand sitting under
the hood.

What is your number 1 curl tip?

My number 1 curl tip is is protecting my hair while I sleep, curls tend to get frizzy
with friction, especially when coming into contact with rough fabrics such as cotton
sheets. I always either wear a sleep bonnet/scarf made of silk, or gently tie my hair
in a pineapple using a silk scrunchy and sleep on a silk pillowcase.

Discovering Flora & Curl

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

I don't remember how I heard of Flora & Curl, may have been an influencer on IG. I do remember going to the local store and buying the styling trio to try and falling in
love with it at first try.

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

The first thing that changed was no more flaking. The Curl Defining Gel is incredible & while it isn't sold as a strong hold gel, it is soft to the touch. It holds my hair for multiple days and does not flake when I refresh the style. The Curl Volumizing Foam gives me great volume and definition, if there was one product I could keep, it would be the foam. The Coconut Mint Scalp Refresh Shampoo and Curl Refresh Conditioner help my scalp feel better and less itchy. The Curl Activating Lotion provides hold, shine and a wonderful smell. Of course, we can't forget the Radiance Oil I love using it as the last step in styling, and also before I pack the curls into the night bonnet.

Which Flora & Curl product is your favourite and why?

The Curl Volumizing Foam!! It gives me great volume (my hair tends to go limp due to being so long), shine and definition, and I love the smell. Oh, bonus, it isn't
sticky!

What is your current Flora & Curl haircare routine?

1. Clarify with the Scalp Refresh Shampoo
2. Second cleanse with the Radiance Shampoo
3. Condition with the Curl Refresh Conditioner, leave in for a while, then comb through and squish to condish
4. Leave in the Curl Activating Lotion (on soaking wet hair)
5. Add The Curl Volumizing Foam generously
6. Finish with the Curl Defining Gel and brush style everything together
7. Plop in a microfibre or t-shirt towel
8. Diffuse
9. Scrunch the crunch out with the Radiance Oil, & maybe add a little more gel if it's humid out

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

Rarely can I get this kind of high quality products for such a great price point. Also,
their team is super responsive, inclusive and positive in their communication style. I
like the new aluminium packaging as well, less wasteful.

Thank you for sharing, Shir! We are sure this will spark some inspiration to turn natural. Are you considering it? Click here to read more Curl Journeys and get inspired! Or, maybe you feel like making a difference and sharing your curl story? Please do! We would love to hear all about it, click here to submit your story!

Naturally Yours, 

The Team at Flora & Curl