Meet Mariana who is currently living in fabulous France! Mariana had always seemed to struggle with her hair, until she finally found out that her "frizzy waves were undefined curls." This happens more often than not! So make sure you check to see if you're hiding a curly secret in your hair! 

The Journey

What inspired you to return natural?

I was born and raised in Mexico. My mom has curly hair just like I do, but her texture and pattern is different as she never really knew how to take care of my hair. My texture had also changed when I hit puberty, so it got harder and harder to maintain "proper" hair.

I spent my childhood in extremely tight ponytails due to my school's restrictions because my frizzy, unruly hair was not considered "neat" enough. That is one of the reasons I hate my childhood pictures: I'm either covered in hair gel and hair ties or completely frizzy. As soon as I started high school and these restrictions were over, I decided to take the time to learn about my hair. I discovered the curly hair method on YouTube and then went to a curl specialist in my city to get a proper curly haircut. I tried tens of thousands of hairstylists before I found someone who could handle my thickness and texture, some even ironed my hair before cutting it because they got so overwhelmed with the volume!

Knowing my frizzy waves were undefined curls changed my life forever. I was finally proud to wear my hair down and got lots of compliments for my newfound curls! It took me a while to find appropriate products and routines since most hair products I could find in the grocery store had some sort of silicone. I even tried making my own flaxseed gel, but I eventually got good at reading the ingredients list.

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

Hair product access and availability, also finding budget-friendly routines. I struggle with my low-porosity hair at times and whenever the seasons change I have to find ways to adapt to the weather. I was tempted to cut my hair a lot just to save time while styling it since wash day can be a big commitment.

What is your number 1 curl tip?

Refresh with hot water! I was always so frustrated when my wash-day routine did not hold up for a day or two and learned that depending on your hair porosity you are more susceptible to build up, so now I spray hot water before re-applying products. Also never go to sleep with your hair wet! Diffusing it before makes the products hold longer.

Discovering Flora & Curl

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

I have been in France since 2019 and spent three lock-downs here. The second lock-down though was very unexpected and within a day I had to pack to leave with some friends (if I did not want to spend a month confined on my own). This gave me zero time to prepare and I had no hair products with me when I left, since I was not really convinced with any products I had tried since moving to Europe and I did not feel motivated to do my hair if I was not going to go out. 

I had been searching for a new routine for a while but because of the restrictions I eventually lost interest in taking care of my hair. I let weeks pass before I saw Flora & Curl's IG page and it motivated me to try to revive my hair, even though lock-down was nowhere near over. I ordered the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion and the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel Styling Duo and in no-time my curls came back as if nothing had happened.

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

They became bouncier and shinier! My hair had been so frizzy and dull from lack of products since I did not style it for two weeks. I noticed that the hair cream I had been using before was weighing my hair down as I can now see more volume and definition when using the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion! My hair now holds for longer as well and I can stretch my wash day for 5 days with refreshing instead of having to re-style my hair every two days. My curls have stayed defined and cast-free.

Which Flora & Curl product is your favourite and why?

Definitely the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel. I love the smell and it lasts me a while because of its great hold. I can't wait for my 1-litre bottle to arrive.

What is your current Flora & Curl haircare routine?

I have the Rose Water Cream Conditioner which I sometimes also use as a leave-in to pair with the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion. I section my hair to apply the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion evenly and then I use the praying hands method to apply the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel. Then I let it sit for 10 minutes, and then I diffuse and scrunch out the cast from my curls.

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

It has the perfect balance of quality products and affordability. I am beyond excited about the 1-litter bottles because as I mentioned before I have A LOT of hair! And it's horrible to have to decide to cut it just to save more money on products because they run out so quickly. I love that I can refill my bottles and have great hair without having to spend too much. The scents are also amazing!

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Mariana! How amazing is that transformation photo?! Super proud of you!

 If you'd like to follow Mariana's curl journey, you can do so through her Instagram here.

If you're one of our loyal curly customer's why not share your curl journey with us? We'd love to hear your story! And if you're a newbie here, welcome! Get inspired even more by giving our Customer Curl Journey page a browse!