Meet 23 year old Naila! She is new to the curly life and is sharing how she come to realisation that she too could return natural. The power of social media sways Naila's decision to revert her heat-damaged tresses to healthy curls & ringlets!
The Journey
What inspired you to return natural?
My names is Naila, I am 23 years old, and I live in Gran Canaria, Spain. Since I was little my mother told me every day that my curls were beautiful, but I was not convinced. I wanted straight hair like the girls on TV and in magazines. Every morning I asked my mother to make me a ponytail "without buns", as stretched out as possible, I didn't want to see a single curl.
When I was a teenager, I discovered the hair straightener, a discovery that would accompany me to university. For each important event, I had to wear straight hair, otherwise I would not be "pretty". I hated my "baby hairs", once I got to ask the hairdresser to cut them! Good thing she ignored me.
In 2019 I already had very long hair, and on September I decided to donate it to Spanish Association Against Cancer. 30cm less at once! From there, I lost the curl pattern and its entire shape. I started using the straightener almost daily to try to fix it.
Around July 2020, I started watching so many girls on Instagram embracing their beautiful, natural and curly hair, that I decided, why not me? I am an empowered, independent, feminist and strong women, so let's do it too! After getting a "curly bowl cut" and fringes (crazy!), my curly adventure began.
I started researching, and after seeing the Flora & Curl products recommended on instagram, I decided to buy them. I still didn't know there was a method for curly girls. Little by little I started learning more about curly hair and discovering a whole community of girls in the world, in Spain and in the Canary Islands, who were willing to share everything they had learned and support each other. Curly Girls Power!!
I have only been learning, researching and experimenting on my own hair for 8 months. I am not an expert on the subject, but I am an enthusiast and passionate about curly hair, and eager to continue learning. Therefore, I decided to open an Instagram account (@curlsinconflict), aimed at all the girls who need a push to love and accept their beautiful and unique curly hair.
What were the challenges (if any) along the way of your healthy hair journey?
I would say the main challenges were overcoming those bad hair days, which demotivated me to continue my journey, and I felt the urge to straighten it again, but I didn't and here I am!
Also, seeing my friends and family member's faces when they suddenly saw my curly hair, and all those weird questions: is it real? did you get a perm? can I touch it? How do you have so many curls?...
What is your number 1 curl tip?
PATIENCE, COMMITMENT and DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS.
You need a lot of patience during your curly journey, you will not see results in one week.You need to be committed, do not give up and keep pushing, it is totally worth it!
And finally, do not compare your journey or your curls to others. The same why we have different bodies, we also have different curls, and each of them are beautiful and unique, embrace YOUR curls!! Only you can have them.
Discovering Flora & Curl
What made you buy Flora & Curl products? How did you hear about us?
discovered Flora & Curl while talking to another curly girl in the Canary Islands, she recommended me the Rose Water & Honey Leave-in Detangler and I love it!
How did you see your hair change after using Flora & Curl products?
Before I never used leave-in because they were too heavy, and they left my hair greasy. However, since I discovered Flora & Curl Rose Water & Honey Leave-in Detangler, this doesn't happen anymore, it works wonderfully for my hair. Also, I love the African Citrus Superfruit Shampoo, it leaves my scalp clean and fresh.
Which Flora & Curl product is your favourite and why?
The F&C Rose Water & Honey Leave-In Detangler. I want to try the new Coconut Mint Scalp Refresh Mist, because I suffer from itchiness during wash days, and, also the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Volumizing Foam. I am sure I will fall in love with them :)
What is your current Flora & Curl haircare routine?
I use only the African Citrus Superfruit Shampoo and then add the Rose Water & Honey Leave-In Detangler.
What sets Flora & Curl apart from other brands/products on the market?
As a brand, I think what sets Flora & Curl apart from others is how close they are to their customers. They always answer all the questions on social media, and are willing to listen and learn from their customers to improve and give them what they need.
Additionally, what differentiates Flora & Curl products from others is the fact that they do what they promise. If you spend your money on a product, you know this product will do exactly what it says, and you are not wasting your money.
Thank you so much for sharing your curl journey with us Naila! We know that you are inspiring many others to return natural! Especially when the check out your page @curlsconflict.
Ready to get those summer curls out? 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
