Hi! I'm Priscilla, 24, I am French and I work as a strategist in a Brit advertising agency. I am half Italian from my father's side and have a Malian mother.
How long have you been natural?
I completely stopped relaxing my hair when I was 16 and I haven't been using any "straightening" tools (flat iron...) for 3 years.
If you have transitioned to natural hair what prompted your move from processed to natural?
I did not really plan to go natural, it was a kind of accident: one day, I let my hair be curly, my friends and family told me to keep it that way, that it suited me well... I realized I didn't have to go for super
"sophisticated straight" styles to feel beautiful
How did you transition, did you big chop?
I only stopped straightening my hair ! It was obviously damaged and my curls were far from perfect... It actually took me 2 years to get a "satisfying" naturally curly length.
What were the main reasons for your choice to wear your natural hair?
I just finally admitted that this big frizzy cloud on top of my hair was part of me. It is also the main
ambassador of my personality: big, daring and "carefully messy"
What are your earliest hair memories? How did these memories influence
your hair journey today?
When I was a child, my mom and I were constantly arguing about my hair. I was never satisfied ! My dream was to have blond, long, manageable and straight hair, just like my best friends. I remember the
other children making fun of me and my hair... I was the only mixed child in my school, having kinky/curly hair was so uncommon at the time that I used to find it ugly. My hair was not "my hair", it was my "problem"... So I quickly learnt how to "fix" it. At 10, I was able to do a perfect brushing and
knew what were the best products to use ! All these experiences really had an impact on how I take care of my hair today. I know exactly what works on it and what doesn't.
What does having natural hair mean to you?
There is no real "conviction" behind me wearing my natural hair. It is nothing more than an "aesthetic" preference. I kind of feel "at my best" with my curly hair, as if I finally found what was the most "genuine" version of myself.
How do you keep your hair looking so good?
My hair is natural... but I use a lot of chemical products to repair/work/style it. I have been really disappointed by "natural" regimens in general.
I wash my hair with conditioner only, once/twice a week (I love Pantene, they are the best to both detangle and nourish my hair). Then I apply an oil (Hawaiian Silky Argan oil) on my wet hair, to seal water. I finally apply a generous layer of leave-in (I love Mixed Chicks and Twisted Sista ones). Sometimes I also use a serum (John Frieda) or a mousse (Frank Provost) to make sure my curls will be well defined. I always blow dry my hair, 5min with a diffuser and then 15min without (to get really BIG hair). I also sleep with a satin cap. In the morning, I spray a little bit of water and re-apply leave-in to revive my curls and that's it
What are your go to products?
I love Mixed Chicks and Organic Root Stimulator products ! Not only they moisturise my hair, they also create fantastic curls !
What are your go to hair styles?
"Basic" 'fro or high bun.
How do you protect your hair in the winter months?
I usually go for braids or weaves (curly of course !).
"Basic" 'fro, again
Has having natural hair changed your fashion style?
Not fundamentally but, as I often say on my blog, my hair is already a
prominent "accessory" for me so I've probably "simplified my looks" a
bit in order to avoid the "too much" style.
What is your biggest hair wow?
My biggest hair wow is simply my 3rd hair days... My curls are always beautiful, with maximum volume!
What is your biggest hair fail?
When I died it blonde... Way too fake.
Do you have any advice for women starting out on their natural hair journey?
Be patient and cut your hair regularly. It may sound paradoxical, but this is the best way to grow it
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