my curly hair

so this is basically what my hair is looking like these days. i am no longer relaxing it (haven't for possibly over a year), so it is growing out and different parts of my head are in different states of curliness and grown-out-ed-ness. i've mostly been wearing it straight (via flat-iron) for the most part, with intermittent curly hair days.

being that i haven't had my hair curly since i was probably about 10 or 11, and i'm beginning to understand how my hair works, and also have found a general idea of a cut that i like for it (i also cut my own hair). the more recent challenge, was now that i have decided to wear it curly 50% or more of the time, i wanted to find a cut that worked for wearing it straight and curly. I guess the good thing about it's multiple curlied state at this point is that it really looks good in various cuts. the top/front bits are generally looser curls or straight, while the back and bottom are tight, springy curls. it's kind of weird.

i've been experimenting with different shampooing and conditioning rituals, finding that the best curls and mosturization occurs when i wash once or twice (i use m.o.p. mixed greens shampoo), condition and rinse with whatever is handy, gently towel blot, immediately douse (via scrunching in sections) with leave-in conditioner (i use m.o.p.'s), and a good amount of organic jojoba oil (this helps with to keep it moisturized and shiny, and once the hair is dry, isn't greasy or oily at all). i let the hair air dry.

i've been eying the devacurl products, and just recently got the no-poo, conditioner, and leave-in as a gift, and i'm curious to try it, as i haven't used any curl-specific products up to this point.

i've also found that sleeping with a scarf on is helpful for keeping the curls in tact and keeping moisture in, but it is kind of not practical for me. i could try harder i suppose.

so yeah, that's my hair. people seem to really like the look, and i'm finally really growing into it. i thought it was fun at first and i liked that it made me feel a little different, hip, and all of that, but the ease of not having to 'fix' my hair in the morning, and letting my hair just 'be' is really nice. i also like not putting chemicals into my hair and skin just for the sake of fakely-straight hair. i'm looking forward to see how the curly journey progresses.