Spotlight Monday: My Natural Hair Story

So to start off Spotlight Monday (yes, that's what I'm going to call it) I'm going to start with my natural hair story/journey.  This way, you'll have an idea of what is to come from a Spotlight Monday feature.  You might find a new hair crush, or find a story that relates to your own journey!

So, to begin..

I have been fully natural for a year and almost 5 months.  I transitioned for 9 months and big chopped on May 11th, 2012.  

I honestly didn't plan on going natural.  My mom had decided to transition, and was trying to not run back to the creamy crack.  I thought I'd be able to do this with her for some added motivation.  At first, I thought I'd be a long term transitioner, like my mom.  I wanted something new and spicy, since I wasn't texlaxing, so I ended up getting my hair cut into a bob (after seeing Chrissy's hair on LHHNY).

I figured because the bob was short, it wouldn't take long for my hair to grow out.. and it didn't.  My hair legit grew like weeds!  It grew out from the bob quickly, and was back down to my shoulders before I knew it.  During a school visit in April 2012, my friend showed me the MyNaturalSistas YouTube channel.  It was on then.  We must have stayed up for hours watching their videos.  Soon after, we found other natural hair channels, and we. were. in. love!  I couldn't wait to experience my natural hair.  So when I got home the 10th, I decided to hit the hair salon on the 11th to big chop.  My hair stylist must have called on God a thousand times while asking me if I was sure that that was what I wanted to do.

And so the cutting began..
When I first cut my hair I was happy.  I was free.  I had done something I didn't think was possible (for me, at least).  Soon after, I felt a bit overwhelmed.  I even cried a few times.  I didn't feel pretty.  I hated my hair.  I had to relearn how to style my hair so that I'd feel somewhat pretty.  I was used to having long, flowing hair, and now, I had this puff on my head-- wahhh!  I wasn't the experimental type.  I did a twist out here & there.  Everything else was just a wash & go.  I had to learn to take care of something that was, unfortunately, foreign to me, but I did.  I had help from my friends and family.  My boyfriend's kind words also got me through it.  Who doesn't like being told that they're beautiful regardless of a little hair cut?  *Swoon*  


I'm not even going to lie-- I've thought about texlaxing (texturizing) it, but then I think about how curly it is-- it is seriously curls galore!  It has grown greatly since I first cut it.  In fact, she's huge.  I have learned to appreciate my hair-- every curl, wave, and coil.  I love the fact that my hair is versatile; I can wash & go, twist it, and straighten it if I wanted.  I appreciate the love and compliments I receive for what grows naturally from my scalp.  

I hope to inspire through my story.  It has been a long, and sometimes, rough journey, but I'm going to keep pushing.  She doesn't always do what I want her to do, but she is mine.  I would love to answer any questions you might have about my journey.  Do NOT hesitate to leave a comment and ask!  I would love to know what you think, and if you need help, I'd be glad to offer any assistance :)

Xo, Ashley.

Do you want to share your natural hair story/journey on Spotlight Monday?

My name is Ashley, and I am a recovering Product Junkie.

Hiii Ashley!

I swear I hear this in my head every time I visit a Target, CVS, whatever!  It's like I can't go in any of these stores without taking a stroll down the hair care section.  However, I am managing to recover from my PJ ways, and I have found products that I absolutely love!  Those marked by *asterisks* are my MUST haves.  They include:

• Conditioner/Detangler: TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner*, Suave Naturals Conditioner*

• Deep Treatments: Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask*, Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment*, ORS Hair Mayonnaise*

• Leave ins: TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner*, Kinky-Curly Knot Today*, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream*, Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner, Infusium 23*, Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream

• Stylers: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie*, Shea Moisture Curling Gel Souffle, Curly Kinks Twist Whip*

• Oils: Sweet Almond, Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)***, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)*, Organic/Extra Virgin Coconut Oil* 
• Gels: Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel*, Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls Gel

• Refreshers: Infusium 23 (mixed with water)*, Shea Moisture Hold & Shine Moisture Mist

Unfortunately, I do have all of these products (merp), however, I do NOT use all of my leave ins, stylers, and oils at the same time.  I use different combinations for certain styles, etc.  I will say that I am on the hunt for a really good shampoo.  Cowashing (conditioner washing) does not always work for me, especially if I have used Eco Styler Gel for the last 3 days before wash day!  I would like to be able to cowash, BUT I feel that cowashing only works if I have little to NO product buildup.  So suggestions for really good shampoos are appreciated :)

Until next time.
Xo, Ashley. 

Are you currently a PJ, or recovering?  What is your must have product?

& Here is the Moment We've ALL Been Waiting For!

It's about damn time, I must say! 

First things first-- I want to thank you for stopping by to my blog, Curls Fo' the Girls.  It's been a long time coming, and I've finally decided to go through with this!  

Thanks to everyone that pushed me, all the questions I've received, all the compliments and things I've learned, here's to you all!

I  created Curls Fo' the Girls as a platform to share my natural hair knowledge, makeup tips, etc. with you all.  I've received a lot of compliments on things I have done with my hair and makeup, and I wanted to create a space that would be my own.  I will try to incorporate as many topics as possible with help from friends and supporters, routines, tips and tricks, and the like!

I'm excited to begin this project with you all, and hope that you all will grow and learn from me.  I also hope to learn and grow from this experience, too!

Now, let the fun begin!

Xo, Ashley.