Natural Hair | Terrinique Talks Love Affair With Natural Hair

"Washdays are the worst days. Now we use conditioner like we thirst-ay."

All naturals have one thing in common, they dread Washday. The shampooing, conditioning, detangling, and styling all come with the territory of maintaining healthy hair. There are no shortcuts or exceptions to caring for natural tresses. Cutting corners will almost always result in damaged, dry and brittle hair-- hands down. 

Since I've been natural, I've developed a new relationship with my hair. During my relaxed days, I experimented with many styles. Hair was more of an accessory than an extension of my body. I would hear my tresses frying under the flat iron but it did not bother me. The only goal back then, was to have a nicely pressed wrap. I avoided trims like the plague and would only shampoo twice a month or whenever I got an appointment at the local salon. In fact, I would never have dared to shampoo my hair myself. The health and condition of my hair was in the hands of my Ecuadorian stylist Geovanny. At that time, Geovanny knew more about my hair than I did. He sat me in his chair, we laughed and talked, while he pulled my hair under his deathly hot blow dryer. The only real contact I had with my hair was at night. I would wrap it in a circular motion, rub on some CHI serum for shine and tie it down. 

Fast forward five years later and my relationship with hair has drastically changed. Today, I cringe at the thought of sitting in a salon chair and entrusting my tresses to a "professional". I understand the needs of my hair and scalp. Which ingredients work best for my tresses and what techniques will reveal optimal results. I have adapted a nurturing regimen that involves weekly shampooing, deep conditioning, detangling and styling. My relationship with hair has evolved to the point where comfort sometimes becomes optional if my hair will suffer (ex. I think twice before resting my hair on cotton sheets or the seat backs of chairs in the theatre). Any style that prohibits my hair from receiving the TLC it deserves is a no go. 

Although each part of my natural hair regimen is equally important, deep conditioning is the part I enjoy the most. When I deep condition, I feel that I am giving my hair a treat. A treat that says thank you for gracing me with your presence, for making me look awesome, and for withstanding the years of damage. I live by the motto "The more thankful you are, the more you will receive." With that said, I take great pride in what products I use on my hair. During my journey of creating Kurlee Belle, I tried and tested several products and ingredients. My hair was used as the paint brush that brought life to a wonderful line of products or my masterpiece. Kurlee Belle products were made out of love and a journey for ingredients that bring out the natural beauty of each and every strand. Each product is made from quality ingredients that can be felt from the moment of application. I did not cut any corners because I wanted to create products that I believed in. Products that do what they say and make the woman holding the bottle say, "Wow! This is Amazing!" and want to tell their friends about it. 

This is the main reason, Kurlee Belle, has been so successful. The woman who buys Kurlee Belle is pleased with her purchase because its contents far outweigh its price tag. When she opens the bottle or jar and feels the product on her fingertips, she knows that its quality. She doesn't need a lot of product because a little goes a long way. I know how this woman feels because I too am her. From application to smell, the line embodies a luxurious tropical experience. Almond & Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo's Orange-Nutty sweet smell leaves you wanting more as it softens and detangles your hair while cleansing. Thirsty Kurls Leave-Conditioner smells like the Hibiscus flower while it moisturizes and detangles on contact. Banana Nut & Avocado Deep Treatment is more than a treat with it smooth consistency that softens, defines and nourishes and will leave your home smelling like Banana Nut Muffins. Kurlee Tropical Oils Blend is an infusion of essential oils that leaves hair fresh and shiny. Last but not least is my Kurl Defining Creme. I like to think of this product as my baby that was born prematurely. In order to get this product ready for the world, I have had to give extra special time, love and attention to Kurl Defining Creme. I am a mini twists kind of girl, so this creme needed to be the best product I've ever used on mini twists. It had to be better than gel without being hard and crunchy. Definition and shine was it's main goal. I am so grateful that Kurl Defining Creme meets all of these standards. Its tropical ingredients and sweet smell make this product complete. It is everything that I've ever wanted in a curl creme. 

This post is less about Kurlee Belle Products, but more about the relationship with my natural hair. Hair has become an important part of my life, and the way I treat my hair is one of the most important things to me. To most people that don't care about hair, this may sound strange. I believe in taking a special interest in that that is most important to you. Most people want to sell you a product to make money. I want to share my experience with you, so that you can give your hair the love and attention it deserves. I hope that you would take a special interest in caring for your hair, no matter which products or ingredients you choose because your hair is an extension of you. 

How Has Your Relationship With Hair Changed Since Becoming Natural?