Mar 31, 2017

Embracing my Curls + How to Wear Your Hair Curly

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This is the story of a girl who was teased about her hair.

So, she tried to fix it.

She did what all the cool kids in the 80’s did and she permed her already curly hair. Not only was it fried and more frizzy than before, but her hair now smelled like a chemical factory. And it was slightly green.

Somewhere in the 90’s, when she was in high school, people started ironing their hair. Like with an actual iron.

And then, come the 2000’s, every time she went to a salon to get a quick hair cut, the stylist would try to convince her to get an expensive all-day hair straightening treatment to strip away any sign of her curls. She didn’t ever get one, but she considered it.

Apparently, curly hair was something to hide, so she did. Unknowingly, along with hiding her hair, she hid a part of who she was created to be.

Until one day when she came undone.

She is me.

I woke up one day, in the middle of a very challenging season (the whole story is in my upcoming book, Cultivate) and felt tired of fixing my hair. Always putting it up or straightening it. Trying to control my curls, which was a mirror to trying–fruitlessly–to control my life.

That morning, I washed it and just let go.

View More: https://ginazeidler.pass.us/sweetlarafeb2017Photos by my amazing friend, Gina. We had so much fun making these together!

Grace played with my hair that night, wrapping my curls around her fingers, putting bows in my locks, and simply wanting to touch my hair. Something clicked. I woke up and let it go again. And again. Each day, I felt more free. It wasn’t about a hairstyle, it was about letting go of what years of feeling imperfect had done to me. It was about finally expressing gratitude for the way God created me. If I wanted Grace to live loved, I was going to have to show her how, and live it myself.

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Embracing my curls has been life-changing for me. Apparently, I’m not alone in this desire to embrace what God has given us. It’s not about hair; it’s about our hearts.

Soon after letting my hair down, I discovered Scott Musgrave, a curly hair artist who happened to live right down the street from me. I emailed Scott to see if he might be able to give me a curly cut, and it turned into an amazing friendship. I asked Scott to share some of his best advice, and I think you’ll be inspired!

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First, what would you say to curly girls who are afraid to let their hair down?

Scott: Our whole lives we’ve been mistreated and misinformed by the hair industry. So we are skeptical. These feelings are understandable. Most stylists have a ‘fix it’ mentality that they pass on to us. When someone says they know how to work with curly hair, that often means, “I know how to fix, flat iron, and Brazilian blowout your curly hair.” So, I recommend you find a curly hair artist. Take a faith step and make the trip to see someone who has great training. The esteem and confidence you get when you are correctly informed and treated properly can be life-changing. When you experience an ‘embrace it’ service experience – that helps you embrace who God made you to be –  it’s a shift in dignity that goes deep into your Spirit. Call most salons and THEY ALL say they know how to work with curly hair. So your next question should be, “Where did you get your training and what method do you use?”Listen to see if they will embrace your hair or if they want to fix your hair. Another option is to go in for a curly set, an appointment where a trained stylist will teach you about your hair and how to make it look nice curly. THEN set up an appointment for a cut if you like what you learned. Read reviews, read testimonies, look at their before and after photos, and research their hair philosophy on their website and social media platforms.

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What products are best for curly hair, and how do you apply them?

Scott: Ingredients in a product tell me a story of your hair getting worse over time or getting better over time. My method works with any product line, but good ingredients will improve your hair over time. Bad ingredients dry out hair, create breakage and thin hair out over time. If this has happened to you from using bad ingredients then:

1) First, detox your hair and remove the build up.

2) Conditioner is the most important product for hydration and to reduce frizz.

There is no need for shampoo. Harsh detergents are harmful to hair. You can cleanse with conditioner (called “co-washing”), and get rid of build up every few months with some vitamin c powder (detox) massaged into your hair in the shower (if you are using bad ingredients). Go to my website and do a word search for ‘Detox’ for how to do this. Once you learn about water soluble products, you will no longer need to detox after that. 

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So, what products should you use? It depends on where you live and your hair type. Dryer climates might cause you to need a cream-based product. Humid climates might call for glycerine and aloe-based products.

In general, here is what I recommend:

Cleanser: Innersense, Jessicurl and Long Hair Don’t Care*

Conditioner (hydrates to reduce frizz): Innersense*, Jessicurl

Filler (fills porosity to reduce “halo”):  Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control*. 

Sealer: Foam or Gel (creates curl formations): Innersense, Mop Top, Jessicurl, DevaCurl*. 

* marks the products I (Lara) use!

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Filler and Sealer application: Instead of towel-drying your hair when you get out of the shower, leave it sopping wet or somewhat drippy – experiment with both. And instead of scrunching product into your hair, do what’s called ‘roping’. Flip your head over and use a small quantity on your fingers and palms as you run your hands down your hair like you are flattening out ropes AND by squeezing product into your hair instead of coating your hair. This creates even product application, which creates dependability and manageability. Wait till hair is completely dry before you scrunch it out–hair is not supposed to live crunchy but nice and soft.

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How in the world do people go multiple days without having to wash their curly hair?

Scott: Don’t touch your hair much or when you do and it may create a bit of expanded frizz. If you are using water soluble products, you can learn to reactivate products in your hair with water and a spray bottle with a bit of conditioner left in. It takes some practice to learn this but it is so worth it. Silicone and oil based products do not respond well to water – but water soluble products do reactive nicely with practice. Spray bottle misting and then putting your hair up in a Pineapple at night reforms your (long enough to go up) waves and curls to then take out of Pineapple and tweak in the morning (or after working out or in the garden) with a bit of water or conditioner – or both- to reactivate hair to go another day. Squeezing water into your hair to reactivate with a little bit of water or a lot of water the next day is key to working with water-soluble products to reactivate your hair. This is the hardest part of the journey to get used to but, with practice and proper ingredients, success is possible for most with wavy and curly hair.

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This is just a start as there is so much more in the full “MAP” method that Scott teaches privately and in his upcoming online course.

Here are some basics suggestions to try:

– Stop using traditional shampoo and “co-wash” with a moisturizing product instead
– Detox your hair if you’ve been using harsh ingredients
– Get rid of silicone-based products and choose water-soluble products
– Don’t towel-dry your hair with a regular bath towel – apply products to sopping wet hair
– Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser (wait till you see the giveaway at the end of this post!)  on a low setting for a few minutes and let air dry the rest of the way if you can
– Try not to touch your hair until it’s completely dry
– Once it’s dry, scrunch lightly to break the gel cast so your hair is soft and bouncy
– No need to wash every day! Use a spray bottle filled with water and few drops of filler and sealer to dampen your hair before bed. Put your hair on top of your head with a scrunchie (yep!) and then simply moisten the hair lightly in a steaming shower or with your spray bottle in the morning to freshen. Voila! I go 2-4 days at a time without having to wash my hair.

665 LaraMarch2017_0002.JPG 2Scott recently gave me a shorter cut for spring, and I love it!

Thanks, Scott, for sharing your wisdom and heart! Scott is working on an online video course for curly hair, sharing all of his secrets and the full MAP method. It will release in May and I’ll be sure to tell you when it does! I can’t wait to watch the videos myself! For more info and Scott’s MagiCurly Blog go to www.scottmusgravehair.comTo find a curly hair artist near you – go to the Stylist Locator at the top of the page www.curlyhairartistry.com.

Friends, I want to hear your hair story! Whether you wear your hair natural or straighten it every day, you do you. There’s no right or wrong way to do you hair. And it’s just hair ; ) But, if you feel like you’ve been hiding the pain of the past or you just have no idea what to do with the head of hair God gave you, lean in. It might take some time and learning. It took me a good three months to get into a routine with my curly hair, and it took several months for my hair to bounce back from all the damage I had unknowingly done to it. But, it was worth it!

And now for an AMAZING giveaway thanks to the generous teams at DevaCurl and Innersense!

gardening-giveaway-+-curls

Enter to win one of these amazing collections (there will be one winner for each collection!):

The Innersense Collection: 
The Empower Hair Ceremony from Innersense, which includes:
Color Radiance Daily Conditioner
I Create Hold
Awakening Hairbath
Quiet Calm Curl Control

The DevaCurl Collection:
The DevaCurl How to Quit Shampoo Kit
The DevaDryer AND the DevaFuser!
DevaCurl Ultra Defining Gel

Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your turn! Are you a curly girl? What’s your hair story? Any favorite tips or products? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

125 Comments

  1. Carrie on March 31, 2017 at 11:57 am

    I always say I have ’80’s’ hair or ‘Amy Grant hair’ :). I really wish someone had told me as a child that I should NOT be brushing it with a regular brush, which just made it pouffier and pouffier. Now I rock the curly/wavy look for a couple days after my shower (and use Moroccan oil as a leave in conditioner) and then maybe straighten in later in the week. But I def go about 4-7 days between washes. It weirds some people out, but honestly it just takes so much time and effort to wash it (thick thick). Anyhow, your’s is gorgeous. I think outward hair changes are often symbolic of internal changes.

  2. Lara on March 31, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    Thank you! I’m a curly girl my oldest daughter is too! I cannot wait to share this with her – we’ve been looking for so long for someone to cut our curls well – renewing the search! xx

  3. Natalie Kunkel on March 31, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    I have always worn my hair curly but for my whole life I have always felt like I could never be as beautiful as the girls who had straight hair or curls made with an iron. This past year I have been inspired to learn and to look into more ways to embrace my curls and love the uniqueness they bring to me! Thanks for this post! 🙂

  4. Courtney on March 31, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    Love this post! I totally identify with the feeling that curly hair was different growing up, but I have embraced it and love how much easier it is to style than blowing out. I always say God gave me curly hair to be different, and also because I am horrible at styling!

  5. Amanda on March 31, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    Lara, this post gave me LIFE! I am a VERY curly girl, and always had terrible hair cuts, so much frizz, and was constantly told by hair dressers “I’ve NEVER seen hair like this!” — doesn’t instill much confidence in a girl! I finally found a hairdresser who does dry cuts and I drive 45 minutes each way for her magical cuts. She coaxes out my curls and has made me fall in love with them so much I insisted on wearing my hair curly for my wedding last summer! Thank you for these wonderful tips and for being a curly-leader!

  6. Meagan on March 31, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    I have wavy hair and I used to straighten it regularly. My hair still has its good and bad days but ever since I stopped straightening it I feel so much freer. AND it saves so much time!

  7. Kelly on March 31, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    As a fellow curly-haired red head I can happily say DevaCurl is my absolute favorite! I’ve been using DevaCurl products for probably 7-8 years. I could not recommend it more! The other drying technique that has been life changing is “plopping” or wrapping your hair in a towel for about 15 minutes after showering, definitely helps fight the frizz!!

  8. Emily DeArdo on March 31, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    My hair has some wave/curl to it now–I will actually get little corkscrew curls! Before my transplant I had very, very fine, straight hair. After–probably due to all the meds–my hair got thicker and changed texture. I sort of love it! I did the perm thing in the 90s too, Lara, and my hair turned green as well! I remember the Aloe Rid bottle well! 🙂
    I generally am not really a “hair girl”–I’m better at makeup than I am with my hair. But I’m trying to learn and find the best products for me. I’ve never colored it, so it’s in pretty good shape. I probably just need to learn how to bring out the curl more effectively.

  9. Sarah on March 31, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    I’ve had that exact same conversation in my head- “what if I got one of those expensive treatments that would straighten my hair?” I find that I’m in a super in-between spot of more frizz and less curly, so I’m excited to try these!!

  10. Jenny Auxier on March 31, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    When I was a child, my mom used to brush my curls and I would cry because it hurt so much. She never had curly hair, and I have thick hair and lots of it. It was torture! When I was in high school, I slowly started to embrace my curls, and now that I teach high school, I’m constantly encouraging my curly-haired students to embrace their curls and not straighten them away!

    Using lots of water when conditioning was a game changer for me. If my hair is soaking wet, the conditioner will transform my curls. Sometimes, I layer water then a little conditioner, and more water, and a little more conditioner, until my hair feels slick and healthy. I let it sit for the rest of my shower, scrunch it out, and go about my day. I’m so grateful for my curls now that I’ve learned to tame them a bit!

    Thanks for being a curly advocate. We all have to stick together!

  11. Sarah on March 31, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    Love Tigi Curls rock amplifier! Reactivates well with water!

  12. Shannon on March 31, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    I have curls…They have a tendency to loosen 1-2 days after being washed. Interested to try cowashing or using a product to define them! I wash once/week and don’t use any product right now. Lots of wearing my hair up/back and my husband always asks me to leave it down!

  13. Shannon on March 31, 2017 at 1:18 pm

    And, my encouraging action is a long phone call to a friend I have talked to in a few months!

  14. Laura Fischer on March 31, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    This is so helpful! I have fought my curls for 29 years and this will be a game changer. Thank you!!

  15. Ashley M on March 31, 2017 at 1:20 pm

    Thanks for sharing these tips and tricks! Your hair has looked phernomal lately and I’m always looking for ways to embrace the curl!

  16. Jillian on March 31, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    I was so happy to see this post! I feel like I have so much to learn about how to best handle my curly hair and this was so helpful.

  17. Keturah on March 31, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    I got a haircut at a salon that had Scott in to train the stylists in the MAP method and I’m looking forward to the video course. Thanks for the write up! I’m happier living with and embracing my wavy curls.

  18. Taryn Austgen on March 31, 2017 at 1:27 pm

    This made me tear up. 🙂

    My hair was totally straight (maybe a little wavy when I would get sweaty or something) until I was about 10. Then is slowly began to frizz, then wave, then curl. By the time I was 13, I had REALLY curly hair, had no idea what in the world to do with it, and had taken “awkward stage” to a whole new level. I put my hair in a ponytail every single day (except the one day a friend’s older sister tried to straighten it and my hair burned out and broke her straightener) and cried about it every other day. (It was around this time that the movie The Princess Diaries came out. You know, the one about the girl with ugly, massive, crazy curly, non-princess hair who then gets a makeover and has amazingly beautiful straight princess hair? Cute movie, but terrible for young Taryn’s self-esteem.)

    It took years for me to finally learn how to control my hair. But now I absolutely love it. It feels like one of my defining features–I’m as crazy and big and energetic as my hair! 😀 It’s really strange how much a hair acceptance journey can feel like a spiritual journey in a way, but it’s totally true.

    I’ve learned a lot of hair tips over the years, but I’m super excited to try out some of these new ones. Thanks for being open and vulnerable about your hair journey and using your platform to inspire and inform others, Lara. Grace and Sarah are very blessed to have you help them in their curly haired stories. My poor mom has super thin, super straight hair, so while she was supportive, she definitely couldn’t empathize!

  19. Maggie on March 31, 2017 at 1:28 pm

    I was nodding my head yes to your whole story! I have thick, curly, dry hair that I never loved growing up. My mom, by no fault of her own, didn’t know how to deal with it, so it was constantly cut short. I was teased for being a “mop top”. As soon as straightening became a thing, I was all in. It’s only been in the past 4 years (after I had my daughter) that I’ve truly embraced my curly hair. My young daughter has soft, gorgeous curls and I want her to grow up loving them and love who God created her to be. She has actually taught me to love my hair even more…she calls us “the curly girls” and always draws pictures of us with long curls on our heads :). I would love to win this giveaway to use better products for my hair! Thanks for the chance!

  20. Meredith on March 31, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    I have always had incredibly thick ringlets. Most of the time when I go in to get my haircut the stylist will remark on how much hair I have (not always nicely) It’s taken me a long time to embrace my wild mane but now I am wanting to show off the curls and let it be as full and fun as it wants! My mom has curly hair as well and never found a great way to style it so I sent this post on to her- she loved it!!

  21. Katy Zitzmann on March 31, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    I’m excited to look into this more! I have wavy hair that can go curly!

  22. Trina Dennis on March 31, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    I love your hair! I have red curly hair as well. All growing up I didn’t know anyone else with red hair, let alone red curly hair. My mom always made me straighten it and brush it to get rid of the frizz and curl. I started using mouse in it but then even after it dried out would look wet. I finally gave up and started ironing it with an actual iron and over time I did some damage because all of a sudden it wasn’t curly anymore. I started a research and came across the Deva girl handbook. So began my journey of loving my hair color and curls. But I still don’t have a method down for the days that I don’t wash it. It seems when I use a spray bottle with water that it flattens my hair and makes it frizz. I am interested in the online course Scott is going to do!!

  23. Jennifer​ on March 31, 2017 at 1:53 pm

    Thank you for this!! I leave mine down and curly air dried but I struggle with products! This was so helpful!

  24. Ashley Landry on March 31, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    I love that you are embracing you! It such a great reminder that I need to hear 🙂

  25. Maria on March 31, 2017 at 2:04 pm

    Trying to boost my curls haven’t been easy, specially with a limited budget. Curly hair products are expensive, so I’m looking forward to this giveaway!

  26. Rachel McCloud on March 31, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    This looks amazing and I’m going to try all of these tips tomorrow 🙂
    I currently use Tresemme Moisture rich conditioner, and Tresemme CLimate protection mousse and hairspray.

  27. Amy Wilfong on March 31, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    I texted a long-distance friend to tell her I miss her and to arrange a get-together soon. I felt encouraged myself just typing the words, so I hope she feels the same way!

  28. Rachel Knutson on March 31, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    I straighten my hair every morning, except when a special occasion or I “feel like it” because it is quick and easy. My hair is very fine but very thick hair. It has waves to it so I go to bed with it tied up sometimes and get waves in the morning but they just don’t look right sometimes. It is very hard for me to find the right products because most of the time my hair doesn’t hold a curl but it hold those wacky embarrassing waves that or cockeyed. I do use the EO hair gel because it is natural and us Shea Moisture shampoo but no conditioner, because I ran out and can’t find one that I like. Hair is so complicated sometimes that is can be overwhelming that I just don’t do anything for a while. Anyone else have that problem and frustration too?

  29. Catherine Henry on March 31, 2017 at 2:30 pm

    I love this post! I was the exact same–everyone had straight hair in middle and high school so I felt like I had to straighten my curls as well. I ended up frying my hair so much that my hair started to actually lose what curl it did have. I recently have finally given my straightener a rest and am trying to get the curl back in my hair as it grows out. It is such a slow process since my hair takes forever to grow out, but I know I’ll be so glad I’m doing it! I love your curls Lara!!

  30. Corin Kane on March 31, 2017 at 2:30 pm

    I’ve been waiting for this post! After seeing your instagram stories about Scott I quickly booked an appointment with him. For YEARS I’ve been searching for someone who knew HOW to cut curly hair. This is the first time in 30 years I’ve walked out of the salon chair truly happy and confident. I even joked with him that as curly girls we always have to go right home after a cut and “fix” it after because regular stylists often don’t know how to style curly hair after a cut- just blow it out and go! I’m about a week into this new hair lifestyle and loving it. I’ve even started using the method with my daughter and I am hoping she’ll grow up with a real love of her curls!

  31. Sierra on March 31, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    This post is great! I can not wait to share with my mom, who has struggled with “taming” her hair as well!

  32. Kerry Howe on March 31, 2017 at 2:36 pm

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! This is a daily struggle of mine. I look in the mirror, and don’t like the girl’s hair that is looking back at me. It’s frizzy, curly, dry and crazy. I’ve dreamed of being a blow dry and go girl. I’ve dreamed of having the big bouncy curls that are beautiful and”in” right now. I’ve tried more products then I can count that promise frizz-free hair in one wash. I’ve straighten, and straightened and straightened. Since you have “let it go” I have wondered with every photo you post, but WHAT is her secret! Because trust me if I let it go, it is not pretty! (Like SNL Rosan Rosannadanna!) Hahaha! But I’m ready to learn how to nurish my God-given curls! Thank you so much for sharing!

  33. Cindy Simmons on March 31, 2017 at 2:36 pm

    I love your curls and have recently decided to own my own crazy curls as well. I do hate hair in my face so on day 2 or 3 between washes I usually do still pull into a loose bun but I have recently enjoyed just letting my curls fly. I can’t wait to try these tips! Thank you!

  34. Hannah on March 31, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    Hi Lara! I have loved reading about your power sheets and encouragement through the Lord and all He’s done in your life that you’ve shared. Now, I’m loving this curly hair post!! I entered the giveaway and am excited to someday try the products you posted. My hair is frizzed and has been overheated for years to tame my waviness/curls. Thanks for sharing all that you did!

  35. Katie on March 31, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    Thank you for gathering all of these recommendations in one place! I will definitely be trying some of these products 🙂

  36. Taylor on March 31, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    I am a 3a-b curly girl! I can definitely relate to going through seasons of dissatisfaction because of how God made me. I remember straightening my hair in high school (only once a year or so because it TOOK.SO.LONG) and how boys always noticed me on those days, reinforcing the false belief that I was prettier with straight hair. I also have VERY FINE curly hair, and it’s very thin on the top of my head, which can be weird to figure out how to style!

    In the last few years, I’ve become a student of naturallycurly.com and begun using DevaCurl products. I also sleep with a satin bonnet at night, and IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE in terms of how much longer I’m able to wear my hair between washes (just recently hit 10 days….not sure whether or not to be proud of that 🙂

    I’m still learning contentment and true enjoyment of my hair, but recently had an experience looking at myself in the mirror, starting to criticize – where I just clearly experienced God calling me beautiful. He made me, and He made me beautiful. And I really try to hold on to that when I’m tempted to get down on my hair/etc. If GOD thinks I’m beautiful…..who else would I even want to hear that from?? 🙂

    Side note – I am most prone to critique my hair/style in those in-between moments after I’ve added my products, while it’s drying but still a little wet (and want to touch it and fix it and blah blah blah). This has led me to a new motto I actually say to myself when I am tempted to touch my hair…
    WHEN IT’S WET, DON’T FRET!!!! 🙂

  37. Rachel greenfield on March 31, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    I am trying to embrace my curls more but I certainly still prefer it straight – I’m going to read more on scott’s website. I have three curly haired daughters so I would love to teach them to love their curls!!

  38. Tanya Chmunevich on March 31, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    I can totally relate! This tips are amazing. I was always the “frizzy” haired girl. I remember being a teenager and taking a picture of NY eve with my friends and envying their straight, sleek hair. I hated my hair but, my grandmother encouraged me to get wear it is as. I did and embraced my curls. I love my hair and am glad God gave me these beautiful curls 🙂

  39. Megan on March 31, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    I forwarded this blog post to my mom. She is always looking for new and easy ways to take care of her curly hair!

  40. Alexis on March 31, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    Love this! I have naturally curly / frizzy hair and am currently expecting a baby this august! Hoping to have a little babe with curly hair and to raise them with confidence in there hair 🙂 and somehow go through less tangles than I did growing up 🙂

  41. Laura M on March 31, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    I have learned to love my curly hair but I feel like it has evolved over time and changed with each baby. I need to learn to better take care of my hair so I’m doing lots of reach. I have fine (thin) curly hair (sounds odd I know) so sometimes it feels easily weighed down or gets flat the next day.. I can’t wait to try all your tricks!

  42. Kendra on March 31, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    Awesome post!!! Love all of these tips, thank you!!!

  43. Amanda on March 31, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    I loved reading through this post! When I started embracing my curls my extended family thought I had gotten a perm, lol! It is so much easier to work with the curls then fight them. Plus, I love my curls!

  44. Amy on March 31, 2017 at 3:50 pm

    You are such an inspiration! I have naturally curly but FRIZZY hair so I’ve been wanting to try this! I have it a shot a couple of months ago but my scalp was SO itchy. Any advice?

    • Lara on April 4, 2017 at 9:25 am

      It’s entirely possible that it was the products you were using. Dry scalp and frizz mean more hydration needed, so skipping shampoo and finding a great conditioner that is free of toxins (like Innersense) may help! : )

  45. Bianca Hammond on March 31, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    I have a really hard time trying to tame my hair, I have been straightening it forever!

  46. Abby on March 31, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    As someone who at 28 has finally embraced my curls I love this! Definitely want to learn more about Scott’s methods.

  47. Stacy on March 31, 2017 at 4:05 pm

    Adore you, your hair, and that you’ve pointed me to scott. I’ve used about every curly line out there. My last curly artist just quit the biz to sell insurance! So I’m in need. The locator will come in handy. I’ve always been intrigued by the Deva dryer and defuser!

  48. Gracie Hernandez on March 31, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    I have always had a horrible time with my curls when I was younger. My mom would put my hair in rollers and t was awful when she would brush my hair at night (no idea what to do). As I got older I started straightening my hair and getting it thinned out with thinning sheers… so bad!! Now I’ve found a devacurl specialist who shaped my hair and taught me how to take care of it. My best tip is to feed your hair!! I deep condition at least once a week, if not more And to keep those curls hydrated and healthy! 🙂

  49. Christina Moodie on March 31, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    There you go inspiring me again! I have my garden mapped out and now I am going to try to wear my hair naturally curly this summer!

  50. Kerry Howe on March 31, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    I encouraged my daughter today. She had a sad morning and I reminder her how wonderful she is and how she is in control of making today a happy day. She may just be 3, but a daily reminder of the qualities I love so much about her will build her up to be a confident lady.

  51. Rachel on March 31, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    Thank you, Lara! I’m so intrigued and headed over to Scott’s site now to learn more!! I’ve never really known what to do with my curly hair–feeling hopeful! 🙂

  52. Kim A. on March 31, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    Your hair looks so beautiful! I have red curly hair too. I usually blow dry it straight. The top layers of my hair are curls and underneath is straight. It’s hard to get it to curl like the rest. So weird! I am going to try the tips Scott gave, though! Thank you for this post!

    • Laura Jasmine on April 1, 2017 at 10:36 am

      Kim, I also have “combination” hair as I call it! Some sections are straight, others are wavy, and then others are straight up curly. No idea how to style it! Hard to get the straight sections to curl and hard to get the curly sections to straighten. Let me know if you have any tips or try anything that works!

  53. Emma on March 31, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    So fun! Thank you!

  54. Carol Allison on March 31, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    I’ve always struggled with how to maintain my curly/frizzy hair. I sure hope this works for me!

  55. Shalayne on March 31, 2017 at 6:01 pm

    Love, love, love this! I am a wavey hair girl and I’m always looking for tips on how to take care of my hair! Thanks Lara 🙂

  56. MaryAnn on March 31, 2017 at 7:26 pm

    I’ve always embraced my curls, but they needed help! So, I’ve embraced the Curly Girl Method using DevaCurl products and I’m lovin’ my curls! Love seeing someone encouraging Girls to Love their Curls!

  57. Polly on March 31, 2017 at 8:15 pm

    I had my first curly hair artistry cut on Feb 1 of this year – it was life changing.

  58. Amy on March 31, 2017 at 9:09 pm

    Trying to find the right combination for my curly hair. Thanks for all the great tips. Looking into these products now.

  59. Mandie Joy on March 31, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    Yay! Love that you’re continuing to encourage all of us curlies with your story.

  60. Mary on March 31, 2017 at 9:31 pm

    I too am a fellow curly girl. I used to straighten my hair all the time , however now I do not hear style at all. I leaned some great tips. Thanks for sharing.

  61. Kori on March 31, 2017 at 10:10 pm

    Love this so much! Definitely went through an I have to straighten my hair every day phase. Trying to embrace my curls but still trying to find the right routine after all these years!

  62. Leslyn on March 31, 2017 at 10:14 pm

    I’ve been embracing my curly hair more frequently and I love it! I’m going to find someone who can work with my hair and make those curls come to life!

    I encouraged my coworker’s today when we were exercising together!

  63. Tiffany on March 31, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    I stop straightening my hair two years ago. I wanted my children to love the hair God blessed them with, so it pushed me to do the same. It’s been challenging to find the right products but I do think Devacurl has been a game changer for me! This giveaway is amazing.

  64. Sara on March 31, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    Love this, Lara! Looking into stylists in my area now 🙂

  65. Sarah Marr on March 31, 2017 at 10:28 pm

    Thanks so much for this post! While I don’t have curly hair, I am often battling to love my hair. I can never decide if I want it long or short, and it’s exhausting. This post makes me think about how I can embrace the hair God gave me and learn to love it and be free of the battle. Thank you, sweet Lara!!!

  66. Amanda on March 31, 2017 at 11:52 pm

    Curly hair here but no clue how to style it. Love these tips and gonna see if a stylist is in my area. Thanks!

  67. Leslie MP on April 1, 2017 at 12:04 am

    I’ve never thought of myself as a curly girl, but I probably should. I have very thick, wavy/ frizzy hair that I am continually trying to tame. Can’t wait to try these tips and go natural. Thank you!

  68. Angela on April 1, 2017 at 12:16 am

    After fighting my curls and having negative comments made about my hair for 30 years, I finally decided to embrace what God gave me and I’m so thankful. Nothing beats rocking what you have! Thank you for this. I really hope I get picked!

  69. Brittany Barden on April 1, 2017 at 12:31 am

    There are not many giveaways I would do anything for, but curly hair product is it. So excited about the opportunity!

  70. Kristen on April 1, 2017 at 7:46 am

    I started going to a curly hair artist last May and I’m so impressed with how my hair has changed in that time. If you’re on the fence, go for it!

  71. Lucy on April 1, 2017 at 7:53 am

    I’m a wavy lady and my life changed when I realized that. Not only is letting my hair be wavy (instead of the constant efforts to straighten and perfect it) easier and faster, I just feel more like me. The struggle is REAL in trying to find someone who won’t just cut it like it’s straight.

  72. Carly Brown on April 1, 2017 at 9:49 am

    Thank you for sharing this article. I struggled with this for so long. It wasn’t until I started college (Fall 2015) that I finally began to embrace and love my curls! Now, I am still working on repairing the damage caused by years of straightening!

  73. Hannah Allen on April 1, 2017 at 10:09 am

    I love this! I recently got my hair cut so that I can let it air dry and embrace my wavy/curly hair…but hearing these tips made me want to look into fully embracing the curl more!

  74. Laura Jasmine on April 1, 2017 at 10:23 am

    I am really excited to try some of these tips! I have combination curly/wavy/straight hair, where some sections are curly and some are straight (apparently that’s a thing?), and I really struggle with how to wear it!

  75. Laura Jasmine on April 1, 2017 at 10:28 am

    Just encouraged someone by sending them a text. 🙂 Also, the Pinterest image in the giveaway widget is an image for the Gardening 101 giveaway. Just FYI!

  76. Melinda on April 1, 2017 at 11:20 am

    I love your curls! My curls definitely improved when I started using Devacurl and Ouidad products!

  77. Brandi Y. on April 1, 2017 at 4:08 pm

    I’ve been fighting my curls for years and am getting to the point where not only do I wish for freedom in wearing my hair how it was given…but I just don’t have the time to fuss with it anymore. This post is so encouraging!

  78. Brandi Y. on April 1, 2017 at 4:10 pm

    I was able to encourage my sweet friend who is under the weather with a simple text!

  79. Carly on April 1, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    As a fellow curly haired red head, thank you for sharing these tips Lara! I have tried Ouidad before but am encouraged to try more and embrace the curl for summer 🙂

  80. Rachel on April 1, 2017 at 11:35 pm

    I’m learning to embrace my wavy hair! Thanks for the tips!

  81. Sophia Jordan on April 1, 2017 at 11:36 pm

    Oh Lara, thank you for this insight from one curly girl to another!! I’m definitely going to try these tips out. I have curly/wavy hair and used Devacurl before. I did like it but not sure why I stopped (had a baby, hormones all over, hair shedding like crazy?) haha. Thank you again!

  82. Lauren on April 2, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    I’m nearly in tears reading this! I’ve had curly hair my whole life and no one has ever been able to help me own it 🙂 Whether I win this or not, I hope I can adopt these practices for the best hair possible!

    • Marcella King on April 4, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      Right there with you Lauren! Found myself surprisingly emotional over this post. Wishing you well on your journey to owning your fabulous curly hair!

  83. JenS on April 3, 2017 at 12:46 am

    I’ve always hated my coarse wiry hair. I have yet to ’embrace’ it’s texture and I continue to fight with it daily

  84. Jessica on April 3, 2017 at 10:35 am

    What great ideas! I have wavy/curly hair and I feel like I can never get it just right, the frizz takes over! I will definitely be implementing these ideas and products in the future!

  85. Caroline on April 3, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    Love this! Thanks for the product recommendations. I have wavy/curly hair & have been struggling with products & dry hair since my twins were born over a year ago!

  86. Traci on April 3, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    This is great information! Thanks for sharing, Lara!

  87. Melony King on April 3, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    Thank you for this encouraging post! I have thick, kinky hair and find it difficult to tame and keep moisturized. I’m looking forward to trying some of these tips!

  88. Rosymare da Silva on April 3, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    I want embrace my curls. This is my goal for this month. I’ve been straighten my hair since I was 7 years old and all those chemicals let with a severe hair loss that I’m dealing now. So this post is the perfect encouragement for me. 🙂

  89. Mary Davis on April 3, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    Thank you! My daughter has curly hair, and I’ve been clueless as to how to fix it properly!

  90. Christie Salazar on April 4, 2017 at 9:33 am

    LOVE THIS! I’m a fellow curly red head and I finally embraced my curls in high school after lots of straightening!! I’ve used tons of products with different results and am really excited to try some of these. I also have a 2 year old curly boy! Hoping to pass on the embrace your curls message at a young age 🙂 Thanks for sharing and hosting the giveaway. Can’t wait to share with all the other curly girls in my life.

  91. Casey on April 4, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    I LOVE this post! I have hair very similar to yours (curls, color and all) and was very frustrated with it when I was growing up. It was always frizzy and people would tell me I needed to “go brush it” (insert eye roll here!) and then it would look even worse. I have mostly embraced my curls now. I do straighten every now and then for fun but wear it curly most of the time (it takes almost an hour to straighten it and ain’t nobody got time for that). Struggling with the frizz is still a given since I live in the middle of SC but I’ve decided not to worry about it so much. The only real complaint I have now is that almost ALL of those really cool hairstyle tutorials are NOT made for people who have truly curly hair like ours. They might say that it is for “any” kind of hair but one of the first steps will inevitably involve a brush and we know that’s not going to fly…. 🙂 haha

  92. Marcella King on April 4, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    Thank you for sharing this with all of us, Lara! I’ve been overwhelmed by my curly hair my whole life and I’m still trying to figure it out. I’ve yet to find someone that can actually cut my hair so I’ve just trimmed it myself for the past 4 years or so. It has been such a struggle for me to find products and methods that actually work and aren’t just trying to “fix” my curls. It’s also hard to shell out money to try new products only to discover they don’t work or even damage my hair. I’m encouraged by this post (and look forward to more tips in the future) to start the healing process of figuring out what my hair wants and needs! You’re a blessing, Lara! Thank you for sharing Scott with us!

  93. Katie on April 4, 2017 at 7:35 pm

    For many years I wore my hair short-like chin length short! But it was getting harder to manage as my curls appeared stronger as I got older. My hair stylist suggested growing my hair out and embracing the curl! It’s been a process but I love my curls now. Always trying new ways to keep them fresh and well hydrated.

  94. Charis Kauffman on April 5, 2017 at 11:48 am

    I would love to try these products…my curly hair felt like a curse as a child but now I love it!

  95. Tam Welch on April 5, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    This is an awesome giveaway! I have naturally curly/wavy hair and struggle with it everyday. These products would be great to try!

  96. Katie McC on April 5, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    WOW! That’s so awesome he runs a business specifically for curly haired people. No idea that existed. I love your curly red hair. I think it’s so awesome. I will have to look into the “detoxing” your hair on his website!

    -Katie
    http://www.katieskronicles.org

  97. Amy on April 5, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    My mom used to perm my hair when I was in elementary school.From that, my natural waves and curl decided to show up, and I spent junior high with crunchy moose and hair sprayed curls Once I hit high school, my curls would only show up if I went to the beach. If I go to bed with wet hair, I wake up with a mess of very big not so pretty curly hair. Randomly enough, my husband loves when my natural curls come out. But I’ve never been taught how to properly make them look decent. These little tips would are amazing and I can’t wait to try them.

  98. Sara on April 5, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Once i bit the bullet to pay for a cut with a curl specialist, there was no turning back for me. The passion, education, let alone fabulous cut provided was more than worth the cost. I love my curls and love that my mini-me inherited them as well!

    • Sara on April 5, 2017 at 8:32 pm

      Also, hair plopping (youtube it) has been life changing! Great option for when I need to look put together first thing in the morning.

  99. Kati on April 5, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    I used to dislike my hair because I didn’t know how to work with it. It was either super frizzy or I’d try to straighten it. Over the years, I’ve learned to control my hair with the right techniques and products. (And now I wouldn’t trade my curls for anything!) I’m always learning and trying new things to make my hair routine even better.

  100. Amber Ludwig on April 6, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    Oh your story sounds much like mine!! Growing up hating my curls and not having a clue what to do with them!! Even know Im sure Im not doing it right lol!! I end up with crunchy hair but if I don’t weight it down somehow I end up with a lion’s mane!! Im still a woman lost in her curls!! I straighten it most day 😮 Shhhh! Don’t tell!! I wish i could find a way to confidently wear them natural all the time!

  101. Lisa E on April 7, 2017 at 10:27 am

    I love that you are embracing the curls now! I was the same way- straightening and hiding my curls throughout childhood and high school- I began embracing in college and really “caring” for my curls post college…

  102. Hannah on April 7, 2017 at 8:23 pm

    I haven’t towel dried my hair in years, and I LOVE to wash it upside down and flop it on top of my head for the first half of drying (then I flip it down) it seems so much happier that way.

  103. Heather Smith on April 7, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    I have had curly hair my whole life. And save middle school (because who wants to be themselves at all in middle school??) I have loved and let my curly hair go whenever I’ve been given the chance (mostly because it allows me to just roll out of bed most mornings of the week). But my hair tells a unique story about my body. I have struggled with (just recently diagnosed) autoimmune disorders my whole life. And I’ve recently realized that my hair has told the story of my health. When I have been at my sickest, my hair thins out and stops curling and is lifeless. But when I go into remission, or I my disease is relatively inactive, my curls come back alive and my hair thickens back up. I always thought I was crazy to think that my hair would be impacted by autoimmune conditions, but it is so clear that when my body feels it’s most alive, my hair looks it, too! My hair has started curling and bouncing again, so I am hopeful and praying for a remission period. It has been so much fun to care for and play with my curly hair again and the easy going, lively, bouncy look lends well to the person I was created and hope every day, sick or not, to be. Thank you for sharing all these tips and products! I am so excited to try these out!

  104. Melanie Reilly on April 7, 2017 at 11:22 pm

    Here’s my curly hair story:. In high school I was very insecure about my naturally curly hair and religiously straightened it every night. My very best friend, who was and is a great role model, nagged me constantly to just wear my hair curly. She had curly hair, and decided to teach me how to care for it with the same basic principles you shared. Her encouragement helped me to feel confident wearing my hair curly, as well as taught me to LOVE and enjoy the unique features I was given. I’m hoping to share the same encouragement and truth with my curly haired toddler. 🙂

  105. erin on April 7, 2017 at 11:39 pm

    I know it was written here not to scrunch right away and to leave it dripping wet, but if you feel like you just have to squeeze out that water and scrunch do so with a microfiber towel (instead of your shower towel or yoit hands), for less frizz. That’s my tip! 🙂

  106. Erin on April 7, 2017 at 11:55 pm

    In elementary school I had an unmanageable hair wave. Into middle and high school I had to figure out how to style my hair on my own. I discovered mousse, and realized with product I could tame my mane. I have an on again off again relationship with my curls. I went no poo for about 2 months, but couldn’t find the right routine of products. After pregnancies and illnesses my hair need some real tlc.

  107. Liz Hixson on April 8, 2017 at 8:05 am

    Love this quote! Not shampooing my hair was a game changer for me. I’m getting my first deva cut next week.

  108. Kristen on April 8, 2017 at 9:38 am

    I too got a perm in middle school with already curly hair. So horrifying. After ironing my hair in high school and straightening it for 6 plus years I now am embracing the curls too. It is such a learning curve, but I am now in love with them. Would love to use the products and learn more about them. Thanks for the blog post and sharing your curly hair experience.

  109. Sarah on April 11, 2017 at 6:44 am

    Love my curly hair! Thanks for sharing your tips!

  110. Suzanne on April 11, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    Thank-you SO much for sharing this info with us! I’ve been “dealing with” my super wavy hair for years and years now (actually most of my life to be honest!) by just wearing it up 90% of the time. I’ve never been able to find the right products for my hair, so I’m definitely going to give these a go!

  111. Kim B on April 11, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    I recently finally splurged on the Devacurl Ultra Defining gel and IT’S LIFE CHANGING. Slight exaggeration, but no product has ever encouraged my waves and held them for days. It might be gel but it’s not sticky at all even if you use a lot of it.
    A bit pricey though…I’d gladly win a supply of it hahaha.

  112. Alvely on April 11, 2017 at 10:45 pm

    I am a Latina woman and I have always had curly hair that I’ve spent most of my life blow drying it to appeal to society’s definition of “good hair”. I’ve finally learned to embrace these God-given curls and let go of the idea of what ‘good hair’ is. I think that it is important to embrace our hair texture, especially for Latinas and African American girls whose hair is different than the majority of their peers. If we teach all girls that all hair textures are good hair, it will likely lead to improvements in the self-esteem of the future generations. This is why embracing the curls and why seeing Lara’s curls is so important and inspiring.

  113. Rachel on April 13, 2017 at 10:40 pm

    I sent an Easter greeting card to a friend to encourage her! Thanks for the giveaway!

  114. Malinda on May 11, 2017 at 9:29 am

    Hi!  I love your hair and noticed the other day for the photo shoot on InstaStories, you had some  regular Hair clips in it and it looked gorgeous! It looked like that made it have more volume (which every curly girl wants!) How did you have them “attached”?  (Any way we could see it from the back? )
    Love your instagram and insta stories and love sweet Gracie and the beautiful garden!

    • Lara on May 11, 2017 at 3:58 pm

      Yes, they are plastic butterfly clips that I clamp in to give my hair a little boost at the roots while it dries : ) I hope that helps! I’ll try to show it on an upcoming Instagram story for you!

  115. Scott Musgrave on October 27, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    The online course called Cultivate Your Curls with The MAP Method is finally live!
    Click on link: https://www.curlyhairartistry.com/p/the-map-method-online-course

  116. Andrea on December 30, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    I want to thank you for this post. I was just thinking the other day that *surely* you have a post about how you do your hair, and up popped your top 10 with this included!
    Thinking about my hair growing up makes me still want to cry. All four years of high school, I wore my hair in a tight ballerina bun because I was so made fun of when I was a “tween.”
    I have always hated my hair. And I live in Houston, so humidity does not help. So many self deprecating remarks have flowed through my own mouth – as recently as last night!
    That said, I went through an excessively stressful life event a year and a half ago; as a result, my hair turned about 25% gray and about half of it fell out, due to stress. I’m still in my early 30’s! It made me appreciate more of what I had before, and made me yearn to bring it back to health and embrace natural beauty. I have worked really hard nutritionally to restore the thickness of my hair and I color it with a gentle, natural color, but styling is still eluding me! I can’t wait to take this as a jumping point to learn to love my own hair.
    Truly, thank you.

  117. Dawn on January 2, 2018 at 6:10 pm

    I was doubly blessed when I had my daughter because my hair turned curly. It always had a slight wave and I had to perm it during my high school years to get curls. Love the tips thanks!

  118. Nascent on January 5, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    I am loving the energy and excited for #GOALSETTING2018 been encouraging my friends via text, calls and IM. Today phoned up a friend to encourage her to boldly step into her dream of homeschooling

  119. Hair on October 22, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    Awesome post! Keep up the great work!

    • Lara on October 26, 2020 at 9:53 am

      You’re so kind! Grateful for you!

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