Who Am I...My name is Valerie. I have been natural for 3 years. My whole life I was told that I had unruly unmanageable hair. It has been a long hard journey. Once I thought I had everything down packed with the “Curly girl method”, I discovered that something still was not right. Well ladies, as if caring for curly hair isn’t hard enough, I discovered I am protein- sensitive as well. So right now I am on a journey to find what works best for my hair sans protein.

Whereabouts...I live in Orlando, Fl. I do not see many naturals on the regular but saw many at the 2011 Curly Nikki event. Hair History...I have been natural for a little over 3 years. I decided to go natural because I finally wanted to see what my REAL hair looked like.

The Opinions of Others...My mother was shocked at the fact that I actually went through with it and my older sister was negative about it (she is relaxed). I simply told them that I love the hair God gave me. My mother decided to go natural with me. My sister likes my curls but always comments on how she liked my straight hair better.

My Curl Routine...
**I do not use sulfates, silicones nor proteins in my hair**
-Wash 1x or 2x a week with a sulfate-free and protein-free shampoo, I wash in 2 sections
-De-tangle hair in front of mirror with conditioner (saves water). I use a paddle brush for ends and a big tooth comb for my roots. I de-tangle in 8 sections, 2 sections in each quadrant
-Deep condition 1x a week with my Hair Therapy Wrap -Put in leave-in conditioner (5 sections.. 2 in the back, 1 in the crown and 2 in the front)
-Seal with a oil or butter ** I stop at this step if I want to achieve a twist out
-Rack and shingle gel in (for a Wash and Go)
-Apply finisher
-Diffuse for a Wash and Go and Air dry for twist out
-Protect hair at night by sleep in a Satin Bonnet

Hair Goals & Actions I'm Taking To Get There...Yes I do have a hair goal! I would like to stop dying my hair and I want to get to bra strap length curly. I have a lot..A LOT of grey and I am only 22. I noticed that my new growth is healthier. So I guess I will have to deal with my silver strands. As for growing out my hair, I am moisturizing more frequently to combat dryness and break age. I am also playing around with protective styling.