Interview with a Curly Girl

Ashley is one of our long-time clients and curlistas, so we had a chat about her curl journey with Versus Salon!

1. Have you always embraced your natural curls? Why or why not?

I have not always embraced my curls. Growing up I never felt like I fit in with wearing my hair curly. In elementary school, I would wear my hair out and it would look great in the morning and by the end of the school day I was a frizzy tangled mess. Lack of knowledge of how to care for my hair and frankly it just was not in style back then played a huge role in my dislike of my natural hair.  Most days I wore a bun- my mom said that was the only way to make sure I looked decent through the entire school day. it took me until my mid- twenties to really start to embrace my natural hair texture.

2. How has being a curly girl in the modeling world impacted your confidence?

Being a curly girl in the modeling world has impacted my confidence positively for the most part. I enjoy being unique and I know I am usually booked for my talent AND for the awesome personality and vibe that my curly girl (hair) brings. On occasion I have to remind myself that it is OK to be the minority (only curly girl) on some shoots. It can be lonely and at the same time very competitive. If there are only a few curly girls in the room, you’re usually up against them. 

3. What type of reception do you typically get from professionals in the modeling industry with regards to your big, beautiful curls?

Positive.  My hair is unique and on trend. It has also been a plus because it is All MINE (not extensions). I have however received feedback that my hair is too poofy or that it needed to be tamed. When people used words like that I would get offended. Now, I just try to educate them.  Poofy = voluminous. And NO I will not TAME my hair!  On one occasion on a shoot, the director whom I have worked with numerous times, pulled me to the side and said , “if you want to keep working with our clients you might want to get a hair cut.” 

I took that as she was saying the bigger my hair got the less attractive it would be to the client. As long as I had a small afro that was acceptable.  I replied, “That is not the goal. I really want to grow my hair as long as possible.” It all ended on a positive note. I have since worked with this director and their client several times. 

 4. Do you have any favorite wash'n'go products?

 I love Ouidad products as well Aunt Jackie’s products. 

5. What do you feel is the biggest challenge in having naturally curly hair? The biggest benefit?

The biggest challenge in having naturally curly hair for me would have to be managing the amount of time it takes to have a consistent routine.  

The biggest benefit for me is being more carefree when it comes to working out and sweating. I don’t have to worry about sweating out my perm! Haha!

6. Why do you feel it's important to embrace your natural hair texture?

 It was liberating for me to see that I could not only manage but also grow my natural hair. I think embracing your natural hair texture is important because it means that you love the way you were created. It may not be your preferred way of wearing your hair but knowing how to care for and wear you natural hair texture is important to overall self love. 

7. How has coming to Versus Salon over the years impacted your hair care routine?

Having stylists that are knowledgeable about natural hair care has enhanced my natural hair journey. There is so much information, tutorials, and videos out there about natural hair care, but nothing compares to discovering what works for you specific hair type like working hands-on with a professional. I am thankful for Versus Salon and the care and time they have taken with me throughout my journey!