Meet Brittany, Social Media Content Executive from South Staffordshire in the UK. She shares her journey to returning natural and ditching the weaves, straighteners and extensions to embrace her true self. 

The Journey

What inspired you to return natural?

Hi! I am Brittany, I currently live in South Staffordshire in the UK and work as a Social Media and Content Executive. I hope you find my story inspiring!

When I was a little girl I always had my natural curls out - in pig-tails at least. My mom was very toward my naturally curly hair and had always tried to learn about the best products for my curls. Being mixed race and my mom white British, she really did try with my curls and didn't give up on them - no matter how much trauma it caused us both when detangling. 

When I was roughly 12 years old I had my primary school prom. I decided that I wanted my hair straight. A different look that wasn't so childish and easier to style. Mom and I found the nearest Afro-Caribbean Hairdressers to get it done right, by women/men who knew how to treat my hair. 

I was happy, I LOVED the way it hung, my long sleek straight hair could never compare to my frizzy, short and unmanageable curls (the shrinkage was real). I kept my hair straight all through high school and even through college! And boy, you wouldn't believe the number of half weaves, extensions and full-head weaves I got through. 

When I was 19 years old, I decided I wanted to go to university in Southampton. Upon arriving in Southampton (where I studied), I thought there's no way I can trust my hair with another hairdresser... What am I going to do now? Long story short, I reconsidered just having my hair curly. I would occasionally have it curly but not with the intention that I would always have it that way. I used to only have it curly was when my hairdresser's appointment was coming up and I knew that it would be contained again. 

I took the plunge and thought, why not? Let's let these curls flourish, I might even like them... Who knows? And if I don't, I will be committing myself to straighten my hair at least twice a day to get my natural hair to blend in my half-head weave (the stress - was it even worth it?).

When going curly it was hard, but also a lot of stress was relieved. I didn't have to worry about my hair getting wet and going curly as it's already that way. If it's humid out, there won't be any issues with frizz because the frizz will sort of blend into my natural hair, right? As I weighed out the pros and cons, it became apparent that it was time to embrace my true self. 

What were the challenges (if any) along the way of your healthy hair journey?

Finding the right product was hard. I wasn't sure what I should be using and how much of a product I should be applying to really help my curls. I picked up just about anything, not considering the efficacy and most definitely not considering the ingredients (don't ignore the ingredients as I did!) All of the products on the market seemed to be really heavy and greasy and the lack of education on curl care back then really made it hard to navigate the perfect product. 

What is your number 1 curl tip?

My number one curl tip would have to be to keep researching. In 2021 there are so many avenues to explore in the curly hair community. For instance: social media platforms, finding those online communities that you can resonate with, Pinterest is a great tool as well as Instagram for finding all of those must-have curl tips. I would also say, try not to be despondent. The transitioning process doesn't happen overnight, just persevere and trust the process (it's definitely worth it). 

Discovering Flora & Curl

What made you buy Flora & Curl products? How did you hear about us?

I initially found out about Flora & Curl through my job search in 2020. So I proceeded to research the company and found that their ethos was so closely tied to my personal goals and curl goals. As soon as I landed on their social media page I was reeled in with the fresh, vibrant products with their bespoke botanical packaging and the scientific-educational content on curl care. I immediately fell in love with this idyllic curl care haven.

How did you see your hair change after using Flora & Curl products?

I was absolutely astonished at how my curls were transformed by F&C's products. My family, friends and my partner couldn't stop drooling over the smell, the ringlets and the shine. I threw away all of my older products as soon as I tried out the line. A fresh start I thought and from then, I can honestly say that I have never tried another brand. I fall in love with my results every morning, no more greasy, heavy curls. I have super-bouncy, voluminous, defined and healthy curls: everything a curl needs.

Which Flora & Curl product is your favourite and why?

This is such a hard question because I haven't had one bad thing to say about any of the products. I would say my absolute go-to is the Rose Water Detangling Lotion, but right beside that is most definitely the new Sweet Hibiscus Twist & Braid Cream. These are my favourite as I have coloured-curls that need that extra dose of moisture and hydration. The detangler is great for a light moisture boost where the Sweet Hibiscus Twist & Braid Cream is great for when the ends of my curls feel super parched.

What is your current Flora & Curl haircare routine?

I chop and change my routine depending on what outcome I want! But, my main goal is always most definitely VOLUME. 

1) Dampen the hair with the Rose Water Curl Mist to truly hydrate your tresses. 

2) Apply the Rose Water Detangling Lotion all over curls and finger-detangle to minimise breakage and frizz. 

3) Add a smidge of the Sweet Hibiscus Twist & Braid Cream to the ends of your hair to re-hydrate further (remember, your ends are important for growth and length retention).

4) I then add the new Sweet Hibiscus Curl Volumizing Foam to encourage volume.

5) I allow my hair to air dry with the Gentle Curl Towel for 15 mins at least. 

6) Take off your Gentle Curl Towel and ruffle the roots with fingertips covered in a few drops of the Citrus Superfruit Radiance Oil.

7) You're ready to seize the day!

What sets Flora & Curl apart from other brands/products on the market?

Honestly? Everything. From the way the product is presented in its beautiful botanical patterned package, to the 100% natural ingredients used in all of their formulations. Switching to plant-based haircare really does make a difference to your curls. Flora & Curl makes me feel like I am making a difference to my curls and also the world. Not to mention the natural fragrances used in the products too. They smell absolutely divine. It really is a refreshing treat for your curls and wellbeing with the carefully selected aromatherapeutic scents they have chosen.

To simply know that you're helping not only your curls flourish but the world flourish one pump of product at a time is effortless and means so much. 

Thank you for sharing, Brittany! We are sure this will spark some inspiration to turn natural. Are you considering it? Click here to read more Curl Journeys and get inspired! Or, maybe you feel like making a difference and sharing your curl story? Please do! We would love to hear all about it, click here to submit your story!

Naturally Yours, 

The Team at Flora & Curl