ClassyCurly Profile: Ashley

Name: Ashley Smith

Social Media Names:  Topnotch _cubsn

Hair Type:       3a 3b 3c

How long have you been natural?:    

For about 3 years

Why did you go natural?:       

I'm mixed and I didn't know how to maintain or really care for my hair . I had almost everything done to my hair (color, cut, pressed, braids, sew-ins , glue-ins , tracks wigs etc.) to the point that I wanted to start all over for the new year . I read this book "Curly Like Me "and ever since then I was motivated. I bought several products, watched YouTube videos and completely changed my hair . It's now healthy! And completely natural the last time I pressed if was a year ago for my birthday. I have 18 inches now I use to have about 10.

A short regimen you can share:        

Before every wash I give my hair a hot oil treatment ( almond oil , olive or jojoba oil ) after a hour I wash my hair with a moisturizing shampoo . Then I deep condition for an hour, I rinse then I add in my leave in conditioner . I allow that to air dry then I put in my product and a light oil to hold in the curl.

What are some of your favorite products?:  

Almond oil

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditioner and shampoo

Jojoba oil

Argan oil

Shea Butter Cantu ( leave in product )

Organic Hair Mayonnaise

Curls soufflé

And the best gel: Eco Styler Professional Olive Oil gel

What are some of your favorite styles?:       

Other than my natural curl pattern I will normally do double strand twists in my hair and add rods at the ends to form a more bouncier and harder curl. Sometimes I’ll put two french braids in my hair. After rocking the braids, I unbraid the hair and have a new curl texture.

What is your most favorite and least thing about being natural?:   

My least favorite thing is during winter my hair takes a long time to dry . I don’t like using a blow dryer for my curls due to frizz and sometimes I often think about how it would look flat ironed.

The most favorite about being natural is that it's natural beauty.God created me beautifully and I'm in love with the fact that I can embrace it and doesn't cost any money . I'm grateful that I found out what to do and how to do it before it was too late. I love trying new products, I love watching my grow and giving others advice about being natural.

What is one piece of advice that all women should have(pertaining to confidence)?:

I think they should know that god created us for a reason. We are our own critic. If we don't have faith or love for ourselves no one else will. It's a great feeling to have confidence and grow to realize you put yourself there and that you are a strong women.

What natural hair bloggers/vloggers inspire you?:   

My inspiration goes out to Glamtwins on YouTube,  Curlybeauties,  Courtney with her new products " manetabolism" and the women who wrote "Curly Like Me."

Do you have any advice on going natural?:  

Yes,I need everyone to know that the results are worth it. Healthy living is all you need to be happy . Some people might ask you why you’re doing what you’re doing or might not agree but when they acknowledge the results they will want to join!

ClassyCurlies