Our Curly Journey

Inspired by my little girl's amazing hair...

...I have been trying hard to learn about taking care of curls AND I've been trying to get my curls back.  I had curly hair when I was younger, much like my daughters (p.s. sometimes it's really cool to me to say "my daughters") and I still definitely have some funky waves going on every day which I have learned indicates that my curls still exist.  I stopped straightening my hair more than a year ago but from there didn't really have a clue how to bring back the curls and take care of them.  My newest sister-in-law Joselid introduced me to a curly hair support group on Facebook.  A support group!  For your hair!  I love it.  It has been so incredibly helpful to me in figuring things out for our hair over here in this Dobbins house.  

Sometimes I feel quite silly and superficial spending so much time (and a little money- not too much though, trying to be methodical in trying the different curly options so that we don't spend a ton).  But when starting this journey I felt strongly that investing in this (time-wise) is investing in my kids self esteem, loving themselves and their natural beauty.  And I feel more passionate about it every time Audrey says she wishes she had "soft" hair- thats the way she describes straight hair, giving a hint about how she feels about her curls.  So I'm hoping that learning myself and then teaching them how to take care of their hair as they grow up will be what does.  I've read on these facebook groups that a lot of girls hate their curly hair when they're young and I remember feeling this way too, because of just not know knowing what to do with it!  And then honestly the time it then takes once you DO know how to do it.  Curly hair is a commitment.  On the Facebook groups girls will post pictures of the difference in their hair after doing the Curly Girl method for a year or so- and it's quite amazing.  It can take years to get your curls back and a lot of time and patience.  But from what I've learned and seen it's WORTH IT!

I'm really really loving learning about this and being a part of this community!  It's a new obsession.  I had no idea there were so many girls out there who have been in the same boat as me, just not sure what to do.  It's a whole science, the first kind of science I've ever been fascinated by.  (Although marine biology was always cool to me too)

If anyone wants to talk about it or wants to try the Curly Girl method to see if their funky waves are actually curly ringlets, hit me up.  I don't know a ton but we're on the lovely journey here in my house and I'd love to share what I've learned.  I need a curly friend!  Joselid is moving to Virginia :(

Here are some pictures of our curly journey up to now!

Morning Hair:

Curls brushed out 

(which I actually think is really pretty and sometimes we just leave it like this):

Making our own super cheap super easy homemade flaxseed gel!  

So many curly girls have said this was a game changer for them, and we had a lot of fun making it:

 Hannah's first haircut from Auntie J:

Rocking them coils-

Routine:

co-wash (no shampoo anymore, just conditioner.  seriously.)
Taliah Waajid Curl Cream
homemade flaxseed gel

diffuse (only for me, girls air dry)
SOTC (scrunch out the crunch): 

this was a particularly good hair day for me.....i haven't been able to get it to look like that again!  maybe twice.  that's why it's a journey.

I still need pictures of Audrey's big bouncy curls on the good hair days.  She just such a busy little person it's hard to get her to stay still and take a picture!  

My girls hair is pretty predictable for me now.  I basically know exactly what I'll get depending on how I do it.  For my hair though it's a different story.  Every day is different.  Sometimes the curls look nice and smooth and well defined and voluminous.  Other days they turn out crunchy and frizzy and piecey looking or flat on one side.  Or both, like in this picture:  

Anyway, we're making progress.  I love having this new hobby that for me is all about loving myself and teaching my kids to do the same.  I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW ELI'S HAIR WILL TURN OUT!