Meet Phoebe from Wellington, New Zealand! Phoebe found that straightening and blow-drying her wonderful waves was simply too much effort and left her hair damaged with dry split ends. This is a story on how she embraced those beautiful waves. 

The Journey

What inspired you to return natural?

I am from Wellington in New Zealand. For years and years I straightened my hair and there were so many split ends. It was sooooo dead. So I had to chop it all off. Usually I would wash my hair, dry it and straighten it but that took too long so sometimes I would just wash it and go to bed.

When I woke up in the morning I had nice wavy hair. So after doing this for a while I went to my hairdresser to ask if I could do anything to make it nicer. She gave me some mousse which was the start of my journey. It was nice but there was no hold and my hair quickly went frizzy again. Additionally my hair sat differently when it was wavy compared to straight - since I had always had my cut when it was straightened this bugged me.

After joining curly girl Facebook groups and following curly girl influencers, I began to explore the curly girl method and modify it to fit my waves. I got a curly cut which my waves bounce up hugely and I bought curly girl friendly products. I got some gel from clever curl and the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion from Flora and Curl. However for about a month I did not realize I had to scrunch out the crunch. My hair looks much better after figuring out how to do that. Equally, learning about the protein moisture balance was really good. I plan on purchasing more Flora and Curl products due to their protein products and wanting to try their foam. My bleached hair loves loves loves protein products. Learning what everyone’s unique hair needs are is so useful.

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

My challenges were figuring out my protein moisture balance. It has gone very wrong at times. But I think it is important to listen to your own hair rather than trying to follow someone else's routine that is made specifically for their hair. And of course learning how to SOTC was very useful.

What is your number 1 curl tip?

Every wash day would be the same. Don't expect the same results. But every wash day will be beautiful in its own way.

Discovering Flora & Curl

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

I heard about Flora & Curl from my fb curly groups and then I began to follow you on instagram and thought wow that is awesome they have such a range of product types and ingredients for a variety of different hair needs.

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

Bouncier and happier curls!

Which Flora & Curl product is your favourite and why?

The Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion. I can't wait to try the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel.

What is your current Flora & Curl haircare routine?

The Rose Water Cream Shampoo and Rose Water Cream Conditioner; followed up by the Sweet Hibiscus Curl Activating Lotion.

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

For me it is the the variety of products and clean ingredients.

Thank you for sharing with us, Phoebe! Are you in need of a little more inspiration to help kick-start your journey to returning natural? Click here to read more stories from our Flora & Curl family! Or perhaps you want to share your curl story and help inspire others? Let's go, click here to submit your story!

Naturally Yours, 

The Team at Flora & Curl