07/29/2026
We’re in this together 💓👑
Growing up, I had a really hard time caring for my hair. My Guyanese-Chinese mom had straight hair and didn’t know what to do with my curls. She’d brush them dry from the roots, tell me I needed to ‘tame’ them before going out, and didn’t know which products to use to hydrate or protect my curls… I was just a little girl with so much resentment for my hair. Self-critique becomes so easy when everything around you seems to point to your inadequacy. But those notions are built, and our natural beauty is the most radiant asset we have. Figuring that out has been a tumultuous journey for me.
As a kid, I struggled with the classic ‘you want what you can’t have’ mentality, comparing myself to people in my life who had straight hair and wishing mine was the same. For the longest time I wanted to get a straight perm to smooth out my curls and finally feel beautiful. But ‘beautiful’ is already coiled in our DNA.
At around age 5, my marraine (godmother) taught me to care for my hair. She taught me to wash with my fingertips instead of my palms to avoid tangling and damaging my hair. She taught me there was such a thing as curly products made for people with curly hair. She taught me to brush from ends to roots, to use detangling spray, to deep condition, to switch to scrunchies and gentle hairties over elastics, to use oils and pomades on my scalp, to wear protective styles to sleep, and to feel inspired by bold, creative hairstyles. I had no idea how much I needed that.
Shirley Lamarque I’m so so grateful for you and your guidance. You genuinely changed my life. I love you! ❤️
After years of religiously following curly girl content on YouTube, trying shelves worth of products, experimenting with countless curly methods, recovering from years of heat and bleach damage, doing multiple big chops, and consulting other curly girls in my circle, I finally figured out what works for my hair. At least for now. And if there’s anything my journey can do to help another girl out, I’ll share it. I want to show the world that it’s all worth it.
Your hair is your crown. Wear it proudly 👑
•
•
•
