Introducing...LaCocoBella's Girls Behind the Curls!!! Meet Alysha!

Hey curlies! I wanted to introduce a *new feature* to lacocobella.com….Girls Behind the Curls!

This will be a new way to connect with more curly girls around the world! Each week, I will feature a Girl Behind the Curl who has gorgeous natural hair and is willing to share a bit about her hair story! This means, more motivation, more knowledge and more lovely ladies to connect with on our natural journeys.

I really hope you enjoy reading about these wonderful ladies and are inspired :o)

If you’re interested in being featured as a Girl Behind the Curl, please shoot me a message. I’d love to connect with you!

So without further ado, meet Alysha, my first Girl Behind the Curl! Check her out below!

Enjoy ;o)

In the beginning : : What inspired you to go embrace your natural-ness? OR If you’ve been natural since forever, what inspired you to never get a perm?

Growing up, my mother never allowed me or my sister to put a perm or chemicals in our hair. I actually remember pleading to get a perm. As a child, I found my hair to be kinky and did not like that it was so different than everyone around me. I was definitely addicted to the “hot comb” for many years and used to hate how a little heat or water would make it kinky all over again. Throughout the years, I started to grow more comfortable and confident in my own skin. Eventually my natural hair just became a staple for me. I started to love my kinks and curls and wear it with pride. I gradually began to prefer wearing my hair curly and only straighten my hair a few times a year now. My hair is a testament to my evolution and conquering childhood insecurities. I can honestly say that I will never get a perm and will likely raise my daughters the same way my mother raised me.

Your uniqueness : : How would describe your hair and how do you like to wear/style your hair daily? i.e. wash-n-go’s, twists, straight, protective styles, etc.

I like tight curls. Recently, I cut my hair and love how much it simplifies things in the morning. I love having short hair coupled with tight curls. 9 times out of 10, I’m rushing in the morning and I definitely prefer to keep my hair as low maintenance as possible. I’m all about the wash and go. A little leave in conditioner and I’m all set for the day!

Choosing favorites : : What are some fav products you can’t live without or would recommend to someone else? How do you use them?

DevaCurl: I have used just about every curly hair product out there and my favorite so far has been DevaCurl. I am all about DevaCurl. I use the DevaCurl Lo-poo about once every week or two. While I’m in the shower, I use the Deva Curl One Condition Daily and detangle my hair while I’m showering. When I finish my shower, I add the Deva Curl Angel Defining gel throughout my hair. I like the Deva Curl Angel Defining gel a lot because it really defines my curls without drying out my hair. It is an alcohol free product, which I love. DevaCurl is my daily hair regimen.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Conditioner: This was actually an accidental discovery. I was on vacation once and forgot my conditioner. The CVS I ran to did not have many products for people of color so I decided to try this out since it was so affordable. I ended up loving how the conditioner defined my curl pattern. This is my inexpensive, over the counter curly hair product of choice!

Miss Jessie’s Baby ButterCreme: I love using this as a moisturizer, especially on my edges! It’s a little pricy so I don’t use it on a daily basis, but I love that it makes your hair so soft and it smells amazing!

Olive Oil: Nothing fancy here. About once a week, I let my hair take a bath in Olive Oil. I’ve found plain old Olive Oil to be one of the best moisturizers for my hair. It doesn’t necessarily define curls, but since I wet my hair so often it is very important to keep it moisturized so it doesn’t dry out or lose its’ natural oils.

Other Products I like: Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk and Mixed Chicks Conditioner. Mixed Chicks is a great product, but sometimes left my hair feeling hard after using which I didn’t really like. I would recommend using on occasion but not on a daily basis.

Drop some knowledge : : Do you have an awesome hair practice/technique you’ve learned and wouldn’t mind sharing? OR is there something you’d like to learn more about?

Keep it simple. Play with products until you find what works for you. I’ve been playing with products for many years and still don’t have it perfect. Everyone’s hair is different so what works for someone else might not work for you. Also, I recommend playing with a curl diffuser from time to time. When my hair was longer, I never could quite get it right….But I’ve seen some gorgeous waves and curls brought out by using a diffuser. I would love to learn more about this from someone who has it mastered.

Shameless plug : : Do you have a hustle you’d like to share while you have the floor? i.e. business, project, etc.

I am an actress, arts educator, and writer with experience performing, teaching, and directing across the U.S. I’m currently located in the San Francisco Bay Area and offering private Acting Coaching to middle and high school students. Please check out my website to learn more: www.Alysha-English.com

K.I.T. : : How can we stay connected with you? i.e. website, e-mail, social media, etc.