Captured Curls: Leila

Oh, how I love social media! I met the beauty below while in NY a month or so ago. She is actually friendly with the friends I was staying with and to my surprise had been following the blog and my InstaGram for quite some time!  Of course, I needed to have this beautiful head of hair featured on the blog. I swear that's the first thing I say to someone natural... "Ummm, I'm a natural hair blogger and I would LOVE to feature you!" LOL, anywho... I hope you enjoy Miss.Leila's story. Her hair is amazing, definitely hair porn!

Please, introduce yourself!

Hi! My name is Leila Jean. I’m a recent graduate of St. John’s University in NYC. I studied advertising but my goal is to get into public health and nutrition and be a role model to young adults in my generation. I love anything that promotes a better way of living and that is creative and brings pure joy.

What is your current hair care regimen?

My current hair regime is first picking a day when I’m not busy or in a rush so that I can be patient with myself. I separate my hair in about 10 twists then I dilute Jane Carter’s shampoo or any co-wash conditioner and apply directly to my scalp with an applicator bottle. I rinse deep condition. I recently revisited detangling on hair saturated with Jane Carter’s deep conditioner and it works well for me these days. My hair remains in twist throughout this whole process. I rinse add Giovanni’s direct leave-in and seal it with a butter my favorite is Anita Grant’s whipped butter. I let it air dry and style in the morning. When my hair is moisturized and stretch it decrease breakage and makes my mornings super easy.

What is your hair type and what works best for your texture?

I don’t get into hair types. My hair is a mixture of really tight cork screw curls to really loose ones in the front and back. For my texture the most important thing is moisture without a doubt.

What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural or have you been relaxer free all your life?

My family was shocked of course and teased me a lot but eventually came around and I’ve even inspired my mother and aunt to go natural and they both big chopped like I did. Strangers and friends have always been positive and I get stopped my men who simply compliment me no pun intended which always brings a smile to my face. It’s good to know not every guy is into the stereotype we feel we need to fit and appreciates beauty in its purest form.

Did you big chop or transition, for how long? If you’ve always been natural, did you ever have any curly hair girl insecurities? If so, what helped you adjust to having naturally curly hair over the years?

It’s been 2 years since I big chopped and I actually miss the short length a lot! I big chopped with only ½ inch of new growth. I’m a cold turkey kind a girl. I want something done it’s pretty hard to change my mind. I’ve always been into fashion so I was always confident in my appearance. I got into lipstick after going natural and always embraced every length of the journey.

What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?

I love that they are versatile. I always loved curly hair and thought that only girls who were mixed had them as ignorant as that sounds. I love playing in them, I love that they sit high like my very own crown.

Where can we find you on the web?

I’m working on a nutrition blog right now so stay tuned for that but in the mean time you can find me on facebook: Leila Mahalia or instagram: @LeilaMahalia

(big chop photo!) 

Anything EXTRA you want us to know?

Just to be patient and loving to yourself. Never compare yourself to the next girl and just live and spread positivity.