Captured Curls: Juliana

This gorgeous girl is one of my FAVORITE people to follow on Twitter. Her spirit is very sweet and of course, I love her mane! Read this natural beauties story below. Enjoy!

Photo Credit
Lauren McDowell

Please introduce yourself?

-My name is Juliana Pache. I’m 20 years old. I was born in Queens, New York and I moved to Florida when I was 12 years old. I now live in Philly where I attend Temple University, class of 2014. I’ve been singing since before my memory started functioning properly, haha. I’m Afro Latina. I love good people, good food, and good vibes.

What is your current hair regimen?

-I only use conditioner (no shampoo, unless I plan on straightening my hair). Right now I’m using Tresemme’s Naturals Conditioner. I sometimes use random deep conditioners.When my hair is still wet I use a hair serum by a brand named “Curls.” It’s excellent! Available at Rite Aid. :) I always let my hair air dry, then I either put it in two strand twists or wrap it in a high bun to stretch out my curls. When my hair needs some extra moisture after a few days I use Cantu’s Daily Oil Moisturizer. Always does the trick.

When you travel how do you care for your hair?

-I usually bring everything I need with me. I don’t need much.

How would you describe your hair type?

-Somewhere between a 3C and a 4A. The hair on my head varies by section haha.

What type of products work best for your curls?

-Non-drying hair products. I never ever use anything that makes my hair stiff or dry or flaky. Good serums and oil moisturizers are the best for me.

When did you first decided to go natural or have you been a curly girl all your life?

- I decided to go natural back in ‘09, when I was 17. I decided to go natural because I was researching the reasons why black women historically permed their hair in the first place. Also, because I was tired of getting relaxers. I wanted to break away from the perception of beauty that had me in a cycle of relaxer after relaxer. I had been getting relaxers since kindergarten, and I wanted to know what my natural hair was like.

Did you big chop or transition? (If you transitioned, for how long?)

-I transitioned for a year. It was rough. I did the big chop in May of 2010. I had a pretty healthy little fro.

Did you ever struggle with curly girl insecurities? If so, what helped you adjust to your naturally curly hair over the years?

-For sure. When I first cut my hair, friends and family would say “I like it, it’s cool, but I miss your long hair.” I sometimes missed having the option to have long straight hair but it didn’t take long for me to get over it. I was so obsessed with my curls and I was so proud of them. As my hair got bigger and bigger, all the people around me eventually came around. Regardless though, I love my hair big or small.

What makes you love your kinks, curls and coils?

-I feel like my hair reflects my personality so well. Big, loving, unapologetic, soft, playful.

Where can we find you on the web?

-You can find me on twitter @active_neurons. You can also find me on YouTube at youtube.com/JulianaPache. Keep checking, new music and videos coming very soon. :)

Is there anything else you want to share?

-Love and happiness. Things I always want to share, haha.