Name: Nicole
Age: 30
Profession: Actor in New York City, New York
Curl Type: Curly to Tight Curly
What are your favorite Miss Jessie's hair products and why?
My favorites are The Rapid Recovery Treatment, Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo, and Pillow Soft Curls! Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo is my go-to for washing because it's sulfate free, and I like to put as little of anything in my hair as possible. A little bit of this shampoo goes a long way and it smells amazing! Rapid Recovery also smells lovely and has a nice consistency. It left my hair COMPLETELY moisturized and manageable. My split ends seemed less pronounced and my curls were super springy and shiny.
I was SO happy to find Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls because of its super lightweight hold. Generally when it comes to definition, shape, and hold, my curls are pretty solid, however, frizz is still always a factor; each of my coils looks like they have their own little halo of fuzz surrounding them. Sounds adorable, but it is super annoying. I've tried different curl stylers before(mostly gels), but they always left my hair feeling unnatural. Hardcore gels weighed my hair down, making my curls hard and inflexible, and lighter, frizz reducing serums had minimal effect, unless I applied a whole lot, creating a lot of nasty residue and build up. I get the smooth, shiny, sleek, frizz-free look I like, without changing the way the texture of my hair feels. A little bit goes a long way, and my curls feel so soft, it's like I don't have any product in at all.
As a working girl, you're always on the go. What's your 'on the go' styling hair routine/ tricks/ suggestion to others?
My coils dry quickly, so I'm a big fan of the "wash 'n go", and I usually air dry my curls. It makes for a faster primping routine as well as fuller, prettier curls.
Every girl goes through a period when they want to experiment with their hair and attempt a different look. What is the most drastic hair change you've implemented?
I'm one of those girls that get restless with my hair color after awhile. When I was first on my own and in college, I used to dye it different colors all the time, but after a while I realized that was horrible for my hair. Try to space out the frequency of dying your hair (with permanent color). Even the best hair dyes are damaging, and its better to have some roots than fried curls. Also deep conditioning is a MUST. After trying the Rapid Recovery Treatment, my curls looked noticeably less dry and more moisturized. Take the time to treat yourself, your hair will thank you.
How did you learn about personal style? Did someone teach you, or were you self taught?
Well, I was an only child and the daughter of a single mother, so I definitely learned a lot from her. She took me to a real beauty salon for the first time also helped teach me how to French braid and paint my nails without smudging. Little things like that. When we would have a mommy/daughter day, it would usually start with a trip to the beauty parlor, followed by shopping at a vintage store for eclectic, one of a kind pieces. She always told me that excessively expensive, fancy clothes or current trends didn't matter, but it was more important that I always felt confident and comfortable, no matter what I had on.
What is the biggest hair lesson you've learned while growing up?
Quality products make all the difference. When I don't have time to deep condition, I'll use Miss Jessie's Créme de la Curl, because I love a good, lightweight conditioner. Cutting corners on conditioners or styling creams makes split ends come back to haunt me. Also while the conditioner is still in my hair, I run a wide toothed comb through my curls make detangling almost effortless, then rinse. That was a mistake my mom made a lot when I was a kid- she would try combing my hair AFTER rinsing the conditioner out, which made all the tangles more intense, sometimes even with a paddle brush. If you have tight curls and coils, just try avoiding brushes as much as you can. Stick to a comb and your fingers.
What is the best curly hair secret you have, that you are willing to share?
Don't shampoo your curls more often than needed, because I have found it over dries curls, and a dried out curl is a sad curl. Air dry your hair as often as humanly possible - the less heat you apply to your hair the better.
What is your definition of beauty and when do you feel the most beautiful?
I personally feel the most beautiful after getting out of the shower, and putting a little scented lotion on. Between my hair products and lotions, I love walking around my apartment smelling like bouquet of fresh flowers. I ultimately define beauty by being happy in your own skin. If you're happy with who you are and how you are impacting the world around you, beauty instantly radiates from within.
Who's celeb hairstyle do you admire/ what celeb inspires you the most in terms of hair/ style? Why?
For short hair, I'm obsessed with Lupita Nyongo. In addition to admiring her talents as an actress, I love her versatile hairstyles. With just a change of her part or the addition of hair accessories, she suddenly has a whole new look! I used to only wear headbands to hold back my hair at the gym or to wash my face, but after seeing Lupita at the 2014 Oscars with an elegant headband delicately encircling her hair like a little halo, my headbands have started making more formal appearances, more often. She is such a strong, poised, beautiful presence, and it's so inspiring to see someone with such quiet confidence. I also really admire Rihanna's taste and style. Her short, angular hairstyles are super high fashion looking, but can easily translate to a more casual, toned down look. I respect her ability to fluidly transition between classic, comfortable styles and haute couture looks.
For long hair, it's a toss-up between Sarah Jessica Parker and Slash. I know it seems weird to equate the two. Slash is this super masculine rock star from Guns n' Roses, and Sarah Jessica Parker's iconic character, Carrie Bradshaw, is the epitome of a girly girl, but both celebrities seem to have perfected the long, curly, mermaid hair look that I've always idolized.
Switching gears to personal style. Do you have any summer fashion must-haves?
Maxi dresses are totally underrated, in terms of summer outfits. Showing off your legs can be a blast, but having a light, cotton, long dress means that you are ready for sitting on the grass at the park and a good book or having some rooftop mimosas with friends.
What is your favorite date night hairstyle?
GIANT curls. Like a lion's mane... I feel like it makes me more confident, and in combination with a little black dress? Perfection. For first dates, it's a golden ticket to a second.
What are 5 things in your purse right now?
- Mascara
- 2.Spare hair tie WITHOUT a metal clasp (the metal can cause breakage)
- Bobby pins
- A nice lip balm
- A big bottle of water (perfect for taming unexpected flyaways, and of course, hydration)
What advice would you give young girls who are still trying to find themselves, and maybe struggling with their self-esteem?
I would tell them to tune out whatever negative, malicious, non-constructive criticism anyone has to tell you because the only person with the power to define your self-worth is you and you alone. Like most kids, I dealt with my own encounters with bullies picking on me. Typically people like that lash out because they feel uncomfortable in their own skin, so they put you down to make themselves feel better. What they say is not an accurate portrayal of your character, but really it is just a reflection of something broken within themselves. Bullies should be pitied, not feared, and forget anyone that dare try and steal your shine. Everyone has a place where they belong, it's just a matter of finding the right people that properly compliment you and help you feel accepted.
Also, when I'm in a funk and want to feel good about myself again, I try to channel that energy into doing something positive for someone else. I'll do some charity work, bake cookies for my friends, even taking my dog for an extra long walk through the park. Making someone happy and helping someone smile, makes it easier for me to smile again. Take control of your life; be the captain of your happiness, not the designer of your own catastrophe. Once you do that, everything just sort of falls into place.
