Marsha Ambrosius co-hosted Dark and Lovely’s Au Naturale special launch and CURL POWER CELEBRATION, and of course #TeamBeautiful was on hand to chat about her fabulous natural curls. She dished on her overnight hair routine, what she does for a bad hair day, and says that you should be empowered by your natural curls. Check out the interview below.
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HelloBeautiful: How long have you been natural and was it a tough transition for you?
Marsha Ambrosius: I went natural in 2000. Then I relaxed my hair again for a small stint back in ’07. Then at the end of ’08, I was back to natural again. I literally cut off all my hair and started fresh. For me, I have always loved my hair. I’ve been in love with my fro from the very beginning. I’ve posted Instagram pics of my childhood hairstyle versus my adult styles, and I haven’t changed a bit. Whether it’s a part on the side or in the middle, I’ve been the same chick. The journey for me has been just acknowledging that you can be you. There’s so many fads and styles that can you fall into, but there’s nothing better than when you get compliments on your natural hair. Or when someone sees you and says “I love your curls.” I’m like, yeah because no one else can have this. These are MY curls. And that’s empowering!
HB: Why did you relax your hair after being natural for so long?
MA: It was just a different look and a convenience. I was going on vacation to Orlando with my family and I knew I was doing a lot of water themed parks. I thought it was going to be easier, but it wasn’t. I still had to worry about my hair. Whether you are natural or relaxed it’s still maintenance involved. Don’t be afraid of your own hair! You can still go straight if you’re curly, you just have to use good products–like Dark & Lovely.
HB: What is your favorite product from the new line?
MA: The 10-In-1 Styles Gelée. It’s a cross between a gel and pomade. I shampoo and condition my hair with Dark & Lovely and then I bantu knot my hair so that I don’t have to put heat on it by blow drying it. Sometimes I leave it in overnight, but when I take my hair out it will still have its natural wave. It’s really easy to use, I rub the gel in my hands and just finger it though. Works like a charm and the style lasts a really long time.
HB: What are five products that you can’t live without?
MA: Whew, obviously Dark & Lovely! But I also do a lot of the DIY home remedies. I’ll take the Aloe Vera oil, the Gelée and maybe mix it with a Mango bar. But that’s what I love about this product. Dark & Lovely really took notes on what all the natural girls have been saying for years.
HB: What do you do on a bad hair day?
MA: I might put a hat on. I may attempt to brush it through and put it in a bun. But if I have on a giant hat, you know it was a bad, or long, night and I didn’t do my overnight hair routine.
HB: What are your thoughts on being curly versus straight or even protective styling?
MA: I’m in a different position because I work so much. I am not opposed to weaves. I don’t want to use a lot of heat on my hair when the client wants a particular curl that I’m not gonna get from my natural hair. If they want it to shine a bit more, I might need some heat. So I am not opposed to someone putting a sew in on the side. I am still a purist at heart because my hair is still being protected. I think people need to change their outlook. How pure are you if you are damaging your hair? Don’t be afraid of protecting your hair.
HB: What is your favorite natural hair style to rock?
MA: Just letting it out and being free!
So #TeamNatural, have you tried the new Dark & Lovely Au Naturale? What products are you swooning for?
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