Curl Friends Confession with Raffaella S. DiStefano

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m a huge fan of Pinterest. It’s definitely a go-to for home decor, makeup, and hair inspiration. A few months ago I was browsing through curly hairstyles (obviously) and came across a Pinner who was effortlessly flaunting her curls. You all know how excited I get when I see confident women letting their curly hair down. Unlike my first Curl Friends Confession, Raffaella isn’t a Youtuber or blogger, but she’s a woman who is in love with her curls in what can feel like a straight haired world at times. In addition to her beautiful mane, Raffaella is of Italian descent and loves to cook, a huge part of her culture/upbringing.

One thing that Raffaella mentioned that resonated with me the most is: When you realize and accept what you have, your life becomes so much easier. I owe a lot of this acceptance to my mother who always encouraged me to embrace who I was.

This reminds me so much of my relationship with my mom. She showed me by example what it truly meant to love yourself every time she styled her natural curly hair in the morning, and she continues to do so today.

With that, I’m excited to bring you Curl Friends Confession with Raffaella S. DiStefano.

1. Recommended bedtime routine for taming your locks: My bedtime routine is pretty simple. I put all of my already styled and dried hair back in a loose, soft headband. Don’t tie it like a ponytail. Just slip the headband about midway down your hair. This prevents the curls from being crushed and “dented” over night and allows you to wear fresh curls again the next day.

2. Gel, mousse, cream, or all of the above (include specific product names if you’d like): I use a few different products. I think over the years, we try so many hair products, we eventually figure out what works best for us. I use Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam. It’s a lightweight mousse so it will not weigh down my curls and doesn’t give them a crispy texture. I always think big! I also use Moroccan Oil Curly Hair Mousse on the hairline around my face. This is also a lightweight mousse but its more defining for those short layers, bangs or tendrils we like around our face. And lastly, Samy Big Curls Curl Defining Crème for my layers on top. I think any curl creme would work here. This particular product is, again, lightweight so it doesn’t weigh down my curls on top. I try to avoid my hair looking flat. I like lots of height. I finish off my styling routine with a spritz of Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray. I am also a big fan of the Deva Curl Product Line

3. Describe your wash-and-go routine: Having curly hair, we all know it’s a no-no to wash your hair everyday. I wash my hair three times a week. So on the days when I don’t wash my hair, but I need to freshen up my curls and get rid of some frizz, I simply use a little water and wet only the hair around my face because my hairline is usually what gets frizzy. Water also reactivates the product that’s already there, so there is no need to add more product. This instantly gets rid of frizz and once it dries, its like freshly styled curls. However, if there is a day when I really do need to wash & go, I just use Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating mask leave in and conditioner and let my hair air-dry.

4. Go-to curly hairstyle when you’re in a rush: Depends on where I am in a rush to. If it is for work or casual, I just used a claw clip and clip the top section of my hair back in a half-up, half-down look. If want to look more polished, I’ll either just wet the hair around my face to get rid of frizz and let air dry or I wet just the top part of my hair, side part it and slick it back, leaving a big, curly pony tail.

5. Advice to girls/women who want to wear their hair naturally curly: Don’t be afraid! Don’t be afraid to look different. You were born with his hair. Stand out and be you!

6. Hair and/or makeup tips you swear by: Layers! Lots and lots of layers. You want all of your curls to be displayed. Make-up: 1. I cannot emphasize the importance of a good oil-free daily moisturizer and night cream. Healthy, clear skin is the canvas you’re about to paint. 2. Eyebrows are a big deal because they frame your face. When done right, and of course with the right eyebrow pencil, you’ll find you will not even need that much make-up.

7. Air dry or diffuser: Diffuser of course! This dries your curls while still keeping them defined. Then about half way through, I take the diffuser off and just blow-dry my hair normally. Remember: Think big! Keeping most of your hair defined will not give you the height or volume you desire.

8. How often do you get a haircut? Dry cut or regular? I usually get a haircut every 3-4 months, which is usually when I feel like my top layers are getting too long. For years I got my hair dry cut which works great for the layers, style and shape you want, but I found it was a little harsh on my ends. I recently discovered that my hair could be cut wet while still achieving the layers, style and shape I desire, and keep my ends healthy. I highly recommend going to a stylist who specializes in curly/ethnic hair.

9. Tips for obtaining volume:  It all lies within the products you use starting with shampoo and conditioner. If you want volume, it is important to use shampoo and conditioner specifically for curly hair because they wont weigh down your hair down. Like all the products I use, my shampoo and conditioner are lightweight and not overly conditioning so my curls can be light and bouncy the way they should be. I also only do conditioning treatments about once per month. Too much over conditioning will also flatten and weigh down your curls.

Raffaella also mentioned that she’s a fan of some of the natural hair care counterparts like DevaCurl, which you all know is one of my absolute faves.  She’s particularly fond of the Light Defining Gel. But don’t fret if DevaCurl isn’t in your price range – there are also great drugstore brands like L’Oreal EverCurl Sulfate-Free Hair Care for Curly Hair shampoo and conditioner, which she loves because it doesn’t weigh her hair down.  Although conditioning is good, try not to overdue it, otherwise you run the risk of weighing down your curls.

So ladies, whenever you feel like your hair confidence is diminishing and that you’ve somehow been cursed, just remember this inspirational quote from Raffaella:  I love my hair and wouldn’t trade it for the world. I don’t think there is anything more beautiful than loving who you are. Rock what you were born with!