Carmen | Creative Natural Hair Icon #82

Embracing Natural Hair, Confidence, and Community

In this Creative Natural Hair Icon feature, we sit down with Carmen, a mom, content creator, and long-time naturalista who’s been embracing her curls for over a decade. Her story is one of growth, patience, and authenticity! Reminding us that the natural hair journey is as much about self-love as it is about styling.

Carmen shares what inspired her big chop, her go-to products and styles, and her best advice for anyone starting their own natural journey.

💬 Hello darling, introduce yourself!

I’m Carmen, and I’m from the UK. I’m a proud mom, creative, and natural hair enthusiast. I love sharing my journey and encouraging others to embrace their natural beauty. When I’m not chatting about curls, you can usually find me watching K-dramas or creating content that uplifts and inspires.

🌿 How long have you been a natural girl and what made you do this choice?

I’ve been natural for about 10 years now. My journey started during pregnancy, I stopped using relaxers and chemicals without even knowing it was called “transitioning.” I just wanted to make healthier choices for myself and my baby, and that decision opened the door to so much self-discovery.

✂️ Have you ever cut your hair super short or transitioned, and how did you overcome that?

I went through the big chop in 2015! Managing two different textures became a lot, so I decided to start fresh. It was scary, but also freeing. I learned patience and how to truly understand my hair. That season really taught me resilience and self-love.

🌸 How would you describe your hair texture?

I’d say it’s somewhere between fine and coarse, mostly 4B–4C. But I don’t like to box myself in.

“Don’t put yourself in the box,” she reminds us. “It’s more important to understand your hair than to label it.”

🧴 Which products do you use to wash and style your hair?

I like to keep my routine simple and natural, by using herbal teas, essential oils, shea butter to keep my hair nourished. Also, I stay away from harsh chemicals and always choose ingredients that give my strands softness and strength.

💕 What are your favourite hairstyles?

Definitely box braids, they’re easy, stylish, and perfect for giving my hair a rest. I also love using scarves and wraps during winter to protect my hair and keep it cozy.

🌻 Tell us two things that helped you get the hair you have now.

Protective styles like braids have helped keep my hair healthy and growing.
Natural ingredients — herbal rinses, oils, and gentle care — have transformed the way my hair feels and looks.

🚫 Tell us 2 don’ts for your hair.

Don’t use harsh chemicals, they strip your hair and take away your progress. I will never do that again!
I don’t leave my hair uncovered during winter, because harsh winters really damage my hair so I love using head wraps and scarves throughout this season.