August Curly Queen: Ciara Franklin

Curly Queen Kit features different Curly Queen every month and will be featured in our monthly magazine inserts! This August, our Curly Queen of the month is CIARA FRANKLIN. Want to know more about her? Read more of her Question and Answer, and how she started her curly hair journey, and let's see how she deserved to be crowned as AUGUST CURLY QUEEN!

Name: Ciara Franklin

What is your Social media handle? @_ciara.chanel

When did you decide to go natural? I decided to go natural in 2014 but didn’t take it seriously until 2016. 

Why do you want to be the featured Queen and share your story?

Growing up, I wish I had extra words of encouragement with my natural hair journey. I hope to inspire, and also to let my curly girls know to embrace and love their crown! 

What Made you go to Natural?

I moved to a state where it rains 70% of the time and I knew my “flat ironing” every day days were over. I knew I needed to bring my curls back to life. 

How would you describe your "hair type"?

I would say I have Type 3 hair. 3a-c to be exact and medium porosity.

What was it like growing up with your hair type?

It was tough. I ended up in my father’s care and he did not know how to take care of my natural hair. He ended up setting salon appointments where I would have my hair straightened every time I went, which was every month. That put the idea in my head that I needed to have my hair straight. I hated my natural hair. 

What is your go-to styling product?

My go-to styling product is any type of gel, to be honest, but I do have three favorites. Curly Magic from Uncle Funky’s Daughter, Pineapple Crunch from My Curly Temple, and Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity from Ouidad. They all give me so much shine, definition, and slip. My hair tends to get frizzy and these products have helped so much. 

What does a “wash day” look like for you?

Wash day? Such a long process! Every week I use Olaplex no. 3 (on clean hair) I decided to leave it on overnight and then jump right into deep conditioning the next day. I find my wash days don’t take up as much time. I use Olaplex no. 3 because it helps strengthen and repair my hair. I put my hair into 6 twists and go underneath a hooded dryer for 30 minutes and then sleep. My curls have looked so much healthier since I’ve started adding this to my wash day.  I follow up with a deep conditioner and leave it on for 30-45 minutes. I use a thermal cap so I’m able to clean around the house and still have heat applied. Having heat added to your treatment is important because the product will fully penetrate your hair. I use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner after and finger detangle in the shower. I then apply styling products on wet hair and I vary from air drying to using a diffuser on low heat. 

What is the worst product that you have used in your hair and why?

Butters, the thicker consistency type. My hair does not respond well to these products and it further dries my hair out and leaves it super greasy. Also, most of it builds upon my hair. 

What is your message to the curly girl's community out there?

Congrats for starting your natural hair journey! You should be so proud. Remember that we all are on different hair paths, so please don’t compare yourself to others and be hard on yourself. Let’s celebrate every step of the way. Also, be aware some products may work for you, and some may not. You’ll realize starting your journey that it’s all trials and errors. Finding out your hair type and porosity will help along the way. Have fun exploring different tips and tricks, and most importantly embrace your crown. 

Message from the Queen

Congrats for starting your natural hair journey! You should be so proud.

Remember that we all are on different hair paths, so please don’t compare yourself to others and be hard on yourself. Let’s celebrate every step of the way.

Also, be aware some products may work for you, and some may not. You’ll realize starting your journey that it’s all trials and errors. Finding out your hair type and porosity will help along the way.

Have fun exploring different tips and tricks, and most importantly embrace your crown!