Thursday, December 10, 2015

Mariel Is Naturally Glam!

Ismail oubarka | 8:50 AM

by curlynikki

Tell me about yourself!
My name is Mariely Muñoz. I’m 23 years old. I’m from Dominican Republic. I’m a graphic designer and illustrator. I love to read, draw, play video games and I collect figurines. Oh and I’m vegan.

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I remember that I got my hair relaxed one day and that the other day I decided that I wanted my hair natural, but I transitioned for about six months and then I did the big chop. I’m going to admit that at first I didn’t like it, I never had my hair that short, but after like a week I was feeling good about my hair.

Had you always embraced your texture?
Yes, but when I was little I wanted to be like everyone so I got my hair relaxed but I always wanted to have curly hair, I didn’t do the big chop sooner because I was afraid of short hair.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
My mom always supports me in everything and she likes it, but my dad didn’t-- he only likes straight hair. He used to ask me every day when I was going to wear my hair like before. But I always do what I want, so I don’t let my family give me bad opinions about my looks.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
I never know how to describe my hair but I think it's thick, curly and coarse.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
Recently I put some blue highlights in it, it looked pretty awesome!

What’s your biggest hair related regret?
Well, once I relaxed and dyed my hair at the same time, and my hair fell.

What's your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
I usually do a wash and go. I wash once a week, detangle my hair with coconut oil the day before and then shampoo and condition it. I don’t have a specific brand for that, but for leave-in conditioner, I cant live without Kinky Curly. Finally, I use some gel and a little bit of argan oil.

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
I like my Afro very big and round, I like to have bangs.

Who is your curl crush?
On instagram @nikishabrunson @aishathalia and @beautybylee

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I only do the pineapple and use a satin pillowcase.

How do you maintain healthy length?
Never using a blow dryer, trimming my ends every 4 or 5 months and using a lot of coconut oil.

What's the best thing about being natural?
I feel free really.