The Biggest Mistake to Avoid on Your Curly Hair Journey

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

Y’all!!! If you strip down, tag me on Instagram! I’d love to celebrate you and spread the loveeee 💕 @jannelleoshaughnessy instagram.com/jannelleoshaughnessy/

[@tracyvision]

Yes! This! I love you so much right now Jannelle. I’ve been working on exactly this for almost 2 years now. First it was discovering the curly girl method when I wanted to improve the health of my hair (length goals!). Then I learned I actually had wavy hair. What?! Baby 2a waves but learning at 57 that my hair wasn’t straight was a revelation. But that quickly turned to wave envy and frustration. I spent SO much time, energy and money looking for the perfect product, the perfect technique. My husband, bless him, kept saying “why don’t you just let it be?”. And he was right, as usual. I went back to hair health being my focus and accepting that my coarse curly AF greys have every right to express themselves, they just want some TLC. As with life, when reality doesn’t meet my expectations it’s not reality that’s at fault, it’s my expectations that need to change!

[@habi-tahti]

Preach!!! I wear my hair naked 75% of the time now. I have healthy hair finally! Occasionally I’ll wear it curly. That’s what it’s about.

[@lisal6314]

Wish I heard this 3 years ago! Many bottles, tubes, and brushes later I can attest that none of that helped me love my natural hair. I’m a work in progress but there’s hope! P.S. Sheldon is everything please bring him back again 🐶🥰

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

It’s an important lesson to learn! I love stylers but it’s been important for me too to remember that they’re no different then trying the latest makeup or fashion trend. Ps. Keyword there was “progress” .. that’s the important part 😉

[@VengefulAngeI]

You actually managed to give some deep advice in a fun, light hearted manner 💜💜

[@amyrobertson5093]

I totally agree! I'm about to a year with my pro-curly journey, and a couple of months ago I decided: My hair is fine, and I'm done frantically searching for perfection. I appreciate your message!

[@renn3420]

I 100% agree you cannot change your natural hair pattern, BUT THERE IS ONE MORE EXCEPTION BESIDES THE DAMAGE FROM HEAT AND CHEMICALS! I shaved my head and now my hair is way curlier but also completely changed its texture and pattern. I'm not saying to shave your hair but I did it for health reasons but a lifetime of using incorrect products really fucked it up. No masks or anything would fix it. I only went through a heat face in middle school! I'm only 20 right now but if no one has ever took correct care of your hair I think it's almost impossible for at least in your first year into the journey to see the true texture. I know hair length plays a big role but never be convinced you know your curl pattern if you have really any type of damage (from brushing dry, products, and other shit people don't think of!) Just focus on properly moisturizing, clarifying your scalp, and consistently doing your routines (: my hair went from 2b-ish to 3a/3b (pfp Is old btw) don't focus on getting it curlier but just healthier! You will love yourself at your healthiest always!!!

[@tamarapace3036]

Spot on! This really should be the first video watched before starting a healthy hair journey. Curly, wavy, straight. Love your hair in its natural state.

[@ceystal]

Honestly one of my fave go to hairstyles at the beach are dutch braids with leave in and oil (to protect from the sea water) and once they dry a little let them out and I have some of the best sexy beach hair!

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

Sounds so cute and fairly effortless- teach me how to braid?!?! 😂

[@ceystal]

@@JannelleOShaughnessy Manes by Mell has a tutorial for step by step braiding for beginners! No dutch braiding required but you get very similar results to a braid out!

[@roselynmvm]

Most of the wavy/curly hair techniques are so complicated. One of the reasons why I didn’t want to keep straightening my hair any longer, or blow dry styling, was to reduce the time and amount of work used on my hair. You know, trying to be less complicated and more “natural”. The more and more I watch styling hair videos, the more I want to go to my old ways of straightening my hair. Now that I leave my hair wavy IT IS SO MUCH WORK. My hair does not dry up quickly (talking about 3-4 hours wet), and my scalp can’t be wet for long periods of time (super bad for the health of my scalp and maintaining a good ph), so I have to induce fast drying with a hair drier. I have to go through all of these products application, dividing my hair, Denman brushing, and diffuser drying, all these things that takes a million years to do. I’m tired. And I still don’t like my results one hundred percent. My hair never looks as perfect as the hair on any of those videos anyway. And my natural hair is freeze AF without product or styling. I’m fully defeated. My hair just sucks. A ball of ugly frizzy hair that only curls kinda ok with stylers, otherwise it looks like I got electrocuted. I was hoping once I let my hair all grow out to eliminate old damage bleached hair, then things would get better, but nope, frizz is still there. That self acceptance is MUCH easier when you have ok natural hair and not a freezy pile like mine. I’m defeated. Awesome hair is never gonna happen for me 😞

[@dennissems]

I was told multiple times that my curly hair wasn’t professional. I can’t believe that I actually believed it. Now is when I rock my curls and I am so happy.

[@LibbyRoseEmbroidery]

I found this comment interesting as I was wondering about this. I remember seeing research that found that, if two equally well qualified people are interviewed for the same job, one with acne, one without, the one without acne will get the job. I would like to see the same research method applied to curly vs straight haired women. I fear curly would be judged as childish, wild, frivolous and unprofessional, whereas straight would be grown up, serious, glamorous and professional. If I were to have a job interview these days, I would definitely feel I needed to hide my waves and curls! ;)

[@dennissems]

@@LibbyRoseEmbroidery I would love to read this research.

[@karacreswell8437]

When that dog paw popped up it genuinely MADE MY DAY! Ridiculously cute! RIDICULOUS! 🐶

[@RosieGrantlovesmusic]

Thank you for this message. it can feel so vulnerable to stand as we are, unadorned, natural, but such a healthy exercise to lean into that discomfort, and stay grounded. My hair has had radical changes in texture and density from medications and illness. It’s hard when you are young and your peer’s cannot relate to such a visible “flaw”. This reminds me to give myself the same grace that I give others.

[@preetivyas7987]

What a fantastic, positive and empowering video! The first 3 mins don’t just apply to curly hair -think it’s just great life advice! Keep spreading your sunshine Janelle ☀️🌸love from the U.K.

[@trini7841]

Oh my gosh! I actually asked myself the same thing whilst going along my journey. I asked myself if I'm just masking over the damage or am I actually fixing my hair? Am I trying to achieve someone else's hair type? I don't go overboard with stylers but defo need some help. I'm still fairly early in my journey and am still yet to have a hair cut but I can see improvement already. Thank you for putting this out there. It is so important to love ourselves as we are. Love your laugh by the way it's so mischievous and contagious ❤️

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

Those are really valuable questions to ask yourself and regularly check in on!!! Sounds like you’re on the right track! ❤️

[@xuxagirl87]

The puppo, the authenticity, the funny, I love everything about this video

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

This made me really happy to read, really trying to step more into myself and was kind of nervous about posting this video- thank you! ❤️

[@jegin6614]

@@JannelleOShaughnessy I always enjoy your videos. Your brand of silliness is so fun and I love your laugh. Thank you for sharing your whole self with us :)

[@Nerdglaze]

I needed this! My hair has changed and gotten a bit looser curls over the past few years and I can often find myself wishing I had my older hair back (but even then I wasn’t happy with it). Thanks for this video!

[@debsthriftytips]

Yes yes yes 👏🏼 Who else is going for growth in 2021? 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@scrapstreams]

🙋

[@heatherreisinger13]

Hell to the yes here! I really struggled with that when I 1st started the CGM. I love how infectious and authentic your laugh is

[@allieeeeeeeee]

I straightened my hair for 15 years and am just starting to take care of it. Your videos are so helpful ❤️

[@bluesummerrain]

Aw Janelle! Definitely needed this! Quarantine was great for accepting my no makeup face, but I’ve gotta work on that hair love too!

[@belindachappell9875]

Your natural hair is stunning. Thank you for posting this sort of video. This year is the year of me learning to love my natural curls, loose, frizzy, fluffy and all ❤🙏🏻

[@VengefulAngeI]

My curls look different every time, even when I use the exact same routine 🤷 though I will say my day 3s tend to all look basically the same, short of a massive catastrophe happening lol. I never ever do a wet refresh and try not to do any refresh at all, but if things get a little too "wispy", then I'll usually take a teeny tiny bit of cream or leave in mixed with a spritz of water in my hand, emulsify and then just smooth it over my hair. Otherwise the wisps start tickling my nostrils and strands go in my mouth and eyeballs, and it will drive me nuts!

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

That’s honestly the most effective way to refresh, especially if you don’t need water!!!

[@emersonstout7608]

i have recently gotten over my curl envy and i feel so much better about my hair. all i use now is a bit of oil and a light mousse. i also focus on the health of my hair rather than how it looks

[@Jess_The_Real_One]

I had the hardest time with my hair! My mom had straight hair so she had no clue how to help me growing up. I learned to just wear it up 24/7. I am still struggling with it 34 years later. I so wished I could wear it down and be comfortable wearing it down. 😭

[@dozeymare6857]

See’s the notification for this video and goes to the cupboard housing 3 big boxes of hair products!!! Thanks for another great video, love Sheldon 🐾

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

😂 you are NOT alone! I’ve been cleaning out my stash and still have a ways to go!

[@foundthevelvetsun7]

Love your message and vibes in this one, Jannelle! (And your hair looks beautiful.) I see so many curly hair accounts posting dramatic comparison photos of their hair one year apart, and while it's great that they're getting results they love, I think this sometimes convinces people that their journeys are all about wash day results. I stopped straightening my hair 10 years ago and it's been a slow but steady learning process since then--it's so hard watching people overwhelmed with starting a complex styling routine from the get-go when I literally started my curly hair journey being like "Maybe I should start using conditioner," ...lol. Took awhile after that to start slowly adding other products and methods one by one, little by little. All of that definitely made me appreciate the process/journey! It takes so much of the pressure off when perfection is not the goal. (It also helps approaching 30 and caring much less about beauty standards than I did a decade ago 😉)

[@allieblank5992]

This video spoke to me! Buying all the products and then being confused…been there! 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@spaceynasa]

I was shamed so horrible for my natural texture, and so I spiraled into over styling my hair just to prove that person wrong. I still have a hard time with my natural hair.

[@krisdee_rn]

Thank you so much for this video!! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I had always said I had the frizzy "Jan Brady" hair. Not curly, not straight. I initially permed my hair. I then straightened it FOR YEARS. Then I let a stylist talk me into letting her style it curly. I had no idea I had curly hair. Like, at all. I'm only a few months into going with the curls. But I keep that "ideal" in my mind. I just need to accept where I'm at. I do have some damage to grow out. But, I need to accept it as is and not try to make it what it isn't or what I think it should be.

[@elecat59]

I took your advice this morning, and was pleasantly surprised at how my hair turned out! Tomorrow is my daughter's baby shower, and I can't guarantee that I'm not going to fuss with my hair in the morning! And love your dog...so cute!!

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

That’s awesome!! Nothing wrong with getting done up, it’s all a balance!! ❤️

[@juliebruce1114]

Always love your videos 🥰 Even those of us who always wore their hair curly before CG need a check when it comes to products. After about 2 years I realized I just needed to do what my hair needed to be healthy. I even started using some of the products I used before going CG. Because of that I can come out of the ocean and love my salty curls!

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

That’s THE most important thing is listening to your hair!!!

[@kts65ss]

I'm so glad my dog wasn't nearby or he would have joined in the chorus! The pup and the kitty made this video but thank you for the important message. I only "fix" my hair once or twice a week but I have to wash more often because I have a dirty/stinky job. Finding affordable in shower products that do enough without needing extra products is hard. If something is light enough for my fine brown hair it's usually not enough for my coarser grey hair and vice versa. Any product recommendations you have for me would be appreciated, my hair is very similar to yours.

[@love_eat_pray2984]

So glad to see this video. I have coily hair (been natural for a month) and suddenly I start buying a lot of styling products (gels, mouse, curl activator, conditioners!!) To achieve "a style" and end up with tons of useless products in my bathroom. I tell to my self "what was the last thing that work for you, that take no time and with good results?"......well that was shampoo, conditioner and leave in.....THAT IT'S!!!.😇

[@desireeadrian5722]

So on point! Thank you for some heart to heart real talk. I’m 2 years and 2 months into my journey and learning more. Pandemic has encouraged me to try my hand at diy hair cuts. This month was the first time ever that I tried an bond builder and yes I was missing out. LOL! Thank you for sharing from the heart. I have faltered in this hope for curlier hair and the density that I just don’t and likely will never have. BUT, still worth it. 🤗🥰🌻

[@heidiullrich966]

I resemble this video. I have a powder room closer full of product I bought to try and change my curl type. I've realized using quality shampoo/conditioner, and gel is key for me, and loving the curl I have.

[@fuzzball5678]

Thank you! I know so many ladies that need to hear this. They look at me like I am crazy when I say it to them

[@KittyLovesGlover]

you're awesome :D natural curly hair girl here! i love my curls, as my grays grow in, it get less curly. i found the cgm, and it's helping my hair curl like it always has been. those grays are little buggers! lol

[@bellasel2010]

Best ➰ hair video ever! Thank you. Totally agree!

[@cathyeads6543]

I love my hair in it's natural state. I would prefer to wear it that way. Just wish I could find a weightless product that kept frizz in control. I hate the feel of gel in my hair.

[@jessibelle8836]

After watching this yesterday, I tried it out! Just used leave-in. I liked how my hair turned out! A little more fluff than usual, but not a bad thing. I'll def be going no stylers to switch it up again in the future :)

[@sabrinadelapaz]

Damn this is so insightful! I’m pleasantly surprised this isn’t just clickbait like most videos, and that my random KZbin watching brought me this advice haha! Hugs to your doggo ❤️🐾

[@hiro4344]

Heh, I taught my dog how to howl (may he rest in peace) and he would sing along when my dad played the recorder or Mum played the piano. I think some people hated me for it.

[@nikkiluvsmakeup5224]

I started wearing my hair curly/wavy in Dec 2020. Why... quarantine.... I could not try this venture with having to get ready for an in office presence daily. First thing I did was watch a ton of videos and bought all the products that have worked for everyone else. Did I even consider, maybe the products are not the problem, it’s the 30+ years of frying my hair straight is the problem. So after about 3-4 months into this process.... I had so many products... I ran out of space and started stashing stuff in my closet. Ugh..... I did it. Now I do really think before I make a new purchase. I wasted so much money I would say in my first 3-4 months.

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

Tbh there’s nothing wrong with having a stash if we’re realistic about why it’s there. Stylers DO give off different looks and effects to the hair and it’s fun to play around. I think when we remember that we make better purchases without all the let downs and know that stylers are separate from actual hair health!

[@vanepmakeup]

Also is a mistake supose that what you do and work with you is going to work in everyone. For example, If I dind’t difuse there is nothing to do. I have a bigger and loose curl pattern.

[@annmartin1376]

I agree ! sometimes the less I do with it, ....No products..Just Air Dried and Fluffed....the better it looks ! My hair is fine /wavy/ curly

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

Soooooo agree!!!

[@mandijablonski4016]

As always, you’re an inspiration! 🥰

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

Thank you 🥰

[@priscilla-6471]

Yup, done that too...😳🤭 What a great message to put out there! You are so inspiring + one of my go to for learning about curly/wavy hair. So glad you share all this coz I have learnt a lot form watching you and my hair is better for it. Now for accepting ‘the bits that aren’t doing much at all’...👍🤩💕

[@Evolve_with_jen]

I bought every single curlsmith product, Innersense, etc. I have soooo much stuff that it’s stupid. I need to off load it as I only use three stylers. Pattern leave in conditioner, curlsmith hold me softly balm and bomb ass fro jelly. Yet I have cupboards of product. Where were you when I spent stupid money?lol

[@alisonbuckner423]

Exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you SO much!!

[@Daniela-2208]

The paw raise was too cute haha. Loved the video

[@susanjohann2102]

This is pretty much a terrifying idea. Then again it would probably dry a lot faster

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

Both are true 😂

[@hilaryrequejo8289]

Sheldon!!! I love those teefers!

[@kaleynicholson8149]

Such a great video jannelle ❤❤❤

[@dawnnash5301]

Hi Janelle, ques: how did you use the Curl Smith Multi-task conditioner? Did you rinse it out or did you leave it in?

[@rebeccaprendergast4765]

I don’t wear my naturally curly hair down because a previous boss told me to tie it back because it looked unprofessional 🙁 I have been a curly since I was 15, I am now 45 😁

[@madz2013]

I feel called out. I'm always desperately trying to make my 2C a 3a

[@tinkabell39]

I totally agree with you..what started as a curly hair journey for me, has turned into healthy hair growth and self care n love journey 🙂🙂..I can't even begin to start with the similarities I have with a soul like you ..🙂..My Duke has his awwwwoooo training time too lol..Stay Blessed.. already subscribed a couple of videos ago ❤ PS- I am working on length retention too 😀

[@loopsandtanglescrochet]

You and Sheldon - adorable! thanks for another great video

[@Kitty_L]

Oh my goodness! I’m so glad I found you. I love your videos. I’ll be 38 next month and a month and half ago decided to wear my hair natural lol. Also I’m a hairdresser lol that’s why I styled it for so long

[@maggiebar77]

Great video!! Much needed and I can’t thank you enough! Much love

[@leahschroeder3533]

This is one of the best videos you’ve ever posted. Thank you.

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

Yayyy! Thank you! I felt particularly proud of this one so that really means a lot ❤️

[@lacigarcia8946]

I love this video. I've been on my curly hair journey for over 2 years now. It took me till I was almost 40 to finally love my curls... with and without products. P.S. I ❤️ Sheldon!

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

40 sounds like the perfect number 😉 ❤️

[@rabberta9158]

Brilliant! Great lesson. X

[@LeaMMK93]

Yes, FINALLY someone is addressing this! 🙌

[@susanfinn7653]

I took your great advice and if I knew how to post a picture on KZbin comment section, I would! But alas, this ol’ timer doesn’t know how! Happy to say it is a mix of curly, wavy and straight and I like it!🥰

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

If you have Instagram, share it there and tag me!!! I’d LOVE to see it!

[@QuickSilverHair]

Ya don’t! Exactly!

[@ingejustavanderhelm5208]

Very helpful and also very enjoyable video:) Does your dog have a hair channel too? ;) Beautiful wooden floor you have. Janelle, which shampoo and leave-in did you use (I couldn't find it in the description box)? Groetjes from Amsterdam❤️

[@jcrane45585]

Your laugh is infectious

[@TheClairelikescats]

yes yes yes!! I love this so much! 💕

[@Barbie.7884]

Sheldon, what a great name! Just hope he’s not easily offended if you’re in his spot. Thank you for this reminder. I can’t remember what product free hair looks like. 🤔

[@AnnaL-ku9yw]

Your curls are always gorg! And so is Sheldon 😁

[@jessicarenckly2919]

Well said!!! That is so true!

[@jessicagalyon5840]

I want to wear my hair the way it is. Don’t care about scrunching it to make sure it’s a 2c.. I’m cool being a B.. But I wish it was not so poofy. And I can’t go in public bc it’s obvious it hasn’t been brushed. It’s wild. And poofy. It’s not really beauty standards. It’s me knowing how it looks good & how it doesn’t :) Can’t find anyone who can tell me how to style just to smooth my hair just a little.

[@yoyo201127]

My hair look like yours without styling when I style my hair with product. :(

[@heidirosin5577]

You are by far and above my fave KZbin gal!

[@jenniferreceveur8281]

Yes! Love allll of this!!

[@kacieday6354]

This video gave me hope

[@niamhnorton]

This is 100% correct

[@bseiryu]

Damn! You GO girl!!!!!!!!!

[@lorimurray6173]

Thank you for this!

[@leahw9810]

💗💗💗💗 everything you said!

[@shallowwaters6690]

Best ever message!

[@joanmariepat4221]

Wonderful advice!!!!!

[@candacekay97128]

Such an important message to bring out, thank you for this! And if you ever need a babysitter for Sheldon hit me up 😁

[@ChristinePKN]

Sheldon is sooo cute!! 🥰

[@florl.delgado4093]

Love u 2!! Sheldon, too!

[@michellecampbell4287]

I mean... people struggle with reality in a very broad sense these days. 😂😂😳

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

TRUTH!!!

[@sarakrisanits7144]

I've got very loose waves. I perm it.

[@danacetz1162]

Yes

[@chrissy6286]

oh! grey hair!!! it loses the curls... that's not fun!

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

It isn’t 😭 mine are definitely looser in texture too. Although I have noticed with a bit more water they will define similarly to the rest of my hair!

[@Memacis1995]

Not always! I have been grey since I was 25, now in my 70's suddenly I have Shirley Temple curls😄😄 admittedly not the best look for a person in her 70's. But I'm working on them not to clump together so big.

[@juligrlee556]

Great words of of wisdom

[@lessmore1393]

! unasked opinion! I love you greys ❣️

[@curlycurlbirdygirl]

Preach! 🙌🙏💗

[@joannadandino7851]

LOVE THIS👍💙

[@alicedehepzibah]

"The thing that needs to change is our perception of our hair...and ourselves." You just supplanted Lorainne Massey as THE Curl Queen. CGM has been toppled. All of us need to replace it with our own tightly held virtues, values, and lessons learned. THIS is why our hair is our crown. You can bet I'm writing mine. Maybe I'll start with Audrey's format: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gavYkIp7d7p_jtE What better to share with other women, our sons, daughters, husbands, everyone. It isn't just hair, it is the sacred. Thank you for your video.

[@juliajaworska]

I think it's always easy to say for people with curly hair - like yours, your hair will be curly no matter what you put on it. That's the whole difference between curly and wavy hair. Wavy hair isn't wavy all the time. It's straightish most of the time in it's natural state and you need to work on it. Having wavy hair you work on curls to be there. They're still natural because wavy hair is natural, you're just bringing it to its full potential - squishing conditioner and gel in. That is the full potential. Just doesn't have a chance to show up outside when it's windy or rainy. Waves are more delicate and would just disappear. Nothing wrong with that, but if people like their hair in their natural full potential why not? I think some part of the problem you mention lays in fb groups for people with curly hair - there's no space for wavy hair there, because straightish or no volume are on the same level as offence- something that curly people don't want and treat as a negative to point out even if it's natural for waves. I just recommend following people with the same or similar hairtype, saves so much stress

[@leahfreeman342]

How do you handle dripping wet hair on your back? 😬

[@leahfreeman342]

Like honestly I have a suspicion that this is the way I could get the best results, but I get so annoyed with wet hair on my back 🤦‍♀️

[@JannelleOShaughnessy]

That’s one of my absolute least favorite feelings. As is being fully dressed right out of the shower so my clothes can all stick to me lol. I have been putting on a loose T-shirt or tank top (sweater when it’s cold) to keep hair from sticking to my back.

[@leahfreeman342]

Oh that’s a great idea! Thank you so much for your response! And your videos! My curl pattern is a bit looser than yours, otherwise I think our texture, density, etc is very similar and your videos have been sooooo helpful to me 🌻💜

[@susanschreyer7654]

Bingo. Guilty, Totally.

[@rdml1125]

Your dogs teeth! So cute!!!