There’s an immediate, almost universally-felt camaraderie among the women of the natural hair community. Seeing another naturalista anywhere in public is an instant jolt of pride for many curly girls; smiles and compliments can turn into fifteen-minute conversations about regimens and products in the blink of an eye.
Likewise, it’s more than commonplace for curlfriends to discuss and exchange products between themselves. In the already vast and ever-growing market of natural hair products, word of mouth is the ultimate tool for naturalistas looking to take their look to the next level.
So when Shimere Williams Sherwood, a then-transitioning natural was given a bottle of Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator by her best friend (and natural partner-in-crime), she didn’t take the recommendation lightly – and could certainly see the beautifully-defined results her friend was flaunting.
Like many others will certainly attest of their own trials, Shimere’s natural hair journey was no walk in the park. It began five years ago, when she learned that her long-term hairstylist would be retiring. The stylist recommended that Shimere transition to wearing her hair naturally to prevent chemical damage and other potential issues one can go encounter when dealing with a less-experienced stylist.
But going completely curly didn’t immediately appeal to Shimere. Instead, she roller-set and straightened her transitioning hair for the first three years after her stylist retired, and was content to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. However, Shimere’s stance changed when she discovered that she was pregnant with a baby girl.
“When I realized my daughter would be rocking her natural curls and I would definitely not be putting a relaxer in her hair, I decided, ‘Well mommy should rock her natural curls too’,” she recalled. “At that moment, I decided to stop straightening my hair with heat.”
Suddenly inspired by the opportunity to form a bond with her daughter, and more determined than ever to wear her natural curls, Shimere found a natural hairstyle that she felt best suited her. The only remaining hurdle to clear was finding a product that would thoroughly moisturize her dehydrated hair.
“Curly Magic definitely defined my curls, but I just could not get enough moisture in my hair,” Shimere admitted.
Even still, she was overjoyed with the results that Curly Magic produced for her. As such, she figured it best to remain consistent, and give the brand’s Richee Rich Moisturizing Conditioner a try – a decision that would prove to pay off big time.
“My hair love love LOVES this conditioner, and I looooove Richee Rich,” Shimere said. “I could not think of a better name for this product. It is very rich and softens my hair perfectly.”
From that point on, Shimere needed no additional convincing about the rest of the Uncle Funky’s Daughter product line. She’s continued to try different products within the brand and has yet to be disappointed by anything she’s used.
“I primarily use a Co-Wash technique with my hair, so I would say Thirsty Curls and Good Hair are also favorites of mine,” Shimere said. “I love that [UFD] is all natural, unlike many other natural hair products. Everyone that I have recommended the brand to absolutely loves it. I even use it on my daughter’s hair!”
And while she certainly experienced some challenges during her transition, Shimere advises women looking to, or are currently in the process of their own hair transition to stay strong, persevere and find what works for you.
“You have to decide what natural is for you, and realize that natural doesn’t always look the same for everyone,” she explained. “I realized during my journey that being black, beautiful and curly is beautiful. I am no longer a slave to straight hair; I now embrace my curly puff.”
