Personal Narrative: Good Hair

Courtney Danielle is a beauty and fashion guru who embraces her true self. Her motivation and persistence to embrace her natural beauty, is a trait that is hard to find. You can keep up with Courtney on her Instagram @curlsandcouture.

1. What inspired you to wear your natural hair?

I was curious. The first time I considered it was when Chris Rock’s movie, “Good Hair” came out and showed how damaging perms were in your hair. Two of my closest friends and my aunt began their transitioning process. Those two instances, then opened up the conversation about going natural myself. I have a background in science, so I knew the chemical process was not helping my hair to be any healthier. My hair was already healthy, but I knew it could be healthier and the chemicals weren’t good for my body either. I was curious if I would be able to wear my
hair how I wanted, if I would like it, and what my curls looked like. I didn’t know how my hair would look, but I wanted to try.

2. What do you feel is the biggest misconception about women who wear their natural hair?

That we are “Mother Earth”.
That was the reason why I started my YouTube Channel. I was told by a family member, ” Your not the natural type.” I was offended and upset. There is no template to being natural. Natural is the state of your hair and you can wear it and style it as you please. Own your style. My family members thought I was going to look wild or completely change my style. Another misconception is that you have to wear African prints and wear no makeup.

3. What do you feel is something that you would like to change about your hair, if you could?

I would still go through the process. I love my hair. It’s thick, unruly, and I have lots of it. It’s time consuming and sometimes has a mind of it’s own, but it is me. The one thing I would change right now would have to be the section of my hair that is not curling like it use to. Somehow that section of hair has been compromised and won’t curl like it used to. I always have to worry about how that one section will turn out after i’ve styled and devoted more attention to it. It is on the left side of my head, at the front.

4. What made you collaborate with Dark and
Lovely?

I initially worked with them on their second installment of Hair and Happy Hour with photographer and my friend Pete Monsato. Shortly after they reached out to me to do another project, a short online commercial. I met the whole team and they were awesome, they welcomed me immediately. That is how the relationship started. Since then, I have built a strong relationship with the team and worked on a number of projects with them. The team is awesome. I am a friend of the brand and they are definitely friends of mine.

5. How was your experience going on the Wendy Williams Show with Dark and Lovely?

It was so fun and unbelievable. When they asked me, I jumped out of my skin. It was a great experience. I remember listening to her on the radio when I was really young. It combined everything that my brand really is. I was excited to be doing what I love, which is hair and fashion. It was amazing to see myself on television, but even more humbling and exciting when people tell me that they see me, even from other countries. We were talking about the fashion trends for that season and how you can wear your hair with that style, for fashion week. They did a braided headband in the front and picked out my hair in the back.