Gaëlle van Rosen Is Naturally Glam!

Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why? (tell us your natural hair journey)
I’m a Big Chopper! One day I woke up and decided I really wanted to be natural. The thing is that I always had long hair before. And the transition was more a question of length. I didn’t like my hair so short so I started to wear curly extensions and wigs the first few months. My boyfriend had also a big influence. I felt really loved for who I am and he gave me the confidence I needed to do it ☺!

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Had you always embraced your texture? 
No, honestly I didn’t. Funny story but true, fantasizing was all I did on how my hair would look naturally. I imagined it would be a stunner, like the hair of Noemie Lenoir. Well obviously the reality of the nature of my hair didn’t really look like that. The more I wanted my curls to be defined and frizz free the more I had to use toxic products, like gel and some other wicked blue liquid. As years passed by, I actually studied exactly how to work my hair. As I know my hair better these days I know exactly how to give it that look meanwhile doing it with the most natural and healthy methods. Before I wanted to look sober and now I want my hair “BIG”. Plus the Queen of rock music Tina Turner once said “ The bigger your hair, the closer you are to god”. I totally get what she means today.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? How did they react to the new you? What was your response to them?
There were two reactions from my friends and family. The « bourgeoisie » friends didn’t understand, and preferred me with straight hair. They thought that straight hair was more elegant and sophisticated. And I have to admit that I was thinking that too. It’s really strange, but I think that the hair changes everything for an outfit. I know that today I can dress really simply yet be able to be stylish with my afro as it gives a lot of personality. But when I wanted to look classier and glamorous I thought that straight hair was more appropriate, but not anymore! That’s the result of growing up in a world with really defined prototypes. But now I’m loving “the natural me” more and more… It’s a journey… 

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.) 
I have mid-length hair frizzes between 3C and 4A, they are porous, fine and dry but I love them. I think that they are easier to manage now that they are longer. I’ve lost my curls on the front because when I had straight extensions I always left my hair in the front out and I straightened it every day. In the back, my hair’s natural curls are growing just fine. However, the front curls are coming back after a period of time. 

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! 
Deets! 
Before I washed my hair once a week. It depends if I’m going out more that week, than I’d wash my hair more than once. I have tried all kind of shampoos and finally I realized that they are not really meant for my hair. Today I co-wash my hair with the Knot-out Conditioner, Au Naturale Dark and Lovely and I totally love it ! It detangles my hair in two seconds and my curls are really well defined right after I rinsed it. After that, to moisturize I put natural oils such as, Argan oil or Shea butter that I heat up in the microwave before applying. To add the finishing touch, I spray shine my hair with products from Fantasia, or I’ll use oil again, or the Sheen sealing nectar Au Naturale Dark and Lovely I only recently discovered the Au naturale products just one week ago and it satisfies me with the best wash-and-go ever! I guess it really depends on your hair because I read a few reviews where girls didn’t really have the same satisfaction as I did, but for now, I’m happy with it and I will continue using it. I also do twist-outs when I want more definition to my hair. For that I add some FRIZZ CONTROL Fantisia gel and to to keep it curly I add Texture My Way to my curls. What all the product that I like have in common is that I really like the scents. It’s really fruity at the beginning but after that it leaves your hair smelling just right and doesn’t exaggerate on the tones. Now, my little secret for deep conditioning my hair, I use Argan oil, Shea butter, olive oil and sometimes eggs that I mix with olive oil. Then I leave it for a few hours and of course rinse it all off after.

How do you maintain your hair at night? 
Nothing special. I tried the pineapple technique but it reduced or made my front curls disappear.

How do you maintain healthy length? 
I try not to touch my hair too much besides when it is under water. I hydrate them as much as I can, some oil every day. And I cut the ends every 2-3month, not too much but just to get rid of the split ends.

What’s the best thing about being curly? 
It’s to embrace who you really are. To love you as you were made, even if there are not so many examples in the society. For example, I’m Haitian and Dutch but I grew up in the Netherlands and in Belgium where I had no example, no reference and no one the help me in my transition or to inspire me. It really helped me to assume myself completely. Difference is a chance!

Where can people find you on the internet? 
Blog: http://vanrosen-theblog.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanRosenTheBlog
You tube: vanrosen-theblog