Multi-faceted maven Alijah Welch didn't come to play, especially in the hair game. This week, we get honest with a naturalista who exemplifies self-awareness and expression and knows that true beauty lies within the journey in hair care and beyond.
How it Started
The Bronx-born beauty admits she's always been blessed with bountiful curls, but like many of us at some point in our natural hair care journey, she didn't always see it that way.
"Throughout grade school, I straightened my hair. I thought it was more manageable that way, and I didn't really know how to work with hair still."
It took a hair mishap that left her hair damaged (and the big chop that followed) to set Alijah on the natural path - and she hasn't looked back. "Now I see my hair at its true potential, and I'm in love."
How it's Going
Determined to let her locks live their best life, Welch emphasizes the importance of learning about her hair and its unique attributes.
"I'm still learning about my hair and hair tips from other ladies. I encourage others to learn their hair and what works for them because not all afros are the same."
So what works for her bountiful curls? Great question.
First, she uses a conditioning cleanser every 4-5 days. For this step, we love Camille Rose Caramel Cowash. This breakage-reducing cleanser is a cleansing dessert indulgence for the hair!
Our medley of Aloe juice, Coconut, Safflower, Argan, and Soybean oils drizzled with pure caramel extracts and infused with rosemary and witch hazel extracts provides smoothing benefits for all hair types. To prevent build-up, once a month, she applies a clarifying shampoo like Camille Rose Clean Rinse. This one-of-a-kind clarifying cleanser blends hydrating honey with peppermint, sesame, and olive oils to balance, cleanse and moisturize.
She doesn't skimp on products that pack slip when it comes to conditioning - they're best for low-stress detangling. If it's slip, you also crave, meet Jansyn's Moisture Max Conditioner. Rosettes rave about this aromatic conditioner enriched with rich Shea and cocoa butter, sweet Coconut milk, Rosehip, and Aloe vera juices, and a shot of nourishing vitamin E that decreases the appearance of split ends and frizz.
For styling, Welch opts for leave-in and cream combos that add moisture without weighing her hair down.
"In the spring and summer, I do a Curl Love and Aloe Whipped Butter Gel or Fresh Curl Hair Smoothie and Aloe Whipped combo. Both combos are hydrating, it doesn't weigh my hair down, and my hair stays soft and fluffy with no frizz."
And she's got the right idea. Whether you go for the creamy rice milk and macadamia mix that is Curl Love, or the lighter peach-guava-based Fresh Curl gel-cream, complete the routine by combining with our silky, botanical Aloe Whipped Butter gel for a flawless, unforgettable finish.
Her approach and tips
Well-rounded to the core, Welch's vision doesn't stop at hair care. "I think it's important for women to forge their paths because just like our hair, we are all not the same, and we need our special care and happiness. It's important to listen to what our souls need, what makes us happy, and set goals for ourselves." Alijah is it - when she's not inspiring our souls or styling spaces, she's a master mixologist who "could make you a bomb drink!"
Are you a fan of any of this Rosette's Camille Rose faves? Let us know which blends you love in the comments!
