My Thoughts on the Curly Hair Community in Rio de Janeiro
When I first landed in Rio de Janeiro, I felt an immediate sense of excitement and curiosity. This vibrant city, with its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, was a world away from my life in the United States. I had eight days to immerse myself in its beauty, exploring neighborhoods like Leblon, Santa Teresa, Ipanema, Copacabana, Lapa, Catete, Centro, and Lagoa. My adventures took me to iconic places like Christ the Redeemer, Jardim Botanico, and Ipanema Beach, and I even cycled from Leblon to Leme Beach. However, the most profound experience of my trip was discovering a deep connection with the curly hair community in Rio.
Growing up in the States, my relationship with my curly hair was fraught with self-image concerns and a desire to fit in. I attended a predominantly white school on Long Island, where my curls felt out of place. Honestly, I struggled to find community and education about curly hair. Despite growing up in a salon environment, it took me years into working in corporate America to begin embracing my natural curls.
The turning point came when I was told that my curly hair was a distraction in the workplace. This dismissal of my natural hair fueled my determination to seek out and share my experiences online, and I found a community of people who resonated with my struggles.
In Rio, I was so glad to see so many locals embracing their natural curls. It was a refreshing change from the pressures I had felt back home. Despite the language barrier, I connected with locals about their favorite curly hair products, discovering some of the best Brazilian conditioners for curly hair. These conversations were more than just about hair care — they were about identity, culture, and self-acceptance. It was encouraging to see how curly hair was celebrated here, a significant part of personal identity for many.
One memorable moment was chatting with a local Brazilian woman. Her confidence and pride in her natural curls were palpable. She shared how curly hair had always been a part of her identity, a source of strength and beauty passed down through generations. Hearing her story resonated deeply with me and made me reflect on my own journey. It was a moment of revelation — realizing that embracing my curls was not just about aesthetics; it was about accepting and loving every part of myself.
This trip to Rio reinforced my belief in the power of community, whether in person or virtual. And if you’ve down this far, I really hope that you feel encouraged to tap into your own self-creativity and curiosity to embrace your curly hair despite societal pressures. Building a community, sharing experiences, and supporting one another can make a world of difference.
Ultimately, our curls are not a distraction — they are a beautiful, integral part of who we are. Embracing them means embracing ourselves — fully and unapologetically. And as I continue to travel and share my experiences, I hope to inspire others to do the same, to find beauty in their uniqueness, and to connect with communities that uplift and celebrate them.
So, to anyone reading this, let your curls be a testament to your journey. Embrace them, celebrate them, and never let anyone tell you they are anything less than extraordinary.