Behind the Scenes of Curly By Nature
Many people know me as the founder of Curly By Nature — but far fewer know why I became a cosmetic scientist in the first place.
This journey didn’t begin in a lab.
It began with decades of hands-on experience caring for curly and afro hair, paired with deep frustration at an industry that consistently overlooked our textures, our needs, and our realities.
This post takes you behind the scenes of my product creation process — not just the how, but the why. Because every jar I create carries intention, evidence, and lived experience.
Before the Lab: Decades of Real Curly & Afro Hair Experience
Before science came lived experience.
For years, I worked directly with curls — behind the chair, in salons, in real homes — learning how hair behaves over time. I observed moisture loss, breakage patterns, porosity challenges, scalp health issues, and the emotional relationship people had with their hair.
I saw what worked.
I saw what didn’t.
And I saw how often people blamed their hair — when the real issue was poor practices, lack of understanding and generic formulations ignorant of afro and curly hair nuances.
That real-world knowledge became the foundation of everything I would later study and create.
Why I Studied Cosmetic Science
There came a moment when I realised something clearly:
The products available simply weren’t designed with us in mind.
Too many formulas were:
- Too harsh
- Poorly balanced
- Marketed with claims that didn’t translate into real results
This wasn’t just disappointing — it was damaging.
So I didn’t just want better products.
I wanted answers.
I wanted to understand:
- how ingredients actually interact with curly and afro hair
- why certain formulas dry hair out over time
- how pH, stability, penetration, and ingredient synergy affect long-term hair health
Cosmetic science didn’t replace my experience — it elevated it.
Representation Matters in Beauty Science
The beauty industry has long suffered from under-representation in both research and leadership — especially when it comes to Black scientists and formulators.
This isn’t new.
Pioneers like Annie Malone and later Madame, C J Walker laid foundations that history often overlooks, despite their immense contribution to beauty science and entrepreneurship.
Understanding this context matters — because formulation without representation leads to products that miss the mark.
And I was determined to bridge that gap.
Experience + Science + Purpose = Curly By Nature™
This simple equation is quickly being recognised as the DNA of my brand:
Experience
Decades of caring for curly & afro hair
+ Science
Formal education in cosmetic formulation
+ Purpose
A mission to serve, educate, and empower
= Curly By Nature™
This isn’t branding.
It’s the framework behind every decision I make.
Inside My Product Creation Process
1. FORMULATION
Every product begins with research and intention.
I don’t select ingredients because they’re trending. I choose them because science shows they hydrate, strengthen, protect, or support scalp health. Every ingredient must earn its place.
Formulation isn’t random — it’s chemistry guided by care.
2. TESTING & QUALITY
Before anything goes into a jar, it must pass strict standards:
- pH balance
- Stability
- Safety
- Performance over time
These aren’t buzzwords. They’re non-negotiables.
I’m not creating something to sit on a shelf — I’m creating something you’ll use on your scalp, your hair, and your children’s hair. That responsibility demands integrity.
3. PROTECTION & PACKAGING
Packaging isn’t an afterthought.
It protects the formula, preserves freshness, and carries the story of the brand. Every choice — from material to seal — is intentional.
Because this isn’t just a product.
It becomes part of your routine, your habits, and your confidence.
4. PURPOSE IN ACTION
Where science meets soul.
Education, community, and results matter just as much as what’s inside the jar. That’s why Curly By Nature exists beyond products — it’s about empowering people to build sustainable, healthy hair habits.
What Makes Curly By Nature Different
We don’t create products based on trends.
We create them based on needs — real needs of real people with real curls.
That means:
- No shortcuts
- No “natural” claims without scientific backing
- No formulations that compromise long-term hair or scalp health
Every jar is a crafted solution, not a promise.
This Work Is Personal
As a Black woman, a mother, and a scientist — this isn’t just business for me.
It’s legacy.
It’s about ensuring the next generation sees themselves:
- in the lab
- on the shelves
- in the science
And understands that their hair deserves evidence, care, and respect.
Final Thoughts
Curly By Nature was born from frustration — but built with purpose.
My hope is that by sharing this journey, you feel empowered to:
- question what you’re putting on your hair
- understand how products really work
- build routines rooted in knowledge, not guesswork
Healthy hair isn’t luck.
It’s science.
It’s habits.
And it’s intention.
Watch the Full Behind-The-Scenes Episode
🎬 Creating Products as a Cosmetic Scientist — Behind the Scenes
👉 https://youtu.be/ypvFDEJYu8s
If you want to see this entire process in action — from formulation to philosophy — this episode will change how you see natural hair products.
Join the Community
💛 Healthy Hair Care Club — education, guidance, and support for your hair journey
👉 https://community.curlybynature.com/
