Serene Russell, the woman who stole hearts on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise, isn’t just captivating for her personality — her crown of stunning natural curls is another one of the many reasons she is always turning heads. But as she reveals in her candid interview with GRAZIA USA, her journey to curl acceptance wasn’t always fairytale-worthy.
“I think earlier in my [modeling] career for sure there was more pressure to ‘control’ my hair,” Russell confesses. “I do remember feeling at times that it didn’t look ‘polished’ enough because of the beauty standard at the time.”
But her story isn’t about succumbing to that pressure. Instead, it’s a testament to the power of radical self-acceptance, a path she’s walked with courage and grace, inspiring countless others to do the same.
Finding Freedom Through Self-Love:
So, how did Russell navigate those beauty norms and overcome the urge to conform with her hair? “I think as time passed the only way to grow past this was radical acceptance of who I am,” she declares.
While she still occasionally styles her hair straight for convenience, the pressure to conform is a distant memory. “I don’t feel pressure to not wear my hair curly anymore,” she emphasizes.
A Curly Hair Care Odyssey:
The Bachelor alum’s journey to self-love extends to her ever-evolving haircare routine. One key discovery? Applying products in the shower while her hair is soaking wet.
“If you watch any curly hair videos, the person doing their hair typically has water, dripping down their face and clothing while applying product,” she shares. “I didn’t know how much water my hair truly needed until I tried applying the product in the shower.”
Opting for lightweight products has also been a game-changer, allowing her curls to thrive without feeling weighed down.
Product Picks for Envy-Worthy Curls:
Naturally, everyone wants to know Russell’s secret weapons. A staple in her arsenal is “Flo-etry” by Color Wow Curl Wow, sometimes paired with a mousse or cream for extra hold.
“I think my hair needs the combo of light moisture and slight hold! Adjust this combo based on what kind of moisture and hold your hair needs, for someone else this may look like a heavier curl cream and gel,” she explains, reminding us that experimentation is key.
Remember, your curls are unique, so don’t be afraid to find what works best for you!
Effortless Styles for Busy Bees:
For those days when time is tight, Russell turns to quick and easy styles like half-up, half-down variations or playful buns.
“If I’m struggling with my curls but need a quick style it helps me just to put the hair around my face up,” she states. “I will do two high or low buns, or pair this with my hair half up.” She adds a touch of personality by leaving a few face-framing curls loose, a styling trick that often earns her compliments.
Seasonal Tweaks for Curl Perfection:
Weather plays a role in everyone’s hair health, and Russell’s curls are no exception. “I use more products in the summer due to the heat and humidity,” she explains, while winter demands a more basic approach, with deep conditioning masks taking center stage to combat dryness.
Biracial Hair Magic Tips and Techniques:
For readers with biracial hair, Russell offers valuable insights. Detangling is crucial, and she recommends doing it with conditioner on soaking wet hair, using a Denman or tangle teezer brush gently, starting at the ends and working your way up.
Heat styling? Ditch the blow dryer and embrace air drying overnight to minimize damage.
Celebrating the Tapestry of Hair Textures:
The 28-year-old’s journey is a powerful reminder to embrace all hair textures, especially for those still on their path to loving their curls. “For me, it’s been all about representation and education,” she reveals. “Seeing a lot of curly hair made me love and accept mine more, and I really felt that way after becoming a teacher and seeing lots of curly hair on kids (and those kids being excited seeing an adult with their same hair texture).”
The impact she has had on her students with their own curly textures further solidified this belief. “It reminded me that all hair is beautiful hair,” she says, “and made me think of how as adults that didn’t grow up in a world where curls were as celebrated we need to give ourselves and our hair the love that we felt we missed out on.”
Take a page from Serene Russell’s book and let your curls be your crown. Your natural texture is unique and beautiful, and embracing it is a true act of self-love.
