Curlfriend, grab your favorite snack (yes… popcorn counts 😌) and get cozy, because today’s feature is the kind that reminds us why community matters.
Welcome to Curlfriend Corner — a little safe space on the Tree Naturals blog where we spotlight one Curlfriend each month. Real stories. Real routines. Real wins. The kind of “sis, I needed this” energy that takes you right back to the old-school curly community days.
This month, we’re honored to introduce Vanessa S. — and when you read her journey, you’ll see why. From her natural hair pivot to her consistent wash day rhythm, to the joy she finds in her curls (and that grey shine 😍), Vanessa is living proof that healthy hair is built through patience, care, and staying committed.
Vanessa, Curlfriend… we’re truly honored to be on this journey with you.
Tell us about you! (name, where you’re from, what you do, fun fact, pets, hobbies, etc!)
Vanessa S. 57 years old - live in Aylett, VA - love spending time with family, singing, and cruise vacations :-) and watching a good movie series and chill! I've worked with Hanover County Public Schools for 26 years. I am an 8 year breast cancer survivor AND counting! I've done work with the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center; NPAF (National Patient Advocate Foundation), Volunteered with the annual American Cancer Society Walk (Richmond, VA) and I am an author of You Have Breast Cancer; So What Now? My Journey, My Story (self published December 2018)
How would you describe your hair? (texture/curl pattern if you know it, density; porosity optional)
3c / low density
What are your hair goals right now?
stay healthy
What was your biggest struggle before Tree Naturals?
I used to perm my hair like 2xs a year to maintain the 'coils'. Feb 2020 was my last perm; and, during Covid I didn't do anything but wash/blowdry/curl. June 2021 I decided to go natural and never looked back
Vanessa's before and after using Tree Naturals! 🎉
How did you discover Tree Naturals?
My sister Gayle P. :-)
What made you decide to try us? What were you hoping would change?
I saw the results of her hair journey and I followed.
Which TN products are your top 3 favorites and why?
Curl Creme, Leave In Conditioner, Shampoo/Conditioning Bars
Walk us through your routine using TN. (wash day + midweek refresh if you have one)
Wash Day is usually on Saturday
Step 1: The day before I wash I use the oil on my scalp (it helps to soak in for the next day.
Step 2: Wet and pre-condition w/conditioning bar and brush through
Step 3: Rinse Out
Step 4: Wash with Shampoo Bar (2xs)
Step 5: Use Conditioning Bar - let it set under shower cap for 5-10 minutes
Step 6: Rinse and Condition again - brush through
Step 7: Towel Pat Dry
Step 8: Separate in 4 sections and apply curl cream and leave in and brush through
Step 9: Individual twist in each section
Step 10: Tie my crown in the TN Bonnet :-)
I usually don't have to do a mid-week refresh. This routine usually allows my hair to stay styled at least 7-10 days. But if I do; it's just, a quick spray; curl cream, and retwist.
What did you notice first? (softness, slip, moisture lasting longer, etc.)
Because I have a mix of black/grey hair, I noticed the definition of my curls and the shine of the grey...LOVE IT! Also I'd like to mention that I have not put heat to my hair since June 2021...I think that helps it to stay soft and the greys not to be so wirey.
What’s your #1 “don’t do this” mistake you learned the hard way that could help a Curlfriend?
That I CANNOT use the oil once twisted. The roots of my hair become straight; and, seems like my hair gets fuzzy quicker. Thats why I do the pre-oil the day before the wash.
If your hair could talk, what would it say right now? 😊
Tree Naturals Got Your Curls Poppin'!
How can we keep up with you? (social media, blog, etc) If you have a TN Affiliate link feel free to share it below!
https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.spurlock
Leave Vanessa Some Love 🤎
Curlfriend, let’s show Vanessa some love in the comments! Drop a kind word, a 🎉 for her 8-year survivor milestone, or tell her what part of her routine you’re trying next.
And if Curlfriend Corner feels like your kind of safe space… we’d love to feature you next. No pressure, no perfection — just your real story, in your voice.
Fill out the Curlfriend Corner Q&A here: [Click HERE] If approved we'll send next steps to upload your photos!
Until next month… protect your peace, your crown, and keep those curls poppin’. 🌿🤎
