Founder of The Girl Habit's Personal Hair Journey

More importantly what I had to learn in an industry full of rejection was how to embrace myself with or without the approval of any externals.

Modeling in 2012 in LA

Written by Leore Hayon

Through out middle school and high school, I always straightened my hair. I perceived straight hair as prettier. I wanted to be like the other girls. I subconsciously was straightening my hair to look like the women I saw on TV, in movies, music and in magazines. I know my story is common and a part of myself still relates to the straight hair feeling of being sexy and clean. It is a subconscious programming due to media that is hard to break.

Thankfully when I entered the modeling industry at 18, I was embraced by well known brand at the time American Apparel for my natural self. Unknowingly this was the start of a major mental shift about my curls. After signing with a major modeling agency a few years later, I felt accepted for my unique beauty with my wild hair and big brows. The clients who booked me appreciated my natural surfer look. Upon shooting an editorial for a magazine, a further shift occurred. The talented photographer, stylist, makeup artist and hair stylist made feel so special. The wardrobe felt ethereal and close to my Moroccan roots, while my hair made full and extra curly. There is something to be said when people who you respect embrace you. More importantly what I had to learn in an industry full of rejection was how to embrace myself with or without the approval of any externals.

As I continued to model and act, I was fortunate to work with some amazing hair stylists and learn how they managed my hair with heat tool, hair products and methods. I also was expected as a model to come prepared to shoots and because I have such wild hair, I was often expected to come some what hair ready so that it would not take to much time to prepare on set.

One summer I booked my first major film role and lived in Malaysia on an island shooting the film. It was something in this summer at the age of 23 that transformed me. It was the first time I was living away from home in LA. The island life helped me to embrace my hair. It was all I could do as my hair was subject to the tropical elements. I really felt beautiful that summer.

I decided to stop cutting my hair after that summer and I let it grow. Throughout my life I spend a lot of time in Hawaii and Mexico and something I learned was that the ocean would naturally highlight my hair. So it would get lighter and lighter, creating beautiful natural highlights.

Today I embrace my hair because it is part of who I am. I really believe curls carry an energy. They are part of my frequency with elements of nature and freedom. I’m always so inspired when I see someone embracing their curls. My goal is to also inspire others to embrace their natural selves.