It can be hard to find natural curlies for role models in the music industry. Most musicians will rock their stage with their curls pulled back in tight ponytails or braids to keep their hair out of the way. If you’re looking for a music icon to model your natural curl looks after, look no further than musician Jillian Hervey. As the lead singer of Lion Babe, Vanessa Williams’ daughter is all about showing off her amazing natural curls, and it’s rare to see her without them flowing around her shoulders.
Jillian wasn’t always comfortable with her natural curls and it took her some time to learn to love her hair. Ten years ago, Jillian avoiding coloring her hair and opted to wear it straight. She often used weaves or extensions to accentuate her length. However, when she moved to New York City, she experienced an awakening when she noticed others doing what she described as “their thing”. She felt inspired to do her own thing, and has since embraced her natural hair as her “thing”.
Growing up, Jillian lived in a mostly white neighborhood, and so didn’t have many naturally curly role models. While she didn’t have any overtly negative experiences, she remembers going to sleepovers where her hair was often played with by friends. She knew that it wasn’t exactly right, but couldn’t identify why she felt weird about it. As a young girl, Jillian longed to throw her hair back into a ponytail or jump into a pool like her friends could, without experiencing any of the consequences a curly haired girl would. In high school, she relied on extensions to keep her hair under control while dancing, a decision she wishes she had approached differently.
Today, Jillian has embraced her natural hair and enjoys showing it off. After a workout, she likes to make sure she can get it clean so as to avoid breakage. Her go to shampoo and conditioner are Pantene’s Radiant Color Shine, which she uses because she colors her curls so often.
Interested in reading more about Jillian’s curly hair revolution? Check it out here to see what other products she uses and how she best likes to wear her hair.