I came across Ivette’s GORGEOUS head of rizos on Instagram (of course) but I’ve come to find out after some brief emails, we used to be neighbors!  I knew her face looked familiar and I could’ve sworn I’ve seen her before on the bus ( her hair was in a tight bun) and sure enough- it was her! What a coincidence!  So mi gente, I introduce to you – Ivette!

1. Name and where you are from?

Hi name is Ivette Piña (yes like the fruit) I am originally from the Dominican Republic, a little town from the south of the country called San Juan De La Maguana very close to Haiti almost by the border.

2. How would you describe yourself?

I love to think of myself as a really open-minded, family oriented, funny, spiritual woman. I love to travel, discover and learn new things. I admire smart, kind, and honest individuals. I believe in respect, love, positive energy and being compassionate and understanding to others.

3. Tell us something about you that will make us say WHOA!

I have a deep appreciation for nature, music, art, food, poetry and anything that touches my soul.

4. How long have you been rockin’ yo rizos?

I have been rockin’ my rizos for about 20 years now. I used to relax my hair but I was never happy about it. Growing up in DR it was the norm to have straight hair and go to the salon to look more presentable. When I finally got the chance, I cut it all off and started fresh – I have never been happier. I don’t use any homemade recipes, my favorite hair products so far are Devacurl and Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls.

5. What is your hair routine (including staple hair products and home made recipes)?

I first wash my hair with the Low Poo Shampoo (Devacurl), then I use the Tresemmè Flawless Curls Conditioner to detangle my hair.  I then apply whichever product I’m in the mood for on that day but I make sure I apply natural coconut oil before drying my hair (at the ends). I usually part my hair in four sections, two in the front and two in the back. At the moment, I am using Devacurl one conditioner, followed by Set it Free.  If I have time, I air dry my hair and if I don’t I use a salon hair dryer (I have one at home) and I sit underneath it for 30-40 minutes. I never use a diffuser. Once a month I deep condition my hair using Dominican Hair Product Naturals Key Aloe Vera and Avocado Treatment Conditioner. If I decide to use the Miss Jessie’s, I follow the same steps using the pillow soft curls by Miss Jessie’s instead. I try not to obsess too much about my hair because there are so many products in the market, once I find what works for me I pretty much stay with it. I have tried too many to mention them all but these are the ones I am using at the moment. 

6. Where can we find you on social media?

You can find me on Instagram – @curlylovekiss

7. Any last thoughts? Anything you would love for us to know?

Yes!! A lot of girls ask me about my hair color -I color my hair at home. I use Garnier Fructis hair color golden blonde 93. However be advised my hair is naturally light, just a couple shades darker so it might be difficult for some to get the color to match. Also, the bigger my hair looks the better I feel 🙂

Besos,

Ivette