NaturallyCurly: Please introduce yourself!
Bita Pourtavoosi: My name is Bita Pourtavoosi and I live in a small town in Long Island, NY. I am 25 years old, a jewelry designer and have been a workaholic ever since I can remember!
NC: How and when did you start embracing your curls?
BP: It was freshman year of college. I was on vacation in Miami and decided to let my hair go. I put some hair serum and cream in it and let it air dry. I haven’t turned back since then!
NC: What is your current routine?
BP: It all starts in the shower. I use curling shampoo and conditioner. I used to be obsessed with John Frieda Curling shampoo/conditioner but they have stopped making it. Now I use Herbal Essences and it does a great job! I sometimes switch it up with L’Oreal Paris Sulfate-Free products.
After showering I scrunch my hair with my hands to take the excess water out. Then I wrap it up in a towel for 30 to 40 minutes — basically until I feel it’s time to take it off. From there, I style with John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum and then this AMAZING Israeli hair cream called Natural Formula Go Curly. After that I just let it air dry!
NC: What are your must-have products and tools?
BP: Blow dryer, hair cream, hair serum, curling shampoo and conditioner, curling iron, and a hair iron just in case!
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NC: What are your favorite hairstyles to wear with your curls?
BP: I love wearing my hair down. I love letting my hair loose to do its thing. I don’t like putting it up because I feel that I am damaging the curls. I only put it up when I am working in the studio or at the gym.
NC: What about your hair stylists?
BP: When I get my hair done I get it blown out. I don’t like it ironed because it damages my hair and makes it dull and flat. I have my stylist blow out my hair with large round brushes and she keeps the hair in them until it cools down — this way I get body and volume. Luckily my hair is very “moldable.”
NC: What reaction did you get when you first decided to go natural?
BP: People kept thinking that I was using a curling iron! My answer was,”I just didn’t know how to handle my curls until now!”
NC: Did you ever have any curly girl insecurities?
BP: I had curly girl insecurities from elementary school to high school. I would constantly try to find ways to straighten my hair or relax it without using harsh products and blow driers. Since I have a lot of hair, it would take too much time!
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NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
BP: It’s unique! I love that I don’t have typical hair. It is the thing I am most proud of.
NC: How do you think having curly hair affects your everyday life?
BP: It has definitely helped my confidence. People are always telling me how much they love my hair and it feels really good! Sometimes you need that boost!. But I’m not gonna lie, it sometimes does get me down because my hair isn’t always manageable. It has its moments and I cross my fingers every time I get out of the shower.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
BP: God gave you curls for a reason — embrace them! You are lucky enough to look exotic and different from everyone else. Enjoy it!
NC: Tell us about your current and upcoming projects!
BP: I am a jewelry designer — I have my own line called “Bita Pourtavoosi.” I have always been intrigued by how jewelry can make an outfit. It is my love, my drive, my passion, and the excitement in my life! I don’t know what I would do without it. In my free time, I like to paint. I have been painting at a college level since age 5 — it’s in my blood. Unfortunately, I don’t have much free time! I am always in the studio creating a new piece, promoting a new piece or coming up with new ideas.
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November 26th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Hi, Bita. Regarding the product Natural Formula Go Curly Styling Creme, which formulation do you prefer? My search produced 4 possibilities (different color designators, such as Red Label, Yellow Label, etc.). Thanks!
November 28th, 2012 at 7:52 am
Thanks for the tips, Bita! I’m also a LI girl – Syosset – and my hair is similar to yours (which is gorgeous BTW!) The Natural Formula Go Curly cream sounds great, but I’d like to know the ingredients before buying yet another product. Would it be possible to get a listing? Thanks!