Hair Diaries: My True Natural Hair Color with @DressesandCapes

“I have always had hair colors that made me stand out since I started dyeing my hair. I always like to say that I haven't seen my natural hair color in 10 years. So I’m like, WHO IS SHE?!”

Today we are bringing you Hair Diaries with a twist as we sit down for a video interview with Lauren Gabourel (she/her) — an award-winning Cosplayer and fantastical Disneybounder based out of Los Angeles, CA. A self-proclaimed “nerd and stylish geek,” Lauren’s social presence (@dressesandcapes) is visually stimulating and bursting at the seams with color, magic, and wonder. From fantasy dresses to elaborate recreations of fictional characters, this cosplayer’s looks are immaculate and jaw-dropping. But what stands out to us the most are her bright, bouncy ginger coils.

Join us in this special chapter of Hair Diaries as we get insight into how Lauren started her incredible hair journey and how that, paired with her whimsical heart, influenced her passion for fantasy role-playing.

Q: Let’s talk about your hair! How would you describe the type or texture of your hair?

A: I have curly 3c with a combo 4a. And if you don’t know what that means, there are different curl types, and that is my curl type, where there is a sorta tighter curl but not completely tight. And it’s ginger! Which I know is something that def makes me stand out, but I love that!

Q: How do you know when it’s time to change your hair when you get that “itch,” and how do you know when it’s right?

A: I just want to change! I always wanted to be ginger but was always nervous about doing it. One of my idols growing up was Anne of Green Gables — she’s an icon. She was called carrots, and I always thought that was cute. It’s such a fun journey to change your hair when you have that sense of “it feels like time.”

Q: Is there a moment that comes to mind where you felt like your decision about your aesthetic affected how you were able to show up for something in your life? A moment of confidence.

A: After I first used oVertone in my hair and had the ginger tint, I started to get more attention online because I looked so unique. That helped me start working with more brands which helped my side hustle with content creation. It made me stand out from the crowd. It was the cherry on top. I was ready to be a ginger. This was my time. I get to be who I always wanted to be. It feels right.

Q: What are the mechanics of your routine? What do you do? What’s the system for your hair?

A: I have curly hair, and curly hair takes more maintenance. I have to be prepared to take care of it. I thoroughly wash my hair once a week with shampoo and conditioner. I follow up with co-washes just with conditioner twice a week. I oVertone with the Ginger Coloring Conditioner every 2-3 weeks because I love when my hair is vibrant. Then I use the oVertone Ginger Daily Conditioner once a week to help get the color in there and get everything super moisturized because my hair is dry. I keep my hair curly three weeks out of each month, and usually, one week out of the month, I might have it straight just cause I like to play. I love the versatility of my hair that I can go from curly to straight. I love doing my hair in vintage styles when it’s straight. I love having that option. But to do that, I have to make sure I’m taking care of my hair when it’s curly because I don’t want breakage.

Q: Any advice for a first-timer? What, if any, tips and tricks do you have?

A: I am terrified of dyeing my hair, so oVertone is the perfect level where I feel comfortable doing it, giving me amazing results. oVertone will always come out looking good. But even if I’m not feeling it and want to switch, I know it will eventually come out.

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to touch on?

A: The only thing I’d like to address are my curly girls. I know it can be scary to put products in your hair that you’re unsure about and that you’ve never used because I know I was scared when I first started using oVertone. I looked up “how does this affect curly hair” because the texture of my hair is so important to me, and keeping it healthy cause it’s taken me so long to get to this point of like healthy curly hair that I was so concerned. I want other curly girls to know that your hair will be fine. It doesn’t affect your hair in any way. It’s not a harsh chemical. Your texture will be fine. Don’t be scared. Have fun with it. If you don’t like it, it will wash out!

What drew us into interviewing Lauren was the intersection of fantasy and hair and the role that oVertone plays in her life. The idea that whoever you are in any given moment is authentically you. Like her hair, she constantly evolves, but at every stage has been the full version of herself.

“I want to stand out amongst a crowd, and I’ve never feared that. Growing up, I’ve always been the person to stand out. I think just having my hair helped enhance that. It helps me feel more confident. The same thing with Anne of Green Gables — that was a huge theme for her in the books was that her ginger hair made her stand out a lot. She didn’t like it at first, but you know she grew to love it, and it changed with her as she grew up, but I just loved her spunkiness 'cause that was definitely me growing up.”

Without a doubt, Lauren’s luscious curls are something worth obsessing over. From her incredible backstory to letting her imagination run wild in the Cosplay and Disney scene, Lauren’s hair journey has cultivated strength and confidence while having a graceful finesse in and outside her craft. And just like her passion for styling, her desire to play with oVertone products and integrate them into her life is compelling for anyone trying to find the right shade to express themselves.

Escape your regular daily routine and let your imagination run wild. Watch Lauren’s full interview and her hair journey come to life, and talk fantasy, nerdom, self-expression, and, best of all, hair!

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