Ive been getting my hair blown out since I was five years old.

As an Italian girl from New Jersey, this shouldnt shock anyone.

And I have Charli XCX to thank for that.

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Giving Shirley Temple a run for her money at age three.

I remember the first time I got a blowout.

It was shiny and silky smooth.

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Giving Shirley Temple a run for her money at age three.

Like Id seen my idolCindy Crawforddo, I could run my fingers through my hair with ease.

My routine blowouts continued through high school.

Eventually, I learned how to perfect the look myself from reading magazines likeAllureand studying my stylists technique.

It was all about concentrated heat and tension and also the right brushround, boar-bristle.

With keratin-treated hair, I could achieve a perfect blowout in 20 minutes.

Fast forward to earlier this year.

To style my hair, I typicallyslick it backinto a bun.

Then, in May, I watched themusic video for 360by Charli XCX.

Shortly after, she released her sixth studio album,Bratand we all know the cultural phenomenon that ensued.

I was transfixed by it allsonically, lyrically, and aesthetically.

I loved how cool and confident she looked.

What I loved even more was that her hair looked really close to my own.

I think it took me a really long time to actually embrace my curls, CharlitoldAllurelast month.

I began to feel more confident wearing it in this natural way…

I honestly just get out of the shower and let it airdry.

So, I hopped in the shower.

I applied a leave-in conditioner and let my hairairdry.

I began to test my look with friends and colleagues who affirmed my new style.

At the same time, I was starting to love it myself.

So I canceled my keratin appointment.

I wore my hair curly.

So really, it isnt about hair at all.

But at the same time, it is.

Maybe down the line Ill want a keratin treatment again, and thats cool.

But right now, Im feeling really good as I am.

Read more about Charli XCX:

Watch Cindy Crawford’s ten-minute makeup routine: