From the Britain's Got Talent stage as part of the iconic dance group Diversity to building a thriving community across beauty, hair, fashion and lifestyle, Starr Kiely has spent years inspiring people with her talent, confidence and authenticity.
Like many people with textured hair, Starr didn't always embrace her natural curls. Today, she's passionate about celebrating natural texture and helping others feel confident in their own curl journey.
"Curly hair is something to be celebrated, and we should be proud of it." Starr.
We sat down with Starr to talk about confidence, curl care, her favourite Curlsmith products and why partnering with Curlsmith feels like the perfect fit.
How has your relationship with your curls evolved over the years?
My relationship with my curls has changed massively. In all honesty, I had a real dislike for my curls when I was younger because I was always made to feel that curls weren’t pretty, glamorous or socially acceptable. But now I LOVE them. I embrace them, and although it took me years to get to this place, I think loving your curly hair is a journey. I love mine more and more every day.
How has embracing your natural curls impacted your confidence, both on stage and in everyday life?
Embracing my curls has genuinely been the making of me. Without sounding dramatic, the moment I learnt to love my curls, I felt like so many of the insecurities I had around my identity started to disappear. I think, for both women and men, our hair is such a huge part of our identity, so learning to embrace it is one of the best things you can do for yourself. All hair types are beautiful.
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you about caring for curly hair when you were growing up?
Leave it alone and don’t put heat on it! It sounds so obvious now, but when you’re younger and experimenting with your hair, you often end up damaging it. I really wish I’d just let it grow naturally and avoided heat until I was older.
What was the biggest mistake you made when learning to care for your curls, and what changed everything for you?
Comparing my curls to other people’s was probably my biggest mistake. I had to learn that everyone’s curls are completely different. The moment I stopped comparing myself and started finding the products and routine that worked for my hair, everything changed. It’s a journey, and everyone’s looks different.
If you could give just one piece of advice to someone who is still learning to love and care for their natural curls, what would it be?
This is such a special question, and one I take really seriously. I’d say embrace your hair. Don’t let anyone tell you whether it’s acceptable or not. Remind yourself every day that your curls are beautiful, and tell other people the same. Curly hair is something to be celebrated, and we should be proud of it.
Starr's Curl Routine
What does your wash day routine look like from start to finish, and which steps make the biggest difference to your curls?
Firstly, I go in with the Essential Moisture Shampoo and double cleanse, followed by the Essential Moisture Conditioner, which I rinse out but never completely, so I can keep some extra moisture in my hair. Then I section my hair and apply a generous amount of the Weightless Air Dry Cream, followed by a small amount of the Curl Defining Styling Soufflé for definition and hold.
What does your in-between wash routine look like, and how do you refresh your curls without starting from scratch?
I’ll wet my hair in the shower without fully washing it, then use the CurlFit Reviving Mist to refresh my curls. I’ll gently brush through any knots before reapplying the Weightless Air Dry Cream.
Which Curlsmith products are your current favourites, and why have they earned a permanent place in your routine?
CurlFit Reviving Mist
Any product that lets me refresh my curls without washing my hair is a winner. It’s perfect for bringing my curls back to life between wash days.
Bonding Oil
It smells incredible and helps repair my split ends while adding shine and gloss without weighing my hair down.
Essential Moisture Shampoo
I love a shampoo that foams and the clean feeling it leaves my hair feeling after a proper wash day.
Curl Care for a Life in Motion
As a professional dancer, how do you keep your curls healthy despite frequent styling, sweat and long rehearsal days?
I keep my curls healthy by using the Curl Reviving Mist. It’s honestly been a game changer. I never want to get into the habit of overwashing my hair, so it’s perfect for refreshing my curls between wash days and bringing them back to life after rehearsals.
What’s your go-to protective hairstyle when you’re training or performing, and how do you care for your curls afterwards?
I love a slick bun. Sometimes I’ll even apply a hair mask before slicking it back, so my hair gets a treatment while I’m training. It also stops me from constantly touching and playing with my curls throughout the day, especially when I’m sweating. Afterwards, I’ll wash out the sweat and hair mask and let my hair air dry in the evening.
What are your top three curly hair tips or hacks that you swear by and think every curly-haired person should know?
1. Sleep with your curls in a unicorn bun (right on top of your head) and pop a bonnet over the top for the best next day curls.
2. Don’t overload your hair with protein I definitely learned that the hard way.
3. Use a hair mask at least once a week. Curly hair needs as much hydration as it can get.
A Natural Partnership
What made you want to partner with Curlsmith, and what about the brand resonates most with you?
Partnering with Curlsmith felt really authentic for me because I’ve been on my own curl journey. What I really love about the brand is that they celebrate every curl type and encourage people to embrace their natural texture with confidence. Not only are their products incredible, but they’re also passionate about educating people and helping them build routines that work for their individual hair and lifestyle, because we all know there’s no one size fits all approach to curly hair. This partnership came about really naturally, and it feels like the perfect fit not only for my own curl journey, but also for what I want to advocate for within the curly hair community. I’m so excited to see what we can create together and the impact we can have on the community as a whole.
Ready to discover Starr's curl routine? Shop her curl essentials including the Essential Moisture Shampoo, Weightless Air Dry Cream, Curl Defining Styling Soufflé and Reviving Mist to help keep your curls hydrated, defined and full of life.
Quick Fire with Starr
Air dry or diffuse?
Air dry
Favourite Curlsmith product?
Curl Fit Reviving Mist
Current hair goal?
To grow a longer length but with maximum curl health
Bonnet or silk pillowcase?
Bonnet
Go-to protective style?
Slick bun
