Chatting with “Kurly Klips” Natural Hair Extensions Owner Lana Boone

Nappturals, I have to be honest. I've been rockin' my natural hair for almost three years now and there are times when I roll out of the bed in the morning and have absolutely no idea what to do with my hair. Furthermore, there are times when I'm getting ready for work or an event and when I go to take down my twists, I'm in complete disarray because my hair just didn't come out like I imagined it would. Especially when I have less than 10 minutes to get out of the house. I could always throw on a beanie, but that just isn't practical in 90+ degree weather. So what's a curly girl to do? Enter Kurly Klips, clip-in extensions for the kinky, curly girls! I had the pleasure of chatting with the brain behind the business, owner Lana Boone and discuss Kurly Klips and the motivation that started it all.

CEO/Owner: Lana Boone (left) rockin' the Kurly Klips clip-in extensions

"I always craved an alternative that would allow me to have the length I wanted without sacrificing my hair's health and my bank account..."

Thank you for chatting with me about your hair and of course, Kurly Klips! Will you introduce yourself to our readers...
My name is Lana and I'm from the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. I first decided to go natural in August of 2010, but too many Dominican blowouts stunted all of my progress. The following year, I said no to heat and started to really embrace my natural hair texture.

Do you follow a specific regimen when caring for your hair or are you pretty spontaneous when it comes to styling?

My regimen is pretty strict because my hair is a DIVA, child. She doesn't really play nicely with others, and likes to be left alone. So, I pretty much stick with the same regimen since my current goals are health and length. So basically, every two weeks or so I deep condition with a greek yogurt mask. I shampoo every month and co-wash every other week. I either twist or cornrow my hair, and then leave it alone for a couple of weeks. I change up my look with Kurly Klips, headscarves, and very low maintenance twist styles. I also eat a lot of fruits and nuts, and make sure that I'm up on my water game.

Name 5 of your all-time favorite hair products? 

I am proud to say that after two years I have finally found products that my hair likes!!! Woooooo!!!! *claps for self* Because let me tell you, it was a struggle. Like, for real tears were shed. So, here's what makes my hair happy:
Shampoo: Qhemet Biologics Egyptian Wheatgrass Cleansing Tea
Conditioner: Cocoa Curl Never Dry Curl Cleansing Conditioner
Deep Conditioner: Giant brand Greek Yogurt with olive oil, vitamin e oil, rosemary oil, and egg
Moisturizer/Leave-in: Qhemet Biologics Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee
Sealant: Raw Shea Butter baby!
 

So, what was the motivation behind Kurly Klips?

I don't like how I look with short hair. Period. Never have, never will. It's not about self-hate. I love myself quite a lot actually lol. But, I just how I don't like the way I look in button up shirts. I don't like wearing my hair short. It is what it is. After my big chop, I wore my hair for a few months in its natural length and I just wasn't feeling it. So, I decided to grow my hair out with extensions. I started wearing sew-ins, but it quickly became apparent that it was impossible to learn my hair while it was locked up in weave jail. Plus paying for hair, and paying for someone to install it, and then paying for someone to take it out again and reinstall it, it was just getting way too expensive. I always craved an alternative that would allow me to have the length I wanted without sacrificing my hair's health and my bank account. So after a truly disastrous experience with a weaveologist, I looked online for other companies who were selling kinky curly clip-in extensions and was astonished at the limited options. As a result, I created Kurly Klips as a way for women to wear their hair how they want, but really learn it and care for it as well.

Have you always had an entrepreneurial spirit before starting Kurly Klips?

Deep down, I guess I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When I worked in corporate America, I hated feeling limited. I hated how my professional development was largely determined by others. I like work environments that are not only challenging, but require a lot of creativity. So it seems to be a great fit for me! Plus, both of my parents are entrepreneurs and they have been really great mentors. I will say this, nothing makes me happier than when a customer feels and looks fabulous in her Kurly Klips.

You currently offer two textures of Kurly Klips; the My Spirals and the My Fro lines. Do you plan to expand and include additional textures in the future?

I definitely would like to see Kurly Klips expand. However, I will say the My Fro Collection matches pretty much all 4 types. And kinky textured ladies can also rock My Spirals with a little help from Curlformers. Tutorial coming soon!
My Fro collection                          My Spirals collection

Can I cut or style Kurly Klips however I want?

Yes. You can style them however you choose. It's just like hair you would buy anywhere else. The only difference is that you have more styling options because you place the clips wherever you want. Kurly Klips are also very high quality and super soft. I make sure of this because I wear Kurly Klips and I sure don't want to walk around looking like a fool. I feel the same way about my customers. They deserve the best.

Do you plan to offer additional colors in the future?

Kurly Klips is virgin hair. That means, when the customer receives it. its integrity is strong enough to withstand color customization. However, if the demand is great enough I would be happy to offer more colors. Kurly Klips is here to serve you, the customer. 

Have you considered moving your product in stores or will you exclusively sell them online?

Currently, Kurly Klips are only available online. But I would be open to selling them in stores as well. I'm never one to close the door on good opportunities.

Will Kurly Klips cause any damage to my real hair?

Like all hair regimens, health is what you make of it. Kurly Klips will not damage your hair if you use them properly. I, for one, have fine natural hair. I always attach the Klips to my braids/twists.  When my hair feels dry, I moisturize and seal. Remember, you have total control of how often you wear your Kurly Klips. If you feel like your hair needs a break, skip a few days, and wear them when you’re ready again. With Kurly Klips, you can constantly evaluate your hair’s health and make any necessary changes.

What do you love most about Kurly Klips?

I can put them in and take them out whenever I want! I don't work out in Kurly Klips and I don't sleep in them either, so they last such a long time. Plus I can arrange them into buns, ponytails, or whatever else I want! The styling options are limitless and I love feeling my natural hair and knowing that it's healthy.

If money was never an issue, what would be you be doing right now?

If money was no issue, I would have my own travel/documentary television show. In it, I would wear my hair's natural texture all the time, encouraging black and brown women around the world to love the hue or their skin and the texture of their hair.

First of all, I will be trying Lana's Greek Yogurt deep conditioner recipe lol! I am also excited about the line and will be trying  Kurly Klips for those not-so-great hair days or when I want to get my length on! Kurly Klips are highly innovative and much more versatile than wearing a sew-in weave. It allows functionality and ease when caring for your own hair, which is exactly what I've been looking for.

Kurly Klips are available online at www.kurlyklips.com. Kurly Klips are also on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, and Pinterest.