Frizz-Free Firsts: What I Learned About My Mom When We Stepped Outside Our Comfort Zone
Stepping outside our comfort zone isn’t just about big, bold moves—it’s about the small, everyday choices that bring us closer. In this A Toda Madre series with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine, we explore how embracing change, even in the simplest ways—like switching up a hair care routine—can unlock new perspectives, deepen bonds, and help us shine in ways we never expected.
The dynamic between Latinas and their mothers is a tapestry of tradition, shared experiences, and a deep connection. Most Latinas have grown up with strong female role models in their families, watching their mamás build family dynamics that last through generations.
But what happens when our mother-daughter dynamics step out of our comfort zone? For many of us, this can mean having difficult conversations, having our mamá be taken care of rather than being the caretaker, or even just a simple change in hair care routine that can leave us both with amazing, sleek, and shiny results.
Stepping out of my comfort zone with my mom was incredibly difficult, but soon enough, I found that taking that leap into the unknown was the key to our greatest growth as a mother and daughter.
Going the distance made us closer
As the daughter of a single mother, you could say my mom and I were tight from the beginning. She had me when she was 20 years old, and for most of my life, it was just us. When I got into UNC-Chapel Hill and decided to move away from Miami, it created a huge gap for us. Like many Latino families, my moving away felt more like I was abandoning the family than going after my dreams.
However, I learned a lot about her and myself during that time. For one, our relationship got closer because the issues that started coming up forced us to talk to each other. We were now having conversations from a more adult place than before. Latino households often prioritize established routines and traditions, and having your only daughter break away from these customs was difficult for her to embrace.
All in all, it helped me understand my mother deeper. She did want what was best for me, but she simply had a difficult time reconciling what she had known her entire life to be true with what I was wishing for myself. In the end, I learned how to embrace the values of independence and being a go-getter she instilled in me, while also remembering my roots and the tightness of our bond.
Trying new routines together
Even though my mom and I have different hair textures, we’ve always shared the best tips with each other on how to care for our locks.
We’d always sworn by the same brands until we decided to change things up and try Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine. These amazing products gave us the benefit of glassy, sleek, shiny hair that worked well for both of us. We immediately noticed changes in how lightweight the texture of both our hairs felt while doing away with dullness and flatness.
My favorite part was that the Sleek & Stay serum didn’t leave my hair feeling heavy with oil. Instead, when I blow dried and ironed my hair, it gave me the glossiest hair ever. The Sleek & Stay Serum also helped me achieve great results when refreshing my style, keeping flyaways in order. As far as my mom goes, her hair looked ultra glassy sleek, giving her a boost of confidence I’d only seen her showcase in her twenties. The shared experience of trying a new haircare routine together brought us closer and improved our communication.
Plus, the visible results, such as reduced frizz, enhanced shine, and incredible-smelling hair, weren’t a bad incentive to keep trying new things together.
Embracing new adventures helped me see a different side of my mom
The confidence I gained from achieving results together, even in our hair care routines, helped me see a side of my mom that was more fun and willing to embrace change. When women feel good about their appearance, they are more likely to embrace new challenges and pursue their goals.
In our case, my mom embraced new adventures, traveling, eating at different places, and trying new things. Whenever I visit Miami, she’s open to taking dance classes, cooking together, and even coming with me to cultural events. She has also embraced new hairstyles. Rather than sporting her hair in a usual low ponytail or blowdry, she experiments with high buns, braids, and even a little wave here and there.
I’m also taking notes on how she carries her Sleek & Stay serum with her on trips to keep her hair smooth, shiny, and looking incredible. Perhaps a combination of great hair and great adventures was the best way for both of us to keep our bond strong and the lessons coming.
Growth happens in the moments we least expect—whether it’s moving away from home, embracing change, or even trying a new hair care routine together. No matter where life takes you and your mamá, you both deserve to shine. Want to keep your locks sleek, frizz-free, and full of life? Try Garnier Fructis Sleek & Stay Serum and take on your next adventure with confidence—together.