The Podcast
Crowned Conversations
Real Talk for Fine Natural Hair. Hosted by Valerie Duplan — Licensed Cosmetologist and creator of The Duplan Method™.
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Season 2, Episode 3
Season 2, Episode 3: It's Not the Braids — It's What You Did Before Them
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- Season 2 · Episode 310 min
Season 2, Episode 3: It's Not the Braids — It's What You Did Before Them
Everyone blames the braids. Valerie doesn't. In this episode she explains why what you do before your braid appointment has the biggest impact on preventing breakage — plus the simple steps that protect fine natural hair before, during, and after braids.
Read & listen - Season 2 · Episode 112 min
Season 2, Episode 1: New Beginnings for Fine Natural Hair
Valerie kicks off Season 2 of Crowned Conversations with fresh energy, new insights, and the same commitment to helping Black women with fine natural hair thrive. Tune in for what's coming this season and how to keep your crown healthy and strong.
Read & listen - Season 1 · Episode 103 min
Lying to Your Stylist, Part 10: What Your Stylist Notices… Even When You Don't Say It
Valerie closes out the Lying to Your Stylist series by sharing what stylists notice — even when clients don't say a word. From buildup and tension to thinning areas and signs of stress, your hair tells its own story, and awareness matters when you're maintaining healthy fine natural hair.
Read & listen - Season 1 · Episode 93 min
Lying to Your Stylist, Part 9: More Products Won't Fix What Your Routine Isn't Doing
Relying on more products instead of building a consistent routine is one of the biggest mistakes fine naturals make. Val explains how product overload leads to buildup, dryness, and poor results — and why understanding your routine is more important than constantly switching products.
Read & listen - Season 1 · Episode 83 min
Lying to Your Stylist, Part 8: Why Your Hair History Matters More Than You Think
Your hair's history plays a major role in how it responds to styling and care today. From previous styles and tension to damage that hasn't fully grown out, your strands carry everything they've been through — and being honest about it lets your stylist protect your hair moving forward.
Read & listen - Season 1 · Episode 73 min
Lying to Your Stylist, Part 7: Bringing a Style Your Hair Isn't Ready For Yet
Val talks about the gap between inspiration and reality. Bringing in a style your hair isn't ready for can lead to tension, stress, or breakage — especially on fine natural hair. Learn how to read your hair's current condition and adjust expectations to protect, not damage.
Read & listen - Season 1 · Episode 63 min
Lying to Your Stylist, Part 6: Not Every Protective Style Is Actually Protective
Just because a style is called 'protective' doesn't mean it's actually protecting your hair. Tension, weight, and improper installation cause breakage instead of protection — especially on fine-strand natural hair. Val breaks down what really makes a style protective.
Read & listen - Season 1 · Episode 53 min
Lying to Your Stylist, Part 5: Wanting Healthy Hair But Avoiding Trims
One of the most common challenges: wanting healthy hair while avoiding trims. Holding onto split or damaged ends actually leads to MORE breakage over time. Val breaks down the difference between growth and retention, and why letting go of damaged ends supports stronger, longer hair.
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- Why your hair won't stay moisturized
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