Real Girl, Real Beauty: Melissa Burgos & Her Life-Affirming Locks

Government analyst Melissa Burgos is a testament to embracing your natural beauty. The U.S. Navy veteran and hair blogger has a signature 'do that stops us in our tracks, and her no-fuss beauty regimen is more than a little inspiring. But, she's taking her status as a curly-hair guru a step further: As part of her work as a government program analyst, she's helping to educate adoptive parents about how to care for natural hair.

Some of Burgos' best beauty secrets come straight from her Puerto Rican grandmother — you know they really work, to be passed down through the generations — and we committed them all to memory during a recent afternoon. We dove into her hair and skincare regimen, scoped out the amazing vintage pieces she acquired while stationed in Japan, and admired her collection of insane shoes. Click through to meet Mel, get a glimpse of her bold personal style, and find out why she keeps her face cream between the eggs and the salsa ...

Photographed by Kate Warren.