There is an old adage that “people always want what they can’t have.” This is true in terms of materialistic items, relationships, celebrities – the list goes on and on. It is most especially true when it comes to our hair. It is not rare to hear the straight haired brunette say she wishes she had curly blonde hair, or the blonde beauty desperate for dark hair. From personal experience, I have observed that people tend to hate curly hair the most. Curly haired women constantly straighten their hair, either permanently or just with a straightener, desperate to look “sexier” or “prettier”.
As a self-proclaimed “Curly Hair Activist,” I am here to tell you that curly hair rocks. While it may take hours to untangle the unruly curls in the shower or on humid summer days, at the end of the day, curly hair is unique. For those who struggle to find that perfect balance that produces the perfect curls, I am here to reveal a couple of secrets that your curls have been hiding from you.
- It is all in the hair product that you use. Gel can make the curls too sticky and hard, whereas hairspray is sometimes not strong enough to hold the curl. So, as you walk down the hair product with thousands of products screaming at you, which is the best to pick up? Mousse has always had the most positive results for my curls. Mousse is a foam-like substance that can be applied all throughout your hair. For best results, I suggest sectioning off different parts of your hair with a clip, ensuring that you get mousse on every single curl. The reason I like mousse so much is that when hair dries, the curls are soft and smooth, giving your curls a more natural touch to them. My favorite type of mousse is Paul Mitchell, and I keep nearly six bottles of it in my room at all times (I cannot ever risk running out of it). In addition to keeping my hair soft and smooth, mousse helps my hair smell deliciously of vanilla and coconut.
- Diffusers. A diffuser is specifically designed for curly hair and can be attached to the end of a blow dryer. After applying mousse, you should blow dry your hair for a few minutes with the diffuser, allowing the heat to spring up the curls and lock them in place. Using a diffuser helps eliminate frizz, as the combination of the product and heat keeps curls elevated and perfect! Over time, this simple process will just become routine, and the results will always be worth it. I use a brand of diffusers called bio-ionic, but virtually any diffuser from your local CVS or hair salon works!
- Finally, just like we all need in this world, curly hair requires love and care. When left uncared for, curls become matted and tangled, which is both ugly and painful. Make sure you take the time to brush through the curls every once in a while just to keep them free of knots. Also, getting haircuts often and getting rid of dead-ends help to keep curls springy and not weighed down, resulting in a more voluminous and better looking curl!
Once you learn how to maintain it, here is a little food for thought on why you should not just simply accept the curls, but ROCK them:
- If we were in the ’80s, people would be desperate for our voluminous locks. (Do not even think about disappointing Madonna.)
- Great conversation starter. (Oh, did you get a perm? NO, these are all natural, baby.)
- No need to spend money on expensive brushes.
- More sleep. (I am definitely not waking up early in the morning to straighten my hair.)
- They can help you smell good. (Is that perfume? No, it’s just my mousse. J)
You were born onto this planet with curly hair for a reason, so don’t try to defy reality. Curly hair makes you unique. Don’t always try to defeat the beast; instead, tame and embrace the beauty of it!