To straighten or to not straighten, that is the question? This is the daily dilemma that I face while holding my huge maxi straighter in one hand and my frizzy spirals in the other. I usually pick the path of least resistance and straighten. In the process of smelling burnt hair and crying on the inside because I realize I am damaging my hair the more I straighten, it gives me comfort to know I will not have to spend an extra hour applying products to control my wild curls. No matter how much gel, mousse, or hairspray I put in my medusa locks, it some how ends up as a lion’s mane by the end of the day.
Curly chicks across the world, you feel my pain, and to those girls who claim their hair is curly (when its actually wavy) or hard to manage (when it looks like Taylor Swift’s locks) please step aside and let us curly hair girls complain for a moment.
So why does curly hair feel like a curse or a punishment? After all the locks are not always so bad. It is true curly hair might frizz in the wind instead of swaying beautifully like straight hair. And you can barely run your fingers through it without getting your curls tangled and puffy. But is it really worth the trouble of spending countless hours straightening your hair to looks like it was done professionally or actually spend money to get your hair done professional? Oh who am I kidding, yes!
Now proud curly haired girls, do not give up on me just yet. Over the years I have discovered through difficult trial and error the “does” and “don’ts” of styling curly hair:
? Do not ever comb curly hair when it is dry. Curly hair is already one of the most fragile and thinnest types of hair, no need to break it even more.
? Do not use a towel and a blow dryer when your hair is wet. It is actually better to use paper towels or a special type of towel designed for curly hair. When it comes to blow-drying, always use a diffuser and even then only just a little. It is better for your hair to air dry.
? Do use a wide toothcomb instead of a brush. Last but not least, never use regular shampoo as they contain harsh chemicals that frizz hair. Non-sulfate shampoo that will not strip your hair of natural oils is best.
? Do explore the numerous curly hair products by companies such as Jon Frieda and Sebastian Potion 9. Two products I recommend trying are Deva Curls and Mixed Chicks – products exclusively for girls with the curls. ? Do give natural oils and products such as olive oil, honey, and coconut a try – the results may surprise you. I’ll admit that I need a twelve-step program when it comes to discontinuing the use of my straighter, but I sometimes I love my curls, especially in the water.
Curly hair makes us stand out and there is never a dull day. So shake those curls and whip your hair proud when you pass by girls with straight hair but just remember not too hard or it might frizz.