Growing up I always managed to maintain a stable love-hate relationship with my hair. From frizzy days to straight-up poofy hair days, I never managed to appreciate my hair at the peak of its unruliness when I was younger. I vividly remember becoming so frustrated with my hair by the time I reached the third grade that I preferred to wrestle my hair into a ponytail rather than take a few minutes to style it. In fact, it wasn’t until I entered the seventh grade that I decided to make a drastic change: I opted to get the “big chop.” Partly because I was tired of putting my hair in a ponytail and partly because I wanted to try something new, I happily agreed to my hair stylist’s suggestion to making this big decision. I’ll admit when I first looked at myself in the mirror, I HATED IT. I felt like a disco gal who just wasn’t rocking the look. Frustrated again, I decided to let my hair grow out long during my high school years, expect this time I decided I would style it. As time went on, I began to get better at styling my hair, picked up some life saving tips, and even began to love my hair for the first time! I loved it so much that I decided to give the big chop another try before coming to college. Today, I can truthfully say that while I still have my daily ups and downs with my hair, I manage to find at least one reason to love it. So, if you’re in a period of being out of love with your curls, here’s a few pieces of advice to rekindle that love for your curls!
1. Diffusers are your best friend!
It wasn’t until college that I learned the importance of owning a blow dryer, specifically a diffuser! Coming from SoCal, I had always let my hair air dry on my way to school. However, as the snow days crept up on me last year, I couldn’t stand the thought of stepping out into the cold with wet hair, and as a result, I found myself purchasing a hair dryer – right before the first storm hit. Even though popular belief affirms that a blow dryer will cause hair damage, diffusers for curly hair do the opposite! Instead, a diffuser will define curls by compressing them into their natural shape with the claw-like connecting nozzle that attaches to the blow dryer.
2. Hair products that offer EXTRA moisture are a must!!!
Unlike other hair types, curly hair needs EXTRA moisture. If one of your biggest struggles is frizz (don’t worry girl, we’ve all been there), then you should look for products that will provide extra hold, strength, and moisture. Curly hair is incredibly fragile and can lead to breakage easily. The best way to avoid unwanted split ends is to use a deep conditioner treatment every one-to-two weeks depending on the season (your hair might need more care during winter months compared to summer ones for breakage control). My favorite product is Ouidad which can be found at Ulta, Amazon, and select hair salons. While this product is a bit pricey, I can assure you that it lasts and is the best one I’ve tried yet!! You will not be disappointed.
3. Your hair stylist really can make it or break it
If I’m being totally honest, I still have issues with this one. Finding a good hair stylist is like finding that pair of Lululemon leggings that were discounted in the exact size and color you were hoping they’d be in. It’s rare. So if you’re having trouble to sticking to one hairstylist, don’t worry, you’ll eventually find a good fit! If you’ve found a stylist you enjoy, but occasionally feel frustrated with your hair, try having a candid conversation about your worries and hair goals with your stylist. They want to make sure that you feel confident stepping out with your new haircut, not worried that you have the “triangle look”! Try bringing images or making a collage of pictures you like so your stylist can gauge the direction you want to take with your hair. Your relationship with your hair stylist will always be at its best when you are both on the same page about the limits and possibilities of what you can do with your hair.
