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Having curly hair some days feels like a blessing and others a curse. It has it’s own personality and takes a bit of practice to train. Because of its beautiful unpredictability, curly hair confuses people. Here are a few facts about curly hair:
Coarse Texture Doesn’t Mean It’s Rough
Even though my five year old has curly hair, she’s made this assumption. She was just telling my coworker the other day, “Mommy my hair is soft, and yours is rough.”
Ouch. Burned by your own child. I used this opportunity as a teachable moment. I informed her that have smaller curls and a different texture DID NOT mean that my hair was rough and hers was soft.
All Curly Haired Folks Don’t Necessarily Want to Wear it Straight
I get compliments all the time on my curly hair.
In the next breath, people always ask me “Have you ever thought about straightening yours or your daugthers’ hair?”
“I bet it would be so cute that way”
I spent most of my life with straight hair, and believe me, I love straight hair too.
But don’t get it twisted….straight hair is not “the more professional” “more beautiful” version of curly hair. My girls and I love our hair curly, just how God made it thank you.
You Can Only Wear It Multiple Ways
A friend and I were discussing hairstyles. I told her about curl formers and how I hadn’t quite mastered them yet. She asked me why I wanted to use those when my hair was already curly.
Curly haired folk like diversity too! Just because your hair is naturally curly doesn’t mean that it can’t be manipulated in different styles. It can be styled into large curls, small curls, wavy curls, the options are endless!
It can be styled into large curls, small curls, wavy curls, the options are endless!
Curly Hair Doesn’t= Short
I used to fall victim to this assumption too. As a young girl, I always wondered why my hair was curly in the shower, and then thick and tangled after it air dryed. I used to say that an afro was not for me.
When I saw people with curly hair, I was always amazed at how long it was after they straightened it.
If you have curly hair, then you know all about shrinkage! I’ve been asked on many occasions if I’ve cut my hair, when in fact, my hair shrunk due to the weather or wearing it in a different style.
What questions do you have about curly hair?? I’d love to answer them for you!
Email me at arethoseyourkids@yahoo.com or join my Multiracial Motherhood group on Facebook.
Stephanie says
June 16, 2017 at 9:20 amI always prefer curly hairstyle over a straight one. However, I don’t have naturally curly hair. These secrets are amazing 🙂
Alora says
June 26, 2017 at 7:58 amThank you for posting this. Every curly girl needs some encouraging words about her locks. Keep promoting hair love!!
Diedre says
June 26, 2017 at 3:52 pmThank you for reading Alora! I hope this encourages more women!
Sonia says
July 15, 2017 at 12:40 amYour girl is amazing!)) I always enjoy to see her nice smiling face))) I always have problem while growing my hair. If I straighten them they are long! When they are curly they are short! )))
Diedre says
July 16, 2017 at 10:56 pmThank you so much! I understand how shrinkage feels Sonia!
Michelle says
March 25, 2019 at 3:26 amI’m new to this natural hair thing. So far what I have learned is that im spending to much money on hair product just to keep my hair from being dry. I have salt and pepper(mostly gray). My hair only curls when wet. I think my curl pattern will never take place.
Diedre says
March 25, 2019 at 12:44 pmHey Michelle! Trust me, I’ve been where you are and have experienced that all too familiar frustration. What is your curl pattern? How long have you been natural? It takes at least a year for all the straight hair to go away. I think the hardest part is trying to care for relaxed and natural hair on the same head. Try coiling or twisting your hair. It will help to train your hair to curl on it’s own. I did the big chop and that helped, but it still took several months for my hair to curl on its own.