Embracing curly hair can be a challenge for some. Fears of it being too curly or too wavy or curled in the wrong directions permeate the minds of curly-haired individuals. Everyone has their own opinions and thoughts on their hair, but curly hair seems to bring doubt in self-confidence, even in the most seemingly confident people.
According to Curlkeeper, less than 20% of people have curly hair, making it a rare hair type. However, curly hair comes in all kinds of different styles starting with super coiled curls to slightly wavy. Curly hair requires work to maintain and take care of it, making it hard for some to stick to the routine. A Curly Hair Care study showed that roughly 30-40% of people straighten their naturally curly hair, some of the most common responses to why the people in the study straightened their hair was because they didn’t know what else to do, they wanted to lower the frizz, they liked straight hair better, they didn’t know their hair was curly/wavy, and/or they wanted to look more professional. There are so many reasons for people to not embrace their curly hair, especially at young ages.
“I hated [my curly hair] as a kid,” Spanish and English Language Development(ELD) teacher Margaret Thomsen said. “I would wear a hat and try to naturally straighten my hair for like, six days before picture day.”
Most young kids who have curly hair usually don’t know how to take care of it, so some resort to trial and error with different methods or just cut it off.
“My hair was curly when I was little, but then I got a buzz cut throughout all of elementary school,” sophomore Jacob Cavigila said.
As people get older, Thomsen claims some start to realize what works and what doesn’t work for their curly hair. It takes time to embrace their hair. However, once they figure out how to style and take care of their hair, it becomes a big part of their identity and looks. Curly hair requires routine and techniques, which is a problem for young kids because they don’t have that knowledge yet. Thomsen recommends that people talk with the curly-haired community for tips on how to take care of their hair if they’re unsure.
“If you need help [with your curly hair] you should just ask people,” Thomsen said. “I get tips all the time and actually use them.”
Curly hair is a journey and you have to live with it and learn from it. As most get used to it, they can grow to love it and be proud of what their hair has become.
“It’s a hassle to deal with and learn how to take care of but overall I’m glad I have curly hair,” sophomore Ian Bryson said.
Although curly hair seems difficult to manage, almost everyone can agree that the outcome of the hard work is worth it.
“I wish I had embraced it sooner,” Thomsen said. “I guess the grass is always greener, especially when you’re a kid and like figuring yourself out.”
