If you’re a Curlista (curly-haired-sistah) like myself, you probably have a long-standing love/hate relationship with your locks. By now you’ve probably experienced it all in terms of style — the jheri curls, the flat-iron burns, the perms-gone-wrong, frizzies, unintentional mullets, combination curls, and, lest we forget, the dreaded ‘pyramid’ that guarantees an appearance at least once, when you least expect it. You’ve spent hundreds of dollars at the salons, hoping that every time you walk out, your initial ‘don’t’ will suddenly transform into the must-have ‘do’ that our celebrity Curlistas wear so efficiently… forgetting that they have a team of curling-iron-blow-drying-hair-sculpting-tool-carrying stylists that follow them wherever they go. So what’s a regular but far from ordinary Curlista have to do just to have one a good hair day?
Taylor Swift on stage in Sydney. A curlista in her own right!
And we all know the importance of a good hair day. For women with straight hair, a good hair day can mean volume or body, or a simple wave to the tresses. But for us Curlistas, a good-hair day is mood-altering. A good hair day for us can take us from zero to 10 in less than a heartbeat, because our locks are a large part of who we are. They are an extension of our personality. So, ladies, take it from one Curlista to another, I hear your cry for help and your frustration. I’ve been there, and somedays, it feels as though I’m still there. But I’ve gathered a few tips and tricks that have helped me along the way, and I’ve finally gotten to a place where I’ve learned to work my curls, rather than work ON my curls.
First, you need to throw away all the junk you’ve collected from people who’ve given you advice on ‘perfect products for your hair.’ You know I’m right. You’re sitting on a gold-mine of hair-care products that you don’t use but still keep, because someone at some point in your past suggested it would work magic on your tresses. Well, did it? If it didn’t, don’t let me stop you from finding your trash can.
Next, you need to determine what sort of curl you boast. And believe me when I say this, there’s quite a few. There’s a lot of websites out there (
naturallycurly.com) where you can read up on literature that will help you determine what category you fit into. In my case, I have a combination of curls that range from tight ringlets at the base of my crown, to loose locks at the top. I have thick shoulder length hair that I’m attempting to grow out. These are things you need to take into consideration when you’re choosing the right product — type of curl, length of hair, if it holds moisture or tends to dry out more easily, etc.
The Cut: Different lengths and types of curls beg for different attention. The key thing to remember when getting a cut is layering. Curlistas, you need your layers! Whether they’re short or long, the goal is to have your tendrils frame your face, not sit on top of another (which adds to the ‘pryamid’, just so you know). And if and when you can, ask the stylist to give you a ‘dry cut’… it may cost a bit more than a regular cut, but it’s worth it. This way, you will know as your stylist cuts through your hair, just where the curls will fall. And an added bonus is that when you go in for a trim, you will walk out with a trim because you get to see just how much hair is coming off.
Beyonce keeps her curls tied back for The 81st Academy Awards.
Now, make sure you have a few basic products handy. It may be true that some of the more expensive products out there might be of better quality, but if you’re a Curlista on a tight budget like me, you might want to work within your means. I struggled for years with products that dried my hair out, making it prone to frizz and pyramid-moments. But I’ve discovered that SunSilk’s Captivating Curls works best for me. I use the shampoo and conditioner which value at about $4.99/each at your local drugstore (it’s the green bottle in the SunSilk line). It works very well with my hair, and smells great as well.
I’ve started using the leave-in conditioner too because it saves on packing excess product into my hair, once I’m styling it. After I’m done showering, I put a quarter-sized amount of the leave-in conditioner into my hair, making sure to spread it generously throughout my curls, while squeezing out the excess water.
An important tip: During the drying-process, try not to use a towel to put your hair into a turban. The fabric will make your curls split apart, making them frizz as they dry. Instead, stylists suggest using an old t-shirt or pillowcase because the surface is smoother, and will leave the curl in place. I finish up by using a styling mousse that you can purchase from the same line, for about $3.99. It’s good because you can use it and let your hair air-dry which achieves a wavy look, or you can blow-dry it for a more dramatic effect.
Finally, one of the best purchases I’ve made in recent years is that of a diffuser attachment to use with my blow-dryer. The diffuser allows your curls to dry with heat, by controlling the direction of the air coming out of the blow-dryer. If you flip your hair over, and dry it in a spring-like motion from tip to root, you will set the curl in place with a little bounce to it.
Last but not least: Once you’ve styled your hair the way you want it, leave it alone. Whatever you do, do not touch your hair once it’s styled! Oils and grease that you collect throughout the day on your hands can easily get into your hair and cause the curls to split and frizz out. Let nature do what it must — if it’s windy, enjoy your locks being blown around; if it is humid, let your hair swell — you’ve done all you can, and the effort will be worth it, trust me! Now go out there and shine, Curlista! Embrace your locks and let the world appreciate the true goddess within you!
I love this article!! I have curly hair, and love reading how other people go through similar issues as I do…well done!
Great article. Even handed and to the point. Unique style of writing.