Learning to Love Your Curls

As if figuring out how to take proper care of your curls is not a whole journey in itself, curly-haired people tend to be subjected to believing that they would be better off with straight hair.

Commercials that I saw on TV as a child were mostly of models with straight hair or hair with a barely-noticeable wave. Before and after photos would have pictures of girls with "untamed" frizzy, curly hair as the before photo, and the improved version would be of girls with slick straight hair. As a child, I was at a salon saying my hair would look much better if I just straightened it. I eventually formed a habit of straightening my hair whenever I wanted to look, "put together," until one day I woke up and realized I was pushing my natural curls away for no good reason. What's so wrong with having curly hair?

Two significant curly hair struggles have always been "learning how to maintain your curl" and "frizz control". Silky hair seemed to be synonymous with straight hair previously, a habit formed where you repeatedly straightened your hair thinking it was the easiest way to be frizz-free. In reality, however, you were only potentially making it frizzier since continuous chemical and heat treatments can damage your hair if you are not careful.

Now, times are changing; advertisements show models with curly or wavy hair, heat-styled curls help you look "extra" at events, and after a fresh cut, adding waves or curves are encouraged to finish the look. Curl appreciation has significantly increased over the years, encouraging girls to learn how to take proper care of their unique hairstyles. One such method designed to teach you how to take care of your curls is CGM, the Curly Girl Method.

CGM involves using sulphate-free shampoo, co-washes or conditioners utilised as shampoo after cleansing, and leave-in conditioning treatments and gels depending on your preferred styling method and curl type. The use of a wide-toothed comb is advised to detangle your hair when it is coated in conditioner. Shampooing every day is actually bad for your hair, do so as you feel necessary, while focusing on your scalp instead of adding shampoo frequently to your hair strands if your hair is not dirty, since doing otherwise may dry your hair out.

Other recommended tips on fighting frizz include the use of microfiber towels, and scrunching your hair dry instead of vigorous rubbing. Additional recommended tools for curly-haired girls include the appropriate use of a diffuser when drying wet hair. You can tailor your needs according to the type of curl that you have, which can be identified by matching your wave or curl to specific curl categories. Some curly hair types benefit more from CGM than others. CGM can definitely prove to be expensive, so it is wise to do as much as is possible for you without adding pressure to your finances.

Your curls have the potential to become a huge part of your identity with a personality of its own, clearly depicting your mood and confidence depending on how you style it. It is not a curse, but rather a gift, one that you are meant to take in with pride.   

Bushra Zaman likes books, art, and only being contacted by email. Contact her at bushrazaman31@yahoo.com