One of my most noticeable features is my "lion's mane", as I call it, or my head full of curly hair. People are perplexed by the "poofiness", the amount of, and the curliness of it. To me, my hair is both a blessing and a curse. I spent time wishing my hair away to have straight hair and spent time feeling thankful that I won't ever need to worry about purchasing a curling iron. I have finally learnt that my curls are here to stay and that I should be thankful for what I have. Even though I am learning to embrace my locks, I still struggle with them as anyone does with their image. Sometimes I debate whether or not to shave it all off, but that is just part in having curly hair. Here is 11 struggles all people with curls can relate to.
1. People just love to touch your hair (even complete strangers)
When I was a baby I had a head full of blonde curls (still do) and complete strangers would come up to me in my stroller to pet my hair. My mom, who often didn't like this, would go along with the complete awkwardness of having a stranger coo over and touch your child. She tells me that I got so tired of this that one time, I stuck my tongue out at an old lady. Now that I am older I don't get strangers coming up and touching me but I do get a lot of, "Is this all natural?" as a mutual friend messes with my hair. I stand there, suppressing my sarcastic response of "Why would I choose to have this much hair?". One thing I can say is where I love compliments and appreciate them, I do not like my hair to be touched or messed with, especially if I don't know you well or give you permission first.
2. Humidity is your worst enemy
This is a struggle for anyone but with thick, curly hair, humidity turns your hair into almost a straw-like texture. Curls turn to frizz and moderate thickness turns to an unkempt mane. Not to mention, even if your hair is up, you will still sweat more and get hotter faster than anyone else.
3. Combing your hair is a cardio work out whenever you shower
The only time I comb out my hair is when I wash it in the shower, otherwise my hair will just rip and tear. This means that I spend about twenty minutes getting an upper body workout, trying to comb out the thousands of tangles my hair has somehow managed to produce over the course of a few days. I guess the plus side to this is I don't need to life weights, I just need to comb my hair!
4. You spend your life's savings on hair products
The biggest struggle for me is that the products that make my hair look nice often cost an arm and a leg. I sort of want to cry each time I go through a bottle because it is like a car payment every month to pay for my hair.
5. You lose what seems like half of your hair in the shower
Curly hair doesn't fall out throughout the day as easily as straight hair and also shouldn't get brushed daily, to avoid rips and tears. This means less breakage but also more hair loss in the shower once it gets wet. I shed more than my dog does, I can't help it!
6. No hair tie seems to be strong enough
This is just a problem in general for anyone with thick hair. There have been many hot days where I've gone without a hair tie because mine broke. My advice to this problem is to bring scrunchies back in style because they don't break, won't tear your hair, and do their job.
7. Your hair gets really, really big
I already have very thick hair but when it is humid it just grows and grows to the point where I am almost not a person, but a walking head of hair. This just happens in general, it doesn't even need to be humid. On wet days, sunny days, cold days, I often start the day with nice hair and end it looking like Cousin "It" from the Adams Family.
8. Getting stuff done on your hair is risky business (can't trust just any hairdresser)
I have been through so many hairdressers who have fried my hair, cut it wrong, or gave me bad advice on how to care for curls. My parents have spent so much money on trying to find a good person who knew what they were doing because so many people don't know how to help someone with curly hair. Finally, this past year, I have found a hairdresser who can cut my hair and I have found products that work for me. You start to love your hair more once you know how it works and how to take care of it. If you have curly hair, find someone who is knowledgeable with all types of curls who can help cut it, style it, and teach you how to care for it.
9. You often suffocate people when you hug them (they also get a mouthful of your curls)
I am sorry about this one to whatever family member or friend I hug and nearly suffocate, but I cannot help it. When my hair is down you will get a mouthful of curls, just be prepared.
10. You have to plan out when you shower
Yes, this is something I have to do. My hair doesn't produce oil, so I only have to wash it twice a week. When I shower, my hair takes a while to comb through and a long time to dry so I must make sure I have ample time to do both. This means I must plan out when I style my hair and when I will wear it up, days before I do either. It does get annoying but it is like brushing your teeth, you just have to do it!
11. You look unique and beautiful!
Okay, so this one isn't a struggle but the journey to realizing this is. So many girls with curls spend so much time worrying about how they can get their hair straight, they don't realize how amazing their natural hair is! Curly hair can be a burden when it comes to taking care of it, the amount it costs for products, and going anywhere outside when it is hot or humid. But, everyone with curls must remember your hair is also a part of you. If you learn to love what you have and love how you look, you will be much happier.
