I have hair that has only gotten curlier as I have gotten older. Only those with naturally curly hair can relate, and I am sure that the following struggles will be familiar to those with curly hair.
Struggle #1: When you say, “I woke up like this,” people will actually believe you
There is no such thing as rolling out of bed and running out the door. Time and effort need to be put in to have your hair appear to be somewhat under control before facing the public.
Struggle #2: You had to endure routine morning pain as a child
“Ouch, ouch, ouch!” is all I remember as my mom combed my hair each and every morning.
Struggle #3: Kids’ detangler does not work, no matter if it says it is the #1 brand or not
No way, no how would a simple spray like that work hair that is twisty and loopy.
Struggle #4: It takes a millennium to straighten
In order for a curly-haired person’s hair to look entirely straight and not poofy, straightening must occur, layer by layer, only a few strands at a time. Straightening usually takes about an hour for me maybe more, despite my excellent straightener.
Struggle #5: After getting your hair cut, your hair dries to look uneven
Sure when your hair is sprayed wet and combed straight, it is cut to an even length, but imagine what happens when the follicles take their zany form and spring up…some strands appear to be longer than others.
Struggle #6: If you want wavy hair you have to pull out both the straightener and the curler
Unlike those with naturally straight hair, individuals with ringlets can’t just take curlers to their hair (I have no idea what would happen if they did that). Each curlicue must be straightened then curled in order to form those beach waves.
Struggle #7: Curls make you look younger than you are
Anyone else have this problem? My blonde curls tend to radiate a childish and innocent vibe.
Struggle #8: If you get it cut shoulder-length, you look like Lord Farquad
If you have seen Shrek, you know who I am talking about: the short, evil prince with an ugly stack of hair. When I get my hair cut to that length, I straighten it every day until it grows in length. No one wants their hair to look like Lord Farquad’s.
Struggle #9: In humid weather, it looks like you stuck your finger into an electrical socket
Talk about poofy. My hair turns into a frizz-ball when it turns humid. Even when it is not humid outside, I spray my hair with water and hairspray every day.
Struggle #10: You want to show off your natural curls but it is viewed as “different” and “unpopular” to teenagers
Maybe you are too old and could care less about this struggle, but those with curly hair feel like curly hair is even more of a minority than it actually is because most girls hide their curly hair by straightening it every day. Those who keep their natural curls stand even more out; those who straighten their hair may actually like their curls yet want to “fit in.”
Although there are some disadvantages to having curly hair, I love my hair. I do not complain—except for in this article—and I like that my hair does not look like everyone else’s.
