Embracing Your Curls
Embrace your mane
Article by Ashley Alvarado, Photos by Kristina Garcia, Graphic by Dana Dang
Let’s face it: having curly hair in Texas weather is no joke! One day it’s rainy, the next day it’s sunny and humid. This poses an issue for curly-haired beauties, so how exactly can you keep your mane under control each time you step out the door?
Understanding your curls
Although all curly hair is beautiful, not all curly hair is the same! Some girls have textured curls while others have loose or tight curls. The types of products you use in your routine can make or break you, so the first step is to identify your curls (experts say to do this when your hair is wet)!
Every curl is unique but here’s how they can be categorized:
Type 2 (Wavy): bendable hair with an S pattern; fine to coarse
2A: light, tousled texture; easy to straighten
2B: flat at crown; S-shaped waves from middle of hair down
2C: thick, coarse, prone to frizz (See: Lorde)
Type 3 (Curly): can range from loose curls to springy corkscrews; prone to frizz
3A: large, loose curls that are often times shiny
3B: coarse ringlets
3C: corkscrews that are often times frizzy (See: Yara Shahidi)
Type 4 (Coily): referred to as "kinky hair”; tight, small curls that have a dry & spongy texture
4A: springy coils (see: Skai Jackson)
4B: dense strands that bend in sharp angles, like the letter “Z”; can be shaped in various ways
4C: tightly coiled to where [coil] is sometimes difficult to identify; versatile texture (See: Lupita Nyong’o)
Cheers to morning showers
No matter what kind of curls you have, morning showers are your friend. Your curls are actually the most defined and structured after you shower! Although taking night time showers doesn’t hurt, it’s best to opt for morning showers, ensuring your curls are as defined as possible. When going to bed after showering, lying on your pillow will greatly affect how your curls shape, and may not allow them to curl the way they’re supposed to. To prevent this, try to wash your hair in the mornings! Also, allow enough time for your hair to dry. Although blow drying your hair is faster, air drying your hair is a safer bet for reducing the chances of your hair becoming frizzy.
Be mindful of your hair products
There is no one hair product that will magically give you perfect hair. No need to panic—there are still products that can help to enhance your curls! Finding your favorite products is sort of like dating. It’s a process of trial and error, trying out different products to see what works best for your personal curls. There’s absolutely no shame in not spending a lot of money on hair products, as plenty of excellent drug store products work just as well for a fraction of the price. One brand that’s tried and true for thousands of curly-haired gals is Garnier Fructis, which can be bought at any drugstore. Be adventurous with your journey and have patience—the right products are out there!
Check the weather in advance
It’s no secret Texas weather is often unpredictable. Checking the weather before you rush to class or work is always useful when deciding how to style your hair. For example, if the weather is more humid and rainy than usual, you may want to plan on carrying a hair tie for a messy bun look. Preparing for what the weather throws at you when getting ready will make your routine so much less stressful. As another safety measure, it never hurts to carry a travel size version of your favorite hair product for an on-the-go touch up!
“Curly hair may be difficult to deal with, but there is so much uniqueness in curly hair.”
Your curls are beautiful!
Many women often feel the need to constantly pull back their curls or straighten them away. Nothing’s wrong with having straight hair, but showing off your beautiful curls never hurt! Curly hair may be difficult to deal with, but there is so much uniqueness in curly hair. Having natural curls is something to be proud of because they are a part of you. Own and love the mane you were born with!