I have rarely wished for straight hair, but there are periods of time when I am more at peace with the state of my curls.
Having a bunch of kids in a relatively short period has led to dryer strands and lots of hair loss, followed by hair growing in but in a weird, wiry, and fuzzy way – not my finest hair days.
Enter quarantine. I decided to go searching for tips to get my hair back on track (even if it is in a ponytail most of the time). Armed with items like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil, I have marched to the shower determined to find a breakthrough.
It hasn’t happened, but I have amused my kids by the odd kitchen staples they see go in my hair.
I know there isn’t a holy grail and we all have different types of curls, so I decided to ask a few of our contributors and friends about their curl experiences in the hopes that we can embrace our curls and waves — and compare tips.
Anitria
How would you describe your hair?
Thick, yet fine. High porosity. A little dry due to use of too much heat. Yet my curls are nicely defined.
What are your favorite products to use?
The Mane Choice, Moroccan Oil hair line, and Aunt Jackie’s.
Do you swear by any washing or styling techniques?
Shampoo only once a week. If you need to wash, co-wash. Deep condition at least once a week. Leave in conditioner and oils are your best friends.
Hair goals?
I want my hair to grow to bra strap length.
Kate
How would you describe your hair?
Thick, coarse, curly
What are your favorite products to use?
Deva curl products. I use the conditioner, no poo shampoo, light hold gel and heaven in hair.
Do you swear by any washing or styling techniques?
Shampoo once a week, apply gel in the shower before towel drying or scrunching my hair. Wrap hair in a tshirt, instead of a towel.
Hair goals?
Wearing my hair down, instead of pulling it up on no wash days.
Megan
How would you describe your hair?
Before kids- thick and curly; after kids- average thickness and wavy in some places.
What are your favorite products to use?
A straightener.
Do you swear by any washing or styling techniques?
Shampoo no more than twice per week.
Hair goals?
Now that I am almost three years postpartum, I want to see if I can get my curls back.
Meghann
How would you describe your hair?
Medium thick, very fine.
What are your favorite products to use?
LUS for wavy hair (shampoo, conditioner and styling).
Do you swear by any washing or styling techniques?
Diffuser on warm/cool, sleep on satin pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Cathy
How would you describe your hair?
Thin
What are your favorite products to use?
Shea Moisture Leave-In, LA Looks Gel (Yup, I said LA Looks Gel).
Do you swear by any washing or styling techniques?
Upside down styling, praying hands applicatio, and diffusing with orchid xtava have been the best combo for me.
Hair goals?
I’d like more consistent results.
Me!
How would you describe your hair?
Coarse, thick-curlier in parts . . . currently dealing with frizz/not as nice of a curl pattern on the outer area.
What are your favorite products to use?
I’ve been happy with Bounce Curl products lately. . . just got Innersense to try too (I will spend $0 on clothes but if you promise me great curls- take all my money!).
Do you swear by any washing or styling techniques?
Wetting throughout conditioning or “squish to condish”- my hair always feels parched and needs that marriage of moisture and conditioner to stand a chance.
Hair goals?
More luscious looking curls . . and consistency. Sometimes, I feel like I walk into the shower with products and a prayer. I’m toying with different product combinations and techniques (rake & shake versus finger-coiling versus just coating & scrunching).
I remember in high school buying a book on curly hair. That was the extent of my research. Now it can be so much more overwhelming with the rise of “curl influencers.”
No, I don’t know if my hair is 2b or 3a, I don’t really want to determine its porosity or if the water is hard in Iowa City, and I thought protein was something I should be concerned about in my diet, not with my hair.
Like with anything on social media, seeing perfect curl pics can teeter between inspiring me and making me feel inadequate.
It was fun to discover for awhile, but for now, I’m going to start un-following and going back to basics. I have too much going on to feel overwhelmed with my hair and “its journey.”
Maybe in a year, I’ll feel another rise of passion for all things curly hair, but for now, I don’t feel the desire to see what works for people who undoubtedly devote way more time to their hair than me.
