I’ve inherited quite a few characteristics from my father: my expressive face that gives away my feelings, my bluntness when confronted with nonsense, and my zero tolerance for tardiness. I also took on his charming cleft chin, our shared love for savory Chinese dishes, and an unwavering passion for historical fiction.
And of course, I got his curly hair.
Despite hearing that women often shell out significant amounts of money to achieve curls like mine, I suspect that the desire for curly locks waned after the ’80s ended, leaving behind the era of big hair. Growing up, my curly mane often led to awkward school portraits, largely due to the limited availability of effective hair products. Eventually, I learned to embrace my curls, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t occasionally envy the sleekness of straight hair.
For those of us with curls, leaving the house requires a careful routine. It’s not as simple as a quick “wash and go.” I’ve come to appreciate my curls as part of my identity, yet there have been moments when I contemplated just shaving it all off. Once I became a mother, my curly hair turned into a dilemma, as there’s little time to manage unruly hair when you have a toddler demanding attention and an infant seeking nourishment. I’ve leaned heavily on baseball caps since embracing motherhood. If you’re a fellow curly-haired woman, I’m raising my bottle of conditioner to you; you know exactly what I’m talking about.
1. Epic Bedhead
During my son’s first year, I frequently resembled the Bride of Frankenstein or a character straight out of Weird Science. With shower time often happening late at night, going to bed with wet curls was a recipe for chaos. One morning, when my husband jokingly asked, “What’s up, George Washington?” I knew I had a serious hair situation.
2. Short Hair is Not an Option
Curly hair is significantly influenced by humidity; the more humid it is, the larger your curls become. Longer hair is easier to manage, allowing for options like ponytails or buns. When I felt desperate to chop my hair off for a few extra minutes in the morning, I quickly realized that short hair is a major mistake for a curly girl.
3. Hair Products are the First to Go
I’ve been with my hairdresser for 17 years, and she’s a lifesaver when it comes to taming my curls, but that comes at a price. Once diapers and baby expenses entered the picture, those luxury hair products that kept my curls in check were the first casualties on my budget list. Now, I often feel like a disheveled mess while my kids live it up in the diapers that used to fund my beloved styling gel.
4. Weather Woes
As a mom, I spend a lot of time outdoors, whether it’s under the scorching sun at a soccer game or navigating through rain at the grocery store. For us curly-haired women, bad hair days feel eternal. I suspect Mother Nature has straight hair, as I know many curly moms who have opted for the easy route of a baseball cap for years just to avoid the humidity’s effects.
5. Your Kids Might Inherit Those Curls
Detangling sprays and painless brushes have improved, but nothing can truly ease the screams of a 3-year-old with tangled curls. Sorry, kiddo; I can’t sympathize. Hold still!
While my curly hair can be a nuisance, I can’t help but feel a twinge of pride on days when the humidity cooperates, and I have a few extra minutes to style. My curls are a reminder of my father, bringing a smile to my face. But, to all the straight-haired folks out there: the next time you mention how much you’d love my curls, be prepared for a gentle nudge from my flat iron.
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In summary, curly hair comes with its fair share of trials and tribulations, particularly for women who juggle motherhood. From managing epic bedhead to navigating the complexities of hairstyles in different weather conditions, the experience is truly unique. Ultimately, despite the challenges, there’s a special bond among women with curls, and on good days, those curls can be a source of joy and connection to family.