First, ask yourself these 2 questions:
1. How do I react whenever somebody compliments my waves, curls, and coils?
A. “Oh, thanks” (but you don’t believe them”>
B. “Thanks” (followed by you walking away awkwardly, primping and messing with your hair”>
C. “Thank you! I love them too!” (you continue the conversation with your head held high”>
2. Do I search online and in magazines for every photo of a better style for your curls and waves?
A. True
B. False
What your answers may say about your Curl Confidence:
#1 C- So think of just how many times someone has commented on how beautiful your hair is or how they would love the curls or waves that you already have. How many times have you simply just let the comment go, thinking it’s not true? Too many. The fact is that those comments are things to be proud of and not shrug off so quickly.
#2-Either way, a little research is always good. A little. Would you believe me if I said you don’t need to be online every hour on the hour searching for the newest style or the latest curl miracle you’ve been waiting for all along? Embrace your curls and waves NOW!
Feel the need to straighten your hair every so often to have “options”? Need a ponytail for the beach? That’s fine. But straightening, on occasion, and ponytails to “rid” of the curls, ringlets and waves every day can do damage, in the long run, to your hair, scalp and even your self confidence. Yes, there are some great tools and products out there but have you really tried to accept your natural hair? It doesn’t have to be a lot of work, in fact, allowing your natural locks to show themselves can actually increase your self-confidence and reduce the amount of work and time you spend with your hair.
Try 14 Days of Curly Love!
If you’re ready to embrace what you have, try a two week trial. Start on a day when you can wash and style your hair “all natural.” Use your favorite curl gels, serums, sprays, leave-ins, etc. Check out the CurlTalk chat forum on naturallycurly.com for some good suggestions on your hair type or even home made stylers for your hair, to go even more natural. Yes, that’s possible!
Think of it this as a two week diet for your hair. Try products that will be good to your hair. Look at labels, try avoiding products that have lots of “cones” – ie. dimethicone, etc. Try Shea Butter or Coconut-infused leave-ins and stylers. For looser waves and curls (type 2″>, try using less product or lighter versions. For tighter curls and coils (types 3 and 4″> try cocktailing product.
If it’s been a while, you may want to get a new cut, or just a trim to get your hair back to healthy. Find a stylist that knows curls and texture. Ask him or her questions about how your curls and waves can better frame your face or fit your lifestyle. Here’s our recommended list of curly salons that you can find in your area.
You may want to experiment with some new, or old (just be sure they’re not expired”>, products for a few days. Style your hair with a diffuser or let it dry on it’s own, yes, with no hairdryer. You may want to use a satin pillow case if you’re planning on going to bed with some damp curls and waves. A satin pillow case can help protect curl formation and prevent frizz.
Once you’re at your “natural best,” be sure to become aware of the comments you may start to receive. Don’t be so quick to brush them off. Embrace the kind words and take a look at just how good your locks look!
Take a look at the calendar, has it been more than two weeks? Maybe you can extend your two week trial to three? If , however, you’re finding the two week trial a bit of struggle, don’t give up! It’s only a few more days. Work with different products, give them a chance to adjust to your natural look. And, most importantly, don’t be so hard on yourself. Your curls and waves most likely look a lot better than you’re giving them credit for.
After your two weeks are up, evaluate how you did. Were you too hard on yourself and your hair? Did you listen to others and their comments? You may want to take some time to think about how your trial went and just how much better you feel about your hair, and yourself.
