Romona has always had these gorgeous 3B curls, full of bounce and personality. But she’s shared with me how, growing up, she sometimes felt her curls made her stand out in ways she wasn’t ready for. People would comment, touch her hair without asking, or expect it to look “perfect” all the time.
It took her a while to realize that her curls weren’t something to tame or change—they were part of her identity, a reflection of her bold, dynamic personality.
For me, my journey has been different but just as personal. With a mix of curl patterns—2A waves in the front, tighter 3B curls at the crown, and softer 3A curls in between—I struggled to find my groove for years. My curls felt inconsistent, hard to predict, and often left me frustrated. I used to feel like my hair wasn’t “enough”—not curly enough, not straight enough, just… difficult. But over time, I started to see my hair differently. It wasn’t about fitting into a box or meeting expectations; it was about learning to embrace what makes me unique and figuring out how to care for it in a way that worked for me.
Being naturally curly means so much more than just having a hairstyle. It’s about self-acceptance, patience, and even resilience. Our curls tell a story of who we are—bold, unique, and unapologetically ourselves. Romona and I both believe that when you truly embrace your natural texture, you’re embracing so much more than hair. You’re embracing you.
What Does “Naturally Curly” Mean?
When we talk about being “naturally curly,” we’re talking about hair that isn’t chemically straightened or curled. It’s about letting curls live as they are—unique, wild, textured, and beautiful in their own way. Each curl type is different, and embracing your natural curls means understanding and loving the unique pattern and personality your hair has. Whether they’re loose waves, defined curls, or tight coils, each natural curl type has its own charm and, yes, its own set of needs.
The Day-to-Day of Having Curly Hair
Living with naturally curly hair is a constant balancing act. Our curls need moisture but not too much, they need definition but without being weighed down, and they need to be protected but still allowed to move. It’s a learning curve, and it often means trying countless products, testing out new methods, and learning what works for our individual hair.
Curly hair requires a commitment to understanding its needs and adjusting our routines to match the weather, the season, and even the phase of our curls that day. There are days when the curls look perfect, and then there are days when frizz takes over, and we wonder if we’re ever going to have a “good hair day” again. But that’s part of what makes curly hair so unique—it’s always evolving.
The Experience of Being Curly Everywhere We Go
Those of us with natural curls often know the feeling of standing out in a crowd. Sometimes, it’s amazing! Curly hair has personality; it’s bold, and people notice it. But there’s also the flip side—curly hair can attract comments and attention, not all of which are welcome. We’ve all heard the “Can I touch it?” or “Why don’t you straighten it?” questions, and we know what it’s like to feel like our hair is sometimes treated like an exhibit.
There’s a shared understanding among us curly-haired folks that not everyone gets it, and that’s okay. But we also know that nothing compares to the freedom of letting our curls be exactly how they are meant to be, without trying to fit into straight-hair norms.
The Difference Between Curly Hair and Straight Hair
Curly hair is a whole different world compared to straight hair. Straight hair allows natural oils from the scalp to slide down the hair shaft easily, keeping it more naturally hydrated. Curly hair, on the other hand, has a structure that prevents oils from spreading, leaving it more prone to dryness. This is why curly hair requires so much moisture and care, from deep conditioners to leave-in treatments.
On top of that, curly hair is often more sensitive to changes in humidity, temperature, and even products. What works for someone with straight hair is rarely effective for us, and our curls demand a bit of extra TLC to keep them looking their best.
Embracing Our Natural Curls
Being naturally curly means embracing something that’s entirely unique to us. It means learning to work with, rather than against, our hair. It’s understanding that, yes, it may take more time and effort, but the end result is something authentic, beautiful, and powerful. Curls are expressive—they have a life of their own, and they bring out something special in each of us.
For all of us with naturally curly hair, our curls are part of our identity. They’re a reminder of our heritage,individuality, the beauty in being different, and of the resilience we develop in learning to care for something that requires attention and love. Being naturally curly isn’t just about hair; it’s a journey, a statement, and a celebration of who we are—inside and out.
