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My hair is naturally curly. The top of my head is slightly less curly and more wavy, and will grow into the curls that a British judge wears. The back and bottom though have hair that grows so curly it's usually described as nappy. I found it so unmanageable that I had my hair straightened. Now, it's growing back curly and I am unsure if I want to get it straightened again or if I can have my natural curls somehow. Does anyone have experience or suggestions? I actually prefer to have it curly because it's unique, as I am Asian and my hair is fairly uncommon, but I am clueless as to how I can manage my hair. It's now shoulder length and poofy enough to pull off a lion's mane look.
Hi Andy,
I have no direct experience myself w/ straightening (or perming, or dyeing, or bleaching, etc...); but, I have read many threads here of people who have done so, --- and they all pretty much say the same advise...
If at all possible, DON'T change a thing about your hair's natural behavior or color!! You will have a healthier mane that will grow out stronger and longer because of it!
- Ken in San Francisco (whose "virgin hair" is getting more and more white than ever!)
As a hair care professional with over 25 years' experience, I stand 100% behind Ken's advice: there is no healthier substitution for going (growing) all natural. And, if you stop to think about it, no two people (with the exception of identical twins) have the same hair type and growth pattern ... it is what really makes each of us an individual with a truly unique image.
Thank you guys for the advice. Is there any way I can keep myself from looking like Carrot Top as it continues to grow out? Nothing against the style, but I really feel it's not for me.
Andy, would you post some fotos of the Carrot Top growing out...to give us a clearer picture of just what you are dealing with?
Sure, I have attached my passport photo. This picture is actually right after I had it thinned though, it has since gotten longer. At its widest, I estimate halfway to my shoulders. My concern now is that I have about 3 inches of curly hair from the roots, and 9 to 12 inches of straight hair to the ends from having it straightened in the past, and I am unsure how I want to tackle this problem.
Andy,
I, too, have curly hair and am growing it out, so I know what you're going through. And, no, there's no avoiding the Carrot Top phase. You can use gel (make sure it's alcohol free) to comb it back and keep it as neat as possible for now, until it gets longer and you can pull it back in a ponytail. (Since curly hair tends to be dry, specially at the tips, I used to mix the gel with a dollop of conditioner. It also makes it less crunchy and "helmety.")
Another option is having a hairstylist remove some of the bulk, but in my experience hairstylists have a tendency to go scissor-crazy and start cutting away, and your hair will take even longer to grow out.
Once it grows long enough, you can ditch the gel. Detangle it after washing it and wear it in a ponytail, at least until it's dry. And always, ALWAYS, use some kind of silicone serum to finish it, so it doesn't get frizzy. Curly hair takes a LOT of love to look good.
As for relaxing it, or straightening it in any way, I agree with everybody else: don't. Trust me. I did it for years. It's not worth the trouble, and it can really, really screw up your hair --and, which is worse, your scalp.
Hi Andy,
When in the process of growing one's hair long, it takes about 2 years or so for your mane to get long enough to be able to gather it all up and tie it all back into a ponytail, --- and, until then, your hair will indeed look "awkward!"
Take heart, though... "Whatever gets you through the night!" (as the saying goes, as well as a line from the lyrics of a popular hippie song from the late 1960s or early '70s), --- be it hats, bandanas, hair gel, or just patiently enduring a few months of looking like a carrot top --- you will eventually get to where you'd like to be! Think of it as sort-of: "paying your dues" or, "earning your wings" (which in my case, is exactly how I looked during my own awkward stage - LOL)....
I'd also like to echo Mr. Gallagher's comment to please share a photo with us, since it's hard to give any further advise without looking at some kind of clear pic to see exactly what you're talking about.
Keep on growin' "onward & upward!" (until it finally starts to fall downward because of added length and weight - LOL).... My best to you!!
- Ken in San Francisco