As someone who has inherited several traits from my father—like my inability to hide my annoyance or keep quiet in the face of foolishness—I also got his curly hair. Despite hearing throughout my life that many women long for the bouncy curls I have, it seems the trend shifted away from curls after the vibrant ‘80s ended.
Growing up, my curly locks often led to some cringe-worthy school photos, especially in an era when effective hair products were scarce. Over time, I learned to embrace my curls, even if I occasionally envied women with sleek, straight hair. Managing curly hair takes forethought; there’s no simple “wash and go” routine. As much as I love my curls, I’ve sometimes considered just shaving my head.
Once motherhood arrived, my curly hair became even more of a hassle. Between a toddler’s needs and an infant’s demands, there’s hardly time to style my hair properly. Consequently, I’ve become quite fond of baseball caps. To all the fellow curly-haired women out there, here’s a toast to our shared experiences!
1. Epic Bedhead is a Given.
During my son’s first year, I often resembled a character from a horror movie with my wild hair. Wet hair and going to bed do not mix well for a curly girl. After one morning when my husband joked about my resemblance to George Washington, I knew something had to change.
2. Short Hair is Not an Option for Moms.
Curly hair tends to react dramatically to humidity, expanding and becoming unmanageable. Long hair is often easier to manage since you can pull it back. When the temptation to chop it all off strikes in a bid to save time, it quickly becomes clear that short hair is not the solution.
3. Hair Products Take a Backseat to Diapers.
I’ve known my hairdresser for years, and she’s worked wonders on my curls, but the cost of maintaining them is higher now that I have children. When the cost of diapers skyrockets, those essential hair products are often the first to be cut from the budget, leaving me looking less than polished.
4. Weather is a Constant Battle.
As a mom, I find myself outside frequently, whether at a sunny soccer practice or braving the rain at the grocery store. Unfortunately, moms with curly hair face endless bad hair days. I’ve seen fellow curly-haired moms don baseball caps for years instead of dealing with the effects of humidity.
5. Your Kids May Inherit Your Curls, and Bath Time Becomes a Challenge.
While detangling sprays and painless brushes have improved, no amount of product can ease the experience of untangling a 3-year-old’s curls. Sorry, kid—no sympathy here!
Certainly, my curly hair can be a burden at times, and I often envy those who can wake up looking effortlessly put together. Yet, on those rare days when the humidity is just right and my curls cooperate, I appreciate how they add a little bounce to my step. Plus, they serve as a sweet reminder of my father, bringing a smile to my face.
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In summary, curly hair comes with its own set of challenges, especially for mothers. From managing bedhead to navigating the complexities of maintaining curls amidst the demands of parenting, the journey is unique. Yet, these experiences create a bond among women with curly hair, reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles.