“It’s natural,” I respond. Then the slow-mo, whipping hair around, Pantene-style fantasy unfolds in my head. Then it gets shut down by reality. Today was a complete fluke. I’ve never seen my hair look the same twice in its life.
Before starting my curl journey, I was wetting my hair every day. For manageability and predictability’s sake, a complete reset was my go-to. I don’t live-and-breathe my hair, but I do like to look good.
Loads of effort every day using product after product sends me into flashbacks of 8-year-old me with aching little arms reaching up to try and get that up-do just right before the school bus came. Sweaty frustration is not my jam.
Day one is too sleek and perfect.
Day two has a bit more oomph.
Day three is usually my favourite day with the right amount of bounce, definition and calm.
Day four, and onwards, gets a bit dirty and finds itself up in a messy bun.
Let’s accept we’ll never be in control of every hair-affecting factor in our life. Humidity might be going crazy. Human error means we might miss a spot when applying our products. Hormones decide to have a poke at our self-confidence. Time runs out, you get splashed in the pool, have a rough sleep. Whatever it is, life doesn’t offer constant perfect-curl conditions.
My biggest tip is to let your curls have a natural life of their own. Kill doubt and build confidence by enjoying the hair given to you. Accept a hair compliment (I’m sure you get lots) with grace and a big thank you. And know that a straighty would kill for your worst curl day.
Perfect curls are achievable…with a curling wand. Society aspires for perfection, but your unique “imperfect” curls, kinks, and waves say far more than any straightening iron or curling wand ever could.