So many people will spend a fortune on achieving the look of curly hair, from products to hot tools to hours in the mirror. But, if you have curly hair naturally, it can be overwhelming knowing how to manage it. Fighting frizz, understanding your curl pattern, and learning what products and techniques are right for you can feel like a constant balancing act. Having the wrong haircut can make taming your curls even harder. We asked Stacy Wells, CEO of L’Esprit Academy, what haircut you should avoid if you have curly hair.
While having a shorter haircut is easier in theory because it means less hair to style, that may not be the case for curly hair. “Sometimes shorter styles have a longer "awkward growing out stage" than someone with straight hair. Think of all the twists and turns curly hair makes to appear the same length as straight hair! Grow outs can take more than twice as long with curly hair, so consider this before deciding on the "big chop" or cutting those trendy bangs.”
In the beginning you may love your short cut, but thinking in the long term, it may become more of a nuisance due to the way it lays when it grows out. If you really do want to try short hair, talk to your hairstylist about optiont, and really think about it to make sure you’re ready to commit.
Instead of making the “big chop,” what is one flattering hairstyle you can try instead? It really depends what kind of curls you have. “Curls that you want to tame would benefit from a longer style which can weigh and weaken or loosen the curl. Those with very dense curly hair often complain that hair grows "out" and not "down.” Sometimes, removing some bulk in the hair can give that dense hair some room to live and the appearance of some separation and length. Those with thinner density curly hair benefit from some layers which encourages the curl and volumizes the look.” Wells says. At the end of the day, the best hairstyle for your curls is the one that is easiest for you to maintain. “Any cut that you can air dry and style with your hands or a wide tooth comb is best!” Refrain from using high heat blow drying or brushing curly hair when dry because it's damaging and frizz inducing.”
Keeping your curls strong, healthy, and frizz-free is all in the routine and technique. The first step is understanding the texture of your curls. “Remember that curly hair is more fragile, prone to tangling, and drier than straight hair due to the twists and turns of the hair strand.” Wells says. For this reason, you should avoid any abrasive products or tools on your hair—this includes high heat, chemical lightening, and brushing your hair when it’s dry. All of these things can lead to damage and frizz, two of the biggest things people with curly hair struggle with. Additionally, how you cut your hair can make a difference—avoid short hairstyles as they can take longer to grow out, and therefore prolong the awkward “grow out” time.
