# Unraveling the Mysteries of Curly Hair: A Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: A Personal Reflection on Curly Hair
For as long as I can remember, I’ve envisioned myself with long, straight, blonde locks—the kind that flows effortlessly and shines with a healthy glow. Unfortunately, I was born with light brown, curly hair. While it’s fine, I can at least say I have a lot of it.
I’ve often wished for uniform curls, each one forming a perfect ringlet, or even for gentle waves cascading down my back. But alas, that has not been my reality. The only time my hair seemed to fit in was during the 1980s, an era when big hair was in vogue, and everyone was getting perms. Thankfully, I didn’t need one; I was born with naturally curly hair that had a bit of wave and frizz—perfect for rocking out to Van Halen or dancing to WHAM!
However, those carefree days are behind me. Now, as a grown woman, I find it challenging to fully appreciate my natural hair. For special occasions, I usually ask my hairdresser to straighten it. Oh, how I adore the way it moves when it’s sleek! Plus, it looks incredibly shiny after a salon treatment.
I have a complicated relationship with my curls. They are utterly unpredictable and at the mercy of the weather. Dry, humid, windy, or rainy conditions can transform my hair from looking stunning one day to resembling a frizz explosion the next.
And let’s not forget the cost. The amount of money I’ve poured into hair products is staggering. I’ve tried some of the priciest shampoos and conditioners marketed for curls, yet my hair remains unruly. It seems my curls have a will of their own, and even the most skilled stylist struggles to tame them.
It’s also worth noting that I don’t own a brush. For someone with natural curls, a brush is as frightening as a crucifix to a vampire. You simply don’t go there. If you have curly hair, you know that finding a hairdresser who understands how to cut it is essential. Every disastrous haircut I’ve received was from someone who didn’t grasp the nuances of curls. Surely, they teach Curly Cutting 101 in beauty school, right?
So why do some people flaunt luxurious, flowing hair while I often feel like I’ve just walked through a windstorm? The answer may lie in science.
Curly hair is inherited and governed by a dominant gene. With a mother who has wavy brown hair and a father who sported black ringlets, I wasn’t likely to escape curls. As kids, my sister would often stomp her feet and call our father a “curly-headed coo-coo” when he scolded her. We even had a black poodle named Bobo, and we’d chuckle at how he and Dad resembled each other.
Now, back to the science. Our hair grows from follicles, and the shape of these follicles determines hair type. Straight follicles yield straight hair, while curved (S-shaped) follicles produce curls. Moreover, straight hair fibers are round and grow evenly, while curly fibers are oval and grow unevenly.
Despite this, science has yet to explain why there are so many different curl types. What they do know is that we all have a gene that creates a protein called TCHH, which strengthens hair as it develops from the follicle. Variations in this protein help account for the diverse shapes and textures of hair.
What about the old myth that eating your crusts makes your hair curl? Unfortunately, there’s no scientific backing for this. It seems to be a tale from the past when food was scarce, and parents simply wanted to encourage their kids to eat more.
Embrace Your Curls
Curly hair tends to be drier, coarser, and more susceptible to damage than straight hair, which means it requires specialized care. Products containing silicone or SLS can leave curls looking limp or create unmanageable frizz.
The principle of "less is more" applies here. Avoid overusing products and refrain from touching your hair more than necessary. The more you try to fix an unruly curl, the worse it will appear.
Ultimately, learn to love your natural self and embrace your curls. Many people with straight hair would be envious of the natural body and bounce that curls provide.
Here’s to your beautiful curls!
Silva x
Learn to Love Yourself, Curls and All
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Silva Mirovics is a Melbourne-based writer, gerontologist, yogi, vegan, and owner of Words by Silva. She holds a Degree in Health Science and a Research Master in Gerontology.
Chapter 2: The Science of Curly Hair
Curly hair is a fascinating topic that intertwines personal experience with scientific understanding.
The first video titled "What Makes Curly Hair Curly?" delves into the biological and genetic factors that determine why some people have curly hair, providing deeper insights into the science behind those beautiful curls.
Chapter 3: Embracing Your Natural Beauty
Don’t let the challenges of curly hair discourage you. Instead, learn to appreciate its uniqueness.
The second video, "What Makes Hair Curly | CURLY HAIR SCIENCE SERIES Pt.2," continues the exploration of curly hair, offering tips and tricks for maintaining and embracing your natural texture.