Curly hair is a love hate relationship for any busy Xavier girl. Its constant tangles, frizz, and high maintenance are enough to result in a messy bun everyday as it seems like curls have a mind of their own. There is no way around this fact and, especially as a curly haired girl myself, I understand the struggle. Trust me.

I personally think that we are the most unrecognized hair type. Yes, curly hair does look nice, but sometimes it only looks nice for a few hours before the frizz sets in. If you want to wear a ponytail, you cannot put your curly hair back down without a half-formed mullet after the flattening of your curls. And just when do you brush your hair? Certainly not when it is dry for then the curls separate and “poof up” before disaster strikes. And just where do we attempt to find the answers to these problems? Endless Google searches.

However, below I have compiled a list of answers to the most desired curly-haired questions from students at Xavier. We are all forced to deal with the mess, so why not enjoy it?

Helen Innes ‘19

Just what are the problems with curly hair?

My biggest problem is that I run in the mornings and do not have time to wash my hair before school. I have found though that working out with a loose, low ponytail keeps my curls intact and ready to wear to school.

Where you born with curly hair?

I was born with curly hair but it straightened out for a while. It really started getting curly again in the past year or two, so I have had to adapt pretty quickly.

What is the biggest misconception about curly hair?

People think that taking care of curly hair is just like taking care of straight hair, but they are wrong!

What do you hate/love most about your hair?

I hate when my hair starts flattening out after a day or two, but I love how it does not get greasy! You can just throw it up in a ponytail and it is ready to go.

What hair products do you use?

I use DevaCurl products and I am in love with them! They smell fruity and keep my hair healthy and shiny. I think that the secret to curly hair is wearing a scrunchie. They keep your curls loose and vibrant! I would also suggest to anyone that wants to go to a curly hair only salon that Curls Gone Wild is the place to go. For your first appointment, they have a personalized session where they discuss how to take care of your hair. This was super helpful and I would recommend it to anyone with curly hair!

Angela Chambers ‘19

Just what are the problems with curly hair?

The problem I face with curly hair is not being able to brush it without it turning into a giant frizzy mess. Sometimes, if a few hairs are misplaced, someone with straight hair could just brush it down to fix it, but for people with curly hair, it is a whole process sometimes to the point of having to rewash your hair entirely.

Where you born with curly hair?

Yes, I was born with curly hair 🙂

What is the biggest misconception about curly hair?

The biggest misconception about curly hair is that we can just get up in the morning, do nothing, and go. That is not sure because most of the time in order to wear it down everyday it needs to be washed almost every other day to make sure it looks perfect all the time.

What do you hate/love most about your hair?

What I love most about my hair is that no matter how hard anyone without curly hair tires to, they cannot achieve curls that look like mine. No curling iron, perm, or product can make fully natural looking curls. What I hate most is that when I want to style or straighten it, it is a very long process.

What hair products do you use?

I try not to overdo it with the products but the three staple things I have been using recently are: Alfaparf Milano shampoo, Alfaparf Milano Leave in conditioner, and John Frida frizz ease mousse. I usually just wash it, finger comb it with the conditioner in, add the mouse once I get out of the shower, and then let it air dry.

MK Fairbanks ‘22

Just what are the problems with curly hair?

I love my hair but I hate the work.

Where you born with curly hair?

Yes, I was born with curly hair.

What is the biggest misconception about curly hair?

People often question my ethnicity with my hair texture. I often get asked if I have a perm.

What do you hate/love most about your hair?

Curly hair can be really hard to manage as it is impossible to brush my hair when it is dry. Hair bands easily crease my hair.

What hair products do you use?

I love Miss Jessie’s multicultural curls, and DevaCurl gel. I shampoo my hair about twice a week, but wash it everyday and always brush it out in the shower. I also rarely diffuse my hair.

Bernadette Avila ‘19

Just what are the problems with curly hair?

The biggest problem I have with my curly hair is that it’s harder to style and it’s difficult to find the right combination of products that fit your curls.

Where you born with curly hair?

Yes, I was born with curly hair. My curls really started to show when I was around 1.

What is the biggest misconception about curly hair?

I think one of the most common things I’ve heard is that I can make it neater by brushing it out.

What do you hate/love most about your hair?

I love how my curls look when they’re styled right and what that people without natural curls can’t make their hair look like mine. I can straighten it whenever.

What hair products do you use?

I use a shampoo and conditioner that’s specifically for curly hair and sulfate free by Redken. I also use a curl cream from Lush and a lightweight mousse.