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Growing Curly Hair Through The Awkward Stage
You Shall Not Frizz!
We all know growing out your hair is a struggle. It’s a long, tedious process that requires attention and thought. But growing curly hair takes the awkward stage to DEFCON 7.
The Longhairs have covered a lot of ground about the awkward stage, but there is something especially difficult about growing out curly hair. Whether you need a few practical tips or just a confidence boost to get you through that atrocious curly growth phase, here I’ve shared some of the best secrets I learned while growing out my curly hair.
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Awkward Stage Hair
Awkward Stage Hair
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Key Takeaways
- Embrace the Challenge: Growing curly hair through its awkward stage requires patience and a strategic approach.
- Styling Solutions: Utilize hats, headwraps, and other accessories to manage unruly phases effectively.
- Setting Goals: Establish clear milestones for hair growth to stay motivated and track progress.
- Creative Styling: Experiment with different styles like braids to keep your curly hair neat and manageable during the growth process.
- Support and Resources: Engage with communities and resources dedicated to long curly hair for tips and encouragement.
Accepting It
There are no shortcuts to your end goal, so you just have to accept that you are gonna look like Bozo The Clown for a few weeks, but don’t worry, there are ways to make this process less painful.
My Fro Struggles
I have always wanted long hair, ever since I was a kid, but I repeatedly cycled between two hair styles: the buzz cut and the afro. Growing curly hair long was something I could not achieve until I had control.
I finally started growing it out junior year of high school, right after prom. I had a little “poof” on the top of my head and let that grow while I kept shaving the sides—basically an undercut. I eventually looked like a mushroom, until I could pull it back into a small highball.
I rocked this hairstyle for about a year before I decided I wanted more. Around the same time I discovered The Longhairs and their amazing products, which leads me to our next section.
Oh, The Awkwardness
Growing out your sides from an undercut is probably worse than losing an arm. I had the poof going all the way around the sides and the highball up top until I discovered headwraps, man these saved my life! They allowed me to lock down my side poof while still rockin the curly mane up top.
While the headwraps are great, you come to a point where the awkward stage just beats you down. At this point you pull out your trusty hard lid (trust me buy one or a few). I wore hats almost every day for another year until my hair finally all wanted to go up with the rest.
And don’t forget to experiment, try any and everything to make that fluff stay down, never think that a certain style won’t look good on you.
The Center For
Awkward Stage Hair
Awkward Stage Hair
Visit The Center
Still Not Finished
One thing I found that helped me with growing out curly hair was having goals. I had at least five goals while growing my hair out, and still have some that I have yet to accomplish. A few of my goals were:
- Be able to tie my hair up;
- Be able to tie up all the hair from my undercut;
- Be able to wear my hair up while still having flow in the back.
One goal I just accomplished was having my hair touch my shoulders while still curly, and my next one I’m working on is to have my hair come down to my lower chest. Goals keep you going, they help you see the ends to your means.
Managing While Growing Curly Hair
Some of the best ways to manage your growing poof are the simplest ones. You want to not look like you just woke up out of bed and you also want to look somewhat presentable.
I already mentioned a hat, a good lid that can tuck up all that frizz and fluff, so no one knows you are hiding a wooly mammoth up there.
However, sometimes the most effective way is not an option. Let’s say you have to go to church, or a wedding or even just to school, the hat doesn’t work so you have to get a little more creative. In these cases, condition your hair to dampen the frizz as best as you can, then throw on a headband, headwrap or just buck up and rock the afro.
My absolute favorite discovery while growing curly hair, however, was braids. As long as you have about three inches of hair, you can find a salon and get your hair braided. These keep the poof in check while offering a neat and presentable style.
Dude, What Now?
Just stick to it, don’t falter, do what you want to do. If someone tells you to tame that beast, just say your goal is to embrace it.
Whatever you do, don’t give in to the pressure. It’s gonna be tough, you’re gonna wanna chop it all off, but then you will always wonder about what could have been.
The Center For
Awkward Stage Hair
Awkward Stage Hair
The definitive and unequivocal resource for growing long hair and overcoming the awkward stage, based on the experience of thousands of men who’ve made it through.
FAQ
What makes growing curly hair particularly challenging?
Curly hair can be unpredictable and difficult to manage, often requiring specific products and styling techniques.
How can I reduce frizz while growing out my curly hair?
Use moisturizing conditioners and gentle styling products designed for curly hair to minimize frizz.
What are some effective ways to style curly hair during the awkward stage?
Hats, headwraps, and braids are great options to keep hair controlled and stylish.
Can I still achieve long hair if my curly hair seems to grow very slowly?
Yes, curly hair often appears to grow slower because of its spiral nature, but it is indeed growing. Consistent care and patience are key.
Are there any specific products recommended for managing curly hair during growth?
Look for products that enhance moisture, define curls, and reduce tangles.
GUEST BIO
Yo longhairs! My name is Josef Stark (a.k.a El Rizado). I am a student at UNC Wilmington, majoring in Recreation Management. I have been growing my hair since 2016 and have been following The Longhairs since 2017. When I’m not on poof control I’m crushing it on campus longboarding, I also enjoy all forms of waterskiing.
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Are you growing curly hair?
Share your experiences, or ask me a question about growing curly hair.
