Song of Solomon 7:5 “Your hair is like royal tapestry; the king is held captive by its tresses.”

It’s time to fall in love—with your hair. One of a girl’s biggest love/hate relationships is with her hair. It’s too straight, curly, thick, thin, stringy, frizzy, flat, or poufy. Whatever your feelings, whatever the trend, it’s time to mend your split-end relationship with your locks.

I’ve got thick, naturally curly hair—and I love it! However, my feelings have not always been so positive toward my hair. Do you know how many seasons have come where the trend is perfectly straight hair? A tough trend to follow for us curly-locked gals. At one point I was spending an hour every morning before classes straightening my hair, only to have it curl as I walked out the door. And then someone made the simple comment about how beautiful my hair was when I just left it alone. I think it finally hit me how much I was working against something that should be left as it is.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to experiment with our looks for the enjoyment of a new style. However, we need to be careful about the amount of time and energy we put into trying to change our looks. Not only should we love and care for the hair God has given us, but we should also love and be content with the hair God has given us. 1 Peter 3:3: “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.” So, as we take a look at how to love and care for our hair, let’s remember that we are God’s beautiful daughter, and love the body He created for us.

General Hair Care

• DO NOT brush wet hair! This will only promote split ends, which will make your hair look frizzy and dry. Use a wide-toothed comb instead.

• Do use as few chemical treatments as possible.

• Don’t wash your hair until it’s “squeaky” clean. This means you have stripped the good oils that are naturally found in your hair.

• When towel-drying hair, do not rub—this will cause your hair to break off. Pat dry just enough to stop the dripping.

• After shampooing and conditioning, rinse your hair with cold water to seal the shaft and generate shine.

For Curly Hair

• You do not need to wash your hair every day. Although you may shower and condition every day, using shampoo will dry your hair out faster, giving it a frizzy, not curly, look. Two or three times a week is usually enough.

• If you must comb wet hair after a shower, use a wide-tooth comb. Hair is most fragile when it is wet, and harsh brushing will cause breakage.

• Air dry, if possible. If you must blow dry, use a diffuser and only dry until damp.

• Use minimal styling products. Mousse has a tendency to dry hair out, as does hairspray. I recommend using a styling gel, such as Scruples Smooth Out.

• Leave it alone!!! The more you play with curly hair, the frizzier it will be. Dry it, style it, and keep your hands off it.

• Don’t chemically straighten your hair, because that will damage your hair. If you want it straightened for a special occasion, find a good straightening iron at beauty supply store and do it yourself.

For Straight Hair

• Use a shampoo that is made for your hair type. If you have thin hair, get a volumizing shampoo. Oily hair? Use a shampoo that specifies that.

• Do not over-condition if your hair is thin or oily. This will only leave your hair limp and stringy. You only need a quarter-sized drop of conditioner.

• Don’t over-style your hair. Keep your hair routine and products as simple as possible.

• If you must do something to your hair, occasionally use a straightening iron for smoother looking hair in just a few minutes.

• Spritz a small amount of flexible hold hair spray over any problem areas for all- day style.

• Save the curling iron or hot rollers for special occasions. Constant use of these heat products will start to damage hair.

• If you really want layers, start out with just one or two longer layers. Depending on your specific hair texture, face shape, and personal preference, layers can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Keep in mind that, generally, the more layers there are, the more styling time is required.

Recommended Products

Scruples Smooth Out Straightening Gel—although this says “straightening,” it is great for curly hair. It holds the curl but fights the frizz—and there are no “crunchy” curls as a result (a characteristic I’ve had a hard time finding in other products). Not the cheapest gel product out there, but it lasts awhile, and for the quality, I think it’s worth it.
*Note: This product comes in 8.5 oz. or 1 liter sizes. If you want to try it, get the smaller size; if you like what you get, the 1 liter size is the better deal.

Conair Mega Ceramic Vented Round Boar-Bristle Hair Brush – Large (Target). This brush is highly rated and is a good price for a natural-bristled brush. The vents allow air flow, which helps dry hair faster when blow-drying, and also helps to add soft curls; natural bristles are a stylist’s sign of a good brush.

Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics. These also come in bright, fun colors, or choose the natural colors to blend in with your hair. You can snag these for a few dollars at most grocery and retail stores. They are a great way to get the hair out of your face, while not breaking the strands.

Goody Rake Comb (Walmart, Target, and other retail and drug stores). An inexpensive wide-tooth comb for detangling wet hair without creating frizz.

There are many hair products out there, and that can often be overwhelming. Remember to stick with varieties that are made for your hair type––don’t be tempted to buy certain products just because they are popular. If needed, experiment with different brands until you find the one that works. Don’t hesitate to ask someone whose hair is similar to yours––and whose you like––what product they use; you may find your next favorite thing. And don’t forget––if all else fails, wear a ponytail!

By Lisa Grimenstein