My Curly Hair Conundrum, Part I

Wavy, coil-y, curly, kinky, and combinations of all the above: there are just as many types of curl patterns as there are stars in the sky. A gift, some say, a unique trait. Lovely circles bouncing off your scalp! What could be better!

Countless people—strangers and loved ones alike, in countries across the globe—have oohed and aahed over my hair. Sure, it’s unique. Sure, it can look nice. But if you envy curly hair, let me (be probably not the first to) tell you that it is both a blessing and a burden.