The Curl Revolution Of The 21st Century

Have you ever struggled with your curls? Have you ever closed your eyes wishing for straight hair? I know I certainly have. 

My earliest memories of my hair root back to school mornings, when I would sit on the floor bawling my eyes out because my mum combed through what felt like a nest of tangled curls. 

In recent years, however, media has taught us to start caring for our curls rather than fearing them. From creams to gels, mousses to oils, brushes to finger coiling, we have been blessed with a wave of advice, making our curls bounce like the iconic disco looks from the 70’s and 80’s.

Instagram and TikTok 

Instagram and TikTok have been two especially helpful sites in this revolution. 

From reels to step-by-step methods, social media influencers from around the globe have given us meticulous methods for treating our hair.

For example, with 1.6M followers on Instagram, Jonathan Monroe uses bowls of water, avocados and strawberry cream water to inspire glowing curls.

Key Health Tips

The heaps of curly health advice from 2026 alone has been overwhelming.  

So, where do you begin?

A recent visit to Toni&Guy taught me that one keyword matters most for your curls.

Hydration. 

Using silicone-free products, like Palmer’s natural shampoo and conditioner or Label.m’s leave-in conditioner and defining foam can transition your hair from dry and flat to luscious and voluminous. 

Another tip I would recommend is visiting a curly hair specialist to analyse your hair. 

Every curl is different, so why not discover what your curl desires the most?

Wider Importance 

If you are reading this and thinking, ‘Is this author really just writing about curly hair?’ The answer is no. 

This is so much more than curly hair. 

This is about combatting stereotypical comments like ‘straight hair looks professional and curly hair looks messy’. This is about embracing your authentic self instead of trying to erase your community and culture. This is about healing years of insecurities about your self-image. 

So, if you are currently feeling at a loss with what to do for your curls, do not fret; there is a whole world of support out there for you. 

All you need to do is embrace it!