Any other curly girls in here?

[swanson_eyes]

For those of you who set your hair regularly, do you ever just let it go curly and maybe style the front, like in finger waves or rolls? I did that yesterday and really liked it. I often wonder if the curly ladies did that to save time. I never really see pictures of it, save Clara Bow, with her curl bob tamed by finger waves in the front. I like curler sets, but sometimes I just don't have time or energy for that. What about you? Anyone have pictures? I think I'll make mine my avatar.

 

[lolly_loisides]

Yes I do that often, sometimes finger waves on the crown of my head & let the rest dry naturally, sometimes just curlers (wet set) to frame my face & let the rest be naturally curly (goes off to find decent photos).

 

[swanson_eyes]

Thank you for posting; it helps to see that one can go reletively authentic with natural hair. It looks nice.

 

[AnyaLynn]

My hair used to be a soft natural wave, which would have been perfect for vintage styling. Sadly, I wasn't even aware vintage was a thing at the time. Pregnancy changed my hair to these almost Botticelli style curls if I let it dry naturally. Think Shakira hair.

If I braid it when it's slightly damp, it holds the wave wonderfully, so if I'm feeling lazy I'll put the front in pin curls and braid the rest.

 

[swanson_eyes]

I have braided overnight for years because my hair is long and it prevents tangles. I get nice waves. But it does shrink up more when I wet set it. I prefer it to fall shorter because it looks more authentic and doesn't get caught on things as much. I'm thinking on the nights I don't feel like wet-setting I could braid and set the last 4 inches or so on curlers, and pin curl the front sections.

 

[Bixie Bliss]

I am sort of curly. I've bleached my hair pale blonde and the canopy part is pretty straight now except for some ugly half waves that stick out. Underneath is everything from waves and curls to ringlets. I'm trying to get my hair in better condition to see if that reinstates the curl on top, but so far nothing. I miss the ability to do exactly what the OP suggested and just tidy up the front.

 

[AnyaLynn]

As to your straight canopy, how long is your hair and how thick? My hair is fairly long (past my shoulders by a 3 or 4 inches when straight/wet, and about shoulder length or an inch longer when curled) and very thick, and when my hair is this long it pulls the canopy straight simply by weight. When my hair is shorter or has been thinned, the curl travels upward - so to speak.

 

[swanson_eyes]

A straight canopy is typical of loose curls. Those kinds of curls get tighter as the hair gets longer. When I had shoulder-length hair it was wavy and now that it's inching past waist it goes more in long, skinnier spirals.

I did try the braids and curlers thing last night and I really liked how it turned out. It was easier to tame also. I realize I need to trim the front layers because the front is getting hard to style.

 

[AnyaLynn]

I'd love to see a picture of how it turned out for you, swanson_eyes! I had hair almost that long once, but never did anything with it at the time.

How to you get your front layers cut? Last time I tried to explain it to a hairdresser she mangled my hair badly.

 

[Bixie Bliss]

My hair is about bra strap length, long layers and very thick. It's only the top layer that is straighter.

When my hair was past waist length I'm sure it was curlier, but it was also dyed black and in really good condition so there's a few differences!

It holds a curl really well so I can do things with it but there's no wash and go with it now.

 

[AnyaLynn]

Oh, the days of wash and go. I used to have a pixie cut - think late 1960s Goldie Hawn. So easy. Now it takes effort.

 

[swanson_eyes]

I'd love to see a picture of how it turned out for you, swanson_eyes! I had hair almost that long once, but never did anything with it at the time.

How to you get your front layers cut? Last time I tried to explain it to a hairdresser she mangled my hair badly.

I've been cutting my own for years. They're angled around my face at the moment. I get them really wet and just kind of free-hand it. Yeah, I'm brave. Sometimes I do mangle it, but I know the risk I'm in for.

 

[AnyaLynn]

I've been cutting my own for years. They're angled around my face at the moment. I get them really wet and just kind of free-hand it. Yeah, I'm brave. Sometimes I do mangle it, but I know the risk I'm in for.

Oh my gosh, I've only cut my own hair once, but just did it all the same length. Nothing adventurous, haha.

 

[jazzcleopatra]

I am black, with medium length, afro curly hair. I eventually want to get an angled bob look to somewhat allude to a 20's/30's feel. The front layers and bangs need to grow out more first before I cut.

My hair makes nice waves if I braid/twist/bantu knot it and coil the ends with my fingers. I get waves or curls depending on technique and size of each section. I used to be frustrated and wanted a sleek bob, but now I feel I actually look sexier and more exotic with big textured hair. I do like a looser look though because my un-styled tight ringlets make me look like a child. I'm 36 and still look like a teen, so no Shirley Temple look for me, not sexy.

I had been doing keratin treatments on myself for a year, but took a break to see how I felt. Have to say, I manage my non-treated hair well, but my hair is just so much better with keratin. My hair is fine so it gives it strength and way less frizz, plus makes it easier to manipulate. It is still really curly, which I like.

 

[RitaHayworth]

I am sort of curly. I've bleached my hair pale blonde and the canopy part is pretty straight now except for some ugly half waves that stick out. Underneath is everything from waves and curls to ringlets. I'm trying to get my hair in better condition to see if that reinstates the curl on top, but so far nothing. I miss the ability to do exactly what the OP suggested and just tidy up the front.

Bixie, I have naturally curly hair and when I bleached mine, my canopy all dropped too. I think its a combination of that area bearing the brunt of styling aids, weather etc. But it wasn't until I went dark again that the top curled back up. I think bleach just kills it

 

[swanson_eyes]

I suppose a flatter canopy isn't bad if you're doing vintage styles, though. Flat crowns were the rule, even with rolls in front. Lately I have been letting my curls do whatever and doing a low infinity bun or some other early '20s style. But tomorrow I'll set it with my Caruso rollers and do a beehive ponytail because I'm feeling the '60s. A friend gave it to me and it's great for when I don't feel like doing an overnight set.

 

[Bixie Bliss]

Bixie, I have naturally curly hair and when I bleached mine, my canopy all dropped too. I think its a combination of that area bearing the brunt of styling aids, weather etc. But it wasn't until I went dark again that the top curled back up. I think bleach just kills it

Noooo, not what I wanted to hear! (But I think you are right. I'm pretty sure my hair is curlier when dark too...)

 

[Grant Fan]

My natural curls don't really lend themselves at all to vintage at least I don't feel that they do, they are a bit like the curls in Brave, so much curvier than 1940s and 1950 hair. If my curls were softer and or wavier I might feel differently I can see how that would be nice.

 

[swanson_eyes]

Lately I find that if I brush out my long bangs I get a natural finger wave and then I just put the rest into a low sideways figure-8 bun. It looks better if I set it, though, as seen in my avatar. That was Caruso rollers and I don't think I even bothered to set the waves with clips like I normally would, since I was in a hurry. I'm thinking the only styles that lend themselves to natural curls are the late Edwardian/very early '20s 'dos, and I like '30s hair. The other thing that works against me: almost hip-length hair and no plans to cut it any time soon.

 

[Linda Nexus]

I had mid length hair and just few days back got one chin length curly bob like this. Love my new haircut

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