Women whose natural hair is full of curls, coils, waves, or bendy patterns can feel the need to straighten their locks

Moms whose natural hair is anything but straight may spend a lot of time making it straight or disliking how it looks when curly or wavy. There's no denying that straight hair is the most accepted and desired style of hair in our society. Straight hair gives off the appearance of being very clean and sleek. It also reflects more shine compared to curly or wavy hair. Women whose natural hair is full of curls, coils, waves, or bendy patterns can feel the need to straighten their locks in order to look their best or be taken more seriously.

Curly or wavy hair was almost always straightened in movies and on TV when making an "unattractive" girl look prettier. There's a real reason why so many women want straight hair and get blowouts on a regular basis. There is a proven bias against women who wear their hair in their natural curly or wavy state. Black women in particular can be subjected to judgment and discrimination over their natural hair.

A study from Duke University published in Social Psychological and Personality Science proved that women with straight hair are seen as more professional and more hirable. Black women with natural hair were seen as significantly less professional and even less competent compared to white women with straight hair.

Straight hair is made possible for all women because of hair straighteners. However, for many women, the time it takes to straighten their hair cuts into their daily routine. They're also exposing their hair to daily or weekly heat damage. Hair that holds a coil, curl, or wave doesn't want to be straightened, and over straightening it can damage it over time.

Straighteners can also be quite expensive and the act of straightening can take a long time. Women with curls or waves can be nervous to put down their straightener despite the benefits, but it could be a life changing choice to style your hair naturally.

You can't care for your hair properly if you don't know what type of hair you have. It may sound easy to identify your hair type but moms with curls, coils, or waves can get easily confused over the definitions and can make simple mistakes with the products they use. Figuring out your hair's porosity is recommended as well. Hair porosity is how well your hair absorbs moisture and helps you pick out the hair products you will be applying. This hair porosity quiz can help you out.

A lot of women who think they have curly hair actually have wavy hair and part of the reason they haven't had a successful natural hair journey is that they've been treating their hair all wrong. There is a whole curl scale that ranges from type 2A to 4C. It can be very detailed but really just identifying if you have coils, curls, or waves, as well as porosity is enough.

Naturally Curly describes coily hair as "thin, fine and thin or wiry and coarse." This hair is quite literally tight, densely packed coils. Coily hair is type 4 hair and the most sensitive hair that craves lots of moisture. Look for products with Shea butter and also use hair butter, deep condition weekly and sleep with a bonnet to avoid friction on your pillowcase.

Curly hair is only considered curly if the hair strands curl from the root. Curly hair is type 3 hair and needs a lot of moisture as well but a healthy balance. Curly hair loves cream-based leave-in conditioner and curl creams.

Women with wavy hair fall into type 2 on the curl chart. Wavy hair can give off the appearance of curls and even have some very curly strands, however, unless there is a curl from the root, this hair isn't considered curly. Wavy hair requires lighter products than curly hair and doesn't get as dry. Wavies can make the mistake of using more cream-based products but instead, wavy hair needs light products that aren't as heavy as gels, mousse, or styling sprays.

RELATED: I Hated My Curly Hair Until I Was 30 & A Mom

Moms are always short on time and any time that can be cut down on getting ready in the morning should be considered. Wearing your hair naturally even just a few days a week can make a lot of days much easier. To style your hair naturally, shampoo and condition with a brand you like for your hair type. Coily and curly hair may just need conditioner at times when you shower as opposed to being stripped of your natural oil.

You may need to try a lot of different types of products before finding the ones that work for you. Take advantage of any samples or sales you can. Don't lose hope, your natural hair can look amazing with a little love.

Source: Texture Media, Naturally Curly, Curls Bot

Larissa Marulli is a mom to two young school-aged kids. She received a degree in journalism shortly before having her first child and is a news and features writer for Moms. The proud mom of two is from Colorado and loves the mountains. changing seasons, and hot coffee all year round. Larissa has seen it all and has struggled with the challenges of motherhood. She is getting better with age and prides herself in using the written word to entertain others as well as educate. Larissa loves books, napping, people in small doses, and her family.