Curly tales: A beginner’s guide to taking care of curly hair
From lifelong stigma to self-acceptance, curly-haired women in Bangladesh are learning that their hair is not damaged — just different
In Bangladesh, if you have curly or textured hair, you have likely grown up hearing it described as a "bird's nest" or a plate of "instant noodles". These comments do not just come from random acquaintances; even parlour aunties will, without hesitation, suggest that you straighten it to look "civilised".
For decades, hair care brands have reinforced this mindset as well, branding only straight, glassy hair as "shiny" or "healthy". Under this pressure, most curly-haired girls have spent their lives trying to fit into society's desired mould — relying on keratin treatments, constant heat styling, or brushing their hair into submission to hide its natural volume.
Gradually, however, the outlook is shifting. We are finally embracing our natural curls and realising that our hair is not "frizzy" or "broken" — it simply demands a different kind of care.
Leading this change is Kazria Kayes, the founder and admin of Curly Girl Bangladesh, a Facebook community of around 6,000 members, and the owner of The Curl Station, a dedicated shop for curly hair products. Through her group, she has built a support system for women who have spent years fighting their own hair texture.
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Like many others, Kazria once believed her hair was simply damaged. "I used to get comments that I needed to straighten my hair when it was long. When I cut it short to manage the frizz, people told me I looked like Kazi Nazrul Islam," she shares.
After years of chemical straightening and keratin treatments left her hair on the verge of total collapse, she decided to stop fighting it and began researching the Curly Girl Method (CGM).
What is the Curly Girl Method?
The method originated from 'Lorraine Massey's Curly Girl: The Handbook'. It is essentially a set of guidelines designed to enhance natural curl patterns by focusing on one core principle: moisture.
After years of heat and chemical damage, most curly hair becomes dry and brittle. CGM helps restore it by eliminating harsh ingredients such as sulfates and silicones.
However, Kazria advises beginners to take things slowly. "Most people get overwhelmed because they try to incorporate everything at once. The first step is simply unlearning what we have been taught all our lives about hair care."
Basic rules of the Curly Girl Method
Do not brush dry curls: If you want to stop damaging your curl pattern, only detangle your hair in the shower while it is saturated with conditioner, or detangle before washing using plenty of oil. A wide-tooth comb or your fingers are the best tools for this.
Prioritise moisture: Use sulfate-free shampoos and silicone-free products. "Sulfate is a detergent that strips natural oils, and silicone acts like a plastic layer that creates fake shine while blocking nutrients," Kazria explains.
Because curly hair dries out easily, avoid daily washing. Once a week or every few days is usually sufficient. Incorporating a deep conditioner once a week or trying the "co-wash" (conditioner-only washing) technique can also be highly effective.
Swap your towel: Regular towels have rough fibres that cause friction and frizz. Instead, use an old cotton T-shirt or a microfiber cloth to gently squeeze out excess water.
Avoid heat styling: Textured hair is delicate, and constant straightening or high-heat blow-drying can be extremely damaging. To maintain curl shape, apply your styling products to soaking wet hair — this helps lock in hydration before the air disrupts the curl pattern.
Personalised routine: Every curl is different. It takes some trial and error to understand how much moisture your hair needs and which styling techniques work best for your specific curl pattern. Once you start paying closer attention to how your hair responds, the routine becomes second nature.
Conscious choices: Small changes can make a significant difference. Using a silk pillowcase, tying your hair with silk scrunchies, and clarifying your scalp once a month to remove product build-up are micro-steps that allow your curls to breathe.
The most vital advice, however, is to start with what you already have. You do not need an expensive imported diffuser or high-end masks to begin.
"You can make your own deep conditioner with household items. You do not even need a diffuser — you can air-dry or use a regular dryer with a mesh strainer bowl. And you do not need a fancy microfiber towel; a cotton gamchha works perfectly," says Kazria.
Ultimately, the journey is not about the products. It is about finally giving your hair the respect it deserves
