Curly vs. Straight: Which Do Men Prefer?

By: NaturallyCurly (View Profile)

He then proceeds to grab my hand and, unfortunately, makes an attempt at touch football when the plates are cleared.

Since he thinks curls are sexy, maybe he assumed curlies (even disguised by a flat iron) are more flirtatious than our naturally straight counterparts. Maybe he would have been aggressive regardless of a woman’s hairstyle, or maybe he was simply looking for love at breakneck speed. I do not know.

What I do know is that when it comes to voting for curly or straight, if a man says it depends, perhaps it really does. It depends on confidence. Stepping into a date with a smile can make all the difference.

It could also depend on culture. My family is from Argentina, and the men from similar cultural backgrounds—like the Cuban and Italian men I met—seemed happy and familiar with curlies like me, even in my most awkward, frizz-filled moments.

And while none of my dates developed into long-lasting connections, the experiment was enlightening. Whether you play it straight or crank up the curls, first impressions do count. But I’ve learned it’s also what you bring to the surface that really shines through.

By Teri Evans

Photo courtesy for Naturally Curly

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Comments
posted: 11.04.2008
Kim
I have very curly hair too and I refuse to straighten it. I have tried a few times to straighten it and it makes me miserable. I spent the entire day trying to keep it straight, avoiding getting hot or sweating at the health club, etc and it is not worth the effort. I also felt ridiculous with straight hair and think it looks better curly! People either LOVE my hair and will stop me on the street to compliment me or they will whisper about my hair as if I can't hear it to which I respond, 'Do you have something to say'? I refuse to be what I am not whether men like it curly or not. I can't spend my life pretending to be what I'm not.
posted: 10.29.2008
Jennifer Smith
I too have naturally curly hair and I am always told how beautiful it is and how lucky I am. I like it curly more so than straight, but I don't think it matters as much as some make it out to. I do seem to get noticed more with my curly locks than with straight. I really don't think it matters all that much though, if you have confidence then that is all that matters. I also noticed that men similar to my backgrounds (Greek, German) prefer the curly hair. I think it is great that you did this experiment. Hey- it saved me a lot of time.Ha Ha! Curlies unite!!
posted: 09.17.2008
Janeen Oliver
I, too, endure the dilemma of curly v. straight. I straighten my hair pretty much every day for a sleek, business look. I feel when my hair is curly, it's out of control, and somehow looks ragged. Men seem to notice more when it's curly, though... so strange. I love that you took the time to experiment!
posted: 08.17.2008
Dusti
I think the story is interesting personally i think that you look younger in the picture with straight hair i have never liked my hair curly and yet it has always been that way. i straighten my hair most days and i do get alot of compliments on it that way but when i don't and i have it straight i don't get near as many.
posted: 08.15.2008
HomesweetMontana
Very interesting....I have naturally crazy curly hair and I always feel like I need to straighten it for that first impression. Either way, it's usually out of control....but for the most part, my crazy curls just accent my personality, I think
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