Curls vs Straight Hair: The Pros and Cons of Each Hairstyle, And How to Rock Each Look

We women are confusing folk. If you have straight hair, you’ve probably thought of going for a perm, and if you’re someone with curly hair, you likely own a straightening iron at home. Of course, it’s natural to seek change if you’re dealing with the same hair situation every day.

It’s just as natural, however, to wonder whether curls or straight hair is better. Well, the answer depends on the individual, and it’s not just a matter of preference. There’s also the factor of personal style, personality, face shape and facial features, and many more.

And, while you may be more inclined towards one hairstyle as the more attractive option, each hairstyle offers its fair share of advantages and downsides, so that’s yet another consideration.

Read also related articles: Modern hair shag, hairstyles for rainy days, Dafni hair brush review, and heatless curlers.

Is straight or curly hair more attractive?

Here’s the thing: the general consensus is that curly hair is more attractive than straight hair, and that seems to be true for most people. While some women are born to live and die with pin straight hair, for us common folk, curls and waves are an easy yet effective way of adding an extra oomph to our otherwise ordinary look.

Think of it this way: curls appear to be more attractive for the simple reason that it isn’t as common as straight hair, and as such, your style can look leveled up as though you’ve put a bit more effort if you’ve got curls that are even remotely styled and taken care of.

Plus, save for excessively styled and hair sprayed curls, you generally look less formal and more approachable and personable with curls than you would with perfectly kept straight hair. And, it seems as though every bounce of that curl adds the illusion of a fun personality.

That said, how well straight hair or curly hair looks on you has to do with the specific style you’ve chosen, your face shape and features, and your hair thickness.

Pros and cons of straight vs curly hair

Now, while curls may look like a more attractive option for most women, it’s not a perfect solution either. If you’ve got curls, then yes, you’ll always look like you’ve styled your hair, and you’ll always look good regardless of how you style your curls. Your hair will also look shinier, richer, and more vibrant thanks to how those curls catch the sunlight.

But while curls are easy to style and change up in a jiffy, they’re just as hard to maintain. That’s because curls are prone to frizz and damage. This means you’ll need to spend considerable time and money towards hair care and maintenance unless you want to suffer from a bad hair day.

On the other hand, straight hair is relatively easy to maintain. It can also be pretty easy to style and is almost always guaranteed to look good. Straight hair is also moveable and soft. All that said, the main issue with straight hair is that it needs a lot of volume in order to look pretty. Also, with straight hair, any damage and dirt easily shows.

Can’t decide between straight and curly hair? Check out these celebrities rocking both straight hair and curls

Take a look at these celebrities’ rocking curls and straight hair so you can get an idea of the difference each style can reflect on your look.

Beyonce

The Queen with straight hair looks fiercely elegant and ready to take on the world, while those luscious curls not only frame her face perfectly but also add an extra dose of hotness (as if she wasn’t already). Think Run The World vs Single Ladies. These are the vibes that these hairstyles are giving us.

Rihanna

Rihanna manages to give us two completely different vibes from these hairstyles. The chopped bangs and cat eye situation totally says femme fatale, while the tight curls just screams fun, outgoing, and approachable. Either way, she’s totally rocking it.

Blake Lively

Make no mistake, Blake Lively is the master of golden ringlets and just about any sort of curl or wave moment. It’s just her trademark as Selena Van Der Woodsen. But she can also definitely rock simple yet elegant straight locks. Actually, she may very well be able to make Dan Humphrey fall head over heels in love even if she were bald, so there’s that.

Jennifer Lawrence

At opposite ends of the spectrum are JLaw with a simple straight cut that looks super modern, chic, and cold, in contrast with the loose waves that make a fun, personable statement that looks just a little bit country – in a good way. Her hairstyles and smile in these photos definitely give off the appearance of two very contrasting personalities.

Taylor Swift

Yes, that’s Taylor in the first picture, and yes, she looks almost unrecognizable (though just as pretty and fabulous). That’s what a new hairstyle will give you. One thing about Taylor though, she really loves her curls, probably because it looks so great on her. We think enchanting is the word, yes?

Gigi Hadid

Perhaps supermodel Gigi Hadid’s trademark on the runway is her long straight hair that looks so classy and timeless with just the right touch of fashionably edgy. Her face shape really makes straight hair look so high fashion. Unsurprisingly, she still looks gorgeous with voluminous waves that add a touch of softness to her features.

Kendall Jenner

Much like Cara, Kendall is a force to be reckoned with when she has that show stopping straight hairstyle going on. She just looks sleek, fierce, and fabulous. Although, if we must say, Kendall with even the most remote curls and waves really brings back the 90’s in a good way. Seriously, the jet black waves with the bangs and the piercing eyes? A big moment.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie always looks pretty and vibrant and funky and fresh regardless of her hairdo, largely thanks to her big smile and fun personality. There is a considerable difference though with the VIP nightclub vibes of her straight blonde hair and the Coachella music festival feels of her curls. The thing is, they both look so good!

Leighton Meester

Leighton’s facial profile with short hair and those curls? An old, timeless classic that just looks so ethereally beautiful and dainty. Leighton with long straight hair, however? It says good girl with an air of mystery and mischief. Either look captures the innocence and complexity of her Blair Waldorf persona.

Sophie Turner

What’s interesting about Sophie is that while most celebrities get that dainty vintage look with the right curls, Sophie does it with straight hair and light yet piercing eyes. Meanwhile, whenever she rocks curls, she looks like a trendy Instagram baddie. To be fair though, she does manage to look timeless either way.

Final thoughts

We ladies are always looking to change our look, and when it comes to hair, it really boils down to choosing between curls vs straight hair. Each style offers unique benefits, but what’s really important is that regardless of which one you choose, with the right care and maintenance, you’re guaranteed to look fabulous.