Okay, I've been lurking for a while but I thought I just had to reply to this thread.

I'm not from India but I'm of South Indian origin... and 70% of people I know have curly hair. 90% of those curlies relax their hair, as I have for the past six years. I've recently decided to embrace my curls as I've had enough of boring stick straight hair, and I've completely forgotten what my natural hair looks like!

I'm meeting with opposition from all directions and getting insulted to boot for letting my hair grow. Mum said my hair is ugly, it will make me look old, etc. Not long ago when I got my hair trimmed, the stylist asked me if I wanted to touch up the curly growth. I said no, I'm growing it out, not relaxing anymore. He said curly hair is not nice, and it's damaged anyway, all his Indian friends do it. He also said my hair was very thick and voluminous, like it was a bad thing! Look who's talking, he's the one with hair so damaged it was like toothbrush bristles.

I'm so grateful for this website. It really helps to come on here and be with people who really love their curls.