Julia Rizzo
Note: Julia Rizzo has entered her freshman year at Cornell University where she will continue to write about being a curly teen.
Although I’m writing this column in 2007, you’re reading it in 2008. I love New Year’s; the ball drops, and with the change in date comes the opportunity to change a habit or reverse a state of mind. As 2008 transitions from the future to the present, I’d like to share three resolutions, curly-girl style. The first is concrete and practical. The second two are things I can focus on to improve my confidence and boost the spirits of other curly girls in my life!
First, I resolve to get my hair cut every six weeks — not every six months. I love my long hair, and sometimes I forget that no matter how long it is, split ends make it a mess. In 2008 I will not bemoan my spit ends in the shower, get chastised by my stylist or resort to a trim from Mom before picture day. (I’m sure many people’s parents do a wonderful job cutting their hair, but my mother has had straight, short hair since she was 11 and doesn’t have a clue.”> Seriously, a little trim can go a long way toward improving the look and health of your hair, making it feel bouncier, lighter and oh-so-swingy, which for me is an automatic confidence booster. I’ve suffered a bad haircut or two in the past, so it’s good to remember that no one has more experience with your hair than you have. Don’t be afraid to speak up when your stylist is doing something that makes you uncomfortable.
Second, I resolve to accept compliments about my hair graciously, and forget negative comments quickly. It’s easy to disregard Great Aunt Beatrice’s glowing comments and take one classmate’s snarky remark to heart. As I’ve mentioned in past columns, I have a tendency to vividly recall acerbic asides, a negative mindset I’m determined to shake. Ultimately, self-confidence can only come from yourself, and you have the power to decide the messages you want to internalize. This applies to the media as well as your relationships. This site has oodles of curl-positive articles and information.
Finally, I hope you’ll join me in resolving to encourage the curly girls closest to you. Every time a kind, confident curly girl (or guy”> lifts me up with a few positive words, it reminds me of the importance of sharing an upbeat mentality with other girls and guys around me.
So, 2008, welcome! I’m glad to say that this year, more than ever, it’s good to be a curly girl.
Stay Curly,
Julia
P.S. I’d love to hear your curly resolutions for the New Year!
Email your questions/comments to Julia.
