You know what's most exhausting about wavy or curly hair (besides the constant scrunching until you drop)? Not the curls themselves. But the pressure that surrounds them these days. The harsh opinions, the high beauty standards, and the constant comparison to images that just… aren't real.
September 6, 2025 - 4 min read - Sil Colson
From hair commercials to AI perfectionism
Remember? Back in the day, it was those shiny shampoo commercials we envied. Hair that always fell perfectly , sleek, smooth, and shiny . And us? We'd sit at home in front of the mirror with frizzy locks and think, why can't I do that?
Those chick flick makeovers where the nerdy girl with frizzy hair transformed into a beautiful, popular teen with sleek hair . Because of that, the slightest hint of frizz made you reach for the flat iron .
Fast forward to today. Curls are finally more visible and accepted (hallelujah 🙌), but guess what? The bar is still sky-high . Only the ideal has shifted, from straight hair to the "perfect curl." Think flawless ringlets, zero frizz, always fresh on the first wash day. And now AI models are taking things even further! Hair so perfect that even nature can't create it. And what a shame, other curl brands are already using this in their advertising.
The Curl Police
As if all that wasn't enough, there's also the curl police . You'll mainly find them on TikTok, but don't worry, they can also be active on Facebook (or even within your own circle of friends). You know the kind, the accounts that comment under every video that " those aren't real curls " or that you're " doing it wrong " or " you have wavy hair, not curls ." Sometimes even from people who don't even have curls. 🙃
It makes many people feel insecure about their texture . Because if your waves are a bit droopy, or your curls are frizzy on day two, it seems like you're "not good enough."
What it's really all about
Curls don't have to be perfect . They don't all have to be the same shape . You don't have to show off an Instagram-ready wash day day after day. It's all about what you like . Maybe you love fluffy volume. Maybe you're a fan of messy Carrie Bradshaw vibes (same 💛). Maybe you want defined curls. Anything is fine .
Your hair is n't a problem to be solved; it's a friend you deserve to know . A friend who can be stubborn at times, but who also makes you shine when you treat it gently .
How to deal with outside pressure
Sound familiar? Here are a few small tips that can make all the difference:
-
Mute the curl police
You don't need to see every comment or account. Follow creators who make you happy, not insecure. And what about upcoming comments from your friend group? Then it might be time to reexamine that relationship. -
Remind yourself of real life
Influencers get frizz too. Models also have bad hair days. They just post about it less often. -
Embrace your hair flow
Do you love tightly defined curls? Fantastic. Prefer messy and wild? Perfect too. You decide what looks good on you. -
Make a friend of it
Your hair doesn't have to be "perfect." Feel free to experiment , play, and explore. And if it doesn't work out? Tomorrow is another day.
A routine that really suits you
Curly hair care and styling can sometimes be a challenge , especially if you're still searching for the perfect curl routine that suits your hair texture. Where do you even begin? Which curly hair products are essential for my curl type? And how do you know if you're doing it "right"?
That's why our curly hair stylist Quirina has developed practical step-by-step plans and short instructional videos for different curl types. This way, there's always a suitable method for your naturally wavy or curly hair. You can find these valuable curly hair tutorials here .
Prefer personal guidance with your curly hair transformation? Great news! We're organizing hands-on Curly Styling Workshops soon. The exact dates haven't been set yet, but you can already sign up for our waiting list. This way, you'll be the first to know when registration opens. Sign up for the waiting list here .
What we promise at Mellon
At Mellon, you won't see AI-perfect models . We work with real people , real curls , real struggles . Our curly-haired stylist, Quirina, often shows off her potential , but also that it takes practice at home, and the results may vary from day to day . We love it when curls live.
Self-confidence doesn't start with striving for an unattainable ideal . It starts with being yourself . And if that's what you want, we're happy to be by your side as a supportive friend. We'll never tell you that your hair always has to look picture-perfect . Above all, we want to teach you how to make the most of your natural texture so your hair becomes a source of joy and confidence , instead of stress.
