The Seasonal Curly: Why It's Okay to Switch It Up (and How to Keep Your Hair Healthy While Doing It)

Brooklyn Ariza
Jun 22
3 min read

Let’s talk about the Seasonal Curly.

A Seasonal Curly is someone who chooses to wear their natural curls during certain parts of the year—typically rocking straight styles during the fall and winter and embracing their curls in the spring and summer.

And you know what?That’s completely okay.

Why Seasonal Curlies Choose to Switch

For many, straightening their hair during the colder months just makes life easier:

Low humidity helps straight styles last longer without frizz.
Hats, scarves, and jackets cause fewer tangles with straighter hair.
Morning routines are often quicker—more brush-and-go instead of wash-and-go.
Formal events like holidays, photoshoots, and family gatherings lean toward sleeker looks.

Then, as the warmer months arrive:

Humidity makes straight hair harder to maintain.
Outdoor activities (beaches, BBQs, hiking) make curls easier and more practical.
Lighter social calendars encourage a more relaxed, natural style.
Less layering (goodbye scarves and heavy coats) means fewer tangles and more freedom for curls to thrive.

It’s a lifestyle shift as much as it’s a hair shift.

Addressing the Shame Around Being a Seasonal Curly

I’ve seen (and heard) the criticism within the curl community toward Seasonal Curlies—comments that suggest you’re not "really" embracing your curls if you only wear them half the year.

I just want to say, with my whole chest: You can wear your hair however feels best for YOU.

There is no wrong way to enjoy your hair. If that means living your best curly life for six months and smoothing it out the other six, that’s YOUR journey.

Tips for Seasonal Curlies to Keep Hair Healthy

Switching between curly and straight styles is totally doable, as long as you take care of your hair during the transition. Here’s how to make it easier and healthier:

1. Team Up with Two Stylists

Consider having two trusted stylists:

A curl specialist for the warmer months.
A straight hair specialist for the colder months.

I love when clients share their hair with multiple stylists. It allows you to get the best cuts, the right product advice, and a customized experience based on how you’re currently styling your hair.

2. Stick to a Solid Shampoo and Conditioner

You don’t necessarily need to overhaul your shampoo and conditioner each season.However, adding a product with protein during your straight-hair season can:

Help strengthen the hair.
Prevent breakage.
Make your curls bounce back faster when you transition back to natural styling.

Always use a heat protectant when you’re straightening to shield your hair from unnecessary damage.

3. Deep Condition When You Return to Curls

When you’re ready to go curly again, start with a deep conditioning treatment.Straightening products often include barriers that block humectants (the water-lovers) and protect against heat. To get your curls to fully thrive again, you'll need to remove those barriers and flood your hair with hydration.

4. Time Chemical Treatments Carefully

If you’re thinking about a Brazilian blowout or similar smoothing treatment, try to avoid doing it toward the end of your straight season.Why?It can cause your curls to look stringy and uneven as they return, which may lead to frustration—and sometimes needing more hair cut off to regain a consistent curl pattern.

5. Maintain Healthy Habits Year-Round

Sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a silk bonnet whether your hair is straight or curly.
Wash and restyle weekly to keep your scalp and strands healthy.
Get regular trims to avoid split ends and manage seasonal wear and tear.

Final Thoughts

Being a Seasonal Curly doesn’t make you less of a curly person. It makes you someone who knows how to work with your lifestyle and preferences—and honestly, that’s pretty powerful.

Your hair, your rules.

Your style, your choice.

Your journey, your joy.