Abby, a 23-year-old living in London, has always had a suspicion that her hair affects the way people treat her.
- From a young age, she noticed a difference in how women and men responded to her naturally curly blonde hair.
- While women often complimented her tight ringlets, she felt that men seemed to prefer a sleeker look.
Curious to test her theory, Abby decided to experiment earlier this year by creating two separate dating profiles on Hinge.
Abby’s Experiment: Curly vs. Straight Hair on Dating Apps
On one profile, Abby posted photos of herself with her hair straightened, and on the other, she used images showcasing her natural curls.
As she shared with Femail, Abby had already noticed the disparity in attention when she wore her hair straight in social settings.
“When I straighten my hair, I feel like it’s almost a guarantee that I’ll get more attention from men,” she explained.
She was eager to see if this would hold true on dating apps.
The results were striking: Abby’s straight-haired profile received a staggering 142% more likes than the one featuring her natural curls.
While Abby admits that she prefers her curly hair for everyday life, she’s found that straightening it for dates boosts her confidence. “Straight hair is easier to manage with less frizz, and it just feels more put-together,” she said.
Abby’s Journey with Her Natural Curls
Although Abby has embraced her curls more recently, she continues to favor straightening her hair for certain occasions.
“I feel more confident with straight hair, especially when I’m getting ready for a date,” she shared. Interestingly, Abby isn’t alone in her preferences.
A recent study by Bellissima, a haircare brand, found that nearly 40% of women with curly hair prefer to wear it straight on dates.
One particular hairstyle that Abby finds attracts attention is the half-up, half-down look.
“Men are more likely to approach me when my hair is straight, especially when it’s styled this way,” she noted.
However, she also added that whether her hair is straight or curly doesn’t influence whether or not she’ll be asked out again.
“If my hair is the deciding factor, then he’s definitely not the right guy anyway!”
The Evolution of Abby’s Relationship with Her Hair
Abby recalls straightening her hair from a young age, starting around 12 years old, because she didn’t know how to manage her natural curls.
“I didn’t even know my curl type,” she admitted. Coming from a family where everyone had straight hair, Abby felt somewhat insecure about her curls.
“I would get compliments every time I straightened my hair, which made me feel like I had to keep doing it,” she said.
Now, as an adult, Abby has learned to embrace her natural texture, and she’s often complimented by other women on her curly hair.
These compliments have become a “great conversation starter” for her. Despite this, Abby isn’t the only one navigating hair-related insecurities.
On TikTok, videos on how to straighten curly hair have amassed over 25 million likes, showing just how widespread the desire to alter curly hair can be.
Expert Advice on Embracing Curly Hair
Celebrity hairstylist and Bellissima ambassador, Alicia Dobson, shared her thoughts on the matter, advising women to think twice before reaching for the straightener.
“Constantly straightening your hair really takes its toll on its health,” she explained.
“Heat damage weakens curls, making them more prone to frizz and breakage.” Dobson encouraged women to embrace their natural curls, not only for hair health but also to build confidence in their own beauty.
“Curls are full of personality and so unique – they should be celebrated!” she added.
In the end, Abby’s experiment highlights a broader trend in how women relate to their hair and the ways it influences their self-perception and romantic lives.
Whether it’s straight or curly, Abby believes the most important thing is feeling confident in who you are.
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