There’s no real way to explain that feeling of a bad curly haircut. As it’s happening, you can just … feel it. Somewhere along the lines the wires got crossed, and here you are, frozen in the seat. You’re staring at the mirror hoping that maybe, just maybe, you’re wrong, and this will turn out surprisingly well. And then that truly horrible moment, when you realize no, your eyes aren’t deceiving you: It really is that bad. 

As curly haired humans, we get it, we’ve been there. But thankfully, fixing a bad haircut isn’t as complicated or as impossible as it used to feel. Biotin and patience are no longer the only answer.

How to Deal With a Bad Curly Haircut

Try to Fix It

Despite your terror, we promise, a lot of things can be fixed. If you feel comfortable asking them, your original stylist will probably be open to touching up the haircut for free. But if you’re not ready to see them again, use Yelp to search for highly rated stylists in your area. Let them know that you’re looking for a touch up. Bringing photos of what you were looking for is always a plus. 

Poorly layered hair can be evened out by an experienced curly hair stylist, but if they’ve gone too short, you may need to ride it out. Thankfully there are a few options to make things easier.

Experiment With New Styles and Styling Techniques (Curly Hair Extensions Are Great For This!)

If you’re stuck with a wash and go you just don’t love, try looking at this as an opportunity to experiment with your styling arsenal. Check out YouTube for some awesome curly hair updos, get creative with clips, or maybe it’s finally time to learn the art of the headwrap. Struggling to channel more creative looks? Start simple. The way you style your curls can drastically affect visual length—try swapping scrunching up with scrunching down (to help promote elongation). Or try manipulating your curl pattern through two strand twists, flexirods, or even curl formers. 

Try Curly Clip-In Hair Extensions

Curly human hair extensions have come a long way, and we as Bebonia Babes can confirm it. If your recent chop has left you with any awkward gaps or “shelves," hair extensions that are curly and clip in can help you fill them out easily—at least until they grow back to what you’re more comfortable with. 

If you need some help choosing which curly clip-in hair extensions are best for you, shoot us an e-mail  for a texture and color match! 

Go Full Transformation!

So you've tried new styles, curly hair extensions, accessories, and making the most of it and the shape of your new cut is just not working for you. Consider taking your experiment to a new level with a brand new color. Check out some beautiful examples of curly hair colors that pop. 

Lean Into the Self-Care

Whether or not you’re able to salvage the haircut, a bad experience can still feel really heavy. So make sure you set aside time to take care of yourself. Channel your frustration into self care —maybe through deep conditioning or mixing up your routine with essential oils. If ever there was an excuse to buy that heated deep condition cap you’ve had your eye on, it’s this experience. And hey—after all of that self care, when your hair finally does grow back it’ll be super healthy!

What are some ways you’ve transformed a bad haircut into a great opportunity? Let us know on Instagram and tag #BeboniaBabe