Embracing my Irish heritage has always been a source of pride, prominently reflected in my affection for artists like Sinead O’Connor, my adherence to the unspoken rule of standing my round at the pub, and the persistent, nagging Catholic guilt that often creeps in. Recently, however, I stumbled upon a new trait that seems to be a quintessential part of my Irish identity: my unruly, heavy curls. For years, my sister and I have complained about our voluminous hair, but it’s only recently that I discovered there’s a specific name for it—Irish curls. TikTok is buzzing with videos of women using various techniques to tame their unpredictable locks, often transforming their hairstyles into lovely ringlets reminiscent of classic film icons like Nicole Kidman.
For most of my life, I’ve resorted to two main hair strategies: either giving up entirely and opting for a topknot or booking frequent salon visits, which my wallet is not a fan of amid the current cost-of-living crisis. These trending hairstyling routines on TikTok mostly involve a time-consuming mix of techniques, including diffusion, scrunching, and extensive air-drying—elements that just don’t fit within my patience threshold. Despite my hesitation, I realized that when I next find myself in my happy place, Josh Wood Atelier, it would be a good opportunity to consult the experts about managing these Irish curls on my own.
I met with Matt Hawes, a skilled stylist at the salon, who shared a game-changing solution: the Aura blow dry. This modern alternative to the Brazilian blow dry promises a more natural approach to hair smoothing, steering clear of the harsh chemicals typically involved. Instead, it utilizes hyaluronic acid—an ingredient synonymous with dewy, hydrated skin—to combat frizz and elevate shine while dramatically reducing the time needed for styling. Hawes explained that the Aura treatment can ease the challenges posed by Irish curls, making it easier to manage and style hair at home.
Excited by this revelation, I decided to book the Aura treatment and coupled it with a Dyson Coanda 2x hairdryer. As soon as the treatment was completed, my hair transformed into what felt like the most polished blow-dry I had ever received. The texture was sleek, shiny, and airy, which impressed not only me but also my beauty editor friend Morgan, who encouraged me to share this experience. This newfound manageability left me eager to see if I could keep up the look myself.
The subsequent days were a revelation. The Dyson hairdryer made the once laborious task of drying my thick curls a swift affair. Not only did my hair feel lighter and noticeably smoother, but the effects of the Aura treatment lingered. While I wouldn’t go as far as to say my salon visits are completely behind me, I’ve found that I can now go months without booking an appointment, a welcomed change in my routine and budget.
In exploring my Irish curls, I’ve not only embraced yet another facet of my heritage but also discovered a balance between indulgence and practicality. This journey has been about more than just hair; it’s about reclaiming control over what once felt chaotic and unmanageable, turning it into a source of confidence. Celebrating the beautiful complexities of my Irish curls has transformed my approach, reinforcing the idea that even the things that perplex us can be tamed, revealing a little beauty within the chaos.