If someone told us in 2016 that curls would one day be celebrated, not corrected — we might’ve laughed.

Back then, the beauty standard was clear: straight, sleek, pin‑flat hair was the goal. Blow-dries were routine, straighteners were essentials, and curls were often seen as messy, unmanageable, or something that needed to be fixed.

Fast forward to 2026 — it feels like we’ve come full circle. The trends may remind us of 2016, but the mindset? Completely different. And that’s where curls finally win. 💛

2016: When Straight Hair Was the Standard

Let’s be honest — 2016 was all about control.

• Keratin treatments were everywhere
• Heat styling was a daily habit
• Natural texture was rarely celebrated
• “Good hair days” usually meant straight hair days

Curls were brushed out, tied up, or heat-styled to fit into a beauty box that wasn’t made for textured hair.

For many curlies, this meant damage, dryness, and the constant feeling that their natural hair wasn’t good enough.

2026: Same Era Vibes, New Hair Mindset

Yes, fashion cycles repeat. Yes, trends from 2016 are back.

But what’s changed is how we see ourselves.

In 2026:

• Curls are worn proudly
• Texture is embraced, not hidden
• Frizz is understood, not feared
• Hair routines focus on health, not perfection

People are finally choosing hair that feels like them — not what trends dictate.

The Rise of Natural Hair Acceptance

Social media, better education, and inclusive brands have played a huge role in this shift.

We now see:

• Real curl patterns on our feeds
• Conversations around porosity, moisture, and care
• Curl routines that celebrate individuality

Most importantly, there’s a growing belief that your natural hair is already enough.

From “Fixing” Hair to Understanding It

The biggest difference between 2016 and 2026?

We’ve stopped trying to fix our hair.

Instead, curlies are learning to:

• Work with their texture
• Build simple, consistent routines
• Choose products made for curls, not against them

This shift has changed everything — from confidence to curl health.

Why This Matters to Us at The Curl Co.

At The Curl Co., we’ve always believed that curls don’t need correction — they need care, moisture, and understanding.

2026 isn’t about rejecting the past. It’s about growing from it.

You can love the nostalgia of 2016 without repeating the damage it caused to textured hair.

The New Curl Era Is Here

So yes — 2026 might feel like the new 2016.

But this time:

 ✔ Curls are cherished
✔ Natural hair is normal
✔ Straight hair is a choice, not a standard

And that? That’s progress ✨

From all of us at The Curl Co.,

Here’s to embracing texture, celebrating individuality, and letting curls take up the space they always deserved 💛