Growing up, my relationship with my hair was anything but simple. I was raised in a Dominican household where curly hair wasn't seen as beautiful; it was seen as something to fix, smooth out, and straighten. As a result, my family ensured that I visited the Dominican salon for regular relaxers and blowouts. It wasn't until 2016 that I truly began to embrace my natural texture. However, one of the biggest misconceptions about going natural is that caring for curly hair becomes easier once you stop straightening or using relaxers. Trust me, it doesn't. I have 3C-type hair, which means my curls are tightly coiled and can be a little testy at times. There are days when my curls are absolutely perfect, and I feel like the most confident woman in the room. But let me be real, those times don't last very long. On a good week, I get maybe three days where my curls are in their prime. The rest of the time, it's all about moisture, styling, and making sure my hair stays protected. In other words, caring for curls can be a full-time job. It's not something you can do half-heartedly. It's not for the weak, which is why faux locs have become a major game-changer for me. Faux locs entered my life as a way to save time and protect my natural curls. I needed a break from the constant maintenance of my curls, but I still wanted a look that was stylish and easy to manage. Faux locs gave me that. I can choose the length, style, and color to fit my vibe for the day. Plus, they're a lot easier to maintain than chemically straightened hair. I don't have to worry about humidity or rainy days interfering with my hair. I can wake up and know that my hair will stay intact for at least three weeks. I can say goodbye to frizz and embrace worry-free styling every day. And as someone with a busy schedule, faux locs have become a lifesaver for me. Whether I'm heading to an audition, a comedy show, or a big event, I can rely on my locs to look great, no matter what. They give me confidence in a way that my curls sometimes don't, simply because I know they'll stay on point. Plus, faux locs are super versatile. I can try different looks without committing to something permanent. Now, the cost of faux locs can be a little steep - I'm not going to lie. In California, they can run you around $600, while in New York, you might get a good set for around $300. But here's the thing: I've learned how to do them myself, which saves me a ton of money. It takes me about six hours to do them properly - four hours if I'm feeling lazy and don't care about how the back looks. But when I'm done, I feel like I've accomplished something major. It's one less thing I have to worry about for a few weeks. Sometimes, I think about making faux locs a permanent part of my style. They're just so easy and low-maintenance. But then I think about my curls, and I can't imagine giving them up. I've spent so many years trying to embrace them, and now I'm finally at a place where I love them. I've come to realize that my curls are actually an integral part of my identity, and they are not something I need to change. So, for now, I enjoy the best of both worlds: curly hair for those days I want to feel unstoppable, and faux locs when I need a break. Ultimately, what I've learned is that hair is an expression of who you are. Whether curly, straight, loc'ed, or anything in between, it's a choice, and for me, that choice is about feeling empowered and confident in whatever style I choose. And let's be real, as a Dominican woman in the entertainment industry, having the freedom to express myself through my hair is a power I'll never take for granted. Sasha Merci is a first-generation Dominican American actor, comedian, and viral digital creator. She showcases over a decade of diverse experience in entertainment with roles in films like "Righteous Thieves" and "De Lo Mio," along with collaborations with renowned brands such as Target and Bumble. She shares her Bronx roots and passion for Latine culture by being vocal about mental health and navigating comedy.