To Curl or Not to Curl?
From Pop Warner cheerleading through high school cheerleading, and of course all-stars, cheerleaders are known for having certain distinguishing features. There are the short skirts, the white sneakers and on cold days or early mornings, the track suit. In addition, cheerleaders from the Garden State have one more unmistakable feature: the cheer curl.
Unable to determine the exact date the first curl hit the floor, all cheerleaders and coaches in New Jersey know that big hair and cheer curls have been around for a while and are today, synonymous with cheerleading. Whether it’s the classic cheer curl ponytail or the stylish piglet cheer curl for the younger ones, the cheer curl is unmistakable and has certainly made its mark on our sport.
But looking forward, more cheerleaders and parents today find the cheer curl to be a nuisance. Some competitive judges would categorize them as safety hazards, even distractions from the actual routine being performed. So what are the benefits and disadvantages to having curls in your cheerleaders’ hair?
Truthfully, many of the benefits that once accompanied the cheer curl are now fading away. Yes, they draw attention to the face and provide a consistent look for the all the girls on the squad. The cleanliness and uniformity can help a routine look more polished and professional too; and there is also something to say for the excitement and preparation that goes into getting ready for a big day of competition.
However, the disadvantages of wearing curled hair extensions are starting to really take hold throughout the industry and of course New Jersey. From message board chatter to talk in the warm-up room, the cheer curl is no longer loved by so many.
For the younger cheerleaders, curls are cute. On the other hand, cheer curls clearly look fake when worn by older cheerleaders. As competition judges are instructed to score based on a more natural look, fake curly hair certainly doesn’t help.
Most importantly, when curls aren’t attached properly to the hair they can easily fall off and quickly become a safety hazard.
We’ve all seen it at a competition. The flying cheer curl that becomes a lifeless furry creature which then gets kicked across the floor as a team tries to complete their routine. Fallen hairpieces can easily become safety hazards as cheerleaders try to tumble, jump and stunt on these accessories. The last thing anyone wants to see happen is an injury caused by faux hair!
So, where do we go from here? Should fake cheer curls continue to be used or should coaches throughout the state start moving in a more natural direction? Cheer curls have had their day and looking ahead, they seem to be on their way out. Ultimately, only time will tell. As the sport continues to evolve, new styles and trends will certainly emerge.
Article Written by David Kirschner – President, The Spirit Consultants, LLC