Hair tough as straw

Sometimes I feel I look like this

There are a few good things about having curly long hair...

1. when you don't have a brush, it's ok most of the time

2. you can easily go for the beach-y look

3. many people with straight hair will envy you

There are also a few not so good things about having curly long hair....
1. when you don't have a brush and you try to use your fingers, it's a frizzy mess
2. you can feel like your hair always looks beach-y
3. you will envy people with straight hair

Now, what do I do about it? I straighten most of the time. I've been doing it for a while and there are a few tools I cannot live without and I feel I must share.

Must have #1: Paddle brush and a hairdryer with an attachment. Watch out, they get hot hot hot

Must have #2: A good ceramic straightener. I have two: one a T3 Tourmaline wet/dry, and the other a classic Chi iron

T3 Tourmaline Chi Turbo

With names like this, it sounds like I should be on a mission to Mars, not just straightening my hair.

Must have #3: a good finishing serum like is Biosilk Therapy by Farouk... you only need a dab but it really polishes off the ends and magically makes your hair look split-endless (yeah, like that'll ever really happen).

I'm thinking I'll straighten my hair before I get it's curled for our wedding, but I know that curls "take easier" when hair is a little dirty...

Any thoughts? Anyone wash their hair the day of the wedding? Did your hair lose it's curl?

I'm gathering the pictures from my horrific hair trial, so stay tuned for that.