@FrankWromy,
Those are part of it, but also consider upkeep. Working with your hair's natural texture and wave will save you time, money, and grief.
So, for example, if you've got super-curly hair (whether you're a person of color or not is immaterial to my example), straightening your hair will involve chemicals and probably growing it out a bit to give the hair some weight which can help to straighten out some of the curling.
Or if you went with the grain instead of against it, you could go with something short and maybe picked out and it could practically be wash 'n go.
Similar advice goes for cowlicks (most of us have at least one). Go with the grain and part your hair to go with them, rather than oppose them.