Hair Evolution

Hi!

Today marks a special day in my hair evolution. Hair evolution, you say? Yes! Yes I do.

For some people “it’s just hair”. But in my opinion, my hair is a crown. It is a form of self expression that I handled (and sometimes mishandled) in different ways.

As a child, my mother styled my hair. She would do braids and beads which I loved for both the color and the clacking sound they made. She also did twisted ponytails with barrettes at the ends. I loved this too, but I had to play more carefully for fear of losing my hair ornaments.

And then I was “old enough” to do my own hair. Oh, the independence! I thought of all the wonderful and courageous styles that I would come up with. But when my time came to style my own hair, I didn’t do such a great job.

I used relaxers and far too much heat. I was trying to have my hair ‘bone straight’ as they used to say. I suffered from split ends and breakage. So then, I went to my next hairstyle- braided extensions.

This style became my comfort zone. While it did lend versatility and protection for my hair, I became too reliant on it. Even when my hair was healthy again, and had grown; I still continued to wear them. After many years, I realized that I was hiding behind them. It gave me a length and texture that I didn’t naturally have at that time.

Years ago, after my lupus diagnosis, I suffered from an extreme episode of hair loss. It came out one day in the shower. I still remember it like it was yesterday! Massive clumps of my hair were splattering on the floor of my bathtub. I was devastated. And it look away the little bit of confidence that I felt like I had.

Momentarily…

After that devastation, I actually felt liberated! I came to realize that it was just hair. No big deal. It’ll grow back. I said to myself. (And it did!) But with that new realization, I was open to do something different. Something so not me. I had it cut!

This haircut was everything! My sister is a cosmetologist and she gave me the initial look…which evolved into what you see above and other derivatives of that. I felt so exciting, edgy, sexy. I felt brand new.

…but after a few years of the short style, I was ready to move on. I felt really proud and empowered by the natural hair movement- especially when my sister and daughter chose to “go natural”. If they could do it; so could I. So I did.

I stopped using harsh chemicals and heat on my hair and began to just let it grow. Naps and all! But it was okay, because I was infatuated with the magic of the Afro.

Over two years into my natural hair journey, (and one year ago today) I decided to take the evolution one step further. And guess what? I locked my hair! For a moment I doubted it; thinking, is this really the last hair style I want to have?

I decided that the benefits outweigh any risks and I have no regrets. I can still add braided extensions for variety if I want, and sometimes I do. But I am really enjoying cultivating my hair with our oils and watching it grow. My hair is evolving as I evolve and it’s a beautiful thing.

So, happy “loc-iversary” to me!

Much love to those of you reading…be blessed. Be free.