Have I ever mentioned how much I love my locks? Well I do I mean I really do. I don't even know if many of my readers out there are aware but I sport a style akin to Sisterlocks and the method used to maintain them but I started them with microbraids of my own hair when this sista had finally had enough of that damned perm rainbow.
You know the lie they tell you, "That you won't get a man with a head full of naps, that you are not really beautiful til your hair is silky straight and all down ya back"
And I bought into it and the multi billion dollar a year industry that went with it. Relaxers, curls, hot curlers, hair driers, Super relaxers, pressing combs, burned ears, foreheads, fingers, alcohol induced hair that stood up on its own for days! How about this one the updo that you wore for two weeks until you got paid and could get it done again and the hair pins that you used to scratch your scalp! Nope not for me anymore I finally had had enough of that mess.
I had been wearing my hair in micro braids for some time and began to research how to lock my hair from that point without taking out the braids. I researched online for several months without ever taking my hair down and finally ran across something called Braidlocks. Before you know it I was joining Sisterlocks and braidlocs groups and reading about it and watching videos that were available at the time. Finally I made the plunge, bought the locking tool and the rest is history four years later.
I can remember when I finally made the decision to cut off the micros that were hanging. I mean they were never going to lock as it was way too much perm going on so I cut em off and Kevin flipped out, Imani freaked and others in this tiny town just shook their heads and clicked teeth.
Needless to say for the first time I stood my ground and let the process continue with my hair just a bit below my ears. My hair is shoulder length now and the most beautiful head of hair I have ever owned!
I love my locks, I am stared at a lot. I get compliments on them all of the time especially from people from other races who have told me I am absolutely beautiful and stunning as the handsome blonde haired man told me in the Wal-mart parking lot!
Talk about an esteem booster!
So now I play with it a lot. I curl them, I swing them absent mindedly might I add as well. I put them up into pretty updo's complete with cute earrings. I color them with a semi permanent color, I wash them often and condition and oil them often.
I taught Imani how to tighten them for me with the locking tool, and she can knock out my entire head in a few movies by Tyler Perry starring Madea! lol
My hair is healthier and stronger than I ever remember them being and contrary to what people think they are very,very soft.
In this process of growth and change that I am experiencing and becoming this person that I am today, having my hair this way is so freeing and a reflection of who I am as a black woman in this country that has taught us as young black women that what we looked like was not good enough.
But today when I looked in the mirror with all this hair, full of life and bounce and body I was at peace with that, and cool with the beauty that comes with being in love with yourself.
Til Next Time
Mamma
No comments:
Post a Comment