New Chapter
Amongst all the decisions I’ve been making while applying to the Peace Corps, my hair has become a huge concern. Honestly, I’ve never really been fond of hair. Especially my hair, having to relax, shampoo, “pre-poo”, condition, deep condition, heat dry, leave-in-condition, heat protect, flat iron, and wrap it. Long regimen, isn’t it? On a daily basis I’ve put my hair in a bun so I wouldn’t have to deal with it.
Since starting the application process, I’ve been brainstorming what I would do with my hair. Relax it the day before I leave, and waste perfectly good luggage weight (that could be used for more clothes) to take a huge tub of relaxer. Maybe make my mother mail me relaxer. I contemplated…”would I be able to find relaxer in Africa?” Perhaps. Get braids and have extensions in my hair to wear that style for months at a time. Shave my head. Go natural and maintain an afro. Get dreads. The options were endless. I honestly hated having to think about my hair so much.
About a week ago, my mother and I finally got around to seeing this movie:
You know you’re in a science major when your biggest concern is “what exactly happened to that aluminum can?” “How much damage have I caused to my body/brain?” “Could I have been smarter if I never used relaxer?” I never knew how dangerous that chemical that I was putting on my head was. The tiny experiment was enough for me never to get a relaxer again.
In the past, I was considering getting dreadlocks, but my mother was very concerned about discrimination, an issue that was discussed in that documentary. Well, after we finished the movie, she was singing a completely different tune. Our family is going natural! No more chemicals that can melt your skin, or make you go blind eventually even after you wash it out thoroughly. No more spending 60-75 dollars to get my hair relaxed in a beauty salon. I’m excited.
Well anyways, Peace Corps, you’ve finally convinced me to get dreadlocks. It turns out that they’re not as bad as the myths make them seem. In fact, my hair will be healthier than it has ever been. I want to leave you with a picture. This is a whole new world to me and I never realized how versatile locs could be until recently. Here’s a girl that I stalk on youtube because her hair is so beautiful.
So, I’ve started the awkward process and will temporarily have hats permanently attached to my head. Also, sorry for making an entire post about hair. I’ll try to post things a little more substantial next time. Happy New Years!
I loved this post! And I need to go find that movie
I can’t wait to see your dreads! How long does it take to get to dreadloc-ready hair?
Your post is beautiful, is substantial and moving. You look beautiful and I’m really happy for you
I wish that was me. The girl in that picture has had dreads for about 4+ years.
It actually takes months for it to dread. My hair looks horrible right now, but it’ll get there eventually. I’ll make sure that you’ll be able to see it before you leave!
Sweet! We totally need to hang out again
This time I’ll drive to Orlando and we can do something awesome!
Sounds great! I’m going to hold you to it!
Congratulations! I am happy that you have come to love and accept your natural hair. Even though I’m a white girl, my hair is far from the lay straight styles that are so popular. It took me awhile to learn to love my hair but life is so much easier when you can just embrace it.
Thanks! I’m hoping my hair will be a lot more manageable.
That picture is gorgeous. Not the normal perception of dreads. A friend of mine is serving in Burkina Faso right now and she shaved her head – amazing what we’ll do for PC.
I totally understand worrying about your hair though. I’ve always been blonde and after spending a month in Mexico, I figured I didn’t want all that attention again in Asia. They might not be so lewd there, but I’ll already get enough attention just by being American. Pretty sure my natural color is dark (I just always refused to accept the change) so now I’m rocking the brown. As long as I don’t have to worry about it while I’m over there, I’ll take it
Wow. She really shaved her head? That’s amazing. It’s interesting how much hair really affects us.
I just watched the movie!! Hair can definitely be complicated! I have what some people call “bad or crazy mexican hair”…friends were always trying to straighten it but my hair fits me just the way it is
…although i may also consider a shorter look or maybe dreads for PC cuz it can get pretty wild! Anyway, thanks for the great post-can’t wait to see your dreads!!
Well, if there is one thing to get from that movie, no one has bad hair!
If you decide to do something drastic, please keep me updated! Srsly, a random email would be cool. Also, question about tumblr: how do you like it? I ruled out blogger because I didn’t like how it was organized, but I’m trying to find other options to wordpress.
I have been natural for many years and locks are beautiful and manageable. If you need reassurance try listening to India Arie’s “I am Not my Hair” daily until the lyrics become part of your consciousness. There is a huge community to support you during your transition. You might consider checking out http://www.nappturality.com if you haven’t done so already. Good luck during the transition.
I literally just listened to that song today! I had heard it before, but I didn’t really appreciate it until today. Also, I just joined nappturality. I’m a little shy at posting, so I’m just lurking for the time being. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate the positive enforcement!
Hair among many other things to consider for women hoping to serve in the PC. I have been natural for 2+ years and part of my decision to stop relaxing was because I didn’t want to worry about when I was traveling. I definitely would not want to be at post having to worry about relaxers. Definitely check YouTube and http://www.curlynikki.com for tips, inspiration and all that good stuff. If you are getting locs (which takes a lot to maintain) do learn how to maintain on your own.
Youtube is basically been my locking bible. There are so many tutorials and hair loc journeys. I love it! Thanks for the link to the website. It looks pretty cool!