I’ve Had it Up to Hair

This seems to be an ongoing battle for a lot of women today. “If I cut my hair will I still look attractive?” What goes through the minds of us women when dealing with our hair is nothing short of “can I pull this hairstyle off?” Why is it so important to have the perfect hairstyle? Society puts so much pressure on us to have those beautiful, lustrous locks that men can just run their fingers through. I know growing up having full, thick long hair would get you a lot of compliments, envious looks, or admiration.

I remember how my mom would sit me down with the hot comb and press my hair until it was straight. She used to tell me not to get my hair dirty when I would go outside and play. I started getting relaxers when I was of age and I remember how that “white creamy crack” would irritate my scalp often leaving chemical burns. I didn’t understand why it was necessary to put chemicals in my hair to make it look opposite of what God blessed me to have. As I got older, I jumped on the bandwagon and voluntarily started relaxing my own hair as I was conditioned to do since the age of 12.

I didn’t realize the message at the time that society had passed down to me at such a young age. The fact that my natural born hair wasn’t acceptable and that I needed to relax it in order to fit in. I was led to believe for the longest time that natural hair was ugly, nappy, or viewed as having poor hygiene. Instead of learning how to manage and take care of my own natural hair, I learned to be ashamed of it. I see a lot of women who choose to wear weaves, wigs, braids, and extensions as a form of protective styles. Also, it may be easier than having to stress about doing your hair every single day. Sometimes it can be a hassle to deal with our hair especially during a busy work week.

We all have a choice on how we style our hair and all hairstyles are beautiful, including natural. My point of this is to embrace what you have and appreciate it. Not one person is the same! Hair is beautiful no matter the color, pattern, texture or length. I have learned to embrace my hair throughout the years and enjoyed each different style I’ve worn. No matter what you decide to do to your hair just know that eventually it could be, “hair today and gone tomorrow!”