Hair woes
The time has come, as it does every two months or so, for me to make a decision about what to do next with my hair. Though I love the image below, I’m one of those women who is usually nonfussed about her hair. If it’s not low-maintenance, then I want no part of a hair style. My sister usually looks at me with exasperation and says, “Your hair is an accessory, you know!” I hate to admit it, she’s right.
I mean, think about it, Queen Michelle’s hair is as much an accessory as her clothes. Then there’s Erykah Badu. Her hair styles are so much a part of her look…of course, it’s so difficult to separate the two, but I don’t think her look would be as compelling say if she had some dinky hairdo.
The above is lovely and from Vogue Black. Lovely but to be realistic, I’m not going to get up an hour earlier than I need to just go get my hair together. I’ll get up early to get an outfit perfect, but I can’t seem to extend the courtesy to my hair. That’s why I keep it either in braids or short and curly. The braids are the easiest way to go….but I’m gearing for a change.
I did this look once…quite by accident as a cousin did a bit of a slip while giving me a haircut. At the time, I rocked it as best as I could. I didn’t realize how much hiding one does behind hair. My sister and aunt currently have this look, so I’m reluctant to jump on the bandwagon. They both look gorgeous, though. My aunt’s high cheekbones are so artfully exposed by this haircut. She looks like Angelike Kidjo. Both she and my sister should have ditched their hair years ago. They both look gorgeous.
Then there’s the faux hawk. This I can manage and often create something similar when my braids are off.
The next step though might be do go for locks, again I refer to Ms. Badu in the above…..Locks or sisterlocks are such a big step. Have any of you gone over? If so, any thoughts…
I understand completely. A few years ago I had an allergic reaction to something and have had an itchy scalp ever since. I believe it was straightening that set off the allergic reaction., although I have had it straightend for years. I've tried every product and the dematologist has prescribed scalp treatments that work but the itching always comes back. I have worn my hair in a shorter natural style but I am really tired of it! But I'm scared to try another perm or straightening since I don't want another severe allergic reaction. I have what I can only call bi-racial hair, some of it is really curly, some wavy and some straight so the overall effect can be frizzy which is why I used a straightener to begin with. I'm probably cut it short again for the summer since I like an active lifestyle and without something to tame the frizz, I need to keep it short to have it managable and presentable. Any suggestions would be welcome!
Well, I submitted one but I don't know where it went. Don't feel like writing it all over again!
I think hair is an accessory. I think it all depends how much our hair defines us. My hair was bit unmanageable and had shoulderlength hair for some time and it was easy to ponytail.
I went shorter(2 inches) recently- and it has made a change- it is so easy to care for-
and more verstaile for styling.
Next week, I plan to go to less than one inch or less- a nice buzz cut- I am not sure how it will look but I think it will make me feel different. I am sure it will be low maintenance.
I am not sure if I can pull it off, but one thing for sure, it'll be a different experience.
I think there will a sorta freedom feeling once its done, and then I'll do the hang out till my hair grows back out phase..
Re: low maintenance
Hair IS an accessory. And, the last time I checked, it took about 3 minutes to accessorize an outfit. Hope you find the solution for doing the same with your hair!
I just took off my braid extensions, which I had on for 3.5 months, in preparation for the spring
(um . . . where is this season called spring, by the way? anybody know? stupid groundhog!).
Badgering groundhogs aside . . .
(ha. ha. badgering groundhogs. get the play on mammals there?)
OK enough digressing . . .
I like versatility, so I think I'll stick to my loose, fancy-free, and short afro hairstyle.
I'll braid my hair again next winter; it serves as a great protective style — protecting my hair from the dry and cold winter months.
But if you're looking for different, interesting, and healthy things to do with your natural hair, I'd strongly suggest visiting these sites for inspiration:
1. http://bglhonline.com/
2. http://lecoil.tumblr.com/
Peace!
Hi Sandy–I love both of those sites. Especially lecoil. The picture of the woman with the short buzz is from lecoil. I feel you about protecting one's hair in the winter. That's the main reason why I braid it during the cold months.
Gotta love any way that Erykah on and on Badu chooses to wear her locks.