Oh to be African!

Yesterday I wanted to chop off my hair. Yes chop off.  I'd had braids for approximately 3 weeks (*embarrassed*) and I was tired of them.  I have always been the kind of girl that has the simplest hairstyle at all times. My mother kept my hair in plaits for my entire childhood; while my father was canvassing for a haircut everytime my hair grew a millimetre!  He said 'I want smart girls not beautiful girls'.

After Grade 12 I had my mind set on dreadlocks, and so did the rest of the world...or atleast South Africa.  I had my 1st set of dreadlocks for 2years; cut them because they started falling off as they were home made.  I then kept my second set of dreadlocks for another 2years; they were rich healthy and people envied my patience and perseverance.  Then one day I chopped them off in the kitchen with scissors.  It was time.  I was tired of them.  Dreadlocks are easy to carry but work to maintain; plus you run out of styles to do with them.

                                                     

Cutting my hair was like liberation from a long war.  I felt free and suddenly realised I could do anything absolutely anything with my head.  Oh my! I kept it short and red for a while; red is my favourite colour and short hair felt so great after a head full of locks.  During this time I also learned that I had features I didn't know I had on my face.  They had been hidden by my locks for all those years.  

For the past 2 years I have had numerous hairstyles; I cannot remember the exact number.  It is still a struggle to decide what I want to do with my hair when the time for change comes.  I mean there is so much to choose from.  I know I am not a fan of weaves; no not because I think its 'fake'.  I feel weaves are demanding; they are itchy and always in your face; plus I do not like combing hair.  If you have ever had your mother/father yank an afro comb through your ethnic hair...you understand why I hate combing.

So last night I got my sister to remove my latest braids. I had had enough.  I was going to cut my hair again...for the 3rd time in 2years.  After removing them I realised my hair had grown; and I changed my mind.  I washed it and blew it (with a dryer) and alas WOW!  My hair is thick and long; something I have always wanted; and if I keep growing it next year this time it will be double this size.

We are so lucky to be African; to have our ethnic hair that can be converted into just about anything; to have the ability to achieve any look to complete any outfit; to have an album of many faces of the same soul.  If you haven't a clue what to do...hey cover it up.

Ta,
Budgie