Let’s start at the beginning. In April, I decided it was way too hot to apply more heat to my tresses. Standing in my bathroom under my vanity light sweating like a pig in a sauna. It was just unproductive. I would have to wait at least 30 minutes to cool down before I could apply my face. To top that off once I went outside … POOF! I achieved an instant attitude from the magnitude of frizz I continued to have.
So here we are nearly 6 weeks later and I’ve chopped my hair 3 times. Looking back on it all, I really should have just did the big chop intially but I was a punk. Slightly crippled by my hair, the task just seemed overwhelming. And I am not even sure why, I’ve had short hair before. Albeit I was 22 y/o and 20 lbs lighter.
I am a card carrying “race matters” kinda chick but I never noticed how much my Black culture affected me. I never even realized how much prettier I felt with straight hair. Even with all of the comments and praise from my #NaturalHair fam via social networking, I was almost in tears at the sight of my new short somewhat “nappy” curls. Could those images of skinny video girl vixen models with 24 inch weaves really be affecting me?
I confess that I’ve never had a weave but only because my mother forbidded it and once I turned grey well … the fake (or what they claim to be real) grey hair is uber fake.
What I learned most about cutting my hair in general (not just doing away with chemicals) was that beauty really is about confidence. I had to learn that nothing about my face or my body changed. It’s just hair, that grows really fast for me. My hair story has taught me to appreciate ME .. all of ME! The bad hair day me. The me with the big pimple (hush up BFF!). The me that loves to laugh but hates when the joke is about me. I really do love me but I forget how much sometimes. So today I promise myself that I will love myself – NO MATTER WHAT! Short hair, long hair, 50lbs less or not.. It’s the only me I’ve got and I love me!!
Q: Tell me … Do you LOVE my hair?
14 comments
Lisa says:
Aug 1, 2011
I am SO very proud to call you my sista-friend! I know the story and as the Big Apple was fryin’ it up in a pan this summer, I marveled at the girls with short hair, with necks cool as they want to be. Meanwhile I’m putting this thing (my below the shoulder non-weave) on the top of my head, only to have loose hairs annoy me to the point of saying “I’m cutting this thing off”. Well in Lisa-land that means to have it trimmed at the very ends (if you know what I mean).
I think what you did is brave – because for so long, we not only judge, but have been judged by our hair. When people ask if mine is ‘real’, I know what they mean…non-purchased at the local beauty supply. Yes, it is and it was even longer before I had 7″ chopped off in my teens. The look of pure shock and even disappointment from my family/friends and my boyfriend (who walked past me because he didn’t recognize me), has led me to believe that my hair was very much a part of my identity – hence only a trim. I swore when I became a big girl (60 yrs old) I would cut it. Partly because by then, who would care right? Well, I’m not sayin’ I’m running out before Fashion Week to chop it off (nor am I near 60), but you have given me something to think about. I’ll be interested in the stories you and your new-do, will have to share.
So yes, I am proud of you. I honor your strength. I salute your bravery. I’m still like – WOW!! when I see your pictures. Finally you, my dear are beautiful, strong, smart, ENOUGH. So RAWK your hair like ya mean it!
Gorgeous In Grey says:
Aug 1, 2011
Tears and a big hug to you my NYFW God Mommie! Love you hear! See in you September!!!
Mari BeMoreFoxxi says:
Aug 1, 2011
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! It is so chic and sophisticated! Definitely a haute upgrade!
Gorgeous In Grey says:
Aug 1, 2011
hahaha Haute upgrade! Thanks sweets!
BmoreFab says:
Aug 1, 2011
you look absolutely beautiful:)
stylemebad says:
Aug 2, 2011
You are so right beauty is all about confidence. You have such a pretty face that a short hair cutt looks amazing on you!! Work ittttt!!
kia says:
Aug 2, 2011
your cut is so cute! it’s ok to be attached to your hair or feel like it’s more a part of you than anything else…. i know we aren’t our hair, but our hair is one of our biggest and favorite accessories. it does become a part of our image and an indicator of our lifestyle… and takes work to look good!
what a journey! i hope you enjoy!
Gorgeous In Grey says:
Aug 2, 2011
I didn’t quite look at my hair as an accessory but I guess you are right. I’ve gotten use to it now. People even noticed that I have dimples, LOL.
Danielle Lewis says:
Aug 2, 2011
Welcome to the Naked Neck Club! Looks cute on you
Cynthia says:
Aug 3, 2011
I do, I love it! Can’t wait to see you and your super cute new do’ in September.
Kimberlee says:
Aug 10, 2011
I LOVE YOUR HAIR! The soft curls are really pretty
Gorgeous In Grey says:
Aug 11, 2011
Thanks! It works well both straight and curly. I am loving that aspect of being natural.
nat_somajor_mua says:
Sep 10, 2011
I love ur grey tresses and I felt the same way even tho ihave been natural b4 my 2nd big chop I wasnt as confident in ny hair but I now wear it out with pride and love it even more the second time around. thanks for sharing
Daisy says:
Jun 7, 2012
I LOVE your hair!! I know I am way late in posting, lol. But your hair is how I found your site. I came across your pic on BGLH and it was the exact cut that I have been wanting FOREVER! I have had long hair many years. I think the last time I had a cut above my shoulders was in the 7th or 8th grade….I am now 30. I had been telling my family and friends that I was going to cut my hair after my brothers wedding which was May 12th, and the following weekend I got an angled bob. I decided to take steps toward going shorter to ease by boyfriend into it since he is so used to seeing me with long hair and prefers it (even though he says it is not a determining factor in the relationship) Seeing your hair let me know that being natural with that cut will work and look great! I actually am a hair stylists, but sometimes seeing is believing, not just what you may think in your head! BTW I love that you don’t cover your grey! I will be checking out your site now, as I will be starting on of my own eventually…… Thanks!