No, it wasn’t a typo, you read it correctly. What’s in a mane? Interesting question… To tell you the truth, our hair is a form of expression. You can curl it, flat iron it, relax it, color it and the list goes on. I myself have dabbled with numerous hairstyles. My hair has been short, long, curly, straight, braided, crocheted, weaved, protected under extensions and wigs, rinsed, dyed, bleached, highlighted and the list goes on. I have been able to use my hair as a form of creativity to express myself. I have also accessorized my hair using beads, hair string, loc cuffs, headbands, tiaras and my signature flower.
However, with that creativity comes the opinions of others. Of course, I have received positive comments as well as unwelcomed ones regarding my hair. I remember when I first did the big chop in 2012, people thought I had lost my mind. “Why did you cut off all that beautiful hair?”. My response: “It’ll grow back”. And grow back it did. With a healthy lifestyle encompassing diet, exercise, rest, adequate fluid intake and proper haircare, I have gained my length back and so much more. I have loved my hair, disliked my hair, been frustrated with my hair. I have watched videos and saw pictures online of certain hairstyles and was unable to accomplish those hairstyles. It all happens to the best of us. I have also used some of those same videos and online pictures to create beautiful updos, pompadours, braids, twists, etc.
As I go through life and grow as a person, I realize that no matter what hairstyle I choose to rock, some people may like it and some may dislike it; and guess what, that’s OK. My goal is to feel comfortable in my skin and to be able to express myself as I choose. If I had to bend to every single person’s ideology of hair, I would be miserable. My hair doesn’t define me, I define my hair. So here’s my question to you: What’s in YOUR mane?
Credits
Photo: © Mimage Photography via canva.com