I am beginning to discover a side of me that I knew was hiding somewhere. It is beautiful, unique, and plays by its own rules. I am indeed talking about my wonderful curly hair. It's taken me 21 years to come to grips with my hair, learn to love it, but most importantly how to take care of it. All this time, I'd been treating it like straight hair- something that is quite common among us curly girls. I have had my hair soaked then cut and razored to 'thin it out'. It's only in the past couple of weeks that I've learned you are in fact supposed to cut curly hair DRY! The past year has also seen me telling the hairdresser, almost pleading with her, not to run that razor through my hair. Only specially trained people know how to cut our hair and they can be a little hard to find. I finally found the stylist who can understand and knows how to handle my hair the way it should be handled. It took a lot of internet searches that lead me to other discoveries about my hair. It was finally at a club where I got the name of a hairstylist and I am very happy with the results. I'm also going cold turkey on the shampoo. That's right no shampoo. I've learned that shampoo is basically detergent- like the kind you use to wash your dishes. That explains why my hair is so dry. My next task is to find a sulfate-free shampoo. I think my best option is the Burt's Bees brand. If anyone has used this shampoo, please let me know what the ingrediants are.
Today I put olive oil and vanilla on the tips of my hair and they do feel softer, I massaged aloe vera into my scalp and washed all that out with baking soda and water. I put my shea butter in my hair and for the first time in a long time, the front of my hair curled! For so long it had been dry and shapeless, like it was trying to go straight, but I finally got it to curl around and live again.
So I have written something akin to the Finding Nemo sharks promise to be vegetarian.
I am a recovering Curly. I will no longer subject my hair to abuse. I will love it, nurture it, and treat it the way it needs to be treated for it to always look fabulous. It reflects me and my curly crazy personality. Love it or hate it, but please don't touch it.
If anybody needs help or advice on how to manage curly hair or just wants to talk about your tips and tricks, your horror stories, or maybe you are a recovered Curly, please feel free to message me. I can tell you right now that my bible is called "Curly Girl" by Lorraine Massey. I'm not just saying this because I'm sponsored- I'm not. I'm saying this because this is how I truly feel and I want to help other girls, and guys, in a world that is dominated by the straight mentality.
P.S. I promise my blog will not turn into a hair blog. I will still post my writings, opinions, etc.
Introducing the new Weaponized Culture
11 years ago
In a way you kind of recognize the pain of having to conform to something when it really doesn't fit you. Try being gay and you will see what I mean. The entire world is designed for straight people, not gay (curly) people.
ReplyDeleteWhat you have found is a way to nurture the person (or hair in your case) you are (have). And recognize there are many people in the world that have your hair. You are not alone.
So, what's your final judgment on the avocado and honey salad?
ReplyDeleteIt was very messy application. Since my hair has been moisturized a lot lately, I can't say that it did anything special other than keep my hair moisturized. The biggest thing was the mess. The couple other formulas I've tried are not nearly as messy. However next time I try this "avacado and honey salad" I'm going to make sure it's less lumpy and more of a puree or smoothie like consistency. I think that might have been part of the problem. I'll keep you posted.
ReplyDeleteBut it was always better curly <3, and thank god you have finally came to grips with your self which is a small step into a larger world.
ReplyDeleteThen again not everyone has perfect molded bouncy volumized hair that keeps it's shape and looks good no matter what.
Actually, the key is to moisturize. In the past three weeks I have not had a single bad hair day and I live in a high humidity area. Trust me, once you learn to manage your hair or really anything else for that matter you know how to prevent mishaps. Please let me know if you need more specific advice on how to manage curly hair. And thank you so much for your words of advice and support.
ReplyDelete