Image found at: http://www.frenchiedavis.org/cms-assets/images/761266.frenchie-davis-hr--.jpgSo, I’m having pretty consistent thoughts about chopping off my dreadlocks (sorry if I’m beginning to sound like a broken record but this is what’s on my mind). I’ve even chosen to wear headbands instead of maintenancing my roots because if I decide to chop off my locs I want a bit of new growth. That way, my TWA (teeny weeny afro) will be at least an inch all around.
These thoughts are whirling around in my head last night as I’m flicking channels. I come across NBC’s The Voice and three members of Team Christina are waiting to find out which one of them Christina will advance to the semi-finals (warning, if you’re a fan of the show there are spoilers ahead). Honestly, I don’t really watch the show. I only occasionally tune in to watch Frenchie. Yes, Frenchie who has been on Broadway and can SANG!!!!! I am pulling for her. When Christina calls Frenchie’s name I am ecstatic and I shout out YEESSSS! I am also struck my how stunningly beautiful Frenchie is with her TWA-wearing self (some have even referred to her as bald). She rocks it.
The funny thing is, one of the main reasons that I think I’ve kept my locks is because they’ve gotten long and I like them long. I didn’t really care for the shorter lock phase. I’ve shared that I felt like a prickly porcupine. I like to feel my locks whipping behind me when I’m on a bike ride (thanks to my husband for getting me into that! Great exercise and it’s water free so it’s easy on the hair!). I like to braid them when they’re wet and then unbraid them to reveal wavy splendor. I like to put them in a ponytail, an updo, a side swept coif. However, I’ve recently admitted that I’m AFRAID to cut my hair. I think I’ve somehow gotten trapped in the long hair myth. What is that? The long hair myth is the myth that women with long hair are somehow more feminine, more alluring, more attractive, sexier, slimmer. Hmm, that last word, slimmer. Part of my Big Chop aversion is the fact that I weigh more than I want to and I’m afraid to take away my long hair AND be twenty pounds overweight. There, I’ve confessed.
Back to The Voice. When I saw Frenchie in all of her magnificence it reminded me of something I already know: short haired, big women are beautiful too. I still haven’t made up my mind about my hair but I’m working through the internal issues that I have about making the decision.
Just do it!!! I have had a TWA, a wild and wonderful big fro, and some space in between. I know you'll still be the same stunning woman I met over 20 years ago. I can see how a TWA will accentuate your great cheekbones. Stop hiding behind those long locs and let us see your amazing beauty!
ReplyDeleteWhile my maintenance routing is MUCH easier than yours, I am both afraid to cut and enjoy the versatility of longer hair. My vote is keep as is - but know that you will be beautiful no matter WHAT you choose!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comments.
ReplyDeleteAJ (by the way, I know I know you but I don't recognize the initials AJ...side effects of protecting ourselves on line!) :) You are so right. I'm leaning towards that. Jennifer, I hear you. BTW, loc maintenance is quite easy though there is work involved. How do you wear your hair? Thank you for your compliments.
So funny Tina. My friend who inspired me to get sisterlocs recently had hers cut. She had about 4-6 inches taken off--she said that they had just gotten too heavy and too much to manage. Like others on your blog have said, you will be gorgeous no matter what. But in cutting your locs, you don't have to cut them all off--you can cut them down. I guess this leads me to another question--why have you been thinking about cutting them? So you don't have to do maintenance?
ReplyDeleteHi Stacy! I've been thinking about cutting them off because I want to play with my unlocked natural hair. I never really played with it before (I wore twists for 2 years or so but hated it because I thought my hair was too unruly). I didn't explore it and learn how to work with it. I also think this has something to do with my big 4-0 birthday. I'm ready to explore different sides of me. I think. haha! :)
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