I Am My Hair – My Loc Journey
“Are those braids?” “How long have you been growing those?” “Oh, you have dreads, are you a Rastafarian?” “Do you smoke pot?” “Can I touch them?” “Do you wash your hair?” “You would look so much prettier if your hair was straight.” “Do they smell?” Those are just some of the questions/comments that I have heard about my Locs. Some questions have been out of curiosity, others have been out of ignorance.
My Locs have been more than a physical journey for me, but a spiritual one as well. It takes a lot of love, patience, resilience and determination to embrace having Locs. People are not always kind, having poor misconceptions about my natural hairstyle, most are not afraid to to voice their opinions about it.
How My Journey Began
Since I was little I have admired Locs. I would see them on various people and thought they were beautiful. Unfortunately, I knew that due to religious reasons, my parents would NEVER allow me to get Locs back then; they were equated to being Rastafarian (another falsehood). Being natural was never an issue, as my mother always rocked her hair in a t.w.a (Teeny Weeny Afro).
Before starting Locs, I did try other hairstyles: Perms, Jheri curls, texturizers, braids, corn-rolls, micro-braids. Perms and Jheri curls were the worse, my hair NEVER adapted to the chemicals; the burning and the stretching. At 21, I chopped all of my hair off. It was the best thing that I ever did for myself. Before I began the stages of Locs, I decided to “fall in love” with the texture of my hair. So I let it grow out, twisted it, nurtured it and loved it for about 2 years.
When I decided to loc my hair, I made sure that I understood the process. Not the process of just how my hair would transition, but understand that this was not just a hairstyle, but a spiritual journey. I consider my Locs as antennas to my spiritual energy, strength and guidance. You learn so much patience not only with yourself but with others. I’ve learned that sometimes people need to be educated on what Locs really are, because there have been myths about them for years.
For example, I NEVER call my hair dreads or dreadlocks, they are LOCS! When I began my research, I learned that the word “Dreadlock” came from a very negative source. When Africans were enslaved and brought here on slave ships, during the journey through the Middle Passage, their hair became matted with blood, feces, urine, sweat, tears, dirt and time. When they were carted off the ships, the captors referred to the slaves’ hair as “Dreadful.” This hurtful connotation has lasted for centuries and has been used to describe our hair and the lifestyle we carry with it in a negative light.
There is NOTHING DREADFUL about my hair! Locs are beautiful in all shapes, sizes and forms.
Now, instead of being upset, I answer questions with either humor or patience.
Many people experience headaches and dizziness nearly everyday, but instead of getting the treatment, they hide their condition with their partner which causes relationship troubles. cialis buy uk Conclusion Creating a learning organization requires a deep rethinking of the leader’s role. tadalafil india 20mg Some other strains to consider for relief of M.S. symptoms include: ? Bubba OG for evening pain relief ? Quantum Kush for inflammation, chronic pain and nausea ? Rockstar for gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, nausea, tadalafil super active chronic pain and depression Visit our online cannabis dispensary for a variety of strains at affordable prices. There are many other reasons because of which sufficient blood don’t move to the obliged zone and viagra sans prescription canada reasons erection disappointment.
Are those braids or dreads? No, they are Locs, there is nothing “dreadful” about my hair. They get the short history lesson.
How long have you been growing those? These Locs are my second set; I have been growing them for about 10 years.
Are you a Rastafarian? No, having Locs does not equate you to any religious practice.
Do you smoke pot? Some questions just don’t need to be answered.
Can I touch them? Now this question usually comes with a hand reach. I do not allow my hair to be touched as I feel that people’s energy can be transmitted to my hair. I would really have to know you and feel your vibe is in a good place. So on very rare occasions would I say, yes.
Do you wash your hair? I was asked this in front of a group of people. I leaned in and whispered, “Do you really want to know?” They all got excited and leaned in as if I was about to give them this deep, dark secret that they would finally know. I said, “So I get in the shower, I turn on the water; I take my shampoo, pour it into my hands and WASH IT.” By the time they realized my sarcasm, they either laughed or just look embarrassed. There is no secret, Locs get washed, conditioned, oiled, and styled just like any other type of hair.
I won’t say it has been easy, as going through the stages of Loc growth can be a trial in itself, but I would never change my hair to appease anyone, whether it was family, friends or even a job position. My hair is an extension of who I am, my personality, my spiritual development, love of myself and the Goddess that I am.
I AM MY HAIR….
