“Oh, you got that creamy crack in your hair… who you think you are?” This was the comment by my mother as I slowly felt my hair texture start to fade out of my scalp. A few years ago, before the pandemic, I decided to cut my hair and turn a new leaf, making sure that my natural hair became a priority. But as graduation came rolling around the corner, a new leaf began to bloom within me, begging me to make the changes I have been wanting to see in myself.
The origins
Within the Black community, the tradition of dressing up for holidays and special occasions is no surprise. My mom always talks about the nights before easter getting her ears burned from the hot comb placed on the stove. The traditional dresses, sense of community and care for every aspect of their lives are in front of them.
But in all of the beauty and grace of the holidays, a darkness arrived inwardly in our hair without us even knowing. That problem became what we know today as cancer started popping up in Black women rapidly. Through research, scientists have found potential causes of long-term effects of chemical relaxers and increased risk of uterine cancer within Black women. But for a long time, this was long undiagnosed.
Demonization
Not only did the effects of the relaxer seen over time cause potential health risks, but also socially. During the mid-2000s, the natural hair movement started becoming more dominant within our society. From finding out what hair porosity you have, different ways to attack wash-n-go’s and even oil treatments.
This period was also a time when natural influencers began to come on the scene and social media comments began to go haywire. From demonizing girls using straighteners and weaves being switched out for wigs. Exposure within the hair world became a big deal. The old-school perms boxes, from brands like Olive Oil and Dark and Lovely, showcased a facade. It was just announced that the girls modeling for those companies did not have perms in their hair as well.
But where has that led us today? Now the natural hair movement has started to come together with the non-natural movement as a free-for-all for all Black women involved. While this might be a recession indicator of where are world is heading, this phenomenon also allows us to go back to our roots safely.
In deciding to cut my hair, I knew people might look at me weirdly and understand that I have to actively do my hair every day. But this also meant I was growing up, changing how I wanted to be perceived by others around me in a positive way. This chance to walk the stage in May is a blessing and caused me to reflect on what ways I want to take on the world and that started with my new appearance.
The Face for the Pixie!
When I consulted my hairdresser about this, all she could do was smile when I told her it was time for a change. I have been planning this for quite some time now, and during spring break, I knew this was the moment to crank it out right before graduation. My pixie is longer, and the relaxer used on my hair is protective compared to other treatments. I also make sure to try not to put heat on my hair every day as it can break off due to this, even tho it can always be shorter. Right now I’m in the phase of playing around because it’s the season of freedom.
So if you’re thinking about changing up your hair for a fresh new start, DO IT! Change it up not only for a new look but for yourself internally to feel good.
Are you thinking about cutting your hair? Let us know @VALLEYmag on X!
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