Wow! Has it really been two years since the last time that I wrote in this blog? Well, I finally did it. I grew my hair for over a year and counting. I last shaved my head before the Zumba Convention, August 12, 2012. I decided once again, that I wanted to at least see what my hair can look and feel like when I take proper care of it. My regimen is still evolving, and I still find some hits and misses along the way. For example, the spray I mixed up just the other day leaves my hair feeling greasy and looking dull. My hair prefers coconut oil to olive. I still don't moisturize every night as I should. Most importantly, however, I have learned to love my hair along the way.
I am still amazed by the number of compliments I receive, since long straight hair is so prized in our culture. Nevertheless, I am frequently told, "Wow! I really like your hair!" I always laugh and say, "Thanks! It's the way it grows out of my head!" Sometimes this response is met with a chuckle or a quizzical look, but I am not sure if they understand what I mean. Usually, we are complimented about a hairstyle and far less often about how our hair just naturally IS. Without products. Colors. Perms. Relaxers. Dyes. Curling irons. Accessories. Just our hair.
I am also surprised by how much my hair has grown in the last 14 months! I expected it to be ear length, at best, considering I was beginning from scalp length. Lo and behold, my hair brushes the tops of my shoulders. The last time I grew my hair long, it took me five years to reach the middle of my back. This time, I may make it in two. Which leads me to my next challenge...
