If you are not a black woman or from a black family or know a lot of black people you may not understand what I'm talking about. Whenever something major changes in the family dynamics: weddings, babies, jobs, school, moving, food and hair, there is a contingent of older black women somewhere making judgements about all of it. You will hear directly what those judgements were if you hang around long enough. After I got my locs started last month, mom gave the first pronouncement that things were good but I mentioned to an older woman at work what I was doing and she wanted to see them. Now it was probably my fault for showing them to her in that first week before the hair started to relax and puff up a bit but she gave me the look that only an older black woman can give you. It's supportive but questioning your life choices all at the same time. And then she asked what they always do when that is the face they are giving you--does xyz in your family like it? In this case it was my mom and she did so I got the okay face proceeded with I just need to see how it goes.
So one month in officially and post my first retwist and she was much happier with me and my decision. My hair was rounder and more defined as well as appearing longer. Now we're good and she sees the vision lol. It was one of those moments this week that reminded me of the love that is inherently present and wonderful in the community if you connect with someone. If you don't then yeah it can be some shady boots kind of stuff happening. That just reminds me all skinfolk ain't kinfolk though and I keep it pushing. But the love is appreciated when it comes and helps all of us keep moving towards better versions of ourselves.
Related to the approval, I have been trying out new sleeping caps to protect my starter locs. One I couldn't wear through the first night because it was just too tight and didn't cover the very ends of my hair. I switched to another that works better but there's no elastic in the band so my giant head is stretching it out nightly and there's also no ties so I can't keep it locked into place. I pull it down around my ears and then it ends up tucked behind them before I wake up in the morning. That's also why I've been putting on a regular satin bonnet on top of the sleeve because I am pretty sure if I don't then I will wake up with my hair completely out one day. I ordered two other options, both of which have ties, so I'm hoping that helps. I will update you when I find out.
Right now I'm just happy for a three day weekend before my ever increasingly busy schedule keeps going I hope you don't really wanna sleep. I need to detoxify a bit. I'm more people to people and their energy when I am stressed even a little bit. Have a good one all.
No comments:
Post a Comment