We have 3 girls and 2 boys. The 2 boys get a buzz cut about once every 2 months and we call it good. The girls, on the other hand, require a more delicate and intentional touch.
Each of our girls has her own unique hair texture. Add to that, each one also has her own sense of style. Add to that, I am white. They are black. Do I really need to say more?
There are websites, books, discussion forums, therapists, support groups, and magazine articles dedicated to African American hair care issues. I, being only one woman, have not read them all. I think I may have missed one or two.
With that said, today I undertook a new challenge: Extensions. Sasha, who is 10 (and a half!), decided that "baby hairstyles" are no longer acceptable. What this means for her is that for the past 6 months or so she has worn her hair in a sloppy ponytail which she considers "cool". What this means for Mama is that she has felt like a failure every time we are in public and people give me that "Oh, these poor African American girls are adopted by a dumb white lady who can't braid" look. Trust me, such a thing does exist.
As I am inbetween semesters and Mike is about to be inbetween jobs, I have a little extra time and nervous energy on my hands. So! Today! We did extensions! It may seem strange to my white friends who don't have may AA girlfriends, but this is a fairly commonplace hair procedure for AA kids. What it entails is this: Taking synthetic hair and adding to my girls hair in what is hopefully a natural looking style. The goal of this is to add length to their hair, as well as to help their styles stay in place longer without getting "fuzzy".
I am pretty impressed with me! For my first time out I think it turned out looking awfully good. What do you think?
4 comments:
Sasha looks great! You did awesome, but I always think the girls hair looks good.
Dena you are quite the pro - it looks fabulous. Sasha looks incredible - although with her smile, she always looks incredible!
Oh my gosh! And you crack me up with your comments! Belive it or not, I know about the weaving...on Juneteenth (AA celebration of the end of slavery), the childrens museum holds a party. We went and the girls all got some weavework done...they made the front page of the paper. I wondered about the message it sent - white girls on the cover of the paper for a black event. But who am I to question such fun? You did a great job Dena!!!
Dena! You're amazing! Witty, hilarious, and charming all at the same time! Keep being you! And, your daughter's hair looks beautiful! You're the best Cracka-Mom out there...trust me.
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