The Bend of My Hair

Installation:  May 1-2, 2010

Sisterlock Count: 453

Lock Size:  Small to Medium (?)

Retightening schedule: Every 6-8 weeks

Install facts:   6-8 inches of completely natural hair that had seen no heat or chemicals of any kind of approx 8 years.

I accidentally went natural.

There was no come-to-jesus moment.  No staged revolts against creamy crack. No late night epiphanies.

I got my first jheri curl when I was about five. My Mom said my hair was unmanageable and I had some patchy spots. I didn’t have any say-so of course. What did I know back then?  Admittedly, my hair did grow with the curl and my mother didn’t have to fuss with it. Thus began my chemical affair.

I finally got my first perm when I was about twelve. I had an older hair stylist who took very good care of my hair. My hair began to grow out nicely and pretty soon it was about shoulder length. My mother was pleased. I loved how my hair looked but I remember dreading that touch up appointment because inevitably I had scratched, despite my best efforts. So I knew my head would be on fire and I would leave with perm burns and angry red burns that would scab up. Now that I think back on it, I cringe. Something about that just ain’t right!

Sometimes I would give it a break by wearing braids and braided in curly weaves. However, I always went back to the creamy crack.

Eight years ago, I got my last perm and just never looked back. I didn’t walk out of the appointment vowing never to get another perm. I just never went back to my stylist, who I had been with for years. Come to think of it, she didn’t call me to see what happened either!

I initially started off with braids and over the next several years wore a variation of sis twists styles.

I got lots of compliments. When my hair was freshly done and even when it was time for maintenance, people would stop me all the time and ask me for my stylist’s business card. I even started a sis twist trend at work.

I am often told how natural my hair looks.

But it isn’t natural.

It isn’t MY hair.

Over the past several months I’ve decided that I want to run my fingers through my hair. Everyday. In its natural state.

Everytime I would take my hair out of the twists, I spend at least an hour just playing in my fro. Taking photos of my hair growth. I love how my hair feels between my fingers.

I briefly considered my options.  I have a beautifully thick head of hair.  I could start wearing my hair in various twist outs and roller sets. I could rock my fro. The possibilities are endless. It would allow me a chance to really get to know my hair and to see what it can do–good and bad.

However, I’ve always had loc envy. There is nothing like a crown of well-maintained locs – on women and on men. As I started researching, I discovered sisterlocks. In talking to women who have them, I just knew they were for me. It just felt right.

This blog is about the journey from removal of my twists to the installation of my sisterlocks to fully loving and embracing the bend of my hair.