Hair Daze

It’s Monday afternoon here in Maryland and I’m at home with my 7-year-old son who is under the weather. So, since I’m at home for the day, I decided to reach out to my fellow divas because I really like to write and I love the topic of hair.

I guess you could describe my hair type as 4A/B , which in English means dry and course. You hair junkies out there will know what I mean! I’ve been told that my hair texture is extremely fragile and needs a ton of moisture. Perhaps some of you ladies have the same issues I do. So…where do I begin with my hair drama?

My earliest memories of getting my hair done were in the kitchen of course. My mother was my first hairdresser. On special occasions like Easter or Christmas, she would press my hair with a hotcomb. There’s nothing like getting burned with a hotcomb. On most days I would wear afro puffs. Usually she would part my hair down the middle and then the puffs were secured with a ribbon. This style was extremely popular when I was growing up in the 1970s and I always smile when I see pictures of my hair back then. Fast forward a few years to high school and I got my first relaxer.

It’s an experience that one never forgets: the vaseline around your forehead and ears, the sharp edges of those fine tooth combs the stylist used to smooth the hair and the burning that never seemed to end even after you got a shampoo and deep conditioner. But in the end, I felt great about having straight, limp hair that always broke off month after month. My hair never seemed to grow to the length I wanted. Over time it seemed like no matter who did my hair I still experienced hair breakage. I wasn’t knowledgeable about the right products to use. After high school, I discovered braids and alternated between the braids and relaxer. I thought the braids were the answer however my hair was still lacking in moisture and was constantly dry. I still didn’t achieve the length I was seeking.

So, here I am many years later, wearing my hair in braids and still searching for answers. Recently I stumbled across ayurvedic powders for the treatment of hair. I hope that’s the answer to a beautiful head of hair.

Lisa Abraham lives in Maryland is married and has two sons.