I believe that your hair is your glory, your crown and a significant aspect of your identity. It is a source of attention and we are constantly grooming it. Whether it’s shaved all off, covered or locd, it has meaning. Iv’e been natural since I was 14, I am now 22. Despite the various styles iv’e had during my experience, locs have taught me the most. When I had my fro, I would buy curly creams that could make my 4c hair look more palatable. I avoided shrinkage, subconsciously feeling as if the tightening of my hair was not an option. Once I began my loc journey I committed to never manipulating my hair texture again.

I never used to look at my hairstyles as a decision that could change the way I perceive myself. The first time I made a drastic change to my hair was the summer after high school graduation, 2016, I chopped it all off. This was the first pivotal moment in my spiritual journey. Short hair taught me to love my whole face, including the parts I was programmed to hate. Four years later, when I made the decision to begin my loc journey I soon realized that self love went beyond physical beauty. The first couple of months into my journey I panicked over how I’d wear my frizzy dreads to a job interview or college internship. Afraid that I would look unruly I used buns and over-retwisting as a crutch. Although I thought I was confident before, I realized that I was constantly worried about external support and approval. You can only truly be confident when you kill the ego, which isn’t an easy journey. While my beautiful crown continued to blossom, I left it alone and watched. A year into my journey I was finally in love with my capability to see myself for who I am at the core: a patient, resilient and compassionate spirit. It may seem like it’s just hair, but if that were the case they wouldn’t work so hard to demonize the way it grows from your scalp.

My life has changed in ways that 14 year old me couldn’t have even dreamed of. I find myself writing her in my journal, telling her that i’m proud of her, that she is worthy of the universe, that I forgive her and that she has nothing to worry about. My hair tells a story, a story of the energy that’s been put into her, the lessons at the tips of her beginning and the uncertainty of her future. Today, I wan’t you all to think about the purpose your hair serves in your life. Why do you choose the hairstyles you do and how does it reflect who you truly are. Does it make you explain yourself over and over? Does it make you feel creative? Write a letter to your hair (however it is), then write a letter to yourself. Is it possible that you love them both the same?