My hair story…well it’s an interesting story to say the least. My story began when I was around thirteen years old, that’s when I first received a perm. My mother wouldn’t allow me to get a perm until then because she said I was too young! I finally begged and begged and was able to get one. I loved my perm! I couldn’t believe that my hair actually stayed straight! No more straightening comb, burned neck and ears…life was great!

 My hair story…well it’s an interesting story to say the least. My story began when I was around thirteen years old, that’s when I first received a perm. My mother wouldn’t allow me to get a perm until then because she said I was too young! I finally begged and begged and was able to get one. I loved my perm! I couldn’t believe that my hair actually stayed straight! No more straightening comb, burned neck and ears…life was great!

In the year 2000 is when I felt I began changing on the inside. I became more aware of my African heritage, and wanted to explore that further. The more I read on the significant role that African Americans played and still play in our society, I became much more “enlighted”. This enlightenment changed me both on the inside and eventually the outside. Once my inside changed and I became more of a culturally proud and aware black woman, my outside had to reflect that change.

In 2001 I decided I wanted dreadlocks. Being from a small town in Ohio where not too many people sported locks, I knew I had to go to a larger city to achieve them. I met a loctician in Cleveland, Ohio and had my first consultation with her. She informed me that I had to cut off my permed hair, which was shoulder length. For most people that would have been devistating, but for me it wasn’t. Remember, my inside had already changed, so this was just a formality for me. I wore braids for the next four or so months in order to let my natural hair grow. Once I achieved about four inches of natural growth, my hair was cut! Boy did I look different! My familty thought I had lost my mind, but in all truth, I found my mind! That was the most difficut part of my transition. Sometimes your family can say things to hurt you, and it hurts much more than coming from a stranger.

In May of 2001, I started my locs. It was my happiest moment and one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I’ve had my dreadlocks since May of 2001 and I must say I still love them. I love what they represent to me, and I love to show the world that I am proud of my heritage and of being a black woman.
People always ask me, “how long are you going to have your dreadlocks?” I respond to them, “as long as God blesses me with hair, I’ll have locs!!”