For the better part of my adult life, I have worn hair extensions. A weave. And last Tuesday, in a moment of Britney-Spears-style mania, I removed them... for good.
I loved my extensions. To me, they were glamorous, and apart the from the requisite monthly visits to my hairdresser, they were rather low-maintenance. But lately they’d become fraught with problems:
1) My adorable boyfriend had noticeable trouble running his hands through my hair. This never really seemed to pose an issue with my ex-flames, but with my current beau it makes me so sad that he can’t express is affection for me the way he’d like because I have a glorified wig sewn to my head!
2) I run a store that is filled with natural beauty products, and inspiring women to tap into their own unique beauty and celebrate it has become a real passion for me. But, hello?!? How can I inspire women to celebrate their natural-born beauty, when I don’t do the same with mine??
3) I’m so inspired by Dr Hauschka as a company, and as I learn more and more about organic products, I learn more and more about ethical production and fair trade. And it occurred to me: why is it that I can even afford to have human hair attached to my own? If hair from a pashmina goat is so expensive, why is human hair so cheap? I can only conclude that someone, somewhere is not being fairly compensated for this hair that I wear for the sake a vanity.
4) I’m getting older and I’m simply not sure that long hair looks good on me anymore. With long hair and not enough sleep, I’ve had times lately when I’ve looked in the mirror and seen looking back a cross between a witch and a Geico Caveman, like if Conan O’Brien had used their faces for the “If They Mated” segment of his old show.
In addition, Chris Rock’s movie (which I have yet to actually see), the Oprah show that followed it, Solange Knowles’ new short and chic ‘do, and the general revolution that I see happening with women all over has inspired me to make this change. And just because it was the right fit for me, I wouldn’t dream of imposing my view upon anyone else. We all have to do what makes us feel good and beautiful and confident, and if for someone else that means donning long locks and fancy wigs, as long as they are created ethically and fairly, I say a hearty Hooray!!!
I must admit that I miss my long hair, and I’m thinking of having braids put in just to give it a chance to grow. For now, I find myself having to relearn how best to style it in a way that reflects my personality, and how to care for it in general. After so many years of abuse, my hair is definitely damaged. For the past week, I’ve been supplementing my hair care regime with moisture-rich Carol’s Daughter products and-- lo!-- I’m seeing a big difference in my hair already.
Until now the BF had only known me as a long-haired woman, so I was nervous to unveil my new look to him. I was actually a tiny bit scared that the world would see me as ordinary and plain, but to my surprise, I’m only getting rave reviews... particularly from him! But more importantly, I see this ostensibly vain effort as something of a milestone on my path to what I deem success in life: being a responsible citizen of the world, and being true to myself.
What about you? Is there anyone else out there who can relate to my experience? Maybe you’ve purged perms or peroxide, or another “beauty crutch” in your own life...
