Mom! What Happened To Your Hair?
After twenty-one years, I decided to cut my locs.
I was only a few months into my first pregnancy when I started my “Loc Journey.” So, when my oldest came home from college last month and saw my hair, he was shocked. “You look so different!”
Some may wonder, “What is a Loc Journey?” So let me explain. The road to growing locs, a/k/a locks, dreads, or dreadlocks, is not for you if you’re impatient. It is a process that is months and even years in the making. It requires dedication and regular upkeep. If you lock your hair (twisted or palm-rolled), know that your hair’s transformation is relatively permanent. Unless you cut your hair or go through an extremely lengthy process of deep conditioning and detangling. We’ll leave that explanation for another time.
In my culture and others, hair has meaning. It’s not only about beauty but identity. In other circumstances, one’s connection to their hair can be spiritual. There is history in our tresses. So, when an individual chooses to start anew after many years, it can be difficult or liberating, depending on the person.
Everyone in my initial family has or once had locs. As a woman of Jamaican descent, I believe dreads hold power. It’s not Black Panther’s supernatural power. But they’re more than just a bunch of hair “pon yuh head.” Just a friendly reminder should you think about asking someone to touch their locs. Yes, it happened to me.
During post-emancipation, ex-slaves locked their hair to protest against Eurocentric idealism. And the word “dreads” is considered offensive by some because of its past. However, the origins of locs are still unclear as they have been seen in many civilizations, including Africa. https://scholarshipjamaica.com/rastafarianism-dreadlocks-hairstyle/
My husband cut his locs first. There was always a running joke between us that he should never be that dude with “one dread holding on for dear life on his head.” LOL! We agreed that if his hairline started receding due to the weight of his locs; he should consider “the cut.” Sadly, that possibility became a reality. His locs were quite long, so cutting them was an emotional experience. We did it privately and kept his hair for prosperity.
When I decided it was time for my big chop, my cut was more intentional. I started leaning in that direction three months before and started to grow out my hair. But the closer I got to high noon, the more uneasy I felt. “Is this the right thing to do?” I trimmed my hair in the past, but there would be no return from this. I sat in my hairdresser’s chair, and she asked, “Are you ready?” The barber across from us was like, “Yo! You’re gonna do this?” I laughed nervously, took a deep breath, and said, “Let’s go.”
Fast forward to almost a month later, and I must say I am lighter. Not just physically but mentally. It feels as if I shed the negativity of the past, removed the aura of previous disappointments, and made room for positivity and growth in the future. To some of you, this may seem dramatic. But there has been a shift in my life, which has positively affected my writing.
I’m not saying this will be the experience for everyone who cuts their hair. But I believe a haircut is a great way to start fresh. For some, it introduces confidence and a new outlook on life. But starting your very own loc journey can be equally satisfying. My oldest lovingly palmed my head before returning to classes, so I guess he’s accepted my choice. And my friends say I look years younger, which is always good!
So, if you’re contemplating locs, consider whether this path is for you. I don’t regret my twenty-one-year relationship with my hair. It was beautiful and allowed me to express myself in many different ways. And who knows, if it is meant, I may start my journey once again. But I’ll keep my locs short!
Until next time!
S-
