I Discover Me and My Curls

by Shirley
(San Diego, CA)

For 25 years I fought with and hated my hair, hated almost every haircut. My hair was curly and frizzy, but I was determined to make it straight and used all the products and appliances available to create a sleek, chic style. To keep it from being too parched and damaged I got frequent trims and did regular deep conditioning. I had no clue what my curls looked like and didn't care.

I also colored it light blonde constantly from age 18.

One day when I was 34 I suddenly wanted to see my real hair color and then and there decided no more coloring. As the dark blonde began coming through, "this is who I really am and what I really look like," repeated in my head.

Months later I awoke one day and decided to work from home instead of the office. I showered, shampooed and conditioned my hair, raked my fingers through to loosen snarls, and sat down at my computer. Two hours later I got up and went toward the kitchen. Passing a mirror I caught sight of the fat corkscrews coming out of the top and sides of my head. I looked at the ringlets cascading down the back. Not perfect like those made with a curling iron, but fun and my own unique locks. No frizzies. I was equally amazed that the curls formed so effortlessly, waiting to emerge after all the years of my rough treatment.

On that day I embraced my curls and, "this is who I really am and what I really look like," repeated in my head again.