There's something magical about change. That liberating feeling that comes with it...
Well, that usually comes with good change. You know, change that you decided on.
Talking about change, I recently changed my hair. I took a big step and cut my dreadlocks, then removed them. Apart from the compliments I've been receiving, one question everyone seems to be asking me is 'why'. Why would I want to cut my hair? Why would I choose to embrace change? Why self-induced change? Was it really self induced?
I found this quite interesting because these questions further solidified my decision to make the change. The thing about dreadlocks is that everyone believes that "once you go there, you can never go back". It is seemingly impossible to undo them and get your hair back, so the only option people will have you believing is that you have to cut your hair off and start over.
I saw the word 'impossible' as a challenge. I wanted to test and see if the norm was worth being a norm to follow. Anyone who knows me knows that I question everything before I believe it, and this one one of the theories I wanted to test, and hopefully prove wrong. So, I went on a mission to find the best way to undo my locks. 'Best' entailing a method that would cause minimal damage, and retain maximum length and strength in my hair. I have healthy looking hair, and I was not willing to change that.
After doing a lot of research (mostly watching YouTube videos), I discovered that the impossible was actually possible. Here I am, sitting today, with thick, healthy looking hair that is much longer than I expected. I will be the first to say that I am pleased with the results :)
Now, on to my reasons for changing my hair...
Firstly, I do not understand why everyone questioned my decision. It is my head after all, and I can do whatever I want with it. That being said, I understand that people form attachments with things (and people) that don't belong to them, and my hair was one of them. I forgive you, and I understand.
Secondly, I realized that many people did not know me for who I am. I had people talking to me because we had the same hairstyle, or because they also wanted to have it, but were afraid of committing. This is great, don't get me wrong, but I am not my hair. I am a whole human being apart from dreadlocks. A very interesting one, that is, and most people never knew that because they only chose to get to know my hair, and not me (the owner of the head with the hair).
Furthermore, too many stereotypes come with hairstyles, and I'd like to explore that side of society's flawed mentality. I am observing the different treatment I get with each hairstyle I will be trying out. That might be a good read for you at a later stage ;). So far, I have been able to prove that people have a preference towards people with longer hair, and that straighter looking hair is subconciouslly preferred. I have also noticed that the natural hair movement is growing rapidly, and I am so excited to be part of it. I am so ready!
To sum it all up, I am not my hair, and neither are you. Change is good, and sometimes necessary. People's opinions don't always matter, and someone will always have an opinion about what you choose to do with your life. Embrace change, and become your best self. And now you know that I am petty enough to risk my appearance to prove things wrong.
Happy living; adventurous living!
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