Trade Secret

I decided that it was time for another hair cut.  For Ladybug.  But if you look back at this post you may understand why it has be an entire year.  After all, prior to today, she has only had 2 hair cuts since coming home.

I decided to take a different approach this time.  Instead of having a fit, grabbing my child while angry, and driving around the entire state looking for a place that will butcher her hair, I made a plan. 

I decided to straighten her hair (without chemicals).  So last night and this morning I sat with Ladybug and used a hot iron to straighten her hair.  I am a little clueless as to how to do this.  I can do braids.  I can do twists.  But straightening?  Not so much.  But this was my end product.

Her hair still has a ton of volume.  And straightening made me realize just how much damage had actually occurred to her hair because of all the pool swimming she did this summer.  At least the last inch of her hair was crunchy.  Yes, that is the best word I could think of to describe it.  So I grabbed her and took her to the hair salon.

This particular hair salon is in a mall.  I live in a town that has an African American population of about 8%.  So I figured that maybe it would not be best to go seeking a new hair dresser in this town for my child.  So I traveled to one town over, which has an African American population of about 45%.  I figured that maybe I would have better luck at finding someone who knew what they were doing with her hair.

We walked through the mall.  Me and my child.  My child.  With the semi straight, big hair.  I am use to people noticing Ladybug.  She is beautiful.  And we are transracial.  But it has been a long time since I have felt like people were noticing me and making a judgment about her hair.  So I put my head down and walked straight to the salon.

And that is where I found Amber.  She was working on her previous customer.  And when the African American woman walked out she looked fabulous.  She listened.  She agreed.  She believes all kids should be natural.  No chemicals.  No texterizing.  She straightened.  She cut.  She straightened again.  And when Ladybug and I walked out (with Ladybug grinning from ear to ear) she looked fabulous.

So we walked down to the movies...only there was nothing appropriate playing.  So we walked to dinner.  And then to the car. And since we live in the south -- and it is September -- and it is humid -- her hair ballooned up by the time we were home.  This is what she looked like when we got home.

Not sure how long it will last.  But will still return to Amber next time she needs a trim. 

Mean Mama