I Am Not My Hair

Changing my hair is kind of my superpower.

It's been long, short, curly, straight, blonde, red, brunette and every conceivable combination thereof which is math I cannot do.

To me, my hair is like an accessory. Like my glasses frames. A handbag. Lipstick. I wouldn't dream of wearing the same one year after year.

I'm not afraid to change my hair because...it's just hair. Don't like it? Change it back. It helps that I have a lot of hair. It's healthy and it grows fast. So no fear.

Late last year I changed my hair again. I cut it short. I like it because it feels spunky and fun. But it wasn't enough. When I went in for a cut last month I told my stylist, "I want to go blonde." We made an appointment for two weeks out.

There were several ways we could have done this, but I left it up to her (the professional). Which is just to say, I had no idea what it was going to look like.

I call it Rock Star Blonde.

Does the way I wear my hair make me a better person?

Does the way I wear my hair make me a better friend?

Does the way I wear my hair determine my integrity?

I am expressing my creativity

I am not my hair

I am not this skin

I am not your expectations

I am not my hair

I am not this skin

I am the soul that lives within

~India.Arie

Post scriptum: All apologies if using Ms. Simpson's lyrics is cultural appropriation because that is not my intent. I recognize that black women have prejudices and discrimination around their hair that I cannot conceive of. But I've always loved these lyrics because I relate to them so entirely. I hope I pay tribute to her through the use of her words.