I am a bi-racial female (half black and half italian). About 6 months ago I decided to loc my hair. I was definitely prepared for reactions from family, friends and co-workers but the types of reactions I received were amazing.

I found it so sad that so many of my fellow African-American sisters said things to me like, "Why would you mess up your hair like that?" and "Your hair was so pretty and straight."

I have always thought that I was pretty no matter what lol. Lucky for me, I still feel that way. Why does non-straight hair have to be equated to unattractive hair?

Side note...this is my hair now...

I like your hair.

Hi Maria,

I am with Tuculia, I like your hair! I happen to believe that all hair can be lovely. I'll tell you something else... I love to sit and people watch, I do so because I like seeing all different types of ethnic hair, clothing, and jewelry.

But back to what you were saying; you are right, it is sad that non-straight hair is equated with unattractive hair. I applaud you for challenging that stereotype, and for posting your photo which allows us to see that with or without straight hair you are beautiful!

Thank you both for your replies! I guess we all have to deal with stereotypes at some point!

Maria,

You're right.

I checked out your site, I didn't know you could get all those freebies! I'll be stopping by often

Isn't it weird how people get so attached to an image of what they're supposed to look like or what they're family/friends should look like? I watched a holistic fitness trainer a while back grow his hair to shoulder length. His hair was wavy and just beautiful and then he shaved it all off on his youtube channel just to prove a point that who you are has nothing to do with your appearance, your job, your possessions etc. Besides isn't change fun! Good for you Maria for trying something different.

Cuddly, I could not have said it better!

Hi Monica! Thanks for sharing--I'll bet that trainer shook a lot of people up when he did that.

Tut straight hair is BORING. I should know I have had it all my life. Your hair looks very pretty Maria, I am glad you put a picture up as I had no idea what 'loc' meant. Dreadlocks came to mind.

I have had long straight hair for most of my life. The few times I have cut it off, people have walked passed me without realising it was me. I am known in my family for my long hair, my nieces compete with me to see how long we can grow it, but my hair is not who I am.

I have a bit wavy hair and if don't wash them every 2nd day they look ugly. I always wanted straight since childhood. I even went for permanent chemical hair straightening when I was 19 years old and my hair looked amazing.
No matter what type you have you should always welcome changes and that only makes you look happening, in this picture you look cool, funky and happening (much better than the stereotyped girl next door) so enjoy it.

Linda,

I like that line: my hair is not who I am -- you said it perfectly.

Hey Kaycee,

I like the curly-headed little munchkin's photo you posted. What a cutie!

Linda,

My hair is styled as a variation of "dreadlocks"....they are called SisterLocks. I just don't normally mention them as Sisterlocks because that tends to confuse people even more!

I have to say, as a sidenote, I don't like the word "dread" locks much more. It seems to attach a negative connotation to a hairstyle that I think is so wonderful and no where near dreadful!

Monica and Cuddly,

Thanks so much for the feedback!

Linda,

A note about long hair...I remember when I was a kid my mom wouldn't let me get my hair cut. It was all the way to my butt before she finally let me cut it when I was 15. I have never grown it out that long again since!

Last thing...I changed the style again! Still have the Sisterlocks but now my hair is out and not curly...

Isn't hair so wonderful?
(Sorry the pic is so gynormous!!!)

Linda,

I thought I replied to you before but duh, I see I didn't. My bad. I'd meant to say that I love your line: 'my hair is not who I am.'

So true!

Maria, I like the look of your sisterlocks when you have them out.

Thank you April...Also did you email me with a question about pictures? I seem to remember somebody emailing me but I can't find the email now....

They are drooping wet permed hair style... I liked them..