“Coils, Curls, Kinks. Oh My!”

Since I was a little girl I have known my hair was different. From the day that I was born to probably late middle school, my mom did my hair—or she tried her very best. As a matter of fact, when I was three years old she took me to a hair salon for the very first time with my father. Somehow an unknown lady put a relaxer treatment on my baby curls which absolutely damaged the heck out of my hair. My mother told me that she was so pissed, and this is the main reason why I believed she tried her absolute best with my hair as I grew from that very unfortunate incident. My father was the same way and has always wanted me to embrace my natural curls. Not just because they are beautiful but for the years worth of history and cultural significance behind them.

Being a mixed kid—white and black—I learned a lot about myself through my curls, but mainly what it's like to be an African American woman. After the countless high ponytails my poofy hair was thrown up into, my mother introduced me to cornrows. At the time we had not really found the right products for my hair and cornrows were the first protective style that I liked—and boy, did I love them. They were incredibly easy, low maintenance and lasted usually two months. Little Sunshine was living the dream. From elementary to the start of middle school I would shift back and forth from my curls to cornrows. But once I began middle school something started to change. I was going through an identity crisis and began straightening my hair over and over again.

To this day, I am not sure what changed, but a lot played into that decision. Maybe I was just bored and wanted a new look, or maybe I noticed the majority of my friends with straightened hair. I did not feel like myself anymore with my natural curls and straightening made me feel more feminine, prettier. I could for once fit in. Maybe it was from the countless times someone would walk up to me and touch my hair. No matter if my hair is natural and curly or neatly braided down my back people will ask me to touch it.

Okay, so picture this: someone sneaking up behind you and going, “I’m sorry, your hair is just SO pretty. Can I touch it?” When it would first happen to me I would just stand there and awkwardly laugh and nod my head. That's because I did not want to come off as mean or hostile. I mean, you are already noticeable if people are asking to touch your hair, right? Why is that, you may ask? Probably because you are a woman of color. Sadly, we all had to learn that at some point.

Finally, in tenth grade I did it. What is “it,” you may ask? It’s the big chop. My hair was so damaged and was quite literally crumbling off in the back. It was time. After my big chop there was about an inch or two of hair bursting out of my head. I had a tiny afro, if you will. I was done with straightening my hair and I wanted my curls back. I started researching and trying which hair products worked best for me. My dad introduced me to “Blue Magic,” which is the best coconut oil product that I still use to this day. I even talked to some of my friends to learn how they did their curly hair routines, along with some help from Youtube of course. I was embracing my coils, my curls, and all of my kinks. I had never felt so free.

Five long years later, my natural hair is down to my shoulders and is so very thick. I have found hair products that work for me and my curls, along with a consistent hair routine before I go to sleep. I love taking care of my hair now, even though a lot of times it can be a pain. That's why there are protective styles out there for when times get tough and you need a break from the excruciating detangling process. If this sounds like you, try a new style, such as knotless/box braids, passion twists, faux locs, bantu knots, etc.. There's always time to explore what more you can do to your own hair. But please be sure to be patient with yourself. It takes time to learn what products and styles work for you. That is why it is critical to make sure to do some research and ask for help! Have a community and support system around to help you care for your hair. Remember that no matter the length, color, size, style, coil, curl, or kink your hair is one of a kind. Treat it with love and respect. Because you deserve it.

Strike Out.

Writer: Sunshine Finnell

Blog Editor: Sarah Singleton

Chattanooga