Who says that dreads aren’t versatile?!?
*Warning, this post might be “complete greek” to some!*
For those of you who have been reading for a long time, you may remember my post way back where I wondered aloud just what the heck I was gonna do with my hair once in Hong Kong. For you non-Black folk out there, this is probably a non-issue, but for most of my brothas and sistas (particularly for the sistas), this is something that IS a consideration when moving to many foreign countries that do not have a strong population of African-descended people.
After having struggled with hair care in France (the first time being with with relaxed hair in 2003, the second time with natural hair in 2005- couldn’t really find experienced people to do my hair in either case), I pondered just what I would do with my hair in Mexico. After rocking my natural hair in France for a year and experiencing major dryness and breakage as a result, I wore braided extensions when I moved back to Canada. It was easy (wash and wear!) and it looked good. I wore braids as well when I moved to Mexico, but as it became apparent that there was absolutely NO-ONE there who would be able to re-do my extensions, I made some pretty stupid hair decisions (like keeping my braids in for 6 months at a time… YIKES)!
At any rate, before coming to Hong Kong, I made the decision to get dreads (much to the chagrin of my mother!). After researching the best method for me (interlocking method), the required maintenance (latching every 5-7 weeks), and the all important task of finding someone in Hong Kong to do my hair (an internet search yielded the number of a salon that, while hella-expensive, has a girl who does a damn good job of tightening up my new growth). I have been super happy with my decision, and having tons of fun styling and changing up my ‘do. It requires very little day-to-day maintenance, and it is refreshing not to own a comb or a brush, blowdryer or an excessive amount of hair products. One of my favourite websites, nappturality.com, has been a font of information since I first stop relaxing my hair way back in 2001 (though I had a relapse in 2004 and relaxed one more time before committing myself to lifelong nappturality).
Unsurprisingly, my hair gets a lot of (positive) attention here in Asia, for obvious reasons. On a number of occasions, I have had Chinese people try to touch my hair (it was hilarious when the woman doing my massage sneaked a tug on my locks while she while massaging my shoulders). People, Chinese or expat, ask me on a weekly basis about my hair or compliment me on its beauty. It’s funny to me, because I just feel that there interest and appreciation confirm that they have way less hang-ups and prejudices regarding “African” hair that is “nappy” than us Black folk do. For them, the way we choose to wear our hair is a non-issue.
Ain’t that sumthin’?
68 Comments
Well, we are our own worst critics.
Girl, your locks are hype! Keep rockin' whatever you like. I think your hair looks great and especially cool when braided to the sides.
Thanks so much!! I love doing the French braids but they are so tight that it hurts my head so I can't do them often… lol
Love the blog! Your hair looks great and your beauty shines through, girl!
I too recently started with the interlocking method after having loose natural hair since 2002. Wish I had done it sooner. Loving my hair even more:-)
As for it being a non-issue for other people, I cant see why it would be an issue for someone who does not have our hair history and hangups. *shrug*
Ill be reading and traveling too! 🙂
thanks so much for stopping by, Raven!
I'm telling you, I am LOVING my locks. A "bad hair day" is nothing compared to when I was a permie… Then again, I can't even remember have a bad hair day with my locks…
I wish more Black women would realize that their natural hair is ALL "good" hair, regardless of texture, length or kink!
Oh the inevitable hair posts! Im glad dreads are working well for you.I sent some time in Korea and my hair was always dry and i could never find someoneto perm it for me. Before coming to
Egypt, I found a great hair care and hair support site, hairlista.com. I've created my own hair regimen with hairlista's help so that I can take care of hair while in Cairo. It's tough work ugh! some days i just want to slap on the creamy crack on go on with my life lol
http://blackincairo.blogspot.com
Frenchie, do you have your hair natural?
If so, I can totally feel your frustration, I remember when I was a "loose" natural and how all my hair wanted to do was "lock" up… Combing through and detangling was difficult. Not to mention that I liked my hair best in cornrowed styles but am not good at conrowing… How long is your hair? When I had a short natural, the "wash and go" was particularly easy… When it was longer, two strand twists were a great style option!
nIKITA,
I'm definitely not natural. I can't completely forgo the creamy crack lol. My hair is currently shoulder length. However, I "stretch" between my perms in order to strengthen my hair and make this expat lifestyle easier. I've been here since January and this weekend will be my first perm (1st week of April). lookout for my own hair post on my blog regardless of how that goes lol. It's not hard to manage hair in Cairo where there is a significant black population but when I was in Korea, I had to learn to do EVERYTHING on my own.
http://blackincairo.blogspot.com/
Your locks look great!
I just moved to HK. Can you tell me the name of the salon and location where you are able to get your locs done? Thanks
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