WATER VERSE HAIR

As I stood paralyzed watching everyone jumped, flipped, and climbed out of our sunset cruise boat with Chilli Pepper Charters. I sat on the boat rationalizing why I couldn't jump into the Mediterranean Sea in Ibiza. 

One week earlier I had foolishly paid over $200 and spent 5 hours at the M&B Salon getting my hair done in a style that would not hold up if my hair got wet.  My vanity took over. I did not want to walk around for eight days with my hair looking a jacked up. Most people won't understand this dilemma but black women pay a lot of money to get our "hair" done. It takes a lot to maintain our natural hair  especially when it's wet so we chose to get weave styles that are more manageable.    

At that moment I have to admit that I was jealous of the other girls on our boat with easily managed hair.  They jumped into the water without hesitation, without fear of the repercussions.  They had no idea of what I was going through.  I had to make a decision, either jump into the water letting go of all my hair fears or sit on the boat looking cute but regretting not sharing in this experience with my friends.  

Self-defiantly, I jumped into the water without regret. 

As African American females we miss out on amazing opportunities because we don't want to get our hair wet.  Our hair is such a source of beauty and from a young age we are taught that our natural hair is not beautiful.  I wish I could say that this was a liberating experience and I could declare never to allow my hair to hold me back again but I can't.  Maybe one day.