Curly Hair Drama

Curly Hair Drama

Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

My daughter, Lizzie, has hair full of drama. Left on its own, her hair frizzes and tangles into a snarly mess and causes untold frustration when I try to tame it. There was a time when trying to manage her curls resulted in unending arguments and tense moments. She was a young lady who would much rather be climbing trees or reading books than fussing with product and who simply didn’t care if her curls looked more street urchin than urban chic.

After a particularly harrowing morning hair battle, I waved the white flag of surrender and sought the advice of Ceena, my friend who has natural curls. Her hair is long, glossy, and black, with just enough curl to stir a quiet covetousness in women everywhere.

What I didn’t know was that Ceena had struggled with and hated her hair until well into college. She explained the years of angst and experimentation until she stumbled upon the right products and a hair salon that specializes in curly hair.

I can’t tell you the relief in my momma heart as Ceena’s story echoed Lizzie’s and my experience, and as she started freely sharing all her hard-earned knowledge about products and care routines for her bouncy curls. I cried tears of relief that evening as my phone started blowing up with images of every product on her shelves with specific recommendations for what products to try first.

In a culture that encourages women to hide the tips and tricks they’ve learned in an effort to appear effortlessly flawless or skilled in any number of ways, Ceena’s generosity in sharing her curly hair knowledge saved us years of frustration and experimentation, and I often find myself grateful for her advice, even several years later.

Sometimes we assume that doing good, sharing, and making sacrifices that please God require grand gestures and huge expense. But sometimes it’s the little gestures, the small efforts on our part that can radically change someone else’s experience.

— Julie

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Share a tip or trick you’ve been concealing with a woman in your circle, even if it’s something that seems small.