Anayo I loved reading about your hair adventures in Mexico and it's so funny because I found myself in the same situation in the same place. I am an early naturalista too (those early 2000 natural hair forums? You had to be there), I usually don’t like to spend too much time on my hair and even less on vacations
I had just arrived in mexico city and the same night I had to remove my braids because they were so itchy. I spent the rest of my stay with my natural hair loose but I was relaxed about it, I went to the Tolantongo caves with 2 simple cornrows because I know I can’t see a natural body of water without wanting to dip my head in it. It was great!
I loved reading this. I’m natural since 2007 AND work in marine science AND I live in wet wet Seattle. My entire career has had me in and out of salt water and working at field stations, so to be truly in my profession I’ve had to learn to see my curls as gorgeous, remind myself of the life and moisture water gives to my hair. I alternate between a wash and go and a twist out if I know there won’t be rain. This was unlearning my entire upbringing, one of my grandmothers drill into me that straightened hair was the only way to be respectable. I love my giant hair now but it is still a journey. Thank you for sharing, I’m inspired now to share about my hair in my Substack.
Oh hello to another natural hair OG! The unlearning is where the magic happens, and I'm glad you get to be free in Seattle and in-n-out of water without worry. All that moisture sounds like it's doing the hair right. I'd love to read your hair story! and thanks for reading (one of) mine!
What a hilarious and heartwarming read. As a natural myself, I see taking care of my hair as an extension of taking care of myself. But looks like you need to get a swimming cap next time loool
As it absolutely should be. I think tucking my hair away to travel seemed like I was trying to make that care easier on myself but really it was a mask. And LOL little did I know I'd be fighting for my life underwater, adding that to my packing lists moving forward! Thanks for reading!
I’m glad you went into detail about those caves because they truly have you doing the most. I am not equipped with those swim skills! Out here training for national treasure. Also I fully laughed out loud at the “little scarf” caption.
The closest I’ve gotten to being natural was twists (no extensions) in Hawaii for a month and it was stressful at first (but I just installed them, but the shrinkage) and then freeing. It’s a whole journey and I loved reading along with you. And you were adventurous! Gorgeous styles
That little scarf was like the little engine that could, tried her best but in Jadakiss's words: "It's not enough!"
I feel you on it being stressful at first--I was doing everything in my power to keep that braid out stretched but in the end I had to let it go, and even with all the shrinkage I felt free! Thanks so much for reading ☺️
Anayo I loved reading about your hair adventures in Mexico and it's so funny because I found myself in the same situation in the same place. I am an early naturalista too (those early 2000 natural hair forums? You had to be there), I usually don’t like to spend too much time on my hair and even less on vacations
I had just arrived in mexico city and the same night I had to remove my braids because they were so itchy. I spent the rest of my stay with my natural hair loose but I was relaxed about it, I went to the Tolantongo caves with 2 simple cornrows because I know I can’t see a natural body of water without wanting to dip my head in it. It was great!
I loved reading this. I’m natural since 2007 AND work in marine science AND I live in wet wet Seattle. My entire career has had me in and out of salt water and working at field stations, so to be truly in my profession I’ve had to learn to see my curls as gorgeous, remind myself of the life and moisture water gives to my hair. I alternate between a wash and go and a twist out if I know there won’t be rain. This was unlearning my entire upbringing, one of my grandmothers drill into me that straightened hair was the only way to be respectable. I love my giant hair now but it is still a journey. Thank you for sharing, I’m inspired now to share about my hair in my Substack.
Oh hello to another natural hair OG! The unlearning is where the magic happens, and I'm glad you get to be free in Seattle and in-n-out of water without worry. All that moisture sounds like it's doing the hair right. I'd love to read your hair story! and thanks for reading (one of) mine!
What a hilarious and heartwarming read. As a natural myself, I see taking care of my hair as an extension of taking care of myself. But looks like you need to get a swimming cap next time loool
As it absolutely should be. I think tucking my hair away to travel seemed like I was trying to make that care easier on myself but really it was a mask. And LOL little did I know I'd be fighting for my life underwater, adding that to my packing lists moving forward! Thanks for reading!
I’m glad you went into detail about those caves because they truly have you doing the most. I am not equipped with those swim skills! Out here training for national treasure. Also I fully laughed out loud at the “little scarf” caption.
The closest I’ve gotten to being natural was twists (no extensions) in Hawaii for a month and it was stressful at first (but I just installed them, but the shrinkage) and then freeing. It’s a whole journey and I loved reading along with you. And you were adventurous! Gorgeous styles
That little scarf was like the little engine that could, tried her best but in Jadakiss's words: "It's not enough!"
I feel you on it being stressful at first--I was doing everything in my power to keep that braid out stretched but in the end I had to let it go, and even with all the shrinkage I felt free! Thanks so much for reading ☺️
i’ve also gotten to the point where i let my hair (i call her Marley, it helps me be more patient) do whatever she wants - such a lovely read!🤍
Love her name! So carefree, I'll have to come up with one for mine. Thanks for reading ☺️
This is a beautiful adventurous story. You are brave. There's no way I'd have gone to that tunnel.
Can't believe we survived! Haha 😆 thanks for reading Madam Vicky ❤️