How COVID-19 Changed My Relationship with My Hair

From the moment I went natural (the third time), this shy girl felt an electrifying  sense of confidence! I was determined not to run back to the creamy crack and really learn how to keep my hair healthy this time, with the help of my trusted stylist of course.

I really love my twist-outs, braid-outs and curly fros, but I count the days when I can run to the salon for the pamper steam, shampoo massage, deep conditioning TLC and all out slaying of my bouncing and behaving silk press.

I thought these pampering sessions were just that.  A chance to take a break from my hours long wash day, with the benefit of changing my look up for a bit.  I had no idea the dependency I had on my stylist and how my hair getting done tied into my mental health until Covid-19 hit.

My Hair and My Mental Health Were Surprisingly Connected

At first the world shutting down didn’t impact me much.

In the grand scheme of things, not going to the hair salon seemed like a shallow concern, something that didn’t deserve a moment’s reflection.

But as days turned to weeks and then months I was faced with the reality that those “pamper sessions” make me feel real good about myself.  The salon sista-girl chats my stylist provides coupled with her stellar styling abilities stopped cold turkey and I wasn’t ready. 

I felt  isolated and claustrophobic and to top it off I was looking a hot mess too!

Deciding to take matters into my own hands....

By summer 2020 when It was clear there was no end in sight to the world shutting down,  I had to do something.  FOR MY SANITY.  So out of sheer desperation I did something I never in a million years would’ve imagined.  I purchased 7 bundles of hair, locked myself in the bathroom with YouTube videos, dark chocolate and a latte and for six hours I worked that thing out!

I taught myself (well me and about 5 YouTubers) how to install Senegalese Twists on my own hair and you know what? 

It was CUTE.

A little frizzy in some spots, but for the most part, really cute.

I got some confidence back.

I told myself this was just the first time and I would repeat this every couple months to improve my skills and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. 

COVID-19 will have a lasting affect... 

COVID has infected my sister, my sister-in-law, my uncle, and sadly I’ve lost two cousins.

For me the fear is far too palpable to set foot in a salon for the sole purpose of feeling better about myself.

I had to find a way to bring myself that joy.

I don’t care how difficult it may seem, I did it so I know you can too. 

Pick a style.  Watch some tutorials, purchase your materials...and work that thing out!

The beauty of this is, I’ll never feel the stressful rush to make an appointment before a vacay or a birthday or any special occasion really.

Covid has taught me I can rely on me. 

It’s changed me (and my hair) forever. 

Is a wife, mother, and founder of The Joy of Curls LLC, a natural haircare brand with a mission to gift hair products to children in foster care.