Momma Said...

The interesting thing about being a hairstylist is the number of questions I get asked on a daily basis about how I chose cosmetology as a profession. The other questions I get asked a lot, is how did I learn to do hair and who influenced me? 

Choosing cosmetology as a profession was influenced by a career in social work. How did I learn to do hair? My sister made sure I learned how to do hair by refusing to ever to do my hair again! Yes, that is funny to me too.Why did my sister stopped stopped doing my hair? My sister always did my hair. I never did my hair. One day when I was 17 years old, I asked my sister to do my hair as we were getting ready for school. She replied, "No. If you think that I am going to do your hair for the rest of your life, you are mistaken!" I was verklempt. I actually clutched my imaginary pearls. Whatever was I to do? Burn my hair out. My sister looked at me, shook her head and walked out the bathroom laughing! That day began the long burning grind of learning how to do my own hair. Bah humbug was my sentiment.

Who influenced me? My mama! The 70's R&B group, The Intruders sang it best, "I'll always love my mama. She's my favorite girl. I'll always love my mama she brought me in this world."

My mother was a practical mother. Considering May is the month we honor mothers, I thought this post in my blog would be befittingly appropriate. You see my mother was of the mindset of no excuses. She had no filter on doing what needed to be done. She believed, do what needs to be done, and do it with passion. Her favorite saying was, "If you're going to do something. Do it right or got dammit don't do it at all." She was very serious about putting your best foot forward. She felt that foot should stick out in style and that you should smile as you hold your head high. No Debbie Downers in our home. As the official inventor of reality therapy, my mother proudly takes credit for promoting and trailblazing what it means to live life on the terms you create. She would say, "Ladosha, don't write no check yo behind can't cash. Everyone knows the value of phony people with their phony ways." So be a woman of your words and be sure you look the part. Yes, that mother of mine is what I would call a pistol. I do wish physically she was here. But, that is okay. Her energy is eternal and I feel it daily.

So, in the spirit of my mother's bold statement on reality and the consequences that go with those choices we make in reality, I write this blog in her honor on the things she told me about hair and caring for it. Enjoy.

Drum roll, please...

1. The image is everything. Keep your hair combed and don't share your comb. 

2. If your hair is dirty, you know what else is dirty? Keep your hair clean. 

3. Wearing your hair natural does not translate into unkempt hair.

4. Your hair is a unique fabric, the cut compliments the fabric.

5. Stop putting all that crap in your hair. 

6. You have hair like your father. Keep it combed!

7. In our family, we don't answer the door with uncombed hair. Honor our ways.

8. Your hair should not compete with your clothes, shoes and nails. These things must flow.

9. It is not about how much hair you have, it is about caring for the hair that you have.

10. Your hair is your crown and glory.

Can you dig it? Those are the things I remember most from my mother about hair. Those are her opinions. Many of them influence how I do hair, whose hair I do hair and why. Many of them also explain why I do hair with love and compassion. Her mother wit, is what fuels my desire to teach everyone how to do their own hair. I agree, that people should put their best foot forward in their own unique style.

As a cosmetologist, I do not want to limit my service to a hairstyle for the moment. Oh no, I want to impact, influence and help each customer who will allow me to far beyond that chair! My job is not to "do hair." My job is to serve people who have hair or no hair. In serving those people, I want them to love themselves unconditionally. Taking care of self is an important display of self love. Caring for and styling your hair is one of many ways to do this.

Hair care is as private as all other hygiene routines. It is not about what people think of you and your hair. The will talk anyway. It is about your willingness to open your mind to the alternatives that promote the health and beauty of your hair and image. Your hair is one aspect of your physical appearance. It is not a cure all to the image. It is also a part of the mental, spiritual, cultural you.

Make the time to take the time to get to know you and your hair. 

If you are inspired by the passion fueled by mom's thoughts on hair and you live in the greater Cleveland area, then I invite you, your family, your friends and your children to my very first book signing of my children's book titled "Curly Hair Adventures." I will be at the downtown main branch of the Cleveland Public Library between 2-4 pm on Saturday May 27th, 2017. This event is free to the public. I hope to see you there. Yes children and all are welcomed.

In conclusion, when it comes to you and your hair, mom always said, "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best."

"Mmm, talkin' bout Momma. I'll always love my momma...." (in my Intruders singing voice).