Kim F.'s Story
Background / I'm an Ohioan, but I'm moving to Cario, Egypt to teach radio journalism at The American Univeristy in Cario. I'll be there for at least one year. I am a lover of hip hop music.
Hairstyle / I currently have locs. I started my locs in January 2000. They are not long as I trim them once or twice a year. I went natural about 2-3 months before I began to loc my hair.
Reason for wearing a "natural" hairstyle / At the time, I worked out a lot; spent a lot of time at the gym, usually in the morning, but I had to work at 8 a.m., so I needed a quick and easy hairstyle where I would not have to compromise a large portion of my workout time to do my hair.
Support of your natural look / My friends have been most supportive. Interesting how my mom often says, "you ruined your hair." I have that 'good hair.' My mom and my grandmother take jabs at my hair whenever they can sneak it in. But recently my grandmother commented that my hair always looks neat. So that's a move in the right direction.
Negative reactions / I am always tempted to correct people when they say 'dreadlocks.' There is nothing dreadful about them. I just prefer the term locs. Most people comment on how neat my hair is. I usually wash it at least once a week and I usually sleep w/a scarf to keep up a nice, clean look.
Response to negative commentary / I'm in the habit of ignoring anyone who makes negative comments. Otherwise, my reponse is to give them an earful and sometimes that will include profanity.
A woman or women with natural hair whose style you admire / Commentator Nancy Giles has a nice natural do. Oh, and I like the Macy Gray look, which is similar to Nancy's. More of a messy afro.
Useful hair care tips, styling techniques or products / I have a dry scalp and I recently discoverd some KeraCare products that I absolutely love. They have shampoo, conditioner and a product called 'glossifer.'
--I try to wash my hair weekly. It ususally takes me about 30-40 minutes to palm roll it and oil my scalp.
--Occasionally, I will get my hair done at a salon. It's too pricey for me though.
Advice for women considering a natural hairstyle / Do it. Natural is less fussy (or it should be) and you can focus on the more important things in life. When I sleep with a scarf on, I can literally get up and go! Love that. I save, at least, 20 minutes since I do not have to do my hair.
Additional commentary / I've been considering getting rid of my loc. Just time for a change. I will probably cut them off when I return from Cario, Egypt. I will more than likely remain natural though.
If you'd like to learn more about Kim F., visit her blog
"Kim F.'s Story" is part of an on-going series I created that focuses on African American women who wear their hair au naturel. I plan to post two-three "stories" per week. Check the archives (see sidebar on the right) for past segments, features and profiles. If you'd like to participate in the series, please email me for details (go to my blog's profile page or visit my website for contact information).
Your feedback is always appreciated. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments you might have about "Kim F.'s Story," the "Natural Women: Our Hair, Our Stories" series or Black hair in general, in the section below marked for comments. Thanks!
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5 comments:
Kim's hair always looks Beautiful!!! You always have nice auburn highlights.
I didn't know you were going to Cairo?!?! I'll miss you, but I'm happy you have decided to take on this adventure!!! You're so brave and daring.
I hear you Kim. I do correct people who refer to my hair as dredlocks by explaining to them where the word comes from. They usually are quite shocked and vow never to use the word again. By the way I love your hair :-)
Thanks for the kind remarks about my locs. Love them. And I love this series. Thanks Lori.
@Radiogirl, thanks! Your participation was very much appreciated.
I was one of of those people who complimented your hair by saying "I like your dreadlocs" and you said there is nothing dreadful about your hair. The Jamaicans coined that term and I don't think I can change the name that they innovated and created so lighten up and just take the compliment. Sometimes we take our hair way to seriously.
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