Rough Around the Edges with New Growth
By Ericka Wilson
Ladies, we have all risked our edges at least once in life, for either a perm, some Moesha braids, an Egyptian-style blow out and for many a glued/taped down lace-front wig. But, many of us learned quickly after that first try: “Nah, those styles just aren’t healthy for the edges I wish to protect or grow back. I’ll just rock my fro, wash and go or a twist out.” There’s also a fair share of us who keep the faith and continue to try these styles time after time, even after never getting the results we were hoping for. So, why is this!? Why are we so risky with our crowns!? Why don’t we learn from apparent mistakes and peep the red flags and keep life going immediately? Why do we take ourselves for granted sometimes?
It reminds me of the troubles we overlook and ignore in romantic relationships. We invest so much money, time, energy and thought into our relationships, just like we do with our hair care products and maintenance, that we force ourselves to have a little hope and patience, when we know that something just isn’t right. Well, I’m going to say this: don’t allow yourself to get lost in the found! When you know, you know. Do right by your hair and do right by your heart, mind and happiness. Invest in your journey, rather than spending your all at the rest stop along the way.
Don’t get me wrong: it’s perfectly fine to participate in a “rough around the edges” kind of love, because everything comes with a test trial and when we are promised the “best outcome” we usually want to wait to see if it’s really going to happen. That could be a product guaranteeing growth and thickness or your secret lover promising to leave his family to run away with you. (Side note: Keep away from married men, Sis!)
You have to eventually part the scalp and leave room for new growth. No more falling in love with “potential.” It’s time to end the procrastination. You are a Goddess, sitting beside the river with your permed hair, braids, Egyptian-style blow out and for many women, that glued/taped down lace-front wig, just flying in the wind. No more negotiating your hairstyles, harmony and humanity.
Being imperfect is perfect. Being able to find the beauty in all things is a gift and being rough around the edges, just means your new growth is coming in.
Grow and glow.
Ericka E Wilson is a producer at News10NBC. She’s the treasurer of the Rochester Association of Black Journalists and co-social chair for the Rochester Young Black Rochester Black Young Professionals.