Long Curly Hair & Inventions

So for those that don’t know me, I have extremely long naturally curly hair. Those with “straight” hair would say I am blessed, but I know that those with “curly” hair would agree that it is a curse!

Let me put this into perspective for you.........

Growing up it was my poor Mother’s task to wash and then put curlers in my hair and then I would either have to get under one of those old stand up hair-dryers or sit in the sun until my hair was dry. Needless to say it was practically a whole day affair which was usually done on a Saturday so that I could have nice curls for the Sunday church service. When I was old enough to “do my own hair” life did not become easier. In fact, it became much harder!! I tried “rolling in” (putting the curlers in) my own hair, but that would end up in disaster with my hair all tangled into the curler especially when I used the “prickly” one, instead of the smooth surface one! Don’t ask!

Then straight hair became fashionable. We all had to learn not only how to blow dry, but now also blow straight our hair! This either lead to long straight hair or in my case golliwog-like hair with “body” for days. Its all in the wrist technique and till this day I am still unable to master it. You either have it or you don’t and unfortunately I don’t! All I can say is, thank heavens for whoever invented the GHD! The BEST present I have EVER received, besides my engagement ring of course!

Fast forward to current day.....

I have a husband who absolutely loves my curls and wants me to “embrace” my “natural” look. This is easier said than done! I have never mastered the art of leaving your hair to dry without the curlers nor putting in enough product to make it look like Julia Roberts’ curls. Nothing wrong with Diana Ross, but that look just doesn’t look good on me!

To put you better in the picture, I have the type of hair, which hairdressers have advised me to wash once a week. This does not really work when you exercise on a regular basis, but thank heavens for the person who invented dry shampoo!! So, have tried “embracing” the curls, but what a story, so back to the hairdresser for more advice: Alternate between one week naturally curly, but ensure that you blow dry it with a diffuser first. Ensure you first spray leave in conditioner, then diffuse and then put in the curl activator! Yes, activator so that you have a Michael Jackson look in his later years. People, so far so good! Only catch is, you must at all cost not brush you hair after you have dried and put in the product. Apparently it defeats the purpose. This means no brushing of hair for a week. Yes one week! I get the look that I want, but boy oh boy when its time to wash the fluff its a Bob Marley look, which of course is tied up! Have you ever tried combing out dreadlocks? Gosh and you thought your mother was doing damage to your scalp and ears when she would brush your hair as a child!

Now as an adult with LOTS of hair you are always pleasantly surprised that you still have a full set, especially with the amount of hair found in the shower drain and in the brush after you successfully got rid of a weeks’ worth of knots! Enter another great invention of a wet brush! I must admit one of the best buys I have ever made! At the time I was quite skeptical as my salesperson was the 12 year old daughter of the hairdresser I was visiting. She promised that I would not be sorry, as long as I only used it on wet hair. I would be rid of my knots in no time and boy, is she right! Plus it does not hurt at all and I still have more hair on my head had I used a comb instead. Sometimes children do know what they are talking about, lol.

One week of Michael Jackson curls followed by one week of GHD straightened hair. A great comprise I think!

(Photo Credit to fotografierende from Pexels)

Now you might be wondering why I am on about my hair and all these great inventions? Well to be honest, as I was doing my weekly hair routine, I suddenly felt inspired and the thought popped into my head, gosh, imagine I had invented one of these great products? Someone out there was having the same tough time as me, and vo-lah, they came up with something which not only made a difference to their lives but also to millions of people around the world.

We are in a 21 day lock-down and I cannot wait to see what new inventions are going to be thought of and brought out after this time. It really is the perfect time to be aware of your surroundings and look at how we can make our lives easier. I am no inventor, but boy oh boy, I am going to take notice of everything! I do have the time after all.

Until next time…….

Love, light and positive change,

Ophelia