8 April 2013
After chopping my hair off last May in preparation for moving to sub-saharan Africa, I realized that although a pixie cut is something I can pull off, I prefer hair cuts that allow for a little more variety of styles. Thus, sometime around June I decided to grow my hair out again, and since then I've had a constant struggle to keep cool and look presentable as my hair slowly gets long enough to put into a ponytail (right now it takes one elastic, 4-8 bobby pins, and a slathering of hair gel). Enter the plant-- Krio for "plaits" or braids. I had my hair planted for the first time in October, but not again until Christmas. Now that it's a little longer and I've found some styles I like, I am all about having my hair planted, even if it makes me look like I just got back from a trashy Jamaican vacation, according to some Americans I've talked to. The wonderful thing about plants is how cool they feel compared to having your hair down, so as far as practicality, they are the best option when you live in Salone with no A/C anywhere nearby.
Every style has its own name: 7-up, All Come Down, All Go Up, Lingum, Rihanna, and a million others I haven't learned yet. Below is a photo of me ready for Sports day with "All Go Up" plants that my neighbor did for me.
My host mother found out the other day that we're planning a trip back to the states in the coming months, and she urged me to get my hair planted before I go, so that when my family meets me at the airport they will know that I'm an African woman now. I think I'll take her advice, so I've got to find a great style to have for my flight. I'll keep you posted.
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| Update: Here I am with my hair planted at my parents' Christmas party in December 2014 |
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