IMBO Magazine Issue 33: One Love | Page 137

the way my hair looks is very important, maybe a little too important. Having untidy hair is frowned upon. And not taking care of your hair is directly linked to how well you will be able to take care of your husband and home. Towards the end of this never-ending journey,I’m of the firm belief that ‘Africaness’ cannot be tied to a choice of hairstyle. However you choose to take care of your hair should not be up for debate. Heck, I’m ready to call on the constitutional right to freedom of choice for this one! Maryse’s top hair tips: • Braids and weaves are supposed to be resting hairstyles to make sure your natural hair grows long and healthy, as opposed to a cover-up for a receding hairline. You need to make sure that your braids, weaves or cornrows are not too tight as this breaks the hair. In addition, hairstyles should be changed every 3 weeks. • Castor Oil is amazing to make sure the hair and scalp is moisturized. In addition, deep conditioning once every 3 weeks is a must! After speaking to women from all sides of the hair spectrum, it’s obvious that as a black woman, hair can never just be hair. It is a statement, reflecting the battle against stereotypes. 137 IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14