My Hair Journey: from Chemical Burns to Peony Blossoms

 

Story time: My Hair Journey

A few years ago, I started losing my edges. Not just thinning, losing them. I used to perm my hair every two weeks. If I saw even a hint of new growth, I’d grab the perm. Sometimes I’d take braids out and go straight into a relaxer, not even letting my scalp breathe. The chemical burns became normal.



My hairdresser (she sadly passed during COVID, and out of respect, I won’t name her) used to say those burns were a good sign. “That means your scalp is rejuvenating and your hair will grow longer ,” she’d claim.  



I believed her because my hair was getting long.  However, my edges started to disappear like they were running from the law. I looked in the mirror one day and realized the front of my hair looked like I had alopecia. I started hiding under wigs, but at night, when I took them off, I didn’t feel beautiful. I didn’t feel me.



My husband, seeing me cry night after night, paid for a hair transplant. It helped. My baby hairs weren’t as fierce, but I could finally wear my natural hair again. And that’s when I said goodbye to perms. For good.



As time passed, I faced another challenge: age-related thinning. That’s when I turned inward. I changed my diet. I got serious about natural products. I went back to school and became certified in natural haircare formulation. I haven’t bought a commercial hair product in years.



Eventually, I decided to go short. Let’s be real, short hair hits different as you age. But one thing still held me back: the scar from my transplant. I wanted to wear my short hair proudly, so I got a tattoo to cover it.

In the photo, it’s not finished yet, but I already love it.

 I chose a peony, a flower that symbolizes bravery, honor, and good fortune in Japan. Fitting, right?

 This journey taught me something powerful: hair matters. It’s not vanity, it’s identity; It’s confidence. And for many women, it’s also pain. 

We may hide under wigs or weaves, but eventually, we have to face the mirror. And when we do, we deserve to love what we see.

That’s why every time I share a DIY recipe, I’m not just giving you ingredients, I’m sharing a piece of my story; a piece of my healing.

Take care of your hair. Take care of your soul.