The Journey Inward

“You have magic hair!” my student exclaimed, pointing to my rapidly rising, busy, frizzy head of hair that had lost its sleekness and was now expanding by the second.

“Humidity hair” is what I’ve always called it. And not affectionately or with that child’s delight and wonder. Smooth styles turn sizzly, curls go cuckoo. Some women complain that their hair goes flat and lifeless in humidity, but that has never been my experience.

From late October through late March, my hair can easily be blown straight or left naturally wavy or be coaxed into curls with some scrunching and product. I’m grateful for that. But early April to early October is another story. There is no cooperation to be had on my head.

In fact, there is a hysterical overreaction to humidity and on rare occasions, I’m distracted and don’t feel the hairs literally rise on my head. For example, I might be dining outside with friends, feeling pretty and polished on a summer night, only to go inside to the restroom, catch my reflection in the mirror and startle. Humidity hair strikes again!

“There’s a fix for your reality!” you might advise, and I acknowledge the truth in that. With extensive time and money spent, I could buy some straight spring/summer hair, and twice I have. But I also keep hoping that each summer might be different…better…more manageable. It never is.

And so, as Spring gives way to Summer, my long locks make their way into buns, ponytails, braids and twists, and more often than not, under hats.

First world problems. I am lucky.