byline goes here

On today's show, we are pleased to join forces again with the daily online magazine theRoot.com. When we learned they were planning to publish a series of essays on the relationship between black women and their hair, through the prism of the current economic downturn, we had to get in the mix. So, this week we sidelined the guys in the Barbershop for the ladies of the Beauty Shop. Since Barbershop regular Jimi Izrael has more hair than many women, Michel invited him to join the conversation. Tune in for a "hair raising" exchange. Sorry, I could not help myself.

I did not have the opportunity to post an essay, but since I've been thinking about this a lot I'd thought I'd share ...

Most of the time, I wear my hair in a short natural, but I've been known to mix it up -- from twists, to braids, to wigs. My wigs even have names, since they are often styled after celebrity hairstyles. Michel's favorite is what she refers to as my "Mary J" - a short asymmetrical cut with some urban edge.

But I digress.

Since the recent "troubles" I have put a complete stop to my salon visits. Suddenly, the thought of spending close to $300 to get my hair braided seems ridiculous, and I have had to literally go back to my roots. I am trying to love the skin I'm in and enjoy rocking my 'fro -- but there is a part of me that feels denied.

For so many women, our hair is our crown -- it signals so much more than style. It's a harbinger of possibility, but right now, all that seems possible is that the world will learn that I have a Miss Clairol secret (since my roots are growing out).

Once I get over myself and stop the pity party, I will see that it really is not the end of the world and there are far more important sacrifices that are being made by many. Until then, I confess that whenever I run into the drugstore I head straight to the magazine aisle and thumb through the latest issue of Hype Hair.

A woman can still dream.

categories: 'Behind the Curtain' at TMM

3:47 - March 27, 2009

What is this?

Share