Hair, and the proper care of it, is an important part of black culture and identity. As a white parent, I've no trouble admitting I knew nothing about black hair care until I began my research long before Maya became a part of our family. Caring for it is completely different than caring for my own. Granted, I know much more now than I did two years ago, but I'm not oblivious to the fact that I've much more to learn. I'm looking forward to it. Over the past several months, Maya has developed quite a head of beautiful hair. Attempting to remain natural in what we use, I've come across a company that I love...and so does Maya's hair! Right now, her corkscrew curls are quite soft, and she enjoys the occasional headband or barrette. I'm actually surprised that, at the age of two, she leaves them in as long as she does...sometimes sleeping in them! We've not yet gotten into the braiding or twisting, although she has allowed "puffs". The reason for not wearing the more intricate hairstyles has nothing to do with my lack of willingness to try, but to Maya's need for speed! She can't sit still long enough for me to try one braid, let alone an entire head full. It's alright. She seems to enjoy her current hairstyles. If you were here, she would point to her headband or barrette and announce, "puh-retty!". If she feels good about her hair, then so do I! No need to press the issue at this age, but at some point she and I must begin actually "doing" her hair. A wonderful mother daughter activity that she will pass on to children in her future. In some adoptive families, like this one, the father becomes the go-to person for hair. How nice!
