Hi everyone! I think It’s been a long time right? I know, I’ve taken too long of a break from all the great conversations, energy, and support that this community always provides. Life had me tied up in a few knots, but I’ve missed everyone dearly. I’m back. And I am hopeful I can be more present, share more stuff, and tap into all the warmth that you all continue to give.
Going through the prompts, i found all very interesting but this one stirred some memories. There’s something special about hair salons and barbershops, if you know you know. For me, it is a small salon shop between a pharmacy and a restaurant in my neighborhood that i would sahre about. The chairs are a bit old and the posters on the wall are faded, but the stories that are shared in the space is always interesting.
A few months ago, I went to get my hair braided. I wasn’t really feeling thr need for conversation, and just wanted to sit, get it done and leave. While I was sitting, a woman came in to get a simple wash and blow dry. The moment she sat down, she sighed, “Today I left my marriage in that bathroom.” The whole salon froze not shock, but because we understoodthat sigh and expectedthat something more was about to follow.
What proceeded was a completely unfiltered descent. She talked about emotional neglect, dreams quenched by duty, choosing herself after so many years. The stylist who was drying her hair just kept sectioning and drying yet with every section we heard things like, “You did good. Some of us haven’t even had the guts to pack a suitcase.” And then the stories started flowing one by one, "eii nsem bebree sei" literally lots of issues.
Women shared their stories of staying, leaving, cheating partners, broke partners, regained peace. There was no judgement, no bemusement. Just listening, laughing, crying, and nodding. People seemed to be crying tears of relief not despair. We were all therapists, with no appointment needed. What I love about these spaces is that they are the heartbeat of our communities.
Whether it’s the latest gossip about a church member's unexpected pregnancy, a political rant, or a deeper reflection about life all of it, is in hair salons. And, they offer us the comfort of knowing that we are not alone in our struggles, or our joy. You walk in for a braid or a trim or a wash, and somehow walk away not only lighter on your head, but on your heart.
That day, I walked away with more than neat cornrows. I walked away with a reminder that healing often takes place in the most unexpected places with strangers who become sisters, however fleeting an experience it may be.
So, yes, hair salons and barbershops are more than grooming spaces. They are special ground in my opinion.