Some Nigerian females are blessed with full hair density, long hair, curly hair, and, most especially, rounded hairlines that come out sharp and neat when styled with edge controls or hair gel. Others are lucky to have a hairline that can pull off any hairstyle, making it easy for them to choose a style.
I have a conviction that I went out to play with other children at the sixth mansion next to mine in heaven. On this blessed day, God decided to visit our mansion and share with the children living there the gift of full and rounded hairlines.
Since I wasn't around, I missed the gift, but I begged some of the children to share theirs with me, even if it was just a small portion.
After much persuasion and pleading, some took pity on me and gave me a little from their gift. Although it was meager, when they combined their gifts, I was able to receive a hairline, even though it was a cornered one with little hairs.
Half a loaf is better than none," they say, so I just accepted my fate and made do with what I have. Ever since I reached Earth and became self-aware, I have always been self-conscious about my hairline.
Unlike those with full, rounded hairlines, I'm limited in the hairstyles I can pull off. Even when I see an attractive style that looks great on someone else, my hairstylist often advises against it, saying my hairline won't do it justice. I've also been mindful of the hairstyles I choose, avoiding those that might put too much tension on my hair.
In fact, for most hairstyles that require hair extensions, such as braids and Ghana weaving, I instruct the hairstylist to start with my natural hair first. This helps prevent my hair from being pulled too tightly, unlike when the style is started with the extensions.
There were times when I guided the hairstylist on how to work around my cornered hairline, although this could be stressful for them. If I'm not satisfied with the style, especially when it comes to my hairline, I'll ask them to loosen it, and they'll have to re-braid it.
There were also days when I changed styles mid-hairstyling session. Not my fault, though - I just can't risk looking like a bonga fish after the style is finished, especially if the hairs on my hairline, which I still hope will become fuller, fall out when I loosen it.
However, last December, I tried a new hairstyle that didn't seem too demanding. It was a 'two-step and side-to-side bay' hairstyle. The first step and the bays were in Ghana Weaving, while the second step was in knotless braids.
Because of my fear of losing the hairs on my hairline, I instructed the hairstylist to start by plaiting my natural hair first before adding the hair extensions, which she did.
Unfortunately, it ended up causing more damage than expected. Instead of promoting hair growth, it made my front hair dry and brittle. Despite using hair growth creams and products, I saw no improvement.
To make matters worse, when I took out the hairstyle, I was left with an even thinner hairline. I was pained to see the hairline, which I'm still praying God will increase with hairs, had experienced such significant loss.
I began to wonder if the hairdresser's technique was the culprit. The hairstyle wasn't tight, and we started with my natural hair, not the extensions. I wouldn't say she was inexperienced, as the hairstyle looked beautiful when it was finished.
However, people I shared my ordeal with suggested that "maybe her hands just weren't good for my hair."
Now, I'm left to regrow my hair and repair my damaged hairline. I sometimes use edge control to lay down hairs and make my hairline appear fuller. I'll also be joining Team Natural by switching to protective hairstyles like "Natural All Back".
On a separate note, I'm considering venturing into the real estate business, and I thought I'd take this opportunity to advertise: I have land for sale at very affordable prices. Trust me, you won't find an offer like this anywhere else!
As a bonus, you don't even need to pay an inspection fee to check them out. Just zoom in on my picture and see the vacant space on my head. So, how many plots of land will you be needing, ma'am or sir?