It’s the one part of our physical appearance we get to choose. Eye color, skin color, face shape, height — all of those are determined for us, but our hair. Our hair.
That is all ours.
The length, how we cut it, how we style it, the color(s) we choose for it to be. If we fix it, or if we let it go free.
It carries social connotations, religious symbolism and historic meaning. We as women bond over it; dyeing, cutting and styling it are reasons for us to gather in each other’s homes and beauty shops to share the stories of our lives. With it, we get to choose the way others perceive us; how we control it (or not) tells the world something about who we are.
Curly, straight, kinky, wavy. Long, shoulder-length, pixie-cut, faux hawk. Natural, dyed, braided, dreaded: no one has hair exactly like you.
Let’s embrace our hair, look in the mirror and call it beautiful.
Let this Southeast Missouri woman inspire you.
Maggie Shelton
Tell us something you’ve learned in life.
I’ve learned in my life it is okay for people to mess up. It doesn’t matter who they are: pope, president, parents, loved one. They all will fail us, and it is okay. … They’re all people.
What is something beautiful?
Love.
What is beauty?
Something in its purest state.
Why do you love your hair?
I love my hair because it is so unique!
What is maintenance for your hair like?
I wash my hair like anyone else would. My washes on my dreads are usually once a week. You’d think because I never have to brush my hair, it would be simple; boy, that’s wrong! Dreadlock maintenance can vary based on the individual. For me, I go for a neat appearance. Therefore, I do a lot of tedious crocheting of my dreads. It’s very time-consuming and sometimes painful, mainly for my arms!
Anything else we should know about your hair?
Please do not stereotype or judge me based on my hair. If you have questions, just ask!
Where is your favorite place in Southeast Missouri?
I grew up in Illinois. When I moved to Missouri, it was a little difficult on me. When I was feeling down or having a hard time with a decision, I would go to Cape Rock and listen to the sound of the Mississippi River rushing, with the view of my childhood in place. It’s quite peaceful.
Clothes: Kith & Kin in Cape Girardeau
