I like your hair...

So it did happen....

Exactly one month ago I posted about how nice it would be if curious people would ask questions about my hair instead of staring rudely without speaking. Well, I had just determined it would be that way and decided to get used to it.

But just today one of the students at the school where I work approached me in the break room and said, "I like your hair, who does it?"

I was nearly floored! I was so excited to get to talk about my Sisterlocks to someone who wasn't already a friend or acquaintance! I explained that they were Sisterlocks and a little about how they're done and invited her to my computer to show her pictures on my blog and on the official website. I also gave her the address of the LHBE and my consultant's phone number.

She told me that she does braids and had heard of Sisterlocks, but had not seen them before. I told her how much I love mine. She was wearing a head wrap, so I didn't see her hair, but she told me that she was all natural and looking for an alternative to braids. I told her she should definitely look into Sisterlocks and do some research. I am looking forward to talking to her again to see what she decides.

I like your hair...

In a similar vein, n'Drea, Meikmeika and I recently observed that we get more unqualified compliments from men than women. (See this post by n'Drea and comments.)

I find that men will approach me, tell me they like my hair and go on their merry way. Women will often stare from a distance and never attempt contact, not even if I look at them and smile.

What is with that?

Do you even have a theory?

I thought it was just me or maybe just my area, but apparently not. My consultant and I were talking about it at my last retite. Women will stare at our hair for an AWKWARDLY long period of time and NEVER say A WORD!

IMO that is more rude than most comments or questions they could come up with.

Even when I'm not sure what to say about someone's hair, but I'm curious, I know I can always say: I like your hair who does it?

That's totally non-offensive and usually works as a pretty good conversation-starter/ice-breaker. Even if I wouldn't wear the style myself and only have curiosity, it invites them to talk about it. Or they can politely decline.

How hard is that?