I have a confession. I cannot cornrow or part a straight part to save my life. When it comes to hair styling, I am of the challenged variety. I can make a decent braid or twist, but it takes a little too much effort I’m willing to give up. My mother did my hair until I was about 11 years old and ocassionally, I’d call on her for help with parting my bangs or the infamous zig-zag part down the middle of my head. For the longest, I, a girl with a head full of hair wore my hair in just one ponytail because I was (and still am) tender headed and I didn’t want to do anything else to it.

As a little girl, I remember braiding the hair of my Barbies and Kenya doll in single braids and adorning them with beads. I did a pretty good job then, but I still have a little fear reserved for the day that I have a little girl. What am I going to do with her hair? As far as products are concerned, I already have my picks from what I’ve used on my hair and Jayden’s. But as far as styling and technique, meh. My fingers are just not all that coordinated. I know that my future daughter will have a few not-so-good hair days until my fingers get it together. I will photograph my journey and I’m sure we’ll look back and laugh at the hot messes of the past and admire the polished awesomeness of the future.

Photo credit: Steven Depolo