I did a thing. I straightened my curls. It was a huge process. I washed it with regular shampoo and used regular conditioner. I applied straightening cream and leave-in conditioner. I blow dried it used a brush to keep it as straight as possible. The next morning I applied a heat protector and brushed it through. I sectioned off small pieces and ran them through my flat iron….several times.
And this hairdo was the result.
I know what you’re wondering: why?! Everyone loves the curls! They’re so fun and natural and full! Everyone wishes they had curls like that! How could you smother them and try to stamp them out?!
Three reasons. I wanted to see how long my hair looked and how well it’s coming in. I also miss being able to run my fingers through my hair (oh, the little things). And for one day (two, really) I didn’t want to be “that girl recovering from chemo.” I just wanted to be “that girl.” Going through all that trouble gave me that gift, even for just a few hours.
You may see my hair and think it looks beautiful all curly (and, in reality, I know it does). But it reminds me of cancer. It reminds me of what I went through. It reminds me of what cancer took from me, including and especially my appearance. So for a couple days I was able to enjoy an alternate universe.
Don’t worry. The curls were as luscious and bouncy as ever after the next wash.
