Long hair have always been a stereotypical attribute of a beautiful woman in India. I had a 'boy-cut' till I was in class 10. My father was of the opinion that long hair are a hindrance when focusing on studies. My mother had very long hair. They would almost touch her knees. I've only seen in photographs. She cut them short. The volume and weight of the hair gave her migraine problems. But my problems are very different. I grew them long after school and have been growing ever since. I do want to chop them off in extreme summers but I like them long too. Married into a Sikh family now, putting a scissor on them is a far fetched thought. However, I can definitely share some annoying long hair moments. Since long hair are a symbol of 'beauty', here is a mention of those times when this 'beauty' becomes a 'beast' -
- It takes more than 30 minutes to properly wash them.
And my parents wonder what have I been doing for so long in the washroom
- It takes 05-10 min to comb and get the tangles out only to get them tangled in less than an hour
I wonder why do I even bother :/
- You wake up screaming because they get stuck under you while you sleep.
Seriously hair, what's with getting under my underarms ?
- If you keep them open while traveling in public transport (metro for eg), they easily get stuck in other people's bags, hands, face, clothes. Don't know who's 'annoyed look' is more justified
- They get stuck in my own bag
- You can't wear a dress/top with back zip/buttons. They are bound to get stuck and broken
- You end up screaming again when you or others sit on them accidentally
- Ten thousand people ask you how you maintain them.
It takes oiling, washing and drying. No science, really!
- They misbehave during rains, near the sea and in the mountains.
Seriously hair, why so excited?
- High ponytails, high buns are a strict no-no, unless you want an instant headache. Can't leave them open either, they run wild.
Despite it, they have been excellent conversation starters. Someone once asked if they were hair extensions. Others ask my oil and shampoo brands. There are husbands who ask their wives to grow them as long as mine and there are women who know other women who have had long hair.
And yet there are others who tell my parents how I look like a proper Sardarni and I was growing them because I wanted to fit into a Sikh family. (Mine is an inter-religion wedding). I do love my hair despite all the trouble and so does everyone I know! Or are they just jealous? I'd rather not find out :)
