The Power of Hair: How cutting, dying, and eventually losing it’ll made me realize its strength

My hair has always been the topic of conversation in my family. My cousins would point out the texture being different or how long it was. I didn’t pay much attention to the comments or my hair because it was “just hair” to me. As I got older, I began experimenting with my hair, using different color braids, dying it, trying trendy styles, and eventually cutting it.

My everchanging hair became what I was known for. I always got questions or compliments about what I had decided to do with my hair.

In 2017 I got severely ill, on the verge of dying, I lost all of my hair. I felt vulnerable and like everyone could see the true me. No one made me feel bad but I often wondered if without my hair I would still stand out the way I always had. Fighting for my life made me come to terms with the fact that there is power in my hair. No matter if it is long, short, or falling out – it is mine, and it is powerful. The choices I’ve made, the battles I have overcome, and the beauty I found within myself were a gentle reminder that although it is “just hair,” it is also where my power lies.

There is power in losing it all, starting over, and embracing/ accepting your hair for what it is. My power lies in my hair, and now I know that with or without it – I am still powerful.

Dr. Kay Coghill (they/them) for Soft Rows