The Story of Your {Hair}: Josh Better Recognize

Josh has good hair. It is thick, curly, dark, and somewhat coarse, with no signs of baldness from the front or back. Total coverage.

He has complex emotions toward his curls and is uncomfortable caring about how he looks because he has been socialized to think it’s a waste of time and energy to care about your appearance. Pride is not his deadly sin.

When Josh’s hair is short, life is easy. When it’s longer and voluminous with curls, he exhibits bad habits like brushing it or putting a hat on his wet head. It’s clear that his curly hair vexed him as a pup and that rather than attempt to tame the dragon, he relied on other things to win the day: a sense of humor, stylish glasses, an ability to hit to opposite field, stubbornness. And now, it’s too late to bother changing because everyone would notice if he tried.

Josh has good hair, but with nominal work, it could be one of the greats.

Josh’s take on his hair.

1. In your own words, how would you describe your hair?

Curly when it gets long, but not consistent curls. It’s often messy because I don’t want to take the time to tame it.

2. In general, how do you feel about your hair?

I usually don’t like it because it takes work. I wish it were 50 percent more tame.

3. How did you decide how to cut and style your hair?

I like keeping it short because it is low maintenance and easier to manage. But also getting haircuts takes time and money so I only get it cut every other month or so. I don’t color or style it.

4. When was your hair at its best, and why?

I can appreciate the curls I had and hated when I was young. But I am satisfied enough with my hair now, when it is short.

5. When was your hair at its worst, and why?

My hair is at its worst when it’s long and shaggy, forever and always.

6. How long does it take you to do your hair?

I spend less than 2 minutes on my hair each day.

7. How often do you get your hair cut?

Every 2 to two-and-a-half months.

8. How does your hair affect your personality or sense of identity?

Generally I can laugh at and accept my messy curls. I can definitely be self-deprecating about it. But it can also make me frustrated and lack confidence in my looks.

9. How do you think your hair impacts how other people see you?

I think if people judge me based on my hair, it is not in a positive way.

“I weirdly find my hair important and unimportant to me. I wish it were better and more compliant but I also know that I don’t spend time needed to make it better for myself.”

For more of The Story of Your Hair, check out what’s going on with Jared, Sarah, Sani, Jillian, or Rupa. And check back all this week to see more of this multi-part series.