From Fear to Frizz: Ima Caldwell's Curly Hair Awakening
In a heartfelt revelation, Ima Caldwell recounts her evolution from scorching her hair straight to cherishing her natural curls. She vividly contrasts her past struggles with her current routine, stating, "Instead of spending hours burning the life out of them, I now douse my head with water and scrunch in mousse and gel." This shift marks a significant personal milestone, moving away from societal pressures towards self-love.
Early Struggles with Hair Identity
Growing up in a regional coastal town, Caldwell faced a beauty ideal centred on sandy blond beach looks. Her dark, fuzzy Polynesian hair and the mispronunciation of her name, Sereima, left her feeling out of place. She recalls childhood attempts to fit in, such as cutting a curly micro fringe at age four to mimic a friend's straight bob. By 11, she saved diligently for an Instyler, enduring family complaints about the smell of burnt hair and hurtful comments from peers, including a year-eight girl who cruelly compared her natural hair to a dog's mess.
The Turning Point in the City
It wasn't until her early twenties, after relocating to the city, that Caldwell began to reject what she terms the "Porpoise Spit mentality" of conformity. Inspired by her matriarchs—her mother and aunties—who boasted curls that sparked hyena laughs at gatherings, she embraced their wisdom. They reminded her that in the 80s, people paid for hair like theirs, prompting her to question why she would burn it away.
Adopting the Curly Girl Method
Caldwell dove into the popular curly girl method, a care routine designed to enhance natural curls. Gifted with curly hair products and defining brushes for her birthday, she discovered dormant ringlets springing to life as she hunched over a basin, squishing in conditioner to define each tendril. This revealed a texture she never knew she possessed, transforming her approach to hair care.
Daily Routines and Community Connections
Her curls, which she describes as "thirsty girls," now thrive on hydration. She flips her head to add volume, uses air-drying or diffusing, and breaks crunchy casts with oil for shiny coils. To preserve her locks, she explores options like silk pillowcases and secure bonnets, though mornings often leave her looking like a freshly sucked mango seed. On busy work days, she opts for buns to withstand sweaty commutes, but good curl days serve as icebreakers, fostering a curly community where colleagues recommend salons and share products.
Embracing Change and Self-Acceptance
Caldwell has learned to be gentle with herself, acknowledging that her hair is ever-changing due to factors like water quality, hormones, and weather. She now sees curls as springy halos framing faces and cherishes the nod shared with fellow curly-haired strangers. Living by Dolly Parton's mantra, "The higher the hair, the closer to heaven," she continues to celebrate her natural beauty, turning a once-feared feature into a source of pride and connection.
