Dreads not braids

The summer of 2005 was the last time I had a haircut and because of that fact, I have a lot of hair.

There have been perks to having this much hair. It hides the fact I have an enormous head, well kind of.

My hair has been the topic of quite a few conversations over the past ten years, which has been interesting.

For those who don’t know. My hair is a style called dreadlocks… Not braids. Not cornrows.

You can’t unravel my hair. I would have to cut them out.

It takes about three hours to twist my hair from the roots to the locked up portion.

I’m supposed to twist my hair every two months however I’m lucky to get it done once a year or do it myself.

I tie my hair back because it keeps it out of my face, especially when I’m eating.

I wash my hair just like a normal person, just with watered down shampoo and conditioner.

For years one of my struggles with having dreads was finding a hat big enough for my head.

Luckily I have had a few people attempt to knit or crochet hats for me.

My mother has picked up some incredible talent for crocheting and made a hat that I can use during the winter months.

Until recently I had no idea that they made hats big enough for my head.

Luckily I was able to find out that they do. Since my discovery I have enjoyed wearing a Chicago Bears hat and a locally made Montartica hat.

Having a hat makes me feel a little more normal despite having a head of hair that no one else in the county has.

My son PJ has taken well to his dad wearing a hat. When it’s time to leave the house he knows that daddy needs his hat.

PJ experienced his first true Fourth of July last Monday.

He loved it at first, going “Oh No!” every time a rocket exploded in the air. After that came the whistling fireworks. He hated those and it kind of scared the little guy. He has never held on to my wife so tight.

Luckily he didn’t completely freak out and cry. He took it better than most first timers without earplugs on.