So the rest of these would make sense I thought I would start by sharing a little bit about myself and the motivation behind the "blog".
Lets see.....
I'm 25years old and I work as a wedding and event stylist in Perth, Australia.
I've had my dreads for nearly 3years. Some of them I've had for 7years.
Over the past 4 years I've created four full-head sets of dreads for people I know (I hope to put up some pictures at some stage). I've also done several sets of dread maintenance as well as maintaining my own on a regular basis.
Right now I'm coming to terms with the end of my first set of dreads. I unfortunately have to De-dread due to a neck issue I cant seem to get rid of and this is the last resort. I've put a lot of time into my beloved dreads and I've enjoyed having them. I'm completely gutted it's time to part ways.
I'm pretty sure my boyfriend and maybe some of my friends/work colleagues think I'm nuts when I talk about how horrible it's making me feel. The thought of getting rid of my dreads makes me feel nervous and nauseous. I've even been having nightmares! So I'm sure they'll all be glad to stop hearing about my internal conflict about whether to De-dread or not. The awesome boyfriend has put up with alot of "my neck hurts" "my neck keeps giving me headaches" so I think to be honest he'll be the one that is over the moon when I get back from NZ a cojillion dreads lighter.
The worst part though is the fear of losing my identity. Not that my hair defines who I am, but it is definitely a big part of me.
My friend has recently started a Blog of her own (http://jessiemayehau.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/how-this-all-started.html), to keep her motivated with her fitness goals. So far it's worked really well for her. So, I figured I'd give it ago myself.
I liked the idea of having an outlet so that the people closest to me don't have to listen to me go on and on about if I'm actually going to be able to go through with it or not. I'm hoping this will be a stronger commitment to actually attempt the De-dread, by knowing that there maybe others out their who are going through something similar and want to know how it actually works out.
To be honest though since making that decision I've spent the last two weeks procrastinating about starting this blog, because in my head it made it all too real!
But here I am, and this is the start of me parting with my dreads. I'm catching a flight to NZ tonight which is where I plan to undertake the almighty De-dread.
Now I've spent the last six months reading forums, watching You Tube videos about other people who've "De-Dreaded" whether it be by brushing them out or shaving their head. But all in all I've found it hard to find information on what really works. The most useful one I came across is Krystaal Rain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8LEvkm_q1o&feature=g-user-u)
So now I'm basically hoping this may help others who are in the same position and if anyone has any questions I might be able to help.
Or if nothing else, help others realise that you are not insane; parting with your dreads is an emotional confusion that you can't clearly explain or relate to with other people who have never had dreads or people who didn't love/enjoy their dreads as much as you do.
With my hair I've realised I carry a lot of memories, I'll share a couple with you.
My first memory is feeling like 'Sideshow Bob' for a couple of weeks right after I got my dreads. I also used to choose special beads to put in my hair with those closest to me. Most of those beads are still in my hair today, I'm trying to figure out what to do with them afterwards. Those same beads helped my niece learn colours and to count by finding them throughout my hair.
I had them when I went on my adventure to South East Asia two years ago, I felt like I was going to sink when I went swimming in Halong Bay because my hair got soooo heavy when it was wet.
There was bonfires with my friends/family and being a tad smokey for a few days. I've moved back to Oz to take advantage of the opportunities on offer here. I got to be bridesmaid for my beautiful cousin. I spoke on behalf of my Mum at her brothers funeral. But most of all I've loved being me :D
As a girl it's sometimes hard to pick something you like/love about yourself but my dreads are my something. And to be honest the thought of not having them and not having that something that I love about me scares me!
But after all it is just hair and it will grow back. I guess to me it just feels like so much more.
I hope this hasn't been too much of a crazy first blog attempt. I'm going to try to update with pictures etc along the way over the next couple of weeks of the 'De-Dreading' mission. So wish me luck, only a couple of hours until my flight now.
Let the adventure begin.....EEEEK!
