Hair Just Like Mommy’s

Prayse and I had a Prayse/Mama date this morning. It was fantastic as we went and had “coffee” together and then hit up the Farmer’s Market. P is so alive, so wonderfully attracted to the simple things. She reminds me to slow down and enjoy life, enjoy the giggles.

Many commented on her beautiful hair, actually we lost count. I heard more than three different times just this morning, “My hair is growing long and straight, just like my Mommy.” I love that she looks up to me, I love that she wants to be like me. However I want her more than anything to love herself, love what makes her different, unique and downright beautiful (doesn’t hurt that I would kill for curls like hers).

We have this conversation multiple times a week, all about her hair and wanting it straight. I had no idea it started this early. Over and over I tell her, “I love your curls! I would be sad if they were gone. I want your curls!!” Same answer, “I know you love them Mom! But, they’re growing straight, I’m sorry!” While her logic is laughable, I’ve taken a hard look at her surroundings and realized she really doesn’t have any role models who she can relate to with the gorgeous curls like she has.

We’ve surrounded ourselves with interracial couples, friends, and amazing individuals that she can relate to. 98% of them have boys, which we love but who’s hair is short so she doesn’t see their curls. I look around at her dollies and while she has a few black baby dolls, none have curly hair. So I went on a search for her birthday. Two stores into it I got beyond frustrated, not a single doll with curly hair. One  with brown hair that looks as if it’s been curled with a curling iron. We have a Princess Tiana dolly, but her hair is pulled back, not a curl in sight. I want to wait until she’s older to have an American Girl experience so I hit the web.

My online search results have been just as disappointing. I had assumed this would be a quick, easy purchase to choose and order for her birthday. I had assumed wrong.

Doll after dolly doll with long, straight hair. This is not going to help my case. From the Little Girl Style Me Pretty Doll To Mattel…

All the way to the Little Mommy collection…

Is straight hair. Not a precious, gorgeous curl anywhere.

And well, Barbie? You knew she was going to sell out right? I mean, that’s to be expected. This So In Style Stylin Hair Grace Doll almost set me off. You’re “so in style” but only with straight hair?

Another Barbie sell out…

I realize she’s three (almost four). I realize that every little girl (and big girl) doesn’t really like their hair. It’s one of life’s cruelties, we are not kind enough nor do we love the perfect image that God has made us in. But it makes my heart hurt to think there is one thing she doesn’t like about herself. One thing. There is enough time to be frustrated by our bodies, I don’t want it to start now. And every little girl should see images that are similar to themselves in a positive light. I did find a few after searching for awhile so they are there, but goodness, it shouldn’t be this hard.

Which do you like? #1 or #2? I have a favorite which is of course twice as expensive, but hey, it’s worth it. Worth every penny to show Miss P that she’s fabulous down to the end of every last curl.