My dearest locks,

I had a photograph once that I called my Garnier Advert photograph. In that photo, you fell on either side of my face, like ribbons, catching the light in just the right way to make you shine and shimmer. When I got pregnant, the supplementary vitamins made you even fuller and more luscious than I had ever known you to be.

All my life, I cared for you. I looked after you. I combed you night and day, and made sweet little plaits with you. I shampooed you and conditioned you.

Then Baby Z got his hands on you. His fists clench shut so tight around you that it is almost impossible to get you out in one piece. He laughs manically as he tugs at you, thinking it a hilarious game. I’m sorry about that.

I bury my head into his stomach and make funny noises to make him laugh. That’s when he always gets you. I’m sorry about that too.

I no longer leave you to drape my shoulders, except for when I come out of the shower and I need you to dry as quickly as possible. (Sorry, I don’t really have time to blow dry you anymore either.) You tend to be folded away at the top of my head, well away from my face, so that Baby Z’s fists don’t capture you again. I’m sorry about that.

Hair cuts are a rare treat, and for a few moments after, you soar in the wind like a phoenix reborn. I have to cut your wings as soon as Baby Z is in the vicinity. I am sorry about that.

I apologise for the way I treat you now, but I am only protecting you. I know Baby Z can be harsh on you, but he also loves it when you tickle him and caress him with your soft touch. So please accept my apology and stay loyal to me. I am looking out for you, I promise.

I hope we can be the same as we once were. Perhaps when Baby Z is a little older and not so…violent and grabby. Until then you must be tucked away out of his reach, twisted into a bun, sometimes tugged and other times ripped away from my scalp. Just don’t loose hope. I’m sorry. You will fly again.

Yours wholeheartedly,

MOMM

Has your hair been through similar trials thanks to your offspring? Feel free to share your stories in the comments section below!