So after 15 years of being a variety of bottle blonde shades, I have decided to go back to my roots. I am half Filipina half east Indian so my genes gave me an overabundance of hair. For those who knew me way back when, my hair in its natural state was jet black, super curly and all the way down my back. But then it got lighter, lighter and lighter and my hair started breaking like Rock Steady crew in 'Beat Street.' Then 2 and a half years ago I had a big show and decided it would be cute to sew in straight blonde extensions down my butt and keep it there for a few months. Sigh. There went the hair. It's really never been the same since.

So in an effort to regrow my hair in its natural and healthy state, I've gone back to dark. Anyone who has been a fake blonde for many years know that this is a deep, soul-searching process that can shatter one's fragile ego. Seriously. I nearly fainted when I stood up from the washing bowl at the salon and saw my reflection in the mirror. 2 of my stylists warned me and they weren't kidding. It's very hard adjusting your face to a different frame after so many years.

But you know what? I like it! After a few weeks of transitioning and occasional peeks at the mirror, it is growing on me and I'm happy with my decision. A lot of people tell me they honestly like it better. The only one who may be iffy is my boyfriend, who loves the stick-straight, fake blonde stripper-whore hair that many of his ex-girlfriends rocked. But not I said the fly.

 

BUT I WANT TO LOOK WHITE!
Having grown up in the Philippines, Colonial Mentality (like in all Asian countries) was in full force. You worship white, you want to look white. Do everything to your body to eschew your heritage. This might explain to you all those nasty car show "models" that give new meaning to the words fake, tawdry and vulgar. (Sorry, I cannot STAND import car girls. To me they go against everything their culture raises them to be.) But aside from these heffers, normal intelligent Asian women are also fallen victim to this. When will this blondie obsession die?

Although I went back to my natural hair for non-political reasons, doing so has made me re-examine my discomfort with all these issues. I have been guilty of this brainwashing, and I have many moments of recurring hypocrisy. But hey now when I look in the mirror, I see more me, and I'm loving it =)