Ed’s Letter

Late last year, I decided to go for the big chop. All my shoulder-length hair laid at my feet at the barber (yes, it was not a hairdresser). You might ask what prompted the decision, and I’ll tell you that it had nothing to do with Coco Chanel’s popular saying, “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life”. I’ve always been “Mbali with the hair”, and after a year of one loss after the other (from my sister to others I had held dear), I felt burdened by the mane I proudly used to carry – think of a dark veil.

A week later, I excitedly went to my mother’s house to show off my new look. Did she not look at me with a puzzled expression as she said, “do you know that after a certain age, your hair stops growing?” Did my mother just imply that I’m now at an age where my amazing mane will not grow back? With the fear of God that my mother plugged into my head, I’m now washing my hair incessantly, and checking every mirror I come across for signs of growth — and I must say, I’m very nervous.

Our health feature on page 96 adds fuel to the fire with overwhelming stats on the prevalence and rate of hair loss among black women. Did you think that traction alopecia from tight braids and plaits was your only concern? Anything, from genes to hormones, can result in irreversible hair loss. The only comfort is arming yourself with information, and looking after your hair from your youth. Otherwise, the hairstyle you adored when you were younger will be a thing of the past.

Talking about throwbacks, our fashion and beauty team takes us back in time with the mother of all denim edits, as well as super-doable ways to reinvent the classic ponytail that has made a massive comeback. Because we love to eat, our food editor takes us on a nostalgic journey to the kitchens we grew up in as our moms, aunts, grannies and sisters prepped for Easter holiday feasts. From pickled fish to aromatic lamb roasts, your menu is set.

This Easter break, take some time out to reflect, and appreciate the things and people in your life that you are most grateful for because the only certainty we have in life, is change. That said, have a restful break and recharge… only eight months to go till the end of the year!