MASK OFF

One of the safest spaces for me is in my stylist’s chair.

Happy Tuesday, Fam!

Last week I needed an immediate hair intervention, my usual stylist was closed, I had to roll the dice with someone new. As a Scorpio, this feels dangerously close to cheating on my stylist, but I Iooked like Mufasa from The Lion King, so I was confident she would understand.

I've talked a lot about my period of transformation, and one thing that's been a big marker of how far I've come is how I view my hair.

Most of my life, I felt like my hair had to be “perfect” — which it never was, let’s be real — but the only acceptable version of perfect seemed to be a sew-in, a silk press, or back in the day? That blue solution and a pressing comb (you can practically hear the sizzle).

When I look back now, I realize I wasn’t just choosing styles… I was choosing safety. I genuinely believed I couldn’t wear my curls because they’d be seen as “unprofessional.” I avoided braids because it felt like they didn’t fit the work aesthetic. Somewhere along the way, I stopped even knowing what I liked or I wanted. What actually made me feel beautiful.

Today, sitting in this chair and chatting with a new stylist, I was graced with a moment to reflect on what's shifted. I told him I’m in a season of transformation. He said he is too. He’s learning himself, loving himself, and choosing to show up differently. I loved that for him… and I’m choosing to love that for me too.

I’m done performing the version of myself that fits someone else’s standard. My personality is big, my energy is bold, and honestly? My hair should reflect that.

So fam, if there’s a part of your life where you’ve been wearing a mask, try taking it off. Even if it's just a little peek, give yourself the strength to see the part of you that it covers. Fall in love with that version, and then set them free. Life is far too short to be anything but fully, unapologetically yourself.

Have a great week, Fam.

With love,

Butler & Co.