I think I was about 10 when my older sister got a pair of hair crimpers. She must of been about 14 or 15. I was intrigued, probably a little more than I should of been, but oh well. She'd grip her hair in between the large corrugated clamps for a few seconds (or was it minutes back then? It must of taken a while, not like GHDs) and hey presto, she'd have huge, zig zag red hair. AMAZING. Or was it? Back in the 80s it was all the craze. People went crimping mad. The 90s still embraced it, hence my sister walking around looking like she had fried herself with a plug. Poor me, I was desperate to give it a go!
Christina's done it a few times. Remember in the Lady Marmalade video? I seem to recall everyone slating her. Was it the same people who crimped back in the day I wonder? I have to admit though that she DID look like a lollipop head. By that I mean head too big for her spindly body. Bless her though. Now she's had a little baby, and with a few more years (and pounds) under her belt, she stepped out with a crimped mass once again. Is it wrong that I don't mind it?
Now then. Here comes the crux of this post. Miss. Trya. Banks. I think it's a gay man's prerogative to love at least ONE tall, amazonian, dark haired (most of the time), ridiculously gorgeous star. I love at least four; Beyonce (of course), Iman (obvs!), Grace Jones (controversial) and of course, America's sweet heart, Trya.
Tyra's had more hair changes than anyone I know, including Bey. It's obviously not her own, but she paid enough for it. She's gone every colour, every finish, every style, all courtesy of some poor hairdresser and some equally poor hairless ladies (I estimate thousands). I've been looking at some old pics of lovely Tyra, and look what I found...
The first time was in 2004, the second four years later. No 1980s or 90s in sight. She's a brave lady, and often faces scrutiny, even braver with this hair. But is it bad? Is it not just like a fashion trend that makes a 'welcome' return? Like, say, flares or hotpants?
To be honest I'm biased. I love Trya with whatever her hair. But does everyone else? There's been so many articles and debates about black women and their hair. Should they have weave? Should they go au naturale? Should they have colour?
I think 'they' (excuse me for generalising, but TV shows and articles do too) should make up their own minds. Even take a leaf from Tyra's encyclopedia-of-hair book. I would if I could!
