Big Hair, I Don’t Care

    By Sara Squiers

    Big Hair, I Don’t Care cover image

    25 Apr, 2024

    a cartoon of a girl with curly hair and a yellow jacket on, standing in front of a school, paris school, a character portrait, Constance Gordon-Cumming, comic cover art

    Lucy loved school, not just for the learning, but for the interaction with her friends. She was a bubbly girl with an infectious smile and a head full of big, beautiful curls.

    a couple of kids standing next to each other on a street with a building in the background and a group of people standing around, harlem renaissance, a comic book panel, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, comic cover art

    One day, Sara, a classmate, teased Lucy about her hair. 'Why is your hair so big and messy, Lucy?' she sneered, causing a few others to laugh.

    a cartoon girl is sitting at a table with a plate of food in front of her and a mug of tea, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Constance Gordon-Cumming, comic cover art

    Lucy returned home, upset. Her mother noticed her teary eyes and asked what was wrong. Lucy shared about the teasing at school.

    two black women standing in a kitchen with a bowl of food in front of them and a clock above them, lyco art, a storybook illustration, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, comic cover art

    Her mother hugged her tightly, 'Lucy, your hair is beautiful. It's big, unique, and it makes you who you are. Don't let anyone change that.'

    a cartoon girl sitting on a bed with a book in her hand and a book in her other hand, photorealism, a storybook illustration, Alexis Simon Belle, highly detailed digital painting

    Taking her mother's words to heart, Lucy spent the evening in front of her mirror, trying different hairstyles and admiring her unique curls.

    a cartoon girl with curly hair standing in front of a pile of books and a pile of books on a desk, photorealism, a character portrait, Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy, comic cover art

    She realized her mother was right. Her hair was big, but it was also beautiful and unique, just like her.

    a cartoon of a girl with curly hair walking down a sidewalk with other children in the background and a tree, harlem renaissance, a comic book panel, Alexis Simon Belle, comic cover art

    The next day, Lucy went to school with a new-found confidence. When Sara tried to mock her again, Lucy just smiled and replied, 'Yes, I have big hair and I love it.'

    a cartoon of a woman standing in front of a group of children on a sidewalk with a building in the background, paris school, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, comic cover art

    Lucy's reply left Sara speechless, and the other kids admired Lucy's confidence. From that day on, no one teased Lucy about her hair.

    a cartoon of a woman with a microphone in front of a crowd of people with bright lights behind her, harlem renaissance, a storybook illustration, Ella Guru, comic cover art

    At the annual talent show, Lucy decided to do a presentation about embracing one's uniqueness. She talked about her own journey with her big hair.

    a cartoon girl with curly hair and a backpack standing in front of a group of children with balloons and streamers, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Ella Guru, comic cover art

    Lucy's presentation was a hit. The students and teachers applauded her courage and positivity. Lucy felt proud and happy.

    a painting of a mother and child hugging each other in a living room with paintings on the wall behind them, photorealism, a comic book panel, Artgerm, highly detailed digital painting

    Back at home, Lucy shared her success with her mother, who was brimming with pride. 'You are amazing, Lucy.' Her mother said, hugging her tightly.

    a cartoon girl with curly hair and a backpack in a bedroom with a desk and a window with pictures on it, american scene painting, a character portrait, Constance Gordon-Cumming, kinkade

    Lucy knew her journey wasn't over. She had much to learn and many challenges to face. But she also knew that she was unique, beautiful, and that she would always love her big hair.