Did you have to put raw egg in that?

She said, pointing to the mass of hair on top my head. I heard you have to put raw egg in your hair to get it do that. And how do wash it? They never seem to believe that my dreadlocks were born from simple backcombing and twisting, and that I wash them regularly with soap and water. I guess I brought this on myself, but it baffles me sometimes how ignorant people really are: Is that a wig? Is your hair real? Do you have to do that every morning? Can you ever wash your hair again? Do bugs and lice live in your hair? Do you sell pot? The list goes on. And each time they ask I make it a habit to form a calm and concise answer. Maybe if I can just educate a few the stereotype might fade, just a bit.

I guess I'm being overtly negative, though. Despite working at a department store I've received far more compliments than ignorant questions. Cheerful old ladies and jealous balding men - many love the curls. I love my dreadlocks, they are an extension of me, a symbol of me.