What’s your earliest hair memory?
Boity Thulo: I think the one that stands out the most was when I used to like Rebecca Malope, and I wanted her hairstyle, that short, German cut. I had my hair cut into that style when I was seven, and it made me look like a boy! My hair didn’t look the way hers did! I remember thinking that was the hairstyle to have. That’s beside the Boom Shaka braids or the short bob braids Brenda had.
Given you chopped your hair off at that age, was your mom quite open to you experimenting with it?
BT: Yes, I mean, she wasn’t strict. I was raised liberally. My parents were always open to allowing me to express myself, though, obviously, not all the way. There was only so much they could do because they raised me according to how they were brought up. But they were open to letting me explore and express myself. There was even a point when I wanted dreadlocks. I tried it, but within a day, I had to get it chopped again. There were a few instances when I’d ask to do something new with my hair, and my grandparents would ask, “Are you sure?” I’d cry, saying I wanted that style, I’d promise, and then I’d regret it the next day. Nonetheless, I’m glad they allowed me to do it because it meant I grew up with a liberated sense of what my hair is, as opposed to having a strange attachment to it and feeling like it’s all I have. I’ve never felt like my hair owns me, as opposed to the other way around.
Whilst growing up, which hairstyle do you remember your mom getting? Did that inspire you?
This story is from the Summer 2021/December 2021 edition of GLAMOUR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Summer 2021/December 2021 edition of GLAMOUR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Are you considering moving to UK?
Bestselling author, Sam Beckbessinger is also a seasoned mover, and her latest offering, Moving to the UK, offers helpful tips, funny anecdotes and to-do lists to help you navigate this transition.
A beauty solution
At Standard Beauty, they take pride in being an all-women-run team, bringing diverse perspectives and unparalleled expertise to the skincare industry.
3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything
How to overcome analysis paralysis.
A la MODE
With bold looks and exceptional value for money, the new Omoda C5 has made a big splash in the local motoring scene.
Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE
Small businesses play an important role in the South African economy, and we're playing our part by showing them some love. This month, we shine the spotlight on Abantu Media, cofounded by Jay Wabantu who is also a tattoo artist and photographer.
CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT
Pan-African bank Absa partners with Glamour for their influential Women of the Year Awards 2023
TAX SEASON UNPACKED
The word 'tax' stirs up many emotions, so we've roped in Tax Specialist, Natasha Lorde to answer your questions and help get you ready for Tax Season.
It's a COMPARISON trap
Even picture-perfect couples go through rough patches. Here's how to avoid the social media comparison trap.
Embracing CHANGE
It's time to stop comparing your current body to your former one. Romanticising the past is easy, but we're not meant to look the same our whole lives.
Healing YOUR INNER CHILD
The journey of self-discovery is nuanced and you may have discovered a younger you that needs to be seen and heard. Certified Meditation Practitioner, Melissa Lainn, shares her approach to healing the inner child.