From my Irish mother, I inherited thick hair with deep waves. It's like an animal pelt, a seal pelt.

Resists water, and takes a long time to get wet. Kneeling in the shower, I stick my head under the faucet and wait. Then takes forever to dry. It's so heavy, it hurts to stick it behind my ear.

Once a month, I get my hair thinned by my hair stylist. And pull it back with a barrette, just like I did at age 5.

In my 20's, I French-braided it wet. After a long day's hike, the braid was still wet underneath.

To weigh my hair down, I use leave-in conditioner, oils and shine spray. Still, my hair swings forward and and sticks to my lipstick.

My daughter Claire inherited my thick hair. Poor girl has spent her life in a ponytail.

With short hair, the waves winged out wildly. eye roll

Any suggestions?

Photos:

1. Me working out. 2016

2. Claire on her 7th birthday.

3. Claire, 18, was a varsity tennis player for four years.

4. Stretching before shouldering my 40-lb. pack. Backpacking, age 23.

5. French twist for Claire's wedding, Sept. 2018