A/N: More book than musicalverse, considering I'm going by Melena's death in the book.
Ritual
"You have beautiful hair," Melena murmured, gently brushing out Elphaba's dark locks. Even at a young age Elphaba understood the implication, but she loved knowing that something about her was beautiful. She sat perfectly still as Melena began to tightly braid, afraid if she fidgeted her mother would change her mind and stop.
It became a morning ritual of sorts, one that Elphaba cherished, though she never admitted it.
When she grew older Elphaba continued to braid it herself as attempt to hold on to that brief acceptance, her past, her mother.
The Wicked Witch let her hair blow free.