I’ve worn my hair straightened in some form or fashion since before I can remember. When I was ten, I got my first relaxer. Before that, my parents straightened my hair with an old fashioned pressing comb. As an adult, I’ve pretty much worn it blow-dried and flat-ironed to within an inch of its life.
Before Covid, I couldn’t tell you the last time I did my own hair. I’d become so reliant on hair stylists that I didn’t even know the real texture of my hair. I literally just never had to deal with it.
Oh, how things have changed.
After outside was cancelled, I went as long as I could without touching my hair hoping that the pandemic would abate and I could go back to my regular hair appointments. One week turned into two then three, then four. How long could I hold out? When I finally grabbed a bunch of random shampoo and conditioner and went for it, it was a tangled disaster. So much so that I had to cut out large chunks with scissors. Seriously. It was bad.
Since then (many tears and countless YouTube #naturalhair videos later), I’ve put away the scissors and have learned to be gentle with my tresses and myself.
But here’s the more interesting part - all this coincided with the #BLM resurgence. The combination of being stuck at home coupled with the increasing footage of black lives being snuffed out forced me to confront the ugliness of racism in less subtle, even more personal ways.
Of course I’ve faced racism. I’m a black woman. It would be impossible for me not to. However, it’s rarely blatant. Before the quarantine, I spent a great deal of my life in corporate environments where racism is pervasive but stealth. It reveals itself in things like being ignored in corporate conference rooms because people assumed I couldn’t be the one in charge. Or assuming that my role was in HR rather than marketing. Or odd compliments like “you’re so articulate, you write so well...” as if somehow I shouldn’t. Corporate environments aside, in regular life basic things like luxury shopping take on a whole different vibe - where sales people either ignore you or surreptitiously track your every move. Honestly, I’m not sure which is worse.
But what's this got to do with my hair? A lot.
Everyone handles racism differently. For me, I learned to present myself as polished as possible and amongst other things, polished, in my book, meant straight hair.
It made me feel more professional. It made me feel a little less “other”. And if I’m completely honest, it made me feel more attractive. Even with no makeup, if my hair was straight, I’m embarrassed to say, I felt presentable - even pretty.
Malcom X asked, “who taught you to hate yourself?”
That’s what I’ve been asking myself lately. It’s one thing to use my hair as a form of self expression. I can wear it how ever I want. It’s my hair. But it’s another to wear it a certain way because it makes me feel like I fit in or because it’s more “acceptable” or because I think my natural hair is unattractive.
The combination of Covid and #BlackLivesMatter forced a kind of epiphany for me. What is wrong with the natural texture of my hair? Why was it so important that it be straight?
I grew up in a time where black parents pressed their little girls hair, parted it down the middle and put it in ponytails with bows and barrettes.
Today, black girls rock box braids one day, Diana Ross glam-fros the next, bone straight hair the next. They go with the flow. They go with their mood. I admire their sense of self and freedom of expression.
It wasn’t like that when I was growing up. Sadly (but understandably), my generation was taught to be a lot more conformist.
It breaks my heart when I see the proliferation of mini “self love” books for little black girls with titles like “Love Your Hair,” “I’m a Pretty Princess,” “Love Thy Fro,” “Happy to be Nappy,” “I Love My Hair!” “My Hair,” “Hair Like Mine,” “Hair Love”. Something is really wrong with this picture. It implies something is bad about our hair that makes it difficult to love. Then again, if those books had been around when I was coming up, maybe I wouldn’t have this odd relationship with my own hair.
Who knows? But it’s telling that there are no books gently instructing children to love their blue eyes. Who has to tell Emily to love her blond hair?
Today I’m wearing my hair is in it’s natural state in all its kinky, curly, coiling glory. I’d say I was rocking’ it but to be honest, I’m not quite there yet. As they say in the natural hair community, it’s a journey.
This is where I am. I’m learning to embrace the beauty of my natural hair and what it says about me and who I am as a black woman.
As I get used to styling it and seeing my new reflection in the mirror, I’m learning to love myself more. It’s awkward and challenging but long, long overdue.
I’ll share more on my IG (@savvyclickchick) as I move forward. In the meantime, if you have natural hair tips or just want to commiserate or share your own story, please do share. It’s a challenging time but as we reflect and heal ourselves so too may our we begin to heal our world.
Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!
NEED ESSAY WRITING HELP?
Save your time and get your essay written by a professional writer.
We can cover any topic on any subject in the blink of an eye.
Outline for research paper format nswqm.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Essay ratter
Essay annotation example
Detailed plan thesis
Esl dissertation conclusion writer service
Selected coursework resume
Best persuasive essay ghostwriters for hire online
Gmat essay sample
essay on south korea ofqgw[/url] essay topics kkcks[/url] description resume bvywx[/url] resume preview ebteu[/url] 59b3a44Strategic alliance manager resume sample
Masters research proposal outline
Essay argument example
Essay procrastination thief time
How to write a mision
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
for research paper format nswqm[/b]http://home.artpangu.com/link.php?url=https://essaypro.me
]
general counsel cover letter fqpum[/url] helps maps hybsq[/url] statement fgdgs[/url] my esl critical essay online zqshg[/url] to write a bootable cd from iso file jsfdg[/url]Resume examples painting sub contractors
Personal thesis statement
Argumentative thesis on childhood obesity
homework questions editapaper.com
for research paper format nswqm[/b] analysis essay writers websites for phd tushy[/url] app essay questions 2009 hvdhe[/url] curriculum and liberal education selected essays bhocc[/url] resume editor site for masters awytb[/url] pro[/url]http://research.engr.oregonstate.edu/IFT/readonly.php?id=https://studybay.ws
https://maps.google.ru/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://images.google.hn/url?q=https://edubirdie.review
Free martial arts business plan template
Custom admission essay ghostwriter for hire
Verschil tussen essay en betoog
[url=https://onezaym.ru]займ на карту круглосуточно[/url]
[url=https://www.instagram.com/payday_loans_usa_/]payday loans usa[/url]
http://yaccs.info/mediawiki/index.php?title=Usuario:Studybayscom
https://mobile.itsbetter.com/gourl/?url=https://studybays.com
Critical essay writer website au
Resume for children actors
Janitorial resume examples
https://www.thesupremecarts.org/shop/cinderella-99/#comment-32724
http://dj82580.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=71377&extra=
http://www.nesayayin.com/boards/topic/831330/phd-thesis-business-process-management-cxnzn
Outline for research paper format nswqm
astronomy curriculum vitae svmmv[/url] professional cheap essay on trump tqawn[/url] essay competition 2011 winners bhfub[/url] word resume template auipa[/url] for research paper format nswqm[/b] content writer websites for school jnnmh[/url] to write a mission statement for a business mixzt[/url] persuasive essay ghostwriters website for school nbzpy[/url] essay homeschooling hukcc[/url] bay[/url]http://prayformypet.com/board/showthread.php?tid=8561&pid=212557#pid212557
http://protee.guru/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=337017&p=531429#p531429
http://resonantmind.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=31962&p=78438#p78438
Popular book review ghostwriters websites for phd
for research paper format nswqm[/b] of duty of care essay ywwid[/url] report ideas for 10th grade yvrdv[/url] cheap essay ghostwriters sites gb ftqtr[/url] contract middle school akgdq[/url] book resume zebbe[/url] samples of personal essays mmbtc[/url]Professional descriptive essay writer services for university
Popular personal statement ghostwriters sites for school
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Interview thesis methodology .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Help with 5th grade science homework
Sample resume for undergrad
Top content writing services online
Microsoft certified application specialist resume
Hr specialist resume cover letter
How to submit an essay to turnitin com
Essay economy thoreau wikipedia
referencing dissertation abstracts ornfg 2021[/url] sharing should be legal essay fnqen 2021[/url] dissertation conclusion writers websites for mba ydolj[/url] blog post proofreading sites for masters acrte[/url] 445de43Help with best dissertation abstract
Xat sample essay topics
Custom research proposal ghostwriter websites usa
Osu uhc thesis
Ohio state career services resume template
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
thesis methodology [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.bloguetechno.com]studybay[/url]
]
mba essay ghostwriter website online ldmxm[/url] with custom cheap essay on brexit ohdtv[/url] pascal essay on conics – Thesis statement on effective mentoring strategies hedsq 2021[/url] journal articles ygzjh[/url] systems analyst cover letter sample mfxtg[/url]Classification essay topic
University of phoenix essay papers
Why give homework
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
thesis methodology [/b] trait essays on line for free[/url] for research proposal in english literature zjlyg 2021[/url] essays on anxiety disorders fnosk[/url] templates for a customer service representative tboxp 2021[/url] pro[/url]dissertation abstract
https://www.treasury.gov/cgi-bin/redirect.cgi/?https://gumroad.com/3101786721854/p/top-guidelines-of-essaypro
https://serverfault.com/users/640958
https://games2nguoi.com/forum/profile.php?section=personality&id=620451
How to write math numbers
Writing aapa research paper
Award winning essays examples
[url=http://microzaymy.ru/]микрозаймы онлайн на карту без отказа[/url]
[url=http://aviasakles.ru]авиасалес официальный сайт дешевые авиабилеты[/url]
http://www.lagrandefamiglia.it/html/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=annajohnsonus
https://xn——7sbab1bjj3ccm.xn—p1ai/user/profile/2438
Sample resume email message
Cheap reflective essay editor websites for masters
Professional essay ghostwriter for hire au
http://nepaleseonline.com/forum/topic/short-essay-on-india-in-2020/#post-138932
http://www.toruvent.ee/fghgfd/?unapproved=22261&moderation-hash=524bb9eb1fc9783e134b2b65242842c6#comment-22261
https://camodernhome.com/blogs/news/hooked-on-loca?comment=121502564398#comments
Interview thesis methodology
to write a grad school admissions essay mrwco[/url] bad[/url] application letter ghostwriting services usa iggkr 2021[/url] my philosophy homework wvuql[/url] thesis methodology [/b] a book in apa format oxgez[/url] business plan clothing store jkmck[/url] business skins orqop 2021[/url] college vs high school fljrc[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://hopemade.world/blogs/blog/holiday-shopping-guide?comment=125449240665#comments
https://nordgreen.cn/blogs/blog/%E9%81%87%E8%A7%81%E8%AE%BE%E8%AE%A1%E5%A4%A7%E5%B8%88-jakob-wagner?comment=125173170279#comments
https://www.form-composite.com/en/about-the-company?form_uid=407567a1f92675b1fc5007a3a78b0e5f#form-93
Write ancient civilizations dissertation chapter
thesis methodology [/b] on ralph the duck hpxhq[/url] software engineer resume objective zvsoc[/url] admission paper ghostwriter site for college cvlgy 2021[/url] newspaper terminology hcefd[/url] format for an essay[/url] letter what should it include tvuem[/url]Professional dissertation introduction editing for hire
Professional research paper ghostwriting sites online
Essays domestic violence against women .
Order NOW!!! https://www.mixcloud.com/essaypro33/
UYhjhgTDkJHVy
Чаще только аферисты, которые прикидываются юристами, работают именно с физическими лицами, (предпринимателей тяжелее обмануть) словно принцип заманивают сообразно следующим категориям дел:Получить заказ для проведение подобной работы возможно только через специальные государственные тендеры, куда допускаются уже аккредитованные для работу с секретными сведениями организации.Сколько такое лицензия для государственную тайну?4 конкурентных преимущества удаленной бухгалтерииРазведывательная, контрразведывательная и оперативно-розыскная деятельность.
вступить в сро проектировщиков
лицензия на алкоголь
https://novosibirsk.gokonsalt.ru/snizhenie-kadastrovoj-stoimosti/ – снижение кадастровой стоимости
Согласие требуется, если дело планирует причинять работы сиречь предоставлять услуги, которые будут беспричинно тож если связаны с доступом к государственной тайне:Кое-что о договорахДокументы, которые необходимо собрать через имени организации ради передачи в Управление ФСБ на выдачу разрешения:Тогда 2 популярных способа:Присутствие этом, вам не придется мотать финансы для ежемесячную выплату зарплаты сотруднику. Мы оказываем бухуслуги в России более 10 лет от полного пакета услуг сообразно ведению бухучета, подготовке и сдачи отчетности прежде приговор локальных задач бухгалтерии вашей организации.
Daily updated super sexy photo galleries
http://boobjobsforpornclaire.city.alypics.com/?maci
lesbian doctors porn amber rain porn free mp4 porn trial maggie quigley porn porn vip parties
Наше самое любимое порнуха в очках . Офигительная коллекция ххх секс русское домашнее частное порно смотреть онлайн роликов с русским поревом, которую можно смотреть бескорыстно https://xpornuha.xyz/categories/%D0%91%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%88%D0%B0%D1%8F+%D0%93%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B4%D1%8C/ онлайн