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 ?
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.
Call of the wild essay free – Hillsong aftermath wallpaper nsovn 2021.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Evaluate an experience college essay
Cover letter templates for advancement within a departmetn
Resume servie in memphis tn
Diary essay
How to write a postcard story
Best nurse resume sample
How to write a letter to someone you love
cover letter computer skills vvcec[/url] bibliography ghostwriter for hire ca uclpx[/url] dissertation results writer sites online hvxbt[/url] crick research paper lnrjr[/url] 300620fAcademic writing for sociology
Wpi thesis template
Cheap dissertation writing website online
Career builders resume search
Book report of slumdog millionaire
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
of the wild essay free – Hillsong aftermath wallpaper nsovn 2021[/b] pro[/url]http://bavaria-munchen.com/goto.php?url=https://essaypro.me/
Pablo francisco essay
color purple sample essay psbjw[/url] statement for huckleberry finn ykpan[/url] critical analysis essay writers for hire for phd kywbh[/url] research paper writer websites au khsjh[/url] academic essay ghostwriting sites us kmydp[/url]Best descriptive essay writers websites uk
Resume services anchorage alaska
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
of the wild essay free – Hillsong aftermath wallpaper nsovn 2021[/b] for essay exams gawdb[/url] chief resume examples iomva[/url] essay competition kgolf[/url] to write junit test class xwbip[/url]EssayHero.co.uk Review
]
http://hpskids.hphe.ntnu.edu.tw/Link/go.aspx?l_no=49&l_url=http://essaypro.co
https://google.ht/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://cse.google.com.tw/url?q=https://studybays.com
Surgeons resume
essays[/url]Cv or resume sample
Essay on role of indian government in health
]
https://benefitswiki.diomedea-ag.com/index.php?title=Benutzer:Annajohnsonus
http://sara-dede.com/webboard/index.php?action=profile;u=3
Popular speech proofreading service for college
Pay for engineering content
Business plan pro windows
https://www.pirates4all.com/v2/index.php?/topic/177729-n%D0%B3%C2%A9virapine-viramune-en-luxembourg-bas-prix-achat-sans-ordonnance-site-commander-n%D0%B3%C2%A9virapine-200mg/#comment-260799
http://bbs.mooxell.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=2120&pid=856024&page=546&extra=page%3D1#pid856024
http://libria.su/librarium-elementum/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=300974&p=446220#p446220
Call of the wild essay free – Hillsong aftermath wallpaper nsovn 2021
literature review ghostwriters service usa kqvhq[/url] resume cliches nykgq[/url] for financial analyst internship odtom[/url] word table of contents thesis rboye[/url] of the wild essay free – Hillsong aftermath wallpaper nsovn 2021[/b] dissertation hypothesis writer services online vaehr[/url] to write business problem solving kmcpr[/url] purposes do the quotations in this essay dxjun[/url] letter for poetry manuscript submission qebdi[/url] bay[/url]http://fobbly.com/members_portal/index.php/forums/topic/essay-hotel-ruanda-txtum/
http://rcmanormusic.com/product/woo-logo-2/?unapproved=37221&moderation-hash=6b5fe3f52fe5e02c39929f11dded0908#comment-37221
https://www.islamorigin.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=5222&p=14067#p14067
Thesis statement on gun violence
of the wild essay free – Hillsong aftermath wallpaper nsovn 2021[/b] my best college essay on civil war xgruj[/url] retail manager objective examples gukik[/url] masters reflective essay example oigiu[/url] resume kpcyw[/url] college papers sample tswjr[/url] to write scat lyrics kfcfn[/url]Thesis in speech
I need help writing a paper
Транспортная логистическая компания “Азия-Трейдинг” осуществляет грузоперевозки по направлениям Китай, Корея, Япония – Россия. Оказываем услуги таможенного оформления во Владивостоке. Осуществляем расчёт с поставщиками в долларах США и Юань.
My new hot project|enjoy new website
http://capornproxywanda.adablog69.com/?emilia
video pain anil porn little xxx porn sexy teen porn sony gay porn sheffield porn
Sexy pictures each day
http://ranchocucamonga.emoflashporn.amandahot.com/?kenna
hot teen porn videos porn search uk extrem littlegirl sex porn simpsons porn comics xl toons girl abused porn
Definition of technical paper writing .
Proceed to Order!!! http://doithoaidoanhnghiep.vinhphuc.gov.vn/en/ct/cms/thongtinphanhoi/Lists/ThongTinPhanHoi/DispForm.aspx?ID=25363&ContentTypeID=0×01000DBB3CA6892B214CB02EDA37E3E3E468
UYhjhgTDkJHVy
Скачать ВЛАДОС МИРОС ПРОТИВ ПЕТРОВА / СТЕНКА С ХОФФМАН
Всем привет! Сегодня у нас достаточно эксклюзивный выпуск: блогер Владос Мирос впервые расскажет подробнос…
Скачать Что вместо Крузака? Моя новая тачка
Наш Автосалон Синдиката на Авито: https://clc.to/avtosalon_syndicate
Проверяйте автомобили через Автотеку: https://clc.to/autoteka_syndi…
Скачать ПОСЛЕДНЯЯ КНОПКА 2 – Короткометражный фильм
После событий, произошедших в той злополучной хижине проходит 2 года. Брайн, Ботан и Оливия переехали в нову…
Скачать Умер Чешский трактор и заводим старый мотоцикл!
Монтаж и съемка Дмитрий Викторович.
Наша сувенирная продукция: http://combatcrew.ru
Основной канал: https://www.youtube.com/c/Co…
Скачать Lifeобзор#2 – Депутат ЮЛИЯ ВОЛКОВА (ТАТУ)
ЗАХОДИТЕ НА НАШ СТРИМ – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCimLdunRB3fyoYTkAf8KEsA
НЕМАГИЯ Официальный САЙТ – http://nemagia.ru/
ДОНАТ НЕМАГИИ…
Скачать ???!! ????? ?????? ?????? ?????5555 (Minecraft)
??????????
HOMJIM <br />?????? ??????/????????? ?????????...<br /><a href=" https://скачатьвидеосютуба.рф/watch/uxko4dM6NKA "> Скачать ?????? PS ??????????????? 1412 ??????????????? FREEFIRE</a><br /><br /><a href=" https://скачатьвидеосютуба.рф/watch/0LLV5LwZ0jY "> Скачать ???????????????????? ??????????? | One Punch Man</a><br />??????????????????????????????????????????????? IP67 ????? Super AI GameBooster+ ????...<br /><a href=" https://скачатьвидеосютуба.рф/watch/H7ZN7z1xqrE "> Скачать Free Fire ?????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????1-1?????????????!!</a><br />????????????????<br />?? ??????? : https://www.facebook.com/Yeen.OHANA<br />???????????<br />email : kaewpraseat10gmail.com
#freefire…
Скачать Live Identity V | ????? ???? (Naiad)
Live Identity V | ????? ???? (Naiad)
#identityV #stardewtoon
Скачать Hotel Transylvania 4 Transformania (2021) Trailer Oficial Espanol Latino
?Hazte miembro! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkpS96fmTFa8gGVWJx2uVAA/join
Hotel Transylvania 4 Transformania (2021) Trailer Oficial Espanol Latino
13 de agosto de 2021
Regresan Dracula,…
Скачать THE BOSS BABY 2: FAMILY BUSINESS ‘The Boss Is Back’ Official NEW Trailer (2021) Animation Adventure
Watch the official new trailer for THE BOSS BABY 2: FAMILY BUSINESS, an dreamworks animation adventure movie starring Amy Sedaris, James Marsden & Alec Baldwin. In theaters July 2, 2021.
In…
Скачать Chance | Marvel Studios’ Loki | Disney+
Chaos is on your side. Marvel Studios’ “Loki” starts streaming June 9 with new episodes every Wednesday on Disney.
> Watch Marvel on Disney+: https://bit.ly/2XyBSIW
> Subscribe to Marvel…
Скачать REVOLUCION, UN NUEVO AMANECER ?? – Trailer | Garena Free Fire
Ellos se comprometieron a ser los vigilantes del mundo, pero fueron enganados y ahora deben escapar.
Ayuda a Drake, Rajah, Speedy y Aurora a salir del laboratorio.
?Estas listo…
Скачать Eternals | Marvel Studios | Teaser Trailer Subtitulado
“A lo largo de los anos, nunca hemos interferido, hasta ahora”. Mira el nuevo teaser trailer para #Eternals de Marvel Studios y vive la experiencia en cines en noviembre.
Скачать JAYLERR x Ice Paris – ? (W8) | Original by GENE KASIDIT
? (W8) – JAYLERR x Ice Paris ‘Studio Session’
Artists : JAYLERR x Ice Paris
Lyrics : Rat pikartpairee
Composed : Ice Boy
Executive Producer : Po Posayanukul, Songyos Sugmakanan
Producer…
Скачать ??..?? – ? ??? ? Official? MV ?
?????? ???? ??? ?? ?? Youtube ??? ???? ??…
Скачать ??? | ???? ????
#???? #FIN #???
Original : FIN
??/? : ? ??FIN
???? ? / ?…
Скачать ?????? – ??? ???? ?OFFICIAL MV?
?? : ??????
?? : ??? ????
??/? : ? ???…
Скачать BTS (?) ‘Butter (Cooler Remix)’ Official MV
BTS (?) ‘Butter (Cooler Remix)’ Official MV
Credits:
Director: Yong Seok Choi (Lumpens)
1st AD & Edit: Jihye Yoon (Lumpens)
2nd AD: Ran Ro (Lumpens)
PA: Soeyoung Park,…
Скачать Аркадий Думикян – Кто со мной тот родной / Arkadi Dumikyan – Kto so mnoi tot rodnoi
none
Скачать Италия кто на самом деле травит меня в ютубе русскоязычном
none
Скачать В ГОСТЯХ У ФРАНЦУЗСКОЙ СЕМЬИ. Семейный Влог
none
Скачать Алан Черкасов – МОЯ. (NEW single 2020)
none
Скачать Одну тебя люблю. 10 серия
none
Скачать Деконструкция – Боги, наверное, сошли с ума (рассказывает Станислав Дробышевский)
none
Скачать Меркурий Сзади или Задом?)
none
Скачать Вечерние платья для женщин 40+Белорусские платья для женщин
none
Скачать СОЧИ ОГРОМНОЙ ВОЛНОЙ СМЫЛО ЧЕЛОВЕКА ШТОРМ ЭТО ИГРА В РУЛЕТКУ
none
Скачать ВСЕ ЧТО ВЫ ДОЛЖНЫ ЗНАТЬ О ЗИЛЕ/ УДАЛЕННЫЙ ПЕРСОНАЖ ИЗ ТАЧКИ 2!
none