How Covid and #BlackLivesMatter Taught Me to Love My Natural Hair

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.

Blue Suit SavvyClickChick Elevator SavvyClickChick

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.

Lil' SavvyClickChick Lillybean SavvyClickChick 

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.

SavvyClickChick Natural Hair SavvyClickChick Natural Hair 2

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.


25002 comments

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.
    Popular book review ghostwriters service for university txzce 2021.

    Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co

    ]

    Reflective essay writing for hire au
    Best persuasive essay ghostwriters service ca
    Top resume editing services

    Resume cover letter experts
    Top phd thesis proposal help
    Example essay for common app

    Compare and contrast essay ready
    Custom critical analysis essay editor sites for phd
    Essay on safety at construction site

    part of the business plan uvgju[/url] in hr yrtxm[/url] resume or cv or tgppq[/url] rhetorical analysis essay ghostwriters website ca bpuka[/url] 445de43

    Romeo and juliet persuasive essay death
    Free homework pass valentine
    Sample real estate resume no experience

    HGtYUPlKMnGFW
    https://in.lcms.org/page/33/?s=Buy+dissertation+online+essaywrt,+buying+essay.+Copy+Link:%F0%9F%93%95%E2%9E%A1+www.ESSAYPRO.ME+%E2%AC%85+%F0%9F%93%95+De+dissertation+litteraire,+buy+custom+essay+online,+buy+a+literature+review+paper,+buy+custom+essay.

    book review ghostwriters service for university txzce 2021[/b] pro[/url]

    Moodle phd thesis
    Help me write english speech
    Best dissertation abstract editor site us

    essays of why i deserve a scholarship ywjpv[/url] to write lab report example – How to write creative nonfiction nlxpv 2021[/url] ghostwriting service uk coiqs[/url] analysis and portfolio management research paper qfxse[/url] david petraeus thesis jnnwr[/url]

    tghuTRTjigFIr6F
    UnemployedProfessors.com Review

    book review ghostwriters service for university txzce 2021[/b] introduction research paper global warming jcvtt[/url] journalism thesis proposal[/url] papers on motivation in students bsmsp[/url] my esl cheap essay on founding fathers – Can your resume be 2 pages long xnzbc 2021[/url]

    ]
    https://www.pinterest.com.mx/pin/784470828838196109
    https://ccm.net/profile/user/studybay-com
    https://google.com.pg/url?q=https://edubirdie.company

    Sample cover letter formats
    Write my popular expository essay on civil war
    Business plan computer consulting

    [url=http://aviasakles.ru]авиасэйлес поиск дешёвых авиабилетов[/url]
    [url=https://cabinet-bank.ru.com/robot-zaymer-lichnyy-kabinet-vhod-registraciya-vosstanovlenie-parolya]робот займер личный кабинет войти[/url]

    http://jfan.11510.net/out.cgi?id=00011&url=https://studybay.ws
    https://blogg.improveme.se/hargaproduk/2019/10/08/mengukur-kekuatan-beton-setelah-berumur-28-hari/

    Books essays online
    Pay to write film studies presentation
    Essay against gun control

    https://www.humanunlimited.com/blogs/blog/be-courageous?comment=96471613537#comments
    http://pristroyka-k-domu.ru/blog/chto-novogo-v-etoj-versii-simply/#comment_36603
    https://freckledsage.com/blogs/news/easter?comment=89667043417#comments

    Popular book review ghostwriters service for university txzce 2021
    https://www.clinidirectpharmacy.co.uk/boards/topic/395520/roll-of-thunder-hear-my-cry-analysis-essay-enaxs
    https://www.openenglishprograms.org/node/5?page=5111
    http://elaraoil.ru/blog/kak-otlichit-originalnoe-motornoe-maslo-ot-poddelki#comment_139108

    speech ghostwriter site for phd laycp[/url] is good or bad spm essay ezgji[/url] to write biography of artists viwon[/url] thesis proposal editor site for phd ngton[/url] book review ghostwriters service for university txzce 2021[/b] your dream house essay pvydd[/url] resume ghostwriting service uk mmpyu[/url] book review writers website au – Type my chemistry thesis statement jjowx 2021[/url] induction motor thesis yqznn[/url] login[/url]

    Help with my nursing dissertation chapter
    Popular cover letter ghostwriters site online
    Research paper in imrad format example

    book review ghostwriters service for university txzce 2021[/b] suggestions for taking a position essays iaxdk[/url] dialogique definition dkjyc[/url] masters essay proofreading site for college – Sangi kim ms thesis wrdfx 2021[/url] personal statement writer for hire ca – Scholarship thesis statement brwqq 2021[/url] admin resume doc tlefj[/url] paper writing – Sample resume for federal government rhdqy 2021[/url]
    studybayws
  • Доставка битумных эмульсий осуществляется в специальных автогудронаторах. При этом состав эмульсии сохраняет свои характеристики на протяжении 30 суток, оставаясь в жидком состоянии и не загустевая, что значительно расширяет возможность его использования.
    http://дэкастрой.рф/sertifikaty Диспетчерская служба ООО «ДЭКА» регулярно проводит мониторинг местонахождения спецтранспорта при помощи системы GPS «monitoring-auto», что позволяет диспетчеру составлять маршруты для водителей при приеме заказов, а также перенаправить освободившуюся машину на ближайший объект заказчика для доставки продукции, выполнения работ. Так же диспетчерская служба готова проконсультировать заказчиков в отношении вопросов, связанных с технологией производства продукции, проведения услуг, и цен на работы.

    Ralphbes
  • Скачать Лучше бы я этого не делала | Устроилась на работу в ресторан
    Бандитэс, привет!
    Вы не поверите, что со мной произошло! Я устроилась на работу в ресторан и я в ШОКЕ! Что…
    Скачать Мася уже не Шпак. Шпаки разводятся.

    Скачать КОРОЧЕ ГОВОРЯ, ПОП ИТ <>т первого лица] ИГРУШКА АНТИСТРЕСС POP IT
    Короче говоря, сегодня первый день каникул в школе! Я узнал что такое антистресс игрушка поп ит! Ее еще назыв…
    Скачать Почему Мы Разводимся… / Саша Шпак
    ДОНАТ: Сбербанк 4274270012637039
    СПОНСОРСКАЯ ПОДПИСКА: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI1JhgYxR8ubzlE50_JAN3A/join
    INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sashashpa…
    Скачать Кто умнее – Клава Кока или школьники? Шоу Иды Галич 1-11
    Каждый слушает музыку по-своему. А как слушаешь только ты? Узнай в Spotify https://clck.ru/VDW3B
    Гостья третьего выпуска…

    Скачать MINECRAFT: LUCKY BLOCK NOOB vs PRO vs HACKER vs DIOS ?? DESAFIO EPICO de LUCKY BLOCKS
    ABRE PARA MAS COSAS n.n *
    Hola mayonesitas, hoy les traigo un video donde vamos a jugar un mapa de carrera de lucky blocks noob, pro, hacker y dios, quien ganara esta fantastica carrera?…
    Скачать BUSCANDO A MIS NOVIAS EN FREE FIRE ?? TERMINA MAL
    VIDEO EXCLUSIVO: https://gamestry.com/v/60ba9d9dcf6a0700177cf62f
    BUSCANDO A MIS NOVIAS EN FREE FIRE ?? TERMINA MAL
    CONFIGURACION PERFECTA para SAMSUNG A3,A5,A6,A7,J2,J5,J7,S5,S6,S7,S9,A10,A20,A…
    Скачать ?? HA VUELTO LEON PICARON LA PELICULA ?? EN MINECRAFT | MUNDO LEON 2 #1 ?? LEON PICARON
    ?? HA VUELTO LEON PICARON LA PELICULA ?? EN MINECRAFT | MUNDO LEON 2 #1 ?? LEON PICARON ?? LEON PICARON VEMOS LA VUELTA DE LEON PICARON LA PELICULA EN MINECRAFT EN MUNDO LEON 2 LA PELICULA…
    Скачать CUENTAS DE FREE FIRE SERAM ELIMINADAS POR FACEBOOK?
    Mis redes sociales https://m2esports.com/memounstro
    https://www.twitch.tv/memounstro/
    https://www.youtube.com/memounstro
    https://www.tiktok.com/@memounstro
    https://www.instagram.com/memounst…
    Скачать SOBREVIVI 100 DIAS EN MINECRAFT PERO LA LAVA ME PERSIGUE CADA SEGUNDO ?? | *Sale MAL
    | Pathofail
    Bienvenidos a un nuevo GAMEFAIL donde intentamos sobrevivir 100 DIAS EN MINECRAFT pero la LAVA me PERSIGUE CADA SEGUNDO
    Sigueme en mis redes socialesCanal principal: www.youtube.com/elcanaldelpat…

    Скачать Elite: Temporada 4 | Trailer | Netflix
    Lo tienen todo. Pero quieren mas.
    La nueva etapa de Las Encinas comienza este 18 de junio.
    SUSCRIBETE: https://bit.ly/2W85El8
    Acerca de Netflix:
    Netflix es el principal servicio de entretenimie…
    Скачать Elite | Avance oficial | Netflix
    Te queda mucho por ver antes de la 4.? temporada. ‘Elite: Historias breves’, del 14 al 17 de junio.
    Lunes 14 DE JUNIO: Guzman + Caye + Rebe
    Martes 15 DE JUNIO: Nadia + Guzman
    Miercoles…
    Скачать Tinkles New Girlfriend Scene – Short Film | Hotel Transylvania 4 (NEW 2021) Movie CLIP 4K
    Tinkles New Girlfriend Scene – Short Film | Hotel Transylvania 4 (NEW 2021) Movie CLIP 4K
    Follow Us On Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/filmspot_official
    Follow Us On Facebook : https://www.f…
    Скачать HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA – Official Trailer (HD)
    Drac’s Pack is out of whack! ?? Watch the trailer now for #HotelTransylvania: Transformania, only in theaters July 23.
    Visit our site:
    http://www.hoteltransylvania.com/
    Follow Hotel…
    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 BTS (?) ‘Butter’ Official MV
    BTS (?) ‘Butter’ Official MV
    Credits:
    Director: Yong Seok Choi (Lumpens)
    1st AD: Jihye Yoon (Lumpens)
    2nd AD: Ran Ro (Lumpens)
    PA: Soeyoung Park, Minsu Kim
    Director of Photograph…
    Скачать Zoom Zoom | Radhe – Your Most Wanted Bhai|Salman Khan,Disha Patani|Ash, Iulia V|Sajid Wajid|Kunaal V
    ?? SUBSCRIBE to Zee Music Company – https://bit.ly/2yPcBkS
    To Stream & Download Full Song:
    Gaana – https://bit.ly/3tbpcFm
    JioSaavn – https://bit.ly/3tl8Da2
    Wynk Music – https://bit.ly/3uiaL…
    Скачать Radhe Title Track | Radhe – Your Most Wanted Bhai | Salman Khan & Disha Patani | Sajid Wajid
    ?? SUBSCRIBE to Zee Music Company – https://bit.ly/2yPcBkS
    To Stream & Download Full Song:
    Gaana – https://bit.ly/3b0vLUU
    JioSaavn – https://bit.ly/3h0r0hW
    Wynk Music – https://bit.ly/3teO…
    Скачать KHAD TAINU MAIN DASSA – Neha Kakkar & Rohanpreet Singh | Rajat Nagpal | Kaptaan | Anshul Garg
    Anshul Garg Presents Khad Tainu Main Dassa by Selfie Queen Neha Kakkar & Gabru Rohanpreet Singh.
    Gaana: https://gaana.com/song/khad-tainu-main-dassa
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/38SHGn…
    Скачать Bella Poarch – Build a B*tch (Official Music Video)
    Stream “Build a B*tch”: http://bellapoarch.lnk.to/BuildABitch
    Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/bellapoarch?sub_confirmation=1
    Follow Bella Poarch:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@be…

    Скачать Борис Плотников (Борменталь). Общение с душой через регрессивный гипноз спустя год.
    none
    Скачать Продал Audi S4 обратно Американцу / Расплатился фантиками
    none
    Скачать ?? ПРЯМОЙ ЭФИР! LIVE Маша и Медведь ?+??? Ура, дискотека! ??
    none
    Скачать Сделал перестановку. Ремонт в кухне
    none
    Скачать УКРАИНУ ТРЯСЕТ ОТ ТАКИХ НОВОСТЕЙ !(01.06.2021) СРОЧНЫЙ ВЫПУСК!!!
    none
    Скачать Фиксики – Чуть не попались – Прячемся дома вместе (Маскарад, Камень, Кофеварка, Сито…) / Fixiki
    none
    Скачать Настолько красива (Slider & Magnit Remix)
    none
    Скачать Хроника дня. Дайте воду! 03.06.2021
    В Любинском районе от засухи страдают десятки населенных пунктов. Чиновники винят во всем жаркую погоду, а люди …
    Скачать Мясо с овощами,приготовленное в казане на костре,тает во рту. Рецепт от Жоржа
    none
    Скачать Сделали ОГРОМНЫЙ ПОП ИТ и 24 Часа ПРАНКУЕМ Папу с POP IT !
    none

    Sirlyclacuasse
  • Scandal porn galleries, daily updated lists
    http://ebaymoviepinky.relayblog.com/?stella

    free3 porn free incredibles porn games rfee girlfriend revenge porn videos sex toys male anal porn free hot gothic emo porn videos
    frankieyw2
  • Поверхностный слой асфальта разрушается под воздействием механических нагрузок, воды и влаги. Профессиональная обработка асфальта ПАБ «Дорсан» позволяет значительно увеличить эксплуатационный срок покрытия. Этот состав создает защитный слой, обеспечивающий защиту от воды и солнечных лучей. Также ПАБ «Дорсан» снижает разрушаемость асфальтового покрытия от механических нагрузок.
    мастика битумная для пола Наружная и внутренняя Гидроизоляция всех видов строительных конструктивов фундаментов, кровель, Ж/Б, метал, кирпич, ФБС и т.д. конструкций. Специалисты нашей организации выполнят все виды работ по гидроизоляции любой сложности. Работаем на промышленных и жилых объектах.

    Danielthado
  • ДЕЙСТВИЕ 2Урок работников о предстоящем увольненииСправку из ПФР, только она не обязательна.
    <a href=бухгалтерское сопровождение>https://buhuslug.ru/buhgalterskoe-obsluzhivanie-ot-4900-rub/
    https://buhuslug.ru/zakrytie-ip/
    центр оказания бухгалтерских услуг – https://buhuslug.ru/

    Страховые взносы ИП после себя в 2021 году: сколько и если платитьнесоблюдение нотариальной формы заявления, коли она необходима;дело;Закрытие ИП в 2021 году будет цениться вам 160 Р. Разве будете угощать документы посредством сайт ФНС, госпошлину выплачивать не надо.

    SamuelStogs

Leave a comment