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?
What is a good topic for an argumentative persuasive essay .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Phd writers websites online
Religious experience a2 essay
Cover letter format graduate school application
Pay to get anthropology dissertation methodology
Esl curriculum vitae editing services
Auto resume
Wireless security research paper
a passage about the benefits of the internet[/url] practice academic writing dqcdc 2021[/url] mapping definition syyip[/url] for my custom scholarship essay on brexit – Custom university school essay advice unjhk 2021[/url] 9159b3aCheap best essay on presidential elections
First contact cover letter samples
Help writing world affairs dissertation
Professional thesis statement writer websites
Aquifer study thesis
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
is a good topic for an argumentative persuasive essay [/b] login[/url][url=http://studybay-com.onesmablog.com]studybay[/url]
Action research proposal example
on boy in the striped pyjamas bruno rtkcs[/url] hr resume gnekj 2021[/url] bibliography proofreading sites au kozuj[/url] templates ms word 2010 nbrvq[/url] on holocaust ssweq 2021[/url]Sample resume youth worker
Top descriptive essay ghostwriting services online
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
is a good topic for an argumentative persuasive essay [/b] nurture essay example jodja[/url] dissertation conclusion proofreading websites for mba bkqij[/url] masters essay editor service gb conjm[/url] business plan zmddu[/url]dissertation jokes
]
https://socialbookmarknew.win/story.php?title=helping-the-others-realize-the-advantages-of-buy-essay-online#discuss
https://google.sh/url?q=https://studybay.ws
https://pasteshr.com/8r3S6hpesr
Educational titles for thesis
bay[/url] Writing Services Review[/url]Sample marriage biodata resume
Custom letter ghostwriter for hire for phd
http://studybay-com.blog2learn.com/30890250/studybay-studybay-com
https://gameshanhdong.com/forum/profile.php?id=2475
Engineering manager cover letter sample
Best buy sales associate job description resume
Purchase engineer resume
https://www.sundancespascommunity.co.uk/forums/topic/essay-my-pet-bird-nbeyc/page/2/#post-50627
http://forums.dangerousrays.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=275384&p=375586#p375586
http://makroswiat.pl/content/capsus-ater?page=116#comment-8438
What is a good topic for an argumentative persuasive essay
essay on the cold war subkr 2021[/url] to write a good english literature essay gcse ewbrn[/url] to write esl thesis ybwpl[/url] procedure essay topics dmhka[/url] is a good topic for an argumentative persuasive essay [/b] civil war inevitable essay uvafe[/url] is homework important wzeut[/url] for college apllications ucjrg 2021[/url] proofreading websites fzspl[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://pes5.pesmanager.net/showthread.php?t=321&page=22&p=15008&posted=1#post15008
https://collegepaperwritingservice-reviews.com/college-paper-org-review/?unapproved=155136&moderation-hash=13a13ed2d839ca547e10aef3612a3e82#comment-155136
http://www.geographicallyintegratedhistory.com/forums/topic/apa-format-essay-citations/#post-1601024
Cheap dissertation conclusion writer services for school
is a good topic for an argumentative persuasive essay [/b] construction resume examples drvtp[/url] expository essay ghostwriting site ytfio[/url] books to use for sat essay zemot[/url] critical thinking writers service for masters – Infomation on how to write a book report qwjxh 2021[/url] sample business plan booyg[/url] university admission paper sample fhrjm[/url]Admission editor service us
Descartes research paper topics
Hot new pictures each day
http://castlewoodmyssi.porn.hotnatalia.com/?emilee
paris hilton porn clip dr mcsteamy porn video virgin being taught porn hidden kiddie porn websites the sleepover porn
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Custom dissertation introduction ghostwriting site online .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Custom cv writers service
Oral book report presentations
Essay on the cobe satellite
Write geometry curriculum vitae
9th grade essays
Cover letter for non specific job sample
Earth science essay writers service
rizzo phd thesis[/url] persuasive essay ghostwriter for hire for school gcifp[/url] to do your university assignment odnln[/url] dissertation introduction ghostwriters site online smzqq 2021[/url] 31adca1Mystery genre book reports
Thesis qualitative research methods
Erin kuntze dissertation
Teaching how to write rhyming poetry
Dissertation proposal ppt psychology
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
dissertation introduction ghostwriting site online [/b][url=http://studybay-com.tribunablog.com]studybay[/url]
]
course work editing websites for university sifft 2021[/url] project coordinator cover letter sample fmhbz 2021[/url] resume gqpze 2021[/url] letter writers service gb[/url] mba essay ghostwriting for hire us qqqss[/url]General hartle homework in in relativity
Dissertation headings
Blog writer sites usa
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
dissertation introduction ghostwriting site online [/b] resume should answer tlmde[/url] writing earth science creative writing – Writing cv cover letter ymohc 2021[/url] case study ghostwriters site us lpxpg 2021[/url] report poster ideas zztzs[/url] pro[/url]tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertation r mike simmons
http://maple.linppt.cc/home.php?mod=space&uid=1154215
https://king-bookmark.stream/story.php?title=little-known-facts-about-studybay-#discuss
https://disqus.com/by/clutchstream2/
Best dissertation proposal ghostwriters for hire
ru[/url] reviews[/url]Write esl dissertation proposal online
Esl expository essay editing website usa
http://www.inforing.net/bitrix/redirect.php?Event1=&event2=&event3=&goto=https://studybay.ws
https://interstellare-handelsmarine.de/mediawiki/index.php/Benutzer_Diskussion:EduBirdiecom
Abstract for alzheimer’s research paper
Popular critical analysis essay editor services uk
Legal essay format
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/452817-with-your-essay/#comment-2598036
http://ski-magic.ru/products/kalsony-34-uyn-ambityon-blackboardblackwhite#comment_86756
https://spiritadornments.com/blogs/blog/the-story-of-spirit-adornments?comment=122466304084#comments
Custom dissertation introduction ghostwriting site online
ghostwriters for hire hborn[/url] custom essay writer website gb[/url] sites to buy a research paper tpsoc[/url] film editor examples uvqgm[/url] dissertation introduction ghostwriting site online [/b] and theses canada qavks 2021[/url] creative essay writers site for masters atfje[/url] cover letter examples email forfd 2021[/url] essay questions sat – Free sample business plan for retail store aujny 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://oohlalaboutiques.com/blogs/4749park/12281065-best-of-the-week?comment=124998942791#comments
http://artigiano.com.ua/blog/mi-na-ukrainian-fashion-week#comment_496055
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/283552-essays-history-embryology-biology.html#319418
Ghost writing services rates
dissertation introduction ghostwriting site online [/b] a business plan for a non profit organization – Position of thesis statement in a paper jckni 2021[/url] dissertation methodology ghostwriters site ca hxfyc[/url] reflective essay ghostwriter sites xmjby[/url] on kolkata book fair 2012 cvlzp[/url] expository essay writing site for university tupbs 2021[/url] undergrad ojsrw[/url]Resume with limited job experience
Custom reflective essay ghostwriting service for phd
Hot sexy porn projects, daily updates
http://trumann.iphonesafeporn.kanakox.com/?talia
red porn mrs starr rose de paris porn peaty porn sexy milf porn vdeos free gay hunk porn videos
New sexy website is available on the web
good soft porn movies gay porn huge bulge fill her up porn tube score free porn maeure porn tubehttp://freepornamteur.datingsitesapp.relayblog.com/?kathryn
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Business management information systems resume .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Holocast essay
Cheap cover letter editor website usa
Format college term paper
Professional personal essay ghostwriters website au
Security homework
Action research proposal topics in education
The role of plate tectonics essay dfguky4 filmbay dh4h html
best personal essay on pokemon go kykwu[/url] design production manager resume rydsj[/url] topics for argumentative paper wehiq[/url] advisor sample resume – Essay on neem tree wikipedia qvdgm 2021[/url] de431adCheap term paper writer sites au
East pictou middle school homework hotline
Resume new format 2011
By essay franz kafka metamorphosis
Inception business plan
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
management information systems resume [/b][url=http://studybay-com.targetblogs.com]studybay[/url]
]
production director resume yiucv[/url] paper on bill clinton ufzis[/url] essays on media and politics xqpxz[/url] best essay editing websites usa eyntw[/url] manager marketing massachusetts resume – Willing to relocate resume example bhcpa 2021[/url]Custom critical essay editing website gb
Veterinary technician resume objective
Persuasive essay on why homework is good
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
management information systems resume [/b] research paper topics[/url] airlines seat assignment rpxyv[/url] or public essay bovtw 2021[/url] interesting research paper topics tpfqf[/url] pro[/url]tghuTRTjigFIr6F
us dissertation writing services
https://gpsites.win/story.php?title=we-have-the-most-notable-tips-about-college#discuss
https://king-bookmark.stream/story.php?title=buy-essay-can-be-fun-for-anyone#discuss
https://wikidot.win/wiki/Details_Fiction_and_Cash_Advance_Online
How to write common phrases in chinese
How to write numbers in irish gaelic
Custom dissertation introduction editor for hire for university
[url=http://aviasalkes.ru]Авиасалес[/url]
[url=http://ru-zaem.ru/]zaem ru[/url]
http://logoloop.co/index.php?action=profile;u=40257
https://iemarcelianopolo.edu.co/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=4478
University essay writers service online
Esl dissertation conclusion proofreading site au
Into the wild jon krakauer book report
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/284126-pay-for-papers-written.html#320744
http://informationstar.org/hello-world/?unapproved=179016&moderation-hash=25e8722ea0d036203dadbc5c441c9d85#comment-179016
https://www.hobbyhorseinc.com/blogs/blogs/same-jacket-two-arenas?comment=121242320931#comments
Business management information systems resume
housewives saison 6 resume episode 1 ogpfm 2021[/url] grfp previous research essay examples negxe[/url] admission paper ghostwriting for hire for mba atewx[/url] resume for electrical engineer cqxnt 2021[/url] management information systems resume [/b] to write a reaction paper about a movie ppt tqhxb[/url] thesis statements crucible lrqci[/url] dissertation results writers website gb tlqkd[/url] criminal law coursework fatss[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://whimsyandever.com/blogs/blog/the-pauperly-princess?comment=125360570439#comments
http://evs.com.ua/blog/nam_10_let#comment_253470
https://www.susanposnick.com/blogs/blog/the-2017-holiday-gift-guide?comment=123852718236#comments
Technician objective resume
management information systems resume [/b] in australia schools – Publicacion de resume hpyan 2021[/url] expository e[/url] essay writing style fthax[/url] as a leisure activity essay yvevx[/url] speech editing website for school wvkid[/url] for toefle watru 2021[/url]Cover letter for singing job
Best literature review editing website gb