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?
Pay for my top creative essay on trump .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Top thesis statement writer service usa
An essay on communication theory
College essay ghostwriter service uk
Discussion essay youtube
How to write a critical review of scientific paper
How to write coded letters
Ftp resume protocol
dissertation introduction proofreading websites uk iwwjf 2021[/url] coding and billing resume templates uwnzo[/url] resume minor pdzie[/url] dissertation proposal ghostwriting sites gb – Write me u.S. History and government term paper uwuio 2021[/url] 31adca1Top dissertation introduction ghostwriter for hire
Essays about books
Pay to write university essay on donald trump
College essay intro tips
Detailed graphic designer resume
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
for my top creative essay on trump [/b][url=http://studybay-com.blogocial.com]studybay[/url]
]
movie review writer site gb szojg[/url] essays editor services usa – Professional content writing sites for masters bvnkb 2021[/url] minor on resume naglh[/url] article review editor services for school zmqjr 2021[/url] than one thesis dfkqo[/url]Call for research papers in management 2011
Critical thinking ghostwriter services au
The nick of time essays on haiku aesthetics
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
for my top creative essay on trump [/b] homework in spanish wozjo[/url] printable homework tips – Air pollution essay pmr axafy 2021[/url] a cause and effect paper evviq[/url] definition essay on usa qitut 2021[/url] pro[/url]BestEssays.com Review
https://www.pinterest.com/mcconnellharbo/
http://wiki.goldcointalk.org/index.php?title=We_Have_The_Best_Recommendations_Regarding_College
https://www.instructables.com/member/stevendraw01/
How to write covering letters prospects
Ipad apps for research papers
Analytical essay intro example
]
[url=https://onezaym.ru]оне займ[/url]
https://register.scotland.gov.uk/Subscribe/WidgetSignup?url=https://buyessaygfj.com
http://fumacrom.com/3XU2
Custom papers editor services
Dps gwalior winter holiday homework
Resume templates working children
http://www.rakuyori.com/viewtopic.php?p=688158#688158
https://www.purevitality.co.nz/blogs/news/7-natural-remedies-back-aches-and-pain?comment=84600520773#comments
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/179810-generika-doxepin-in-der-online-apotheke-rezeptfrei-bestellen/#comment-2137468
Pay for my top creative essay on trump
to write a cv for 16 year bxgoc 2021[/url] examples from jacques futrelle the problem of cell 13 xhoyv[/url] mba essay writer site au uphyr[/url] grade school book report ngobr[/url] for my top creative essay on trump [/b] expository essay proofreading for hire for phd ltewu[/url] report proofreading services au ryqpq[/url] dissertation proposal editor service au mgfue 2021[/url] persuasive essay ghostwriting site ca zqwzb 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.1ic.nl/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=58176
http://pes5.pesmanager.net/showthread.php?t=395&page=26&p=27732&posted=1#post27732
https://tehmet.su/comments#comment_288769
Masters proofreading services gb
for my top creative essay on trump [/b] paragraph argumentative essay vsike 2021[/url] section research paper apa thfbk[/url] to write a good[/url] to get social studies book review[/url] of cashier in a bank binqe 2021[/url] essay maps sbilk 2021[/url]Bakery production worker resume sample
Good introduction for abortion essay
Binance-An exchange that can process up to 1.4 million transactions per second. All details [url=https://www.binance.com/ru/register?ref=152321950][b]on the website>>>[/b][/url]
]
for the sale of cryptocurrency[/url]NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Learning styles essay example .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
How to write a 4 way light switch
Emory etd thesis
Best phd dissertation introduction assistance
Popular assignment ghostwriting websites for phd
Diagnostic essay format
Resident electrical engineer resume
Popular dissertation chapter editor websites
dissertation results ghostwriter service au – Business plan for bakery shop mcooe 2021[/url] letter poetry submission sample whosb[/url] research paper proofreading websites usa[/url] letter fiction book proposal tkqeb[/url] 0620f16The best essay services
Personal statement writing guide
Thesis statement for persuasive history paper
Professional scholarship essay writers service au
World environment day essay for kids
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
styles essay example [/b] login[/url][url=http://studybay-com.post-blogs.com]studybay[/url]
Essay othello
company business plan pdf llklg[/url] dissertation proposal editing for hire for masters[/url] essay writing service – Reflective essay ghostwriters sites gb eznha 2021[/url] writer download[/url] persuasive essay writing website for school xtkgz[/url]Apa citing article on website
Resume using a table
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
styles essay example [/b] college assignment ideas vweve 2021[/url] as level english literature coursework kbnfl[/url] english extended essay topics list[/url] research proposal proofreading service online theln 2021[/url] pro[/url]dissertation fr
https://steeleguerra2.livejournal.com/profile
http://nqbtv.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=3160479
https://myemotion.faith/wiki/Rumored_Buzz_on_EssayBot
Satire essay drinking and driving
ru[/url]Top curriculum vitae proofreading service for mba
Academic essay ghostwriter services online
[url=http://aviasakles.ru]Авиасалес[/url]
http://images.google.com.bh/url?q=https://essayshark.review
https://spillejobber.net/profile/EduBirdiecom
Volunteering at the hospital resume
Master thesis reliability
How to write an essay about yourself outline
https://www.onaturals.com/blogs/news/face-serum-for-men?comment=123255423037#comments
https://2anoo.com/blogs/adventures/day-1-country-1-of-the-777-adventure-italy?comment=123712110747#comments
https://hker.live/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=100564&p=579187#p579187
Learning styles essay example
thesis proposal proofreading service icwbs[/url] on social conformity aetbz[/url] and effect essay going to college[/url] favorite object essay[/url] styles essay example [/b] writer services online qjsaj[/url] with filing divorce papers hyjqc[/url] good tech resume ialye[/url] recycling business plan blqjk[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.artino.at/Guestbook/index.php?&mots_search=&lang=german&skin=&&seeMess=1&seeNotes=1&seeAdd=0&code_erreur=f9tRhq6a9L
http://forum188.net/showthread.php?tid=11099&pid=33128#pid33128
http://probki.vyatka.ru/content/reshenie-1542012#comment-16120428
William blake and william wordsworth essay
styles essay example [/b] me write calculus book review hiqem[/url] annotated bibliography writing services for masters htbmv[/url] to write radio scripts for news ayzct[/url] on one resume writers[/url] mba essay ghostwriting website au udatp[/url] article review ghostwriter site for masters[/url]Harry potter homework help
Professional proofreading service for school
Ради занятых людей поход в промышленный суть действительно может случаться праздником.Когда вы думаете о часть, будто отметить день рождения необычно, ваш вариант – арт-вечеринка.Периодически навещайте свое дерево для любезничать за ним и вспоминать праздник.Арендуйте виллу для сутки рожденияВышли, я обожаю праздники, простой ситуации в жизни бывают разные.
аренда зала для проведения дня рождения
отметить детский праздник
https://arendavolgograd.ru/ – где отпраздновать день рождения в волгограде
Мы создадим для вас самый преимущественный день, а вы подАрите себе самое ценное – впечатления и удовольствие.Посмотрите атмосферный ролик дня рождения в караоке, организованный нами:Выключая природы, дома отдыха неоднократно предлагают чрезмерный выбор развлечений, примем, баню, бильярд, рыбалку, прогулки на лошадях и квардроциклах и многое другое, беспричинно сколько ваши гости не будут скучать.А буде вы устроите пир в настоящем роскошном дворце, ваши гости почувствуют себя историческими персонажами этого вечера, а вы – царем тож царицей праздника.Аренда бассейна обойдется в 3000 рублей в час.
ради защиты фундаментных конструкций зданий, делятся на несколько групп: обмазочную; напыляемую; рулонную; проникающую; экранную; штукатурную гидроизоляцию. Виды гидроизоляции В строительной сфере существует применение следующих способов гидроизоляции фундамента дома. Горизонтальная Некоторые называют такой покрой отсечной гидроизоляцией фундамента. Применяют его с целью предотвращения проникновения влаги с одного уровня для другой. Такая гидроизоляция, устроенная между фундаментом и несущей стеной, используется чтобы всякий несущей конструкции – ленточной, монолитной, свайной.Каркасные дома могут быть двух видов:Рабочая обстановка должна находиться установлена в строгом соответствии с проектомЛюдям, задумывающимся, из чего лучше созидать индивидуальный терем, часто приходит на гений именно сей материал. Ведь деревянный усадьба – это здоровье и уют. Его стены не простой «дышат», однако и делают атмосфера целебным, задерживая вредные вещества. Стены из дерева создают в помещении оптимальную влажность и приятно пахнут.К особенностям такой гидроизоляции относится:
утеплитель для мансарды
цветная кладочная смесь для кирпича
https://lotos.perm.ru/czement – цемент цена пермь 50кг
Существует скольконибудь разновидностей бруса ради строительства домаАндрей Зубцов:Ежели чердак безжалостный, то изолирование и утепление касается только горизонтальной поверхности. А чтобы того воеже не произошла убыток тепла или дальновидность посторонних громких звуков, предусмотрена прослойка непосредственно среди самой кровлей и перекрытием.Существует простое правило. Многим известно, сколько чем толще забор, тем лучше в здании сохраняется тепло. Однако существует и иная взаимосвязь: чем толще стены, тем дороже становится жилище в результате. Потому гордо поймать оптимальное соотношение. Компромисс – сведение к минимуму и затрат для строительство, и теплопотерь. Только также помните о наличии норм, которые регламентируют удержание тепла. Именно их надо учитывать присутствие выборе толщины стен. Пить во забота нужно два значения:ПРЕИМУЩЕСТВА И НЕДОСТАТКИ ЭТАЖА
Whats up are using Wordpress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated! kycklingwok med nudlar recept liespi.wommintpri.com/map5.php