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?
Resume mechanical maintenance engineer .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Warrant officer essay
Latex references phd thesis
Richard xu ph d thesis
Blank resume forms
How to write an amazing cover letter sample
Sylvia plath essay leaving cert
Help writing best research proposal
college application essay prompts jsgzw[/url] home work writing services online vjyyd[/url] about hiv/ aids in africa[/url] functions of mythology essay fcmdf 2021[/url] dca17_cReflective essay writers sites usa
Esl cv ghostwriting for hire for university
Custom article review editing service us
Free math homework help or instructions
Sample resume for computer support technician
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
mechanical maintenance engineer [/b] pro[/url][url=https://www.quora.com/profile/Essaypro-Co-1]essaypro[/url]
Resume pmo
causes of global warming essay pgqgn[/url] examples of dissertations[/url] dissertation methodology ghostwriters site for university fcpip 2021[/url] essays writers website for phd kwlfz[/url] custom essay writers website for masters[/url]Civil construction resume
Type my custom phd essay on hillary
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
mechanical maintenance engineer [/b] nursing assistant job description for a resume – Essay on monkey beach gckjk 2021[/url] essay lfnfv[/url] transmittal letter sample fehca[/url] mihm herold dissertation isu – Esl dissertation abstract writing sites gb pbrfs 2021[/url]a dissertation topic
]
https://clashofcryptos.trade/wiki/Buy_Essay_Online_Things_To_Know_Before_You_Buy
https://my.desktopnexus.com/couchrugby17
https://www.misterpoll.com/users/grainkidney23
Compare and contrast literary essay topics
Resume writing education majors
How to write support
]
[url=http://aviasalkes.ru]Авиасалес[/url]
http://www.evangelismos.com.cy/etiam-cursus-leo-vel-metus/quote-post-format/
https://ies.ed.gov/transfer.asp?location=essayshark.review
Compare and contrast essay about two movies
Dissertation camus sartre
Resume writing service mn
http://forum.googleanaliz.com/showthread.php?tid=496873&pid=956749#pid956749
https://modestral.com/forum/messages/forum1/topic4472/message38771/?result=reply#message38771
http://forum.saintbrieuc-parlonsnous.fr/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20&p=4434#p4434
Resume mechanical maintenance engineer
research proposal writing sites for mba[/url] source evaluation essay – Write my popular best essay on shakespeare dhbik 2021[/url] speech ghostwriting service for phd[/url] my communication creative writing vzmcb[/url] mechanical maintenance engineer [/b] dissertation conclusion ghostwriters services for school khiwf[/url] in drug marie winn essay kcfcr 2021[/url] job description resume bxvjr[/url] hrm download lwhlf[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://littlebikers-nl.messageboard.nl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=286256&p=801892#p801892
http://www.bartarforum.ir/showthread.php?606-Paypal-Gift-Card-Usa-Login&p=244758&posted=1#post244758
https://lebadvisor.com/6-trails-for-exciting-atv-rides-in-lebanon/#comment-53872
Top cv writing service gb
mechanical maintenance engineer [/b] logon jauee 2021[/url] post national constellation political essays[/url] doctoral thesis in canadian studies syatt 2021[/url] academic essay editor for hire for college[/url] dissertation proposal editor sites for masters jpkkx[/url] school personal statement examples drauc 2021[/url]Convert dissertation journal article
Essay on oscar romero
Сделки с недвижимостью в Южном и Северном Бутово md-rielt.ru
Предлагаем посетить будущим клиентам агентство недвижимости в области Москвы Бутово. Желаете продать загородный дом, но нет на это сил и времени? Или покупатели хотят снизить цену? А возможно Вы ищите коммерческое помещение для магазина или небольшого бизнеса? По этим и другим вопросам, касающихся недвижимость в Бутово обращайтесь на сайт md-rielt.ru агентства недвижимости «МД-Недвижимость».
По вопросу аренда коммерческой недвижимости в бутово мы с удовольствием Вам окажем помощь. Представленная команда заключается из настоящих профессионалов, опытных в данной области. К любому заказчику мы ищем персональный подход, уточняя множество вопросов обо всех мелочах. Например, при покупке недвижимости нужно понимать: требуемый район, этаж, площадь, совместный санузел или нет, солнечная ли сторона, с ипотекой или без и много других особенностей.
Для сдачи или аренды также есть много критериев, под которые мы стараемся найти лучший вариант для заказчика. Продажа недвижимости на веб сайте https://md-rielt.ru/ также осуществляется командой специалистов. Мы полностью берем проведение сделки на себя, при надобности.
Изначально требуется профессиональная оценка жилья, чтобы понимать сколько она будет стоить в данное время на рынке недвижимости. Требуется сделать профессиональные фото, которые сумеют привлечь потенциальных покупателей, а далее заниматься конкретно поиском. Продать квартиру быстро и выигрышно самому не так легко. А вместе с нами это будет очень удобно и надежно.
По оставшимся вопросам позвоните по номеру телефона +7(495)532-75-81 с 10:00 до 21:00, без перерывов. Наш адрес: БЦ “Барклай-плаза” г. Москва, ул. Барклая, д. 6, стр. 5, оф. 277.. Если Вам нужна консультация, отправьте Ваш вопрос на онлайн портале md-rielt.ru в конкретную форму и мы свяжемся с Вами в ближайшее время. С радостью поможем Вам найти идеальное решение под Ваш вопрос.
Наше агентство представляет много услуг: аренда, сдача в аренду, покупка и продажа, а также прочие услуги. Арендовать или купить можно квартиры, дома, коммерческую недвижимость. К прочим услугам имеют отношение-обмен недвижимости, оценка, ипотека, управление и другие. Также наше агентство есть в самых популярных социальных сетях, заходите и смотрите наш каталог вариантов.
Сегодня очень много обманщиков орудует в сфере купли-продажи квартир, а также аренды. Ни в каком случае не нужно отправлять предоплату заранее, не видя квартиры. Найти проверенное агентство не так то просто, ведь сегодня очень много вариантов. Данное агентство осуществляет работу уже много лет и ни разу не было плохих отзывов от клиентов, что говорит, что Вы попали в надежное и хорошее агентство недвижимости. Добро пожаловать!
Teen Girls Pussy Pics. Hot galleries
skinny porn star names piss drinking porn pictures kazuhito tadano porn lesbian porn free stockings barfland porn vidshttp://pornyoutube.bloglag.com/?alice
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Essas on two political figures .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Argumentative essay topics for college students easy
Cover letter latex package
Custom problem solving proofreading sites usa
Professional college problem solving sample
Good administrative objective resume
Creative writing phd dissertation
Cigarette advertising should be banned essay
my geometry report[/url] admission paper ghostwriting website usa dabjc[/url] of research hypothesis[/url] letter writers site us euzns[/url] 31adca1Essay persuasive round school year
Damn good resume guide high school
Example essays with thesis statements
Pay for my journalism dissertation proposal
Persuasive essay ideas for high school students
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
on two political figures [/b] pro[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.blogacep.com]studybay[/url]
Thesis the crucible
plans essay ogror[/url] writing good dissertation mjpez[/url] process essay samples – Type my top admission essay gzhsx 2021[/url] asst manager resume dtkts[/url] format for customer service executive hyvox[/url]City collection critical essay god
Custom critical essay writing site ca
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
on two political figures [/b] to write a persusaive essay ejbsj 2021[/url] cute essay dimfx 2021[/url] creative writing editor website au sbxie[/url] essay university level ymtjd 2021[/url]dissertation lab
]
https://nerdgaming.science/wiki/EssayTyper_essaytypercom
https://serverfault.com/users/651825
https://spinalhub.win/wiki/5_Tips_about_Studybayscom_You_Can_Use_Today
Business plan project for mba students
Professional argumentative essay writing for hire for mba
Ap world history compare and contrast essay prompts
[url=http://author24.ru.com]автор 2[/url]
[url=http://aythor24.ru]Аuthor24[/url]
http://m.comss.info/url.php?url=https://studybays.com
https://vinhomessaigon.net/forum/profile.php?id=84844
Resume downloads in firefox
Business plan template event space
Cheap problem solving ghostwriter services for school
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/265117-hereby-declare-above-information-resume.html#294378
http://seligerforum.ru/index.php?/topic/207032-a-visit-to-an-interesting-place-essay/page-5#entry2393997
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/274353-custom-phd-descriptive-essay-sample.html#306834
Essas on two political figures
analyst resume sample aarzf[/url] thesis proposal ghostwriter sites for phd mthmh 2021[/url] format research paper[/url] dame dissertation template – Write my custom reflective essay on founding fathers jtfpm 2021[/url] on two political figures [/b] home work writing websites usa vdqea[/url] report in filipino[/url] williams linear homework solutions bciex 2021[/url] phd dissertation conclusion assistance gkfps[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/456200-custom-personal-statement-writing-websites-online/
https://www.al97.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=379904&pid=2281981&page=1651&extra=page%3D1#pid2281981
https://tres-sur.com/blogs/tres-sur-lingerie-blog/psychology-of-fashion-how-clothing-affects-the-mind?comment=125464412223#comments
Songs of innocence and experience william blake essay
on two political figures [/b] university essay writers service us ndjhk[/url] to write a resume for an opera audition[/url] essay work hpugr[/url] music cover letter nhoqb[/url] dissertation conclusion editing site online wtzug[/url] with custom persuasive essay on hillary clinton bweny[/url]Esl university essay writing for hire for masters
Resume template administrative manager
Sexy pictures each day
http://minorspornsitebrooklynheights.adablog69.com/?tatum
teen looking at porn masturbating severely hard porn sleeping free porn celebrity tube porn porn exhebition
Buy your ammunition here
https://armeec.com.ua