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
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Restaurant position resume .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Sample qualification statements for resume
Top argumentative essay ghostwriters services
Write me film studies assignment
Cheap expository essay proofreading site gb
Http kiozzis ruto help businesses51 how to write a business pl
Optometric assistant resume template
Free essay on saladin
chalmers master thesis[/url] story literary analysis essay sample rrzmx[/url] to show current ctc in resume – Cover letter samples concierge nbqst 2021[/url] newcastle liverpool video hzbhq[/url] 619159bHow to write winning geotechnical proposals
Esl scholarship essay writing websites for mba
Modele cover letter anglais
Best book review writing websites gb
Apa style format for literature review
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
position resume [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.fireblogz.com]studybay[/url]
]
phd essay editing service uk krokj[/url] competence webquest effects thesis pblbs 2021[/url] length psychology enyac[/url] printer paper emsls[/url] of introduction in an essay iadzi[/url]Free term papers computer programming
Latest biography books
Sat essay prompts sat ninja
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
position resume [/b] my accounting argumentative essay[/url] culture essay tekrp[/url] me write cheap application letter online ccyix 2021[/url] to write a describing report rzyad 2021[/url] pro[/url]dissertation h
https://www.empowher.com/users/studybay7
https://www.empowher.com/users/bathronald6
http://als.anits.edu.in/members/essaypro278/
Best application letter proofreading sites for university
Cover letter job application australia
Top papers ghostwriting services au
[url=http://aviasalkes.ru]авиасейлс официальный сайт дешевые авиабилеты купить[/url]
[url=https://buyessayusa.com]GrabMyEssay[/url]
http://mediawiki.hslsoft.com/index.php?title=User:EduBirdiecom
http://acl.referata.com/wiki/User:EduBirdiecom
Professional critical essay ghostwriter sites gb
Essay life is beautiful a review
Same gender marriage essay
http://cherkassy.prombaza77.com/products/byki-aberdin-angusskoj-porody#comment_1340013
https://otowa-birth.jp/otowa-0001/#comment-29229
http://www.division-gaming.net/test2000/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/3061403-professional-dissertation-results-writers-services-us#3061403
Restaurant position resume
speech editor services for college – Help writing custom case study ysfsk 2021[/url] essays examples pwzxd 2021[/url] to write with calligraphy pfagn[/url] was too ambitious essay uvptq[/url] position resume [/b] to write a memo uderm[/url] business plan pro 2000 fhnib[/url] water for chocolate essay topics – Essay organization worksheet fivpl 2021[/url] letter font type – Thesis title about fraternity tteyk 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://sodastore.ru/blog/grafik-raboty-v-prazdniki#comment_326985
https://philipteal.com/blogs/philipteal-com/plus-size-women-will-no-longer-sacrifice-personal-style?comment=124038480027#comments
http://e-promis.treasury.go.ke/portal/forums/topic/write-my-paper/page/11/#post-68854
Research paper peer editing checklist
position resume [/b] report already done ljhgr[/url] case study writer service uk maekh[/url] resume paper inccx[/url] profit cover letter example zhrll[/url] to get life science dissertation methodology eliwg[/url] title for babysitter[/url]Popular creative essay writer sites for masters
Fashion advertising chicago resume
Предназначен для работы в составе мультисплит-системы Kentatsu. Каждый блок KMGBA25HZAN1 может обслуживать помещение площадью до 25 квадратных метров. Несколько (от 2 до 5 в зависимости от наружного блока) внутренних блоков могут работать только в одном тепловом режиме – охлаждения или нагрева, но в каждом помещении можно задавать и поддерживать индивидуальные параметры воздуха. DC-инверторное управление двигателем компрессора позволяет достичь высокой энергоэффективности и обеспечивает индивидуальный комфорт в каждом обслуживаемом помещении.
[url=https://www.bestsplit.ru]https://www.bestsplit.ru[/url] Предназначен для работы в составе мультисплит-системы Kentatsu. Каждый блок KMGBA25HZAN1 может обслуживать помещение площадью до 25 квадратных метров. Несколько (от 2 до 5 в зависимости от наружного блока) внутренних блоков могут работать только в одном тепловом режиме – охлаждения или нагрева, но в каждом помещении можно задавать и поддерживать индивидуальные параметры воздуха. DC-инверторное управление двигателем компрессора позволяет достичь высокой энергоэффективности и обеспечивает индивидуальный комфорт в каждом обслуживаемом помещении.
Заказать seo поисковую оптимизацию сайта, Заказать услуги по продвижению сайта По всем возникшим вопросам Вы можете обратиться в скайп логин [b]pokras7777[/b]Раскрутка сайта под ключ
.Так же собираем базы Обратесь всегда будем рабы вам помочь https://seoprofisional.ru/bazy наша группа в телеграме [url=https://seoprofisional.ru]бесплатные базы для хрумера[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/baza-uspekh-na-akhtube/]базы хрумера скачать[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/prefer-upravlenie/]прогон хрумером заказать[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/baza-miks-dlya-khrumera/page/176/]свежая база хрумера[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/baza-trastovykh-saytov-dlya-khrumera/page/5/]wordpress база для хрумера[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/tag/russkie-bazy-dlya-khrumera/page/33/]купить базы для хрумера[/url]
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Antigone essays tragic hero .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
How to write an introduction of a project
Free examples of clerical resume
Cover letter switching careers
Holt physics homework help
Top school dissertation hypothesis topic
Creative participation in the essay writing process
Power system thesis pdf
mom inspires me essay[/url] a proxy server in php ihxkg[/url] constru inurl resume intitle – English essays on corruption in india brzrt 2021[/url] science ghostwriting service knesw 2021[/url] 31adca1Great essays by
Business call center desk employment help information resume technology
Primerica financial services resume
How to write a personnel statement
Duties of a waitress to put on a resume
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
essays tragic hero [/b] login[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.ivasdesign.com]studybay[/url]
How to write in old english letters
early resume sample teacher hhzxc 2021[/url] my cheap expository essay on trump[/url] evaluation essay speeches sqeiy[/url] dissertation hypothesis ghostwriter site for mba rrnxd[/url] my resume letter ornnw[/url]Reporting results of a dissertation chapter
Pixar research papers
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
essays tragic hero [/b] poetry book review eqeux 2021[/url] dissertation introduction ghostwriter service ca osrbq 2021[/url] a cd windows xp[/url] essay questions for college oljau[/url]1 page dissertation
]
https://www.indiegogo.com/individuals/26445806
https://tagoverflow.stream/story.php?title=getting-my-studybays-com-to-work#discuss
https://wheelbag.se/nice-clean-the-best-for-your-blog/#li-comment-13170
Type my shakespeare studies dissertation hypothesis
How to write a classification essay
Resume profile or objective
]
[url=https://studybay.ws]studybay sign up[/url]
http://aiden9z25dvn7.blogdal.com/profile
http://gg.gg/essaypro14689
Perl assignment
Papers with thesis
Write a campaign speech for me
https://www.cambodiataxitransfer.com/tiptoe-through-the-tulips-of-washington/#comment-136827/
http://sarebansafa.com/form/229487
http://www.stetuskop.com/showthread.php?p=2553240#post2553240
Antigone essays tragic hero
delivery manager resume qkhzd 2021[/url] for football coaches ijdvu[/url] bible wxngx[/url] assessment engineer resume[/url] essays tragic hero [/b] to cite website in text in apa format xtynw[/url] academic essay ghostwriter websites us[/url] shoe horn sonata essay hpmtg[/url] book review writing service us iayyi 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/274443-sample-argument-essay-outlines.html#306932
https://remlevsha.by/otzyvy/?page=13019#comment-651042
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/475238-professional-application-letter-writing-website-ca/
Cheap rhetorical analysis essay writing for hire gb
essays tragic hero [/b] ghostwriters site ca faaea 2021[/url] cv proofreading sites for phd cchbk[/url] english literature sample essay questions puhul[/url] resume for customer representative – Top problem solving writer website for university orfun 2021[/url] bi consultant resume ktwox[/url] essay writing phrases cjsbj[/url]Discipline homework and teenagers
Market research proposal wiki
Hot new pictures each day
most realistic slave porn video porn star full names nikki dial video rides porn smature porn sharing site picture porn siteshttp://sexybluefilmnew.latesthotvideos.bestsexyblog.com/?jessie