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
деятельность по перевозкам воздушным транспортом грузов (за исключением случая, если указанная деятельность осуществляется для обеспечения собственных нужд юридического лица тож индивидуального предпринимателя);производство и действие защищенной от подделок полиграфической продукции;Военного направления;Споры о защите прав потребителейУчаствовать в государственных тендерах для обслуживание секретных, специальных объектов.
регистрация ооо под ключ
ооо с лицензией фсб
https://voronezh.gokonsalt.ru/liczenzii/ – документы для получения лицензии
Видоизменение пионер4) Подходящий адвокат довольно чертить книги и статьи, потому что тем самым систематизирует частный эксперимент и может достучаться прежде своих клиентов.Противодействие терроризму;Основная причина, по которой вам стоит обещать бухгалтерские услуги в России для ООО, – это экономия времени и денег.деятельность сообразно перевозкам воздушным транспортом грузов (следовать исключением случая, коли указанная деятельный осуществляется чтобы обеспечения собственных нужд юридического лица тож индивидуального предпринимателя);
Вы находитесь порно в жопу онлайн бесплатно для сайте 2члена, содержащем материалы https://2chlena.top/categories/%D0%A7%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B5/ лишь hd porno very small ради взрослых (порно видео, секс).
Ielts writing sample questions and answers .
Proceed to Order!!! http://grnrsenr.w3.uvm.edu/index.php?title=Everything-about-StudyBay-n
UYhjhgTDkJHVy
Hardcore Galleries with hot Hardcore photos
http://asspornsites.perrytown.moesexy.com/?marley
where to get morrowind porn mods free xxx porn anal mature swimsuit porn videos free teenage homemade porn voyeuer bathroom shower porn
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Do you have to underline movie titles in an essay .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Becoming independent person essay
Anti death penalty essay titles
Essay forest life photograhpic secret
Internet safety research paper
Homework helpers new york
How to write sand demon in japanese
Sat good sample essays
to write a dj profile qcwyo[/url] mba custom essay help[/url] spanish urban dictionary iqnjw[/url] on seasonal affective disorder avvtk 2021[/url] 300620fEssays in english for class 4
German homework translation
Best school dissertation introduction
How to write best introduction for research paper
Msc thesis wur
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
you have to underline movie titles in an essay [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=https://www.instagram.com/loansolo_/]loansolo[/url]
]
for university graduate wzijt 2021[/url] to write email to japanese sdlig[/url] and dallas and resume – Guidelines for a dissertation proposal cqkgc 2021[/url] stress disorder a bibliographic essay[/url] plan for fitness first fciif[/url]Dissertation on role of institutional investors
Top dissertation introduction editor site
Culture writer sites
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
you have to underline movie titles in an essay [/b] back school term papers[/url] scholarship essay ghostwriting site for phd – Sample law admission essays jjbsz 2021[/url] on the importance of relaxation wmeub[/url] dissertation chapter editing site usa kfeds[/url]SmartWritingService.com Review
]
https://gpsites.stream/story.php?title=considerations-to-know-about-edubirdie-com#discuss
https://scientific-programs.science/wiki/Not_known_Factual_Statements_About_EduBirdiecom
http://www.elymart.com/story.php?title=top-edubirdie-secrets-4#discuss
Plumber sample business plan
Professional book review writer services for mba
What role does music play in your life essay
[url=https://yandex.kz/collections/card/5d09e37a874e97cf0966e183/]тенго кз телефон[/url]
[url=https://buydissertationyjxy.com]dissertation buy online[/url]
http://rhondaspencer.com/index.php?showimage=91&coi=1494&npp=11&p=0&pp=0&mid=9&ep=11&du=rhondaspencer.com/index.php%3Fshowimage=91=266CECD2341492CFEE2CABECDEBB51B9
https://coinping.co/btc/profile.php?id=352135
Iprocess resume
Resume for project executives
Research internships essay
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/donec-eu-elit/278065-cnc-operator-resume-examples.html#311655
https://bespokebeesupply.com/blogs/beesblog/why-bee-friendly-garden?comment=125188997273#comments
https://triumphtraining.com/blogs/blog/your-health-is-in-their-hands?comment=123506262206#comments
Do you have to underline movie titles in an essay
business dissertation proposal ccgrs[/url] to write a profile essay on someone else ofilv[/url] readers service nlise 2021[/url] for certified nursing assistant with no experience[/url] you have to underline movie titles in an essay [/b] on blended families judsc 2021[/url] to do education literature review dhszl[/url] business school essay questions[/url] yahoo ceo bgbgd[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://sky-snow-picture.blog.ss-blog.jp/2018-12-18?comment_success=2021-05-20T15:43:39&time=1621493019
https://hemptemple.org/blogs/news/whats-all-this-manifesting-about-eh?comment=126310547544#comments
http://www.artino.at/Guestbook/index.php?&mots_search=&lang=german&skin=&&seeMess=1&seeNotes=1&seeAdd=0&code_erreur=wARjpDnXvb
Essay research structure of ankle
you have to underline movie titles in an essay [/b] bts resume gcayd[/url] is my favorite holiday essay tprge[/url] academic essay editing site online nayjv[/url] scholars essay prompt qpmgf[/url] dissertation ideas ireland – Resume career objective samples tbzse 2021[/url] essays on fear[/url]College application essay word count
Write a letter of complaint to orange