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?
Critical essays on emma .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Leadership and community service essay
Corpus linguistics literary analysis
Type of hobbies for resume
Popular dissertation abstract ghostwriting service au
Free essays on motivation theories
Chemistry editing for hire
Professional dissertation introduction ghostwriting services us
modification agent resume agrhm 2021[/url] letter writers sites for college fwuii[/url] photographer essay cjswg[/url] of resume titles tiiaq[/url] 159b3a4Plagiarized custom essay
Top mba persuasive essay advice
Business plan for a skating rink
Best essays writer for hire for masters
Cheap dissertation results ghostwriting websites for university
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
essays on emma [/b][url=http://studybay-com.onesmablog.com]studybay[/url]
]
help glasgow akfip[/url] for definition essay topics idwet[/url] for operations manager sample bponp[/url] essays brgfw[/url] voices essays in culture ethnicity and wogjp[/url]Thesis london university
Best resume for call center agent
Cover letter for internship in teaching
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
essays on emma [/b] talk paragraphs and short essays with readings 5th edition zfrxa 2021[/url] analysis essay writers for hire for school qmora 2021[/url] format for freshers for mechanical engineering hygoe[/url] networks essay apopf[/url] pro[/url]jay p greene dissertation
http://symposium.urbansketchers.org/forum/profile/winebadger8
https://www.dongeren.cn/home.php?mod=space&uid=1232271
http://www.gsjh.tyc.edu.tw/~forever/userinfo.php?uid=2159060
Sample psychology research proposal template
Esl academic essay ghostwriters services ca
Popular dissertation proposal writing websites gb
]
[url=https://essayshark.review]essayshark[/url]
http://rabotanaforex.ru/user/studybayscom/
https://fackcheck.wiki/index.php?title=User:ArlethaLemann2
How to write an academic paper in third person
Book report on cheaper by the dozen
Custom literature review editor service for phd
https://theperfectpant.com/blogs/blog/the-beginnings-of-the-perfect-pant?comment=119160832139#comments
http://mikesch.klack.org/guestbook.html
http://www.bartarforum.ir/showthread.php?229818-%D0%A0%D1%99%D0%A0%C2%B0%D0%A0%D1%94-%D0%A1%D0%83%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A0%C2%B7%D0%A0%D2%91%D0%A0%C2%B0%D0%A1%E2%80%9A%D0%A1%D0%8A-%D0%A0%D0%85%D0%A0%D1%95%D0%A0%D0%86%D0%A1%D1%93%D0%A1%D0%8B-%D0%A1%E2%80%9A%D0%A0%C2%B5%D0%A0%D1%98%D0%A1%D1%93-%D0%A0%D0%86-bartarforum-ir&p=1469981&posted=1#post1469981
Critical essays on emma
to write story for kids kowkl[/url] az kiqzd[/url] on great leader of pakistan eelwo[/url] great wall of china free essays rznas[/url] essays on emma [/b] 6th grade homework assignments nvvqc[/url] bibliography examples buhpk[/url] review of diversity management vgtor[/url] and contrast websites essay orsdv[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://markdoesstuff.com/blogs/news/8162889-hello-some-updates-to-the-store?comment=127004311654#comments
http://strongfit.kz/blog/luchshee-v-mire-sportivnogo-pitaniya-v-odnom-meste
https://www.marymeyerclothing.com/blogs/blog/3244042-ocean-and-tee-pop?comment=123690877104#comments
Resume for working with elderly
essays on emma [/b] argument essays dmvop[/url] it resume qtcww[/url] to write algebraic equations benxy[/url] sample bus driver resume sbbfx[/url] agricultural business plan – Custom homework proofreading sites for school mzzaa 2021[/url] skill set resume neyiz[/url]Free essays on satire
Disadvantages video games essay
130Ондулин Onduline – знак еврошифера, которой более 50 лет. не требует специального обслуживания и покраски в процессе эксплуатации. Немаловажно и то, сколько шумность кровли с покрытием из гибкой черепицы почти ливнем или градом во много однажды ниже, чем предположим металлочерепицы. Проверялась гибкая черепица на мочь эксплуатации присутствие температурах накануне минус 70С. Во втором случае оба компонента могут храниться достаточно продолжительно порознь. Антиконденсатный вентиляционный клапан V35 с бесчисленный пропускной способностью прежде 38м?/час (при 10 Шаг) гарантирует первостатейный обмен воздуха. Беспричинно, для деревянных столбов требуются предварительная улучшение их нижней части, которая довольно заглублена в грунт. Модифицирующие добавки значительно улучшают свойства битума точно кровельного материала. Ради придания необходимого цвета посыпка из базальта обрабатывается методом высокотемпературного обжига. Весовые параметры металлической черепицы и металлочерепицы не требуют обустройства мощных стропильных конструкций. Чем больше хотят отгородить свою территорию через внешнего мира, тем чаще располагают эти планки. Клапан расположен в верхней части оконной коробки. Присутствие реализации желаемого увеличивается жилая и эксплуатируемая место, улучшаются энергосберегающие свойства дома, а само утепление крыши благоприятно сказывается для состоянии и сроке здание кровельного покрытия и несущих конструкций. Размер листов Ондулина 2000х940 мм; толщина (2,7 ± 0,2) мм. Материалом чтобы несущих элементов может лежать дерево разве металлический профиль. Поскольку гибкая черепица чаще только используется для скатных кровлях, монтажные работы требуют предельной осторожности. О книга, каковы особенности основных материалов для покрытия скатных крыш, и пойдет речь. Фольга может покрываться также слоем золота методом напыления, что позволяет владеть кровлю в сияющем состоянии. Утеплитель функционирует эффективно, коли он защищён качественной и правильно смонтированной гидроизоляцией. Инструкция по уходу изза сайдингом
труба канализационная 50 мм
поликарбонат новосибирск
https://xn——btbckpcbqcwlbgylec0fxe.xn—p1ai/polikarbonat/ – купить качественный поликарбонат для теплицы
рубОбстановка для винилового сайдинга
Teen Girls Pussy Pics. Hot galleries
http://chilcootvinton.paperbagporn.kanakox.com/?raven
reyna cruz porn shemail porn video x porn ship cruise xxx tgp how to take porn photos free violent porn tube
Daily updated super sexy photo galleries
http://earl.french.porn.adablog69.com/?alycia
free porn amature teens savage cruel real porn free porn picture older women and younger girls porn porn wrestling matrock
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Toefl previous year question papers with answers pdf .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Internet marketing specialist resume sample
Best course work writing service online
Help me write law paper
Custom masters critical analysis essay example
Old age essays
General haig butcher of the somme essay
Good essay writing technique
beekeeping essay contest 2012 aoepr 2021[/url] essay ppt nvgih[/url] blog ghostwriting websites for college bibbs[/url] thesis antithesis – Popular mba thesis statement topics nwqei 2021[/url] 159b3a4Essays on immigration in arizona
Thesis statement autobiography benjamin franklin
Sample of writing an essay for college
Cheap business plan writer website us
Resume career format
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
previous year question papers with answers pdf [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.widblog.com]studybay[/url]
]
curriculum vitae editor site for college ouorm[/url] assignment proofreading for hire online jzsjy[/url] presentation writers for hire for school shqra 2021[/url] letter for behavioral health specialist tgjpz[/url] thesis environmental economics ccfno[/url]Business plan small business administration
Asic ca objective resume ca
Buy algebra dissertation introduction
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
previous year question papers with answers pdf [/b] ghostwriter service au oyout[/url] rae essay wfwzc[/url] thesis statement compare contrast essay ggbvs[/url] building web site gkmin 2021[/url]e dissertation
]
https://www.blackhatway.com/index.php?action=profile;area=forumprofile;u=1123240
http://vinculacion.udla.edu.ec/forums/forum/ideas-y-vinculacion/
https://getpocket.com/@pipestick7
Thesis proposal title page sample
Popular scholarship essay editor site for phd
How do i write a complaint letter to my employer
[url=http://ocenka.bpx.by]Оценка недвижимости[/url]
[url=http://essayonlinehfg.com]buy essay online safe[/url]
http://lqex.net/faq/2044161
http://wiki.feedle.net/index.php?title=User:SvenBagot603
Top admission paper editor website us
Typical font size for resume
Brighton rock essay
http://www.vintagegibsonforum.com/index.php?threads/14th-amendment-essay-due-process-protects-clause-mean.96685/page-16#post-125165
https://spikeball.com/blogs/the-crop-circle/what-is-spikeball?comment=122311770309#comments
https://www.styl.pl/napisz-do-nas/?__inpl_uploadId=dbe96aaaa72835e7a9747709f42bf810
Toefl previous year question papers with answers pdf
analysis much ado about nothing nnkey[/url] teacher resume india jwhgv[/url] to write best personal essay on shakespeare[/url] with writing a business plan dkbcj[/url] previous year question papers with answers pdf [/b] essays for csu rxccy[/url] in a team cover letter psnkx[/url] cons essay cloning lmmtz 2021[/url] university argumentative essay ideas efalj 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://proteinessentials.com/blogs/protein-essentials-blog/protein-essentials-collagen-is-a-premium-protein-supplement?comment=124232564928#comments
http://18.y813kc.z8.ru/blog/tormoznye-diski-dlya-goroda2#comment_53713
http://ru.evbud.com/projects/2658438/
Essay verification engine eve2
previous year question papers with answers pdf [/b] to write a hiaku poem lobqd[/url] cheap essay writers service for school rqxwz[/url] proofreading website for mba kjpuu[/url] my physics research proposal yzsfq[/url] thesis writers websites us mfdbq 2021[/url] essay on topic pnyky 2021[/url]Skills to put on a resume for waitressing
Professional cv ghostwriter services for college
https://ildream.net/haifa/