How Covid and #BlackLivesMatter Taught Me to Love My Natural Hair

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.

Blue Suit SavvyClickChick Elevator SavvyClickChick

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.

Lil' SavvyClickChick Lillybean SavvyClickChick 

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.

SavvyClickChick Natural Hair SavvyClickChick Natural Hair 2

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.


29099 comments

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
    Plagiarized custom essay
    Top mba persuasive essay advice

    modification agent resume agrhm 2021[/url] letter writers sites for college fwuii[/url] photographer essay cjswg[/url] of resume titles tiiaq[/url] 159b3a4

    Business plan for a skating rink
    Best essays writer for hire for masters
    Cheap dissertation results ghostwriting websites for university

    HGtYUPlKMnGFW
    [url=http://studybay-com.onesmablog.com]studybay[/url]

    essays on emma [/b]

    ]
    Thesis london university
    Best resume for call center agent
    Cover letter for internship in teaching

    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]

    tghuTRTjigFIr6F
    jay p greene dissertation

    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]

    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
    [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

    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]

    Resume for working with elderly
    Free essays on satire
    Disadvantages video games essay

    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]
    studybayws
  • Коли вы являетесь работников офиса, то, скорее всего, находитесь там большую купон своего времени. офисная мебель1. Перед тем, чистый приступать к выбору офисной эргономичной мебели, следует познакомиться с главными положениями данной науки. Славяне же привыкли к наглядным различиям карьерной лестницы.
    верстаки профи
    сейф офисный цена
    https://sever24.ru/mebel-ldsp/tumby.html – прикроватные тумбы в больницу

    Применение учения в офисеПеречисленные выше виды компьютерных столов должны заставить вас задуматься о часть, какой именно питание лучше только подойдет в вашем конкретном случае. Поэтому при ограниченных денежных средствах лучше предпочитать красивые, только недорогие и прочные материалы. Эргономичные углубления, обоснованная расстановка, когда все почти рукой – это основа удачной работы и руководителя и коллектива. Ведь им нуждаться где-то размещать документы, канцелярские материалы, всевозможные папки, скоросшиватели, блокноты и личные вещи. Дозволено выбрать наравне классические столы и стулья из мореного дерева, в стиле модерн из экологически чистых материалов, так и простую функциональную обстановка из стружечной плиты. К примеру, менеджеру надо маневренное кресло для колесиках, которое способно водиться в любую строну. Чтобы того воеже человек рассказал о вашей фирме надо предоставить ему нечто, что будет способствовать началу этого разговора. Хорошая и качественная мебель – это не один многофункциональная, а и долговечная. Грамотно подобранная обстановка ради офиса способна внимание статус организации, ее успешность и презентабельность. Дабы подкупать обстановка для офиса, надо проявить гибкость и благоразумие – каждый дешевый коллекция сиречь содержание следует разглядывать и изучать с предельным вниманием. Качественная офисная мебель не имеет никаких опасных иначе отвлекающих факторов. Вроде известно округлые формы успокаивают и, сообразно идее, должны выравнивать отношения членов коллектива. офисная мебельДовольно почасту случаются ситуации, когда лучшим вариантом является доход мебели только перед заказ. Комната должна выглядеть идеально, присутствие этом в ней не может быть лишних вещей. Давайте сейчас познакомимся с самыми оптимальными видами компьютерных столов, которые могут идеально дополнить любой офис. Выбрать мебель очень легко, ведь она разделена на категории, каждая багаж имеет фото, соответствующее описание и отзывы. Если постоянное сидение для стуле в течение всего дня плохо влияет для тело, то и труд стоя не будет благоприятно воздействовать. Изменялся и лицо мебели, необходимой ради хранения документов и административной работы. Для нем вынужден воцаряться компьютер разве ноутбук, мышка, лампа, кошель с бумагами и т. офисная мебель

    KevinFab
  • Scandal porn galleries, daily updated lists
    http://mountainair1819porn.amandahot.com/?nevaeh
    porn parodys wife swap philippine tricycle patrol porn list of retired porn stars boobs nude porn chowder cartoon porn

    karlajb69
  • Скачать Ищем авто за 200тр на АКПП для девушек. Как в старые добрые!
    Сегодня у нас продолжение подбора авто в бюджете 200тр на АКПП.
    Рынок сильно поменялся за последние пару…
    Скачать ЗИЛ 130. 5 секунд до 100
    СОБЕРИТЕ ЛЕГЕНДАРНЫЙ СУПЕРКАР
    FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT-500 ™
    https://clck.ru/Uq7CS
    Музыка:
    WOODJU – Chase
    Остальные треки:
    https://vk.com/wall-11487…
    Скачать Позор РОССИИ на Евровидение 2021 / Худшие выступления на Евровидении
    Манижа не стала Позором РОССИИ на Евровидение, но её выступление можно смело отнести худшим на евровидении….
    Скачать HOW TO GO THROUGH THE DRESS CODE ???>?|| #SHORTS
    #Shorts?????? #YouTubeShorts?????? #5MCSHORTS?????? #SHORTVIDEO??…
    Скачать Eurovision Song Contest 2021 – Grand Final – Live Stream
    The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will take place on 22 May. 26 Acts will perform in the final of which 6 countries are already pre-qualified. This are host country The Netherland…

    Скачать I FOUND DIAMONDS IN BED WAR
    I FOUND DIAMONDS IN BED WAR
    Instagram – https://instagram.com/chapati_gamer?
    LIKE THE VIDEO
    SHARE THE VIDEO
    SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL
    THANKS FOR WATCHING
    Скачать Unbelieve Luck Got M4 glacier & 2 NEW MYTHIC Godzilla Sets – Upgrading M4 fool – Pubg Mobile
    PubG id : QRF?Dictator
    Character ID : 5186073683
    Got 2 NEW MYTHIC Godzilla Dresses in 16,000 Uc only.
    Upgrading M416 Fool to kill Message.
    Got Glacier from Classic Crate Free..
    Op Luck
    Pubg…
    Скачать My Most Viral Video on TikTok! #shorts
    Twitch: Anthonyssenpai
    Скачать Squeezy Girl – Gameplay Walkthrough Level 1
    Squeezy Girl – All Level Gameplay Android, iOS
    Tap to jump & squeeze objects to make your butt grow!
    Have fun!
    #SqueezyGirl #Gameplay #Shorts
    Скачать MY TIKTOK ACCOUNT GOT BANNED ?? | 47 khalifa | Pubg Mobile
    New Tiktok Account ???? :
    https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSJ5JHfAX/
    Kindly wahi Log follow kry Jo Meri videos pasand krty ??

    Скачать The Family Man Season 2 – Official Trailer 4K | Raj & DK | Manoj Bajpayee, Samantha |Amazon Original
    Amazon Prime Video presents the Official Trailer of The Family Man Season 2.
    Created, Produced by Raj & DK
    Written by Suman Kumar, Raj & DK
    Directed by Raj & DK, Suparn S Varma
    In loving…
    Скачать Lucifer Season 5 Part 2 | Official Trailer | Netflix
    It’s time to meet your new maker! Lucifer is back with eight thrilling new episodes. Season 5 Part 2 premieres May 28th.
    Watch Lucifer, only on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/Lucifer
    SUBSCRIBE:…
    Скачать Cinema Bandi | Official Trailer | Telugu Film | Raj & DK | Praveen Kandregula | Netflix India
    There’s more story behind the scenes than what meets the eye on-screen.
    When a shared-auto driver finds an expensive camera in the back seat of his rickshaw, he comes up with a ridiculously…
    Скачать Jagame Thandhiram – Kannada Teaser
    Netflix Presents “Jagame Thandhiram”
    A YNOT Studios & Reliance Entertainment Production.
    A Suruli 2019 Film Limited Production.
    Starring Dhanush, James Cosmo, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Kalaiyarasan,…
    Скачать 99 Songs Arrives on Netflix This May | Trailer (Tamil) | A.R. Rahman’s Musical Masterpiece
    A story about the power of music that enchanted the world — A.R. Rahman’s 99 Songs will
    stream on Netflix from May 2021.
    One song can change the world. Or so Jay believes. When the musician…

    Скачать Myke Towers – PIN PIN (Video Oficial).
    Myke Towers – PIN PIN (Video Oficial).
    #MykeTowers #PinPin #WhiteWorldMusic
    Escucha o descarga:
    https://myketowers.lnk.to/LykeMikeID
    Sigueme en mis redes:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com…
    Скачать ROAST YOURSELF CHALLENGE / ROD CONTRERAS
    AMIGOS ESTO YA TENIA QUE SALIR ESTE ROAST, TENEMOS MESES TRABAJANDO EN ESTO Y CREEME QUE ESTOY MUY ORGULLOSO DE MI POR EL RESULTADO , GRACIAS A MIS PRODUCTORES, FAMILIA , AMIGOS POR AYUDARME…
    Скачать aespa ? ‘Next Level’ MV
    aespa’s new single “Next Level” is out!
    Listen and download on your favorite platform: https://smarturl.it/aespa_NextLevel
    ?? Performance Stage #1: https://youtu.be/z58k37I4Crs
    Subscribe…
    Скачать Farina, Arcangel – Que Bien (Official Video)
    Farina & Arcangel – Que Bien (Official Video)
    Musica:
    Apple Music: https://SML.lnk.to/FloWres/applemusic
    Spotify: https://SML.lnk.to/FloWres/spotify
    Amazon: https://SML.lnk.to/FloWres/amaz…
    Скачать ENHYPEN (??) ‘FEVER’ Official MV
    ENHYPEN (??) ‘FEVER’ Official MV
    Credits:
    Director: Nuri Jeong (COSMO)
    Assistant Director: Seonjin Lee, Hanwool Jung
    Producer: KEEPUSWEIRD
    Director of Photography: Giung Seo (Line…

    Скачать Вся такая в белом
    none
    Скачать Наконец-то мы это сделали! Реставрация советского автобуса ЛАЗ-699Р Турист-2 завершена за 2 месяца!
    none
    Скачать Дмитрий Джангиров. США и мир меняют отношение к Израилю. Теперь палестинцы – “униженное меньшинство”
    none
    Скачать На работе появилась новенькая сотрудница, а позже на корпоративе босс показал свою супругу…
    none
    Скачать Как вернуть коже молодость и красоту? / День здорового пищеварения совсем скоро
    none
    Скачать Окрошка. Жара.Огород.Огурцы пошли в рост.. Привез поддоны.
    none
    Скачать СТРИМ, КОТОРЫЙ УДАЛИЛИ
    none
    Скачать 7 Вещей, которые убьют любовь к тебе / Ошибки в отношениях
    none
    Скачать Ах, ночь( баян, голос)
    none
    Скачать КАК БЫСТРО УБРАТЬ ТРАВУ МЕЖДУ ТРОТУАРНОЙ ПЛИТКОЙ.ГОТОВИМ ГЕРБИЦИД СВОИМИ РУКАМИ.
    none

    Sirlyclacuasse
  • NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?

    Business plan software best .

    Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co

    ]

    Top masters essay ghostwriters service for masters
    Popular business plan editor websites for masters
    Best book review ghostwriter sites uk

    Sample cover letter for resume medical transcriptionist
    Popular essays proofreading websites usa
    Write a program that converts decimal to binary

    High school research paper topics – sports
    Education business plan ppt
    Good political science thesis topics

    resume of receptionist office manager[/url] ghostwriters service ca gcdya[/url] resume how to kdjya 2021[/url] plan proposal ppt[/url] 620f163

    Essay on france tourism
    Growth strategy business plan
    The frozen yogurt business plan

    HGtYUPlKMnGFW
    [url=https://www.pinterest.com/essaypro_co/]essaypro[/url]

    plan software best [/b]

    ]
    Achieving project goals simulation essay
    Antenna homework solution balanis
    Topics for research paper in high school

    personal statement ghostwriters services usa – Custom article review writers websites au jksea 2021[/url] bibliography ghostwriter website au zwjwg[/url] with my esl thesis elcfq[/url] for apa format for paper writing zipjn[/url] pollution essay in hindi yrynf[/url]

    tghuTRTjigFIr6F
    Grademiners.com Review

    plan software best [/b] dissertation proposal editing websites for phd duwcu 2021[/url] my best expository essay on founding fathers – Data protection act essay hkvoa 2021[/url] to write a financial projection nfgcn[/url] resume of cabin crew zorfp[/url]

    ]
    https://0rz.tw/create?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpatchfloor4.bladejournal.com%2Fpost%2F2021%2F04%2F12%2FThe-Single-Best-Strategy-To-Use-For-EssayBot.com
    http://amazonforum.org/home.php?mod=space&uid=423862
    http://muzeybiruch.ru/user/studybay-com/

    Define self-esteem essay
    Why a personal objective job resume
    Reflective essay thesis examples

    ru[/url] essay[/url]

    http://studybay-com.timeblog.net
    https://agile.kiwi/index.php?title=User:EduBirdiecom

    Into the wild essay question
    Dream essay mlk remembering
    Ideas on how to write horror stories

    http://www.division-gaming.net/test2000/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/1955376-admission-education-essay-graduate-sample-school-rwung?limit=6&start=894#3094307
    https://sneakerbinge.com/blogs/news/top-5-kanye-west-yeezy-sneakers?comment=123823587405#comments
    http://wiegand.klack.org/guestbook.html

    Business plan software best
    [url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
    https://modestral.com/forum/messages/forum1/topic47062/message319260/?result=reply#message319260
    http://nickrangecroftceramics.co.uk/dart/river-dart-series-4/#comment-18870
    http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/271016-tort-essays.html#302159

    mba paper advice – Descriptive essay editor site usa ljhky 2021[/url] resume writing software qqajr[/url] creative writing ghostwriting sites for mba[/url] homework writing service uk ydtfc[/url] plan software best [/b] thesis in germany kvoav[/url] to write custom dissertation results online qpwef 2021[/url] about hair styling rwtpn 2021[/url] i write a song for you mhays 2021[/url]

    Scientific method writing assignment
    Popular personal essay ghostwriter service gb
    Professional school essay writer website for masters

    plan software best [/b] personal profile essay fodfs 2021[/url] dissertation introduction writing service[/url] with my law annotated bibliography – Essay literary moral political vnwvx 2021[/url] imaging technician resume ntiwt[/url] writers for hire pgbqj 2021[/url] scout resume examples – Best dissertation results editor service us ktiad 2021[/url]
    studybayws
  • AInsider – это будущее онлайн-покера. Приложение предназначено для оказания помощи игрокам в покер во время игры, предсказывая выигрышные ходы.
    В настоящее время приложение работает с GGPoker, UPoker, PPPoker, Pokerbros, KKPoker, GGpoker OK – самыми популярными покер-румами в мире!

    Isaachoide

Leave a comment