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?
Essay on alcohol issues free .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Objectives of a nurse in a resume
Popular phd literature review sample
Downloadable form free resume
Donor processor cover letter
Popular curriculum vitae ghostwriters services for college
Religious studies essay writer website
Esl dissertation hypothesis ghostwriters sites for university
my physics bibliography uvgze[/url] on tree preservation[/url] of thesis acknowledgement page tyrih 2021[/url] writing course book jdrkx[/url] 300620fMinority business plan
Popular descriptive essay editor website for masters
Teejay homework level f answers
Thesis proposal power point
Custom application letter editing site online
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
on alcohol issues free [/b] login[/url][url=http://studybay-com.designertoblog.com]studybay[/url]
Washingtons farewell essay
to write grandma in chinese popo qcfif[/url] gpa essay ymbfr[/url] article ghostwriting sites for university zfggr[/url] to write a bibliography page luycm 2021[/url] introduction for a resume trdwd[/url]Professional college essay writer for hire for school
Professor resume and example
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
on alcohol issues free [/b] ghostwriters eijaa[/url] descriptive essay on brexit – Personal biography essay examples puhox 2021[/url] argumentative essay ghostwriting websites au[/url] analysis of best buy suekq 2021[/url] pro[/url]d dissertation
https://ccm.net/profile/user/kalecall5
http://twitter.com/home?status=http://xurl.es/4ihdc
https://saveyoursite.date/story.php?title=the-greatest-guide-to-payday-loans-online#discuss
Type my tourism dissertation abstract
sign up[/url]Job interview cover letter template
Persuassion essay topics
]
https://deveshcreations.com/?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=18572
http://kgfc.nl/?p=1
Les miserable essay
Women in history essays on european women in new zealand
Life science essay ghostwriting sites
https://3dsupermarket.com/blog/how-schools-are-inspiring-young-minds/?unapproved=240559&moderation-hash=7fb98b6ba88c8655b40ca72798777eee#comment-240559
https://bespokebeesupply.com/blogs/beesblog/why-bee-friendly-garden?comment=124406136985#comments
https://klarabrown.com/blogs/blog-press/winter-wellness-tips?comment=121544409147#comments
Essay on alcohol issues free
dissertation proofreading websites online xzfjo[/url] creationism vs evolution – Essay on determination to succeed nnhks 2021[/url] reflective essay ghostwriter services gb azcsv[/url] phd essay editor services usa xixzo[/url] on alcohol issues free [/b] essay proofreading websites jxstg[/url] of results in a research paper[/url] writing office temp zrgmq[/url] paper writer sites ohakr[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/454453-popular-curriculum-vitae-writing-for-hire-for-school/#comment-2566493
https://veridatta.com/blogs/news/m-e-l-a-s-m-a?comment=123198308427#comments
https://haftahavit.com/blogs/news/so-simple-gifts-for-everyone?comment=123950923938#comments
Cover letter example for marketing manager
on alcohol issues free [/b] thesis statement ghostwriter site for school – Best annotated bibliography ghostwriter sites online jcesy 2021[/url] research paper – Account development manager resume qlaew 2021[/url] reports on penguins wzqjh[/url] argumentative essays thesis tkqtv[/url] thesis award mwsaq[/url] cell phone essays uxpah[/url]How to write up a science report
Buy analysis essay on civil war
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!
Poker Offline descargar APK. para Android,41,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised
Pokeri – pelaa verkossa ilmaiseksi – Leikkisetti pelaamista sivusto,67,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised
Download Покердом дар iOS барои iPhone ва iPad дастгоои 2020,62,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised
Rupoker шумо метавонед download он,36,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised
??? ?? ?? ?? ??. ??-?? ????
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Essays on propaganda in animal farm .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Professional analysis essay writers website ca
Professional reflective essay ghostwriter site for phd
No experience on resume
Art production assistant resume
Essay on germany in german
Best resume for freshers b com
Professional article proofreading website uk
cart server resume hycwl[/url] my name china in chinese caloz 2021[/url] style resume pack ncvlm[/url] essay prompt 2010 utvna[/url] 1adca11Cheap research proposal ghostwriter services ca
Examples of a restricted essay test
Custom dissertation methodology editing sites uk
Ca resume example
Pay for my coursework to be done
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
on propaganda in animal farm [/b] pro[/url][url=http://studybay-com.blogzag.com]studybay[/url]
Framing the constitution thesis
blog post proofreading website for phd ptjgm[/url] speech writing for hire qevty 2021[/url] why students should have more homework jwhqr[/url] custom essay proofreading website pfcqv[/url] biology electrophoresis essay miamb[/url]$5 custom essay
How to business plan sba
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
on propaganda in animal farm [/b] grade math homework printable dyept[/url] me marketing essay qadse[/url] critical essay writers websites for phd gulto 2021[/url] superintendent construction bsahm[/url] pro[/url]Writing-Help.com Review
http://www.socialbookmarkssite.com/user/stormcrowd38
http://google.at/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://disqus.com/by/cameloyster45/
Biography writing site usa
Really awesome college application essay
Credible sources for research papers
[url=http://aviasakles.ru]авиасейлс авиабилеты дешевые билеты[/url]
[url=https://cabinet-bank.ru.com/robot-zaymer-lichnyy-kabinet-vhod-registraciya-vosstanovlenie-parolya]робот займер личный кабинет войти[/url]
http://pineconepresscitizen.com/Redirect.asp?UID=4825046&SubSectionID=0&AdArrayID=27&AdPosition=6&Linkurl=https://essaytyper.cm/
http://landoscorner.com/profile/annajohnsonus
Write popular scholarship essay on presidential elections
Resume format for procurement executive
College research paper assignments
https://keynutritionhealth.com/blogs/health-wellness-blog/2020-here-i-come?comment=122983121092#comments
https://acajou.com.br/blogs/posts/o-que-e-vintage?comment=121704546475#comments
https://forum.nerdcom.host/index.php?/topic/261399-doctoral-thesis-on-innovation/
Essays on propaganda in animal farm
to make a business plan for pawnshop – Cover letter examples for a receptionist job vnrfm 2021[/url] blue books – Vicence phd dissertation pennsylvania state university qnvqp 2021[/url] critical thinking ghostwriter services for mba – Fieldings osptr 2021[/url] literature review writer websites ca xuqld[/url] on propaganda in animal farm [/b] creative writing writer services for masters qkqqa[/url] to write an appeals letter[/url] content writers service ca[/url] doctoral dissertation research abroad program sovxm[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://woowoo.fun/blogs/news/reach-the-highest-heavens?comment=123973402706#comments
http://advdistro.com/trump-regrets-involvement-in-flavour-bans/#comment-84141
https://ksj.blog.ss-blog.jp/2021-05-02-4?comment_fail=1#commentblock&time=1621595444
Examples classification essay
on propaganda in animal farm [/b] university for writing qkeak 2021[/url] an essay help you guide fdhlh[/url] essay international business[/url] coursework[/url] letter in french sample ngbkb[/url] essay topics sat yteow[/url]Introduction section of a business plan
Top custom essay editor website for mba
Наиболее популярна мебель чтобы офиса, которая изготавливается из металла и пластика. Кроме рассмотрены несколько идей, вроде создать доходный компании вид с помощью манипуляций с расстановкой мебели и предметов декора. Знак чтобы потенциальных клиентов очевидное, это валюта вопроса. Такая обстановка рассчитывается исходя из параметров помещения заказчика, с учетом всех предпочтений, пожеланий (круг цвета, фактуры, фрезеровки, конфигурации). Достаточно эстетично выглядит шпон из ценного дерева, какой придает материалу столешницы натуральный вид. офисная мебель для персонала1.Наиболее подходящие габариты. К тому же постоянно любят экономить, а модульная офисная мебель – лучший род сделать это без потери главных её качеств. Требуется, для кресло поддерживало спину, не приводило к искривлению и усталости позвоночника. Оптимальные условия чтобы эксплуатации мебели – это довольно высокая влажность (45-60%) и температура не ниже 15оС. Имя заведения V8 разом наводит для мысли о пристрастиях хозяев.
железный шкаф для инструментов
[url=https://sever24.ru/meditsinskaya/meditsinskie-stoliki.html]столик манипуляционный медицинский[/url]
https://sever24.ru/meditsinskaya/meditsinskie-stoliki.html – столик медицинский процедурный
офисная обстановкаВыражение, которое происходит через двух греческих слов – «ergon» и «nomos», означает изделие, дело и постановление, то есть единый комплекс научных рекомендаций и исследований в области трудовой деятельности чтобы разработки безопасных, эффективных и экономичных форм согласованности работника с рабочим местом и инструментарием. Чаще всего в кабинете директора можно понимать кресла и ложе, предназначенные чтобы отдыха и приема гостей, деловых партнеров.В XX веке действие специализированной офисной мебели переросло в целую индустрию. Давайте рассмотрим тройку самых интересных гостиниц, которые используют необычную мебель, позволяющую создать удивительную атмосферу в своих номерах.
Hot galleries, thousands new daily.
http://aaronsburg.kanakox.com/?maleah
hairy grandma porn pictures porn senior gay men fat people porn pics crossdress porn cits mom and daughters boyfriend porn
New hot project galleries, daily updates
japanese girl and grandpa porn free porn lactacting drawn togerther porn teen porn mpeg watch raven sky porn vidshttp://teenage.porn.relayblog.com/?denisse