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 PAPER WRITING HELP?
How to write an interesting essay introduction .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Achebe civil peace research paper
Professional essay writers canada
Best rhetorical analysis essay on pokemon go
Referencing a book in apa format
Thesis for research
Marcel pagnol le chateau de ma mere resume
Negative numbers homework
recruitment consultant cover letter ahecl 2021[/url] a formal outline for a research paper[/url] essay writer website uk wscnn[/url] for my top cheap essay on hillary clinton – Best bibliography ghostwriting for hire for university dmfbh 2021[/url] 45de431How to write the perfect marketing plan
How to write a resume for a minister
Custom biography proofreading site for university
Best movie review writing services uk
Help on doing a cover letter
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
to write an interesting essay introduction [/b] login[/url][url=http://studybay-com.arwebo.com]studybay[/url]
Medical record resume
homework editing website ca hgihh[/url] on peggy mcintosh white privilege dlcdf[/url] to compact a resume – Resume general de la planete des singes zwqiz 2021[/url] qa tester resume sample[/url] research papers laissez faire ocorn[/url]Habilidades para resume
Essay writing my ambition doctor
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
to write an interesting essay introduction [/b] repair business plan jaymk[/url] projects on resume rxvht[/url] mba essay ghostwriter site uk ledkv[/url] of internet essay in english uxisn[/url] pro[/url]jay p greene dissertation
https://disqus.com/by/essaypro36/
http://owp.valuesv.jp/wiki/index.php?title=5_Simple_Statements_About_Buy_Essay_Online_Explained
http://www.socialbookmarkssite.com/user/beertown0
Write a report about respecting others property as a punishment
Petit resume de les miserables
Top dissertation methodology ghostwriters service au
[url=http://profcredits.ru]профи кредит[/url]
[url=https://essaypro.me]pro essay[/url]
https://limettenaroma.pheon.de/community/profile/studybayscom/
http://www.swissant.com/forum/home.php?mod=space&uid=409000
Convenience manager resume
Popular school essay writers site gb
Help with statistics cover letter
https://ukvoiceforum.com/forums/topic/essay-writing-service-2020/page/72/#post-58492
https://www.suxinsu.com/blogs/news/7839455-la-suxinsu-de-drive?comment=125526048936#comments
http://seligerforum.ru/index.php?/topic/207032-a-visit-to-an-interesting-place-essay/page-11#entry2505901
How to write an interesting essay introduction
method essay nrlpo[/url] accomplishments for resume zdjnr[/url] article review editing sites for mba rycxl[/url] installer job description for resume[/url] to write an interesting essay introduction [/b] best essay writing service ca[/url] professional critical analysis essay on pokemon go xwhkc[/url] movie review ghostwriter service for phd rnkqd[/url] blog writers services for mba[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://ukvoiceforum.com/forums/topic/essay-writing-service-2020/page/72/#post-58502
https://forksonly.com/blogs/food-blog/hidding?comment=118170189953#comments
http://www.negociosenbrasil.org/?dwqa-question=richard-cory-by-edwin-arlington-robinson-essay
Custom research paper writer services online
to write an interesting essay introduction [/b] engineering coursework help tpfrt[/url] phd blog post sample htadl[/url] letter in latex template keghq 2021[/url] integration thesis[/url] thesis latex – Popular curriculum vitae ghostwriting service gb ibnll 2021[/url] kincaid essay england nlswk 2021[/url]Research proposal finance download
Catch 22 heller debatable thesis
Транспортировка сыпучих видов грузов. Доставка грузов по Россие любого предприятия. Мы готовы оформить договор о регулярном предоставлении транспортных услуг. Вы можете рассчитывать на регулярность и надежность наших услуг.для развозок в черте города, по пригороду, для переброски коммерческого груза с одного склада города на другой, при перевозке кладей частных собственников.Наши преимущества: снижение затрат на доставку грузов попутным транспортом в любом направлении по Россие; ежедневные доставка грузов по Россие более 2000 тонн позволяют нам улучшать качество нашей работы ежеминутно;Стоимость грузоперевозок по Россие за 1 км прежде всего зависит от следующих факторов:тип транспортируемого груза;длительность расстояния;тип используемого автомобиля; сложность погрузки и выгрузки; необходимость использования дополнительного оборудования; сопутствующие услуги логистической компании.Грузоперевозка Киев тяжелых и негабаритных предметов. Мы сотрудничаем с промышленными и строительными компаниями, для которых необходимость в такой услуге возникает регулярно. Постоянным клиентам предоставляются скидки.
газель
газель томск цены
https://gruzoperevozki-vtomske.ru/ – такси грузовое северск
Автоперевозки по Россие – особенности Автоперевозки по Россие. С проблемой доставки тяжелых грузов сталкивался каждый из нас. Особенно, когда дело касается автоперевозок по Россие. Каждый сам для себя решает этот вопрос, прибегая к услугам друзей или профессиональных компаний. Второй вариант в последнее время становится популярным, поскольку является более практичным и не таким уж дорогим.Для этих целей существует наш автопарк, состоящий из более чем 100 собственных, и более 500 арендованных автомобилей, расположенных в разных городах Россиы, Европы и Азии. Это и небольшие тентовые и крытые газели, и огромные самосвалы, зерновозы, контейнеровозы, рефрижераторы, и грузовики, предназначенные для перевозки длинномеров и негабаритных грузов.ПРОСЧИТАТЬ ПЕРЕВОЗКУ ГРУЗА В любой момент каждому человеку или предприятию может понадобиться услуга по грузоперевозке по Россие или международная доставка грузов. Чаще всего, для этого нужен специальный транспорт и профессиональный и ответственный водитель. В компании «Грузоперевозки В Томске» есть и то и другое.Транспортировка на международных направлениях. Наша компания имеет необходимые разрешительные документы не только для поездки в конкретную страну, но и для транзитной перевозки через все государства Азии и Европы.На базе этой системы будут созданы мобильное приложение и сайт, которые объединят большие и маленькие транспортные компании, а также отдельных людей, которые владеют одной или двумя грузовыми машинами, и, конечно, водителей-дальнобойщиков, которые также участвуют в этом процессе.
NEED ESSAY WRITING HELP?
Short essay about school life .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Pay for remedial math critical thinking
Song not a business plan lyrics
Sample cover letter for grad school application
Cheap assignment ghostwriters for hire for university
Custom homework proofreading service
Ecological systems theory essays
Esl papers writing site for phd
for welding mpwaa[/url] essay scholarship college nzshm[/url] on education in india compared to foreign nations qqzst[/url] skills examples – Sample resume for administrative assistant office manager imqtz 2021[/url] 6361915Pay for cheap dissertation
Trucking companies business plan
Custom school essay ghostwriter service for school
How to write a political platform
Curlopt upload curlopt resume from
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
essay about school life [/b][url=http://studybay-com.shotblogs.com]studybay[/url]
]
reports for second grade cfqfv[/url] liability essay full auth3 filmbay yniii nw html cfjao[/url] construction company business plan template oqjhu 2021[/url] essays proofreading website for masters[/url] papers a rose for emily foreshadowing utinv[/url]Pay to get physics article
Discrimination criminal justice system essay
College education resume format
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
essay about school life [/b] and heating cover letter lzkvr 2021[/url] to write an analytical essay on shakespeare[/url] definition essay proofreading websites for college nvfel[/url] to cite an article in apa format from a website qhhkk[/url]dissertation index
]
https://livebookmark.stream/story.php?title=5-simple-techniques-for-payday-loans-online#discuss
https://cameradb.review/wiki/Everything_about_essayprocom
https://gameduaxe.info/forum/profile.php?section=personality&id=591988
Cheap cover letter editing websites ca
Deviance sociology essay
Thesen der dissertation
]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro sign up[/url]
http://gacombine.cafe24.com/re/785593
http://www.auto-point.com/media/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=essaypro.co
Jr high research paper topics
Us withdrawal from vietnam essay
How to write an internal memorandum of law
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/454351-agrumentive-persuasive-essays-topics/#comment-2566312
https://www.babykidsale.com/product/minymo-skirt-lace-mesa-rose/#comment-370521
https://www.swd-clothing.com/blogs/rad-people/meet-ophelia-the-lil-skateboard-ripper-1?comment=123462418483#comments
Short essay about school life
review solid soil pollutants vcvzy[/url] persuasive essay pzckl 2021[/url] persuasive essay writer for hire for masters flfel 2021[/url] of development thesis zhkfw[/url] essay about school life [/b] course work help oumdc 2021[/url] letter for plumbing pfksk[/url] course work editor for hire ca wqioe 2021[/url] trainee cover letter sample twmja[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.wildlifewilly.com/topic/help-me-write-psychology-bibliography/
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/262552-write-math-dissertation.html#290950
https://forum.clubcivicquebec.com/topic/740832-caseworker-resume/
Do chinese students write essays
essay about school life [/b] career development center cover letter uogjt 2021[/url] essay writer website gb – How to write a good patent ynscc 2021[/url] cv profile sample wtzid[/url] business essay pzrow[/url] essay john proctor abigail williams urhtk 2021[/url] writing essay examples for kids exegp 2021[/url]Esl dissertation proofreading site for mba
Popular cheap essay proofreading sites for university
Особенности профессиональных полотенец ради гостиниц· аккуратным пошивом;
косметика для гостиниц
оснащение гостиниц текстилем
http://saspack.ru/store/tapochki – тапочки разовые для гостиниц
износоустойчив и долговечен;Классическим вариантом цвета гостиничного постельного белья является белый. Следовательно не стоит получать “сомнительные” изделия. Какое постельное платье используют люксовые отели и подобно встречать такое же
Best Nude Playmates & Centerfolds, Beautiful galleries daily updates
http://sibley.handjob.porn.miaxxx.com/?ayana
porn shaving videos anime porn user pass ski bunny porn jeff stryker porn femail porn star name list
Hot new pictures each day
http://seagirt.freepornm.hotnatalia.com/?kayli
free blonde milf porn spanking bad girls porn free porn video bbw red head alien porn video teenage lesabin porn