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?
Write my custom analysis essay on brexit .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Resume serice
Ap biology essay cell communication
Write a report on fire
Custom persuasive essay ghostwriting site gb
Resume of concrete engineer
Top literature review editor site for masters
Fedex free resume
women entrepreneurs essay gnmbw[/url] descriptive essay writing site for university gxccd[/url] future work xtfic 2021[/url] broglie phd-thesis pdf gvgwt[/url] 5de431aHelp with my professional phd essay on hacking
Resume and bio data
Resume biologist researcher
Essayer de faire tenir une tige sur une bouteille
Professional development consultant resume
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
my custom analysis essay on brexit [/b] login[/url][url=http://studybay-com.ampedpages.com]studybay[/url]
Esl movie review editing site au
my world literature application letter fxgqe 2021[/url] custom essay ghostwriters for hire us vfttn[/url] app essay questions examples[/url] founding fathers a reform caucus in action essay onhny[/url] essay on man annotation help ioseb[/url]Alexa norton resume 082011 docx
Esl analysis essay editor website for mba
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
my custom analysis essay on brexit [/b] resume customer care baptn[/url] essays ypzpr[/url] writing format ppt nvuyy 2021[/url] essayah wiki – Moral values essay qqzyu 2021[/url]DoMyEssay.net Review
]
https://telegra.ph/Little-Known-Facts-About-essaypro-essay-writing-service-11-16
http://musikayf.ru/user/essaytyper-com/
https://king-wifi.win/wiki/A_Simple_Key_For_Payday_Loans_Online_Unveiled
Is wind power green essays
essay usa[/url]Biology homework help online
Professional analysis essay editor service for masters
[url=http://aviasakles.ru]авиа сейлс[/url]
http://185.144.159.152/forum/profile.php?id=14484
https://www.dumankayahifit.com/index.php?action=profile;u=23763
My school essay in english for kids
Resume format business analyst fresher
Ielts general writing task 2 band 9 sample
http://seligerforum.ru/index.php?/topic/207032-a-visit-to-an-interesting-place-essay/page-10#entry2504034
http://www.vintagegibsonforum.com/index.php?threads/14th-amendment-essay-due-process-protects-clause-mean.96685/page-3#post-124824
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/467983-how-to-write-numbers-out-on-a-check/
Write my custom analysis essay on brexit
to quote a movie apa style xvhgr[/url] esl literature review bjksz[/url] cheap essay writer site for mba dwbwq[/url] essay defining love qopyw 2021[/url] my custom analysis essay on brexit [/b] personal assistant resume samples dlrud 2021[/url] report ghostwriters sites usa – Pedro paramo essay mxhmj 2021[/url] essay ghostwriters site uaaab 2021[/url] thesis statement space exploration tczys[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://wap.whycj.cn/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=664606&extra=
http://www.0909j.com/mb/kagawa/kuchikomi/confirm.php?sid=5ed3f7372f115e70d171f97c6b7a0e43
https://www.eliaatours.com/pure-luxe-in-punta-mita/#comment-136146
Best descriptive essay writer website
my custom analysis essay on brexit [/b] and effect essay paper yjhkn[/url] cover email fjuzp[/url] on keeping animals in zoos hvwvu[/url] letter for researcher vueep 2021[/url] statement definition paper rhgfl 2021[/url] and formats for a resume qwdwb[/url]Which essay company is best
Write a lewis structure for each of the following
Вы можете заказать кухни по индивидуальным размерам или выбрать нужный вариант из официального каталога 2018-2019. Кухни Виза ответит на все интересующие вопросы, оформит выезд дизайнера на удобное для вас время. Это бесплатно!
[url=https://kuhnivisa.ru/fasady/]https://kuhnivisa.ru/fasady/[/url] Наша компания занимается производством качественных кухонных гарнитуров в традиционном стиле и в стиле модерн. Мы работаем в этом рынке с 2008 года. За это время сумели собрать команду больших профессионалов, создать материальные и технические условия для того, чтобы кухни на заказ нашей компании имели отличные функциональные и эстетические показатели.
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Best research paper editing site online .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
How to write a museum review
Write a letter to your friend describing the most popular pastime in russia
Writing will online
English literature a level coursework ideas
Professional essays writing site ca
Sample essay for academic writing
University essay writer website us
relocate[/url] essay concerning toleration john locke apamk[/url] ranching and farming business plan kpqlz[/url] for pa school pggwb[/url] 0f16361Lesson write opinion essay
Professional school thesis statement topic
Essay about the differences between american and british english
How to write a fairy tale story
Apa format citation book generator
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
research paper editing site online [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.mpeblog.com]studybay[/url]
]
a program that computes the area of a circle of radio mctao 2021[/url] rescue ucalgary tnkpc[/url] format for lecturer in engineering college epdmk 2021[/url] letter and resume stapled jvjks[/url] rhetorical analysis essay ghostwriter for hire for university ehiyh[/url]Custom application letter proofreading site for mba
Cover letter writing for employment
Concerning jews essay
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
research paper editing site online [/b] to write a curriculum vitae for a physician[/url] to write a sales agreement for a car lsvue[/url] to write a funny poem that rhymes vmzcy[/url] thesis statement emkrl[/url]dissertation lab
]
https://visual.ly/users/gardnerbolton057769/portfolio
https://historyhub.history.gov/external-link.jspa?url=https://colorcirrus28.mystrikingly.com/blog/payday-loans-online-usa-fundamentals-explained
https://gitlab.pagedmedia.org/drainspade67
Top university essay editing services gb
Top phd essay examples
Bank entry finance level resume
[url=http://banki-samary.ru]банк самары[/url]
[url=https://vk.com/avtor24_ru]Аuthor24[/url]
https://sense-tv.com/essaypro-com-essaypro-essay-review/
https://olin.wustl.edu:443/EN-US/Events/Pages/EventResults.aspx?title=events&calendar=emba+calendar%25253bexecutive+programs+calendar&referrer=https://essaypro.me/
Cover letter example teacher39s aide
Resume iit bombay
How to write a receipt letter
https://kvasnickas.com/blogs/financie/oplati-sa-este-refinancovat?comment=122144587835#comments
http://teka-house.com.ua/products/mnml2-forum-l#comment_59327
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/470222-a-title-page-in-apa-format-has-the-words-running-head-typed-on-it/
Best research paper editing site online
descriptive essay ghostwriter websites for school slkee[/url] writing website for phd tiylf[/url] critical analysis essay ghostwriting site for school fuoii[/url] essays on ufos yeqds[/url] research paper editing site online [/b] to write sql query within query rkrpr[/url] for esl school essay on lincoln venxl[/url] cover letter example[/url] content ghostwriting websites for mba hqooa[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://ipet-hk.com/forum/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=332312&pid=658845&page=245&extra=page%3D1#pid658845
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/263139-start-essay-introduction-global-warming.html#291760
https://www.interstatehdu.com/blogs/news/new-menu-item?comment=121208668310#comments
Cover letter writers site gb
research paper editing site online [/b] content ghostwriting site for college – Sheri metzger an essay on fences ngjvc 2021[/url] and terrorism essay – Creating a business plan for a consulting business sreqk 2021[/url] proposal writers site ca mgnvt[/url] hobbies and interests for resume tqyvk 2021[/url] and second grade book reports nhzyh[/url] essay introduction jgyrj[/url]Thesis of the worst hard time
Custom case study writers websites online
Стрельба по тарелочкам Устройте импровизированные соревнования в стрельбе по тарелочкам — ей могут работать даже дети через 12 лет и те, кто прежде николи не держал ружья.Перформанс Перформанс объединяет квест и театральное представление.Койкогда мы настолько заняты, что пренебрегаем даже своими сокровенными желаниями.Устройте с друзьями переход между населенными пунктами, поход сообразно горам, по лесу.Угроза давать в творческую мастерскую
детские праздники день рождения отметить
детский день рождения где
https://arendavolgograd.ru/ – снять помещение для дня рождения
Караоке-бар Спойте с друзьями любимые песни в караоке-баре.Цены для тур на выходные с проживанием начинаются через 10000 рублей после одного человека.Если ваша семейство и друзья в восторге через классической сиречь современной музыки, берите пачку билетов на лучшие круг и проведите вечер с любимыми исполнителями.Средняя цена одной дорожки для игры — 600–1000 рублей.Фестиваль рок-звезд? Звездных воинов? Отважных пиратов сиречь увлеченных археологов? А может, вы хотите переместиться в недавнее прошлое и воссоздать ретро-стиль? Найдите интересную тему, и она подскажет, как одеться, забавляться, который питаться и пить.
Мы готовы предложить Вам:
— организацию конференций и семинаров «под ключ»;
— кейтеринговые услуги, а также аренду необходимого оборудования (посуда, текстиль, мебель, кофе-машины и т.д.);
— аутсорсинг персонала (предоставление официантов, поваров, стюардов);
— индивидуальные экскурсионные туры по большому Сочи, морские прогулки на яхтах и катерах ВИП класса вдоль побережья Большого Сочи;
— проведение корпоративных мероприятий, тимбилдингов;
— профессиональных ведущих;
— широкую базу артистов, музыкантов и шоу-балетов;
— звуковое, световое и видеооборудование;
— праздничный декор, услуги флористов;
— транспортные услуги, в том числе: аренду а/м от эконом до ВИП класса с водителем, трансфер и т.д.
https://imperia-sochi.one/ploshhadki/restorany/baikal/ Наша компания предлагает несколько вариантов наполнения столов для кофе-брейка на бизнес-мероприятиях, мастер-классах и тренингах. Это дает возможность выбрать ту версию угощений, которая подчеркнет характер события, порадует гостей и создаст позитивный имидж компании.
Также, учитывая сезонность и пожелания заказчика, мы составляем меню идеальных комплексных корпоративных обедов, которые готовятся на наших собственных точках общепита и доставляются в назначенное время.
Приезжайте в магазин автостекла IAUTOGLASS! У нас Вы можете в кратчайшие сроки купить и установить новое автостекло в Кунцево, заменить, отремонтировать поврежденное, разбитое стекло вашего автомобиля.
https://iautoglass.ru/avtosteklo-great-wall/ У нас всегда можно подобрать и купить лобовое, боковое, заднее автостекло. Широкий ассортимент автостекол компании IAUTOGLASS включает продукцию ведущих мировых производителей (Pilkington, Sikurit, Nordglass, AGC, Бор и др.). У нас вы можете купить автостекла для иномарок так и для большинства автомобилей отечественного производства.