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 ?
Cover letter samples research analyst .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Post resume their
Bio and bio
Professional assignment editor site
Object oriented analysis and design research paper
Mba hr fresher resume models
Professional rhetorical analysis essay writers services usa
Best university essay ghostwriting websites ca
writing own wedding vows pfmdm 2021[/url] admission essay ghostwriter websites us[/url] essay paper topics snibg[/url] letter building surveyor wrvwc[/url] 431adcaGreat hook for college essay
Esl dissertation proposal proofreading websites for university
Best resume ever
Sample of language analysis essay
General outline of a cover letter
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
letter samples research analyst [/b][url=http://studybay-com.articlesblogger.com]studybay[/url]
]
to write a motivational book zczue 2021[/url] thesis statement examples xjrso 2021[/url] between classes essay todla[/url] my thesis njfcw[/url] for my professional school essay on hillary clinton – Popular biography writer websites for mba wyvmq 2021[/url]Help me write professional article review online
Research essay writing paper
Criminal law essay proofreading services
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
letter samples research analyst [/b] by sigmund freud nbexi[/url] reference number in cover letter npbef 2021[/url] and oracle and database and server and califoirnia uxhig[/url] on huckleberr[/url] pro[/url]chapter 1 introduction dissertation
http://wiki.openn.eu/index.php?title=We_Now_Have_The_Most_Notable_Tips_Concerning_School
http://jujumaow.com/space-uid-571972.html
https://www.webboard.luckybetvip.com/index.php?action=profile;area=forumprofile;u=62383
Esl creative writing writers websites for mba
Barney stinston resume
Sample compare and contrast essay questions
[url=http://author24.ru.com]автор 24 заказать работу в москве[/url]
[url=http://banki-samary.ru]банки самары[/url]
http://www.multiexterminadora.com.gt/fumigacion-de-restaurantes/
https://google.pt/url?q=https://loansolo.co
Coffee resume example
Write technical sales resume
How to write a job rejection letter
https://sky-snow-picture.blog.ss-blog.jp/2018-12-18?comment_fail=1#commentblock&time=1620901598
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/502486-word-2003-coursework/
http://anp.org.pk/archieves1/hoti-visits-mardan-hospital-2/?unapproved=1125875&moderation-hash=7a761baeee6cb039fef31239e6f70adc#comment-1125875
Cover letter samples research analyst
assignment writers websites for phd – Creative industries essay ktgdr 2021[/url] reflective essay ghostwriting sites ca ziykc 2021[/url] biology unit 5 essay help grrwf[/url] blog ghostwriting sites for phd tcdrb[/url] letter samples research analyst [/b] resume for government jobs umvfv[/url] b 2012 chemistry[/url] cover letter document submission bmjmq 2021[/url] to nursing essay[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://herpessupportgroup.org/forums/topic/type-my-best-admission-essay-on-civil-war/
http://nangstar.com/nangstar/blog/cmt-commerce-customizable-products?page=11824#comment-1071378
https://www.sreepurvillage.org/blogs/news/big-board-game-day?comment=123592048809#comments
Professional critical thinking writers for hire online
letter samples research analyst [/b] creative writing editing for hire for college nbaop[/url] policy analyst sample mxykc[/url] cover letters for application apvbh[/url] masters essay on civil war orpjj 2021[/url] essays about beowulf psrjq[/url] cover letter for singer gseui 2021[/url]Two-sided argumentative essay
Sample english regents essays
https://impact-tracker.thebureauinvestigates.com/sites/default/files/attachments/123movies-guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-123movies.pdf
https://impact-tracker.thebureauinvestigates.com/sites/default/files/attachments/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-123movies-hd.pdf
https://impact-tracker.thebureauinvestigates.com/sites/default/files/attachments/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-download-just-here.pdf
https://impact-tracker.thebureauinvestigates.com/sites/default/files/attachments/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-free-download-tv09.pdf
https://impact-tracker.thebureauinvestigates.com/sites/default/files/attachments/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-in-this-movie.pdf
https://impact-tracker.thebureauinvestigates.com/sites/default/files/attachments/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-streaming-4khd-2mok.pdf
https://impact-tracker.thebureauinvestigates.com/sites/default/files/attachments/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-streaming-mk2.pdf
https://impact-tracker.thebureauinvestigates.com/sites/default/files/attachments/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3-watch-online-dub.pdf
https://impact-tracker.thebureauinvestigates.com/sites/default/files/attachments/guardians-of-the-galaxy-volume-3-123movies.pdf
https://ok.ru/video/5478590712326
https://www.vingle.net/posts/5793913
https://telegra.ph/ds-wetew-tewt-wet-w-05-05
https://foorum.naistekas.delfi.ee/read.php?28,14797888
https://www.mixily.com/event/3072912049432489967
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/vDEAv6
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/BXvodA
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/LRk51r
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/qe2L1R
https://foorum.naistekas.delfi.ee/read.php?28,14797864
https://foorum.naistekas.delfi.ee/read.php?28,14797866
https://foorum.naistekas.delfi.ee/read.php?28,14797868
https://foorum.naistekas.delfi.ee/read.php?28,14797870
https://www.vingle.net/posts/5793692
https://www.mixily.com/event/5698235025687917970
https://www.schooltube.com/channel/Guardians+of+the+Galaxy+Vol.+3+Online+Free+Download/300180402
https://www.schooltube.com/channel/Watch+Guardians+of+the+Galaxy+Vol.+3+Full+Movie+Online+Free/300180522
https://www.schooltube.com/channel/Guardians+of+the+Galaxy+Vol.+3+Watch+Online+Free/300180822
https://www.vingle.net/posts/5793343
https://telegra.ph/set-3w-w-wwet-wtw-05-05
https://foorum.naistekas.delfi.ee/read.php?28,14797754
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JvEXnd
https://www.medicinewheelride.org/group/my-site-group/discussion/1fdfe820-d986-4fae-890f-61414ceac539
https://www.techalleydenver.org/group/startup-entertainment-events/discussion/6873dd33-a20b-4cfa-9849-b756171877e7
https://www.tsgc-1-1.com/group/mysite-231-group/discussion/0ab001cb-8ceb-41ec-b39e-23e690c88f1c
https://www.sturgeonriveroutfitters.com/group/sturgeon-river-outfi-group/discussion/0f54c938-8fdc-4a82-9107-e06cb8e96f70
https://fr.sstqb.com/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/afd23dbc-a039-4fb0-b2ef-8e8daa0923bf
https://www.medicinewheelride.org/group/my-site-group/discussion/44098d5e-91a0-4874-a364-72277b0b0485
https://www.techalleydenver.org/group/startup-entertainment-events/discussion/76daaea6-c4ca-4e3e-a386-dc80e193afb4
https://www.tsgc-1-1.com/group/mysite-231-group/discussion/e74cba8a-90e5-47c2-af7b-eeac8d8026dc
https://www.sturgeonriveroutfitters.com/group/sturgeon-river-outfi-group/discussion/e5824f0c-7ee0-45b0-b272-4427f0a7a566
https://fr.sstqb.com/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/97aa75f5-7fbb-48fe-94d5-61acb31d8b30
https://www.medicinewheelride.org/group/my-site-group/discussion/6ca3f4a3-bb8c-4aa7-98c5-00389dc784b6
https://www.techalleydenver.org/group/startup-entertainment-events/discussion/8cb6683a-4cc2-4a81-8020-d67ab5cbf638
https://www.tsgc-1-1.com/group/mysite-231-group/discussion/fc183cb4-c9bd-45a8-ab9a-ad885c8ad670
https://www.sturgeonriveroutfitters.com/group/sturgeon-river-outfi-group/discussion/2939c894-2b76-495b-b13b-28ac387db107
https://fr.sstqb.com/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/fd441391-b4f7-4b88-90ac-4e4c0f5c8a53
https://www.medicinewheelride.org/group/my-site-group/discussion/47b0fd68-eee3-4b30-b77e-2de507be8473
https://www.techalleydenver.org/group/startup-entertainment-events/discussion/3c809fd1-b333-4665-9e64-b9f7ad1e50d2
https://www.tsgc-1-1.com/group/mysite-231-group/discussion/64e6a367-bd47-4852-9083-58c91452670a
https://www.sturgeonriveroutfitters.com/group/sturgeon-river-outfi-group/discussion/458359f4-9bcc-405c-b834-7b92ca0f980f
https://fr.sstqb.com/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/2e9b843d-6099-4362-aba7-56e8ec95b916
https://www.medicinewheelride.org/group/my-site-group/discussion/e4dff837-35f0-40b5-926c-474bcfa01d29
https://www.techalleydenver.org/group/startup-entertainment-events/discussion/3c809fd1-b333-4665-9e64-b9f7ad1e50d2
https://www.tsgc-1-1.com/group/mysite-231-group/discussion/dd31009b-58b9-4144-95c9-13b955f2ac52
https://www.sturgeonriveroutfitters.com/group/sturgeon-river-outfi-group/discussion/458359f4-9bcc-405c-b834-7b92ca0f980f
https://fr.sstqb.com/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/a36e4276-027d-4d50-8bc5-7b4db7761922
https://www.medicinewheelride.org/group/my-site-group/discussion/abae2b8b-0761-4c32-a5bc-368e63f582cb
https://www.techalleydenver.org/group/startup-entertainment-events/discussion/3c36bd9c-c67d-4092-883e-57f697785741
https://www.tsgc-1-1.com/group/mysite-231-group/discussion/6d03110a-3b5d-4668-840b-d32ac41af32d
https://www.sturgeonriveroutfitters.com/group/sturgeon-river-outfi-group/discussion/552dee5a-9c19-4389-84d1-4800e7d675a6
https://fr.sstqb.com/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/b83d332b-f22f-41b6-82c3-fc560e7ae285
https://www.medicinewheelride.org/group/my-site-group/discussion/1b0e8726-64f3-4cc0-886a-f528ccedee6f
https://www.techalleydenver.org/group/startup-entertainment-events/discussion/a473a931-04ab-4442-bdce-0d921aa73b15
https://www.tsgc-1-1.com/group/mysite-231-group/discussion/1cf6a58d-23fd-4dcb-857c-471aed00c012
https://www.sturgeonriveroutfitters.com/group/sturgeon-river-outfi-group/discussion/008c9caa-ccac-40a9-b71c-7cf84b6469d7
https://fr.sstqb.com/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/bab11571-23e1-49b0-b770-819bf324dd65
https://www.medicinewheelride.org/group/my-site-group/discussion/a9de4c90-27b4-413e-8c72-cf85b18b3160
https://www.techalleydenver.org/group/startup-entertainment-events/discussion/fcdd7d6d-481c-453b-bd0a-3569b4b9c6a3
https://www.tsgc-1-1.com/group/mysite-231-group/discussion/b5e32df7-292e-49c6-85ec-e9b2f71fe3a0
https://www.sturgeonriveroutfitters.com/group/sturgeon-river-outfi-group/discussion/54274a2e-eee6-48d6-9a21-85ead88f507a
https://fr.sstqb.com/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/bc498081-f312-4104-a93f-b710b78e594c
https://www.vingle.net/posts/5789084
https://www.justgiving.com/team/dfkjpogjropt
https://telegra.ph/he-yery-eryery-eryeryerye-05-04
https://ok.ru/video/5465783994886
https://foorum.naistekas.delfi.ee/read.php?28,14795544
https://codepen.io/toyera2200/pen/ExdojJp
https://sway.office.com/x47cGcFspagT7iA4