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?
Where to upload resume in linkedin .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Custom writing help
Resume help for esl teachers
American dream 1920s essay
Putting quotes in essays
Of middle school expository essay
Custom scholarship essay ghostwriting sites us
Professional home work writing website for mba
cv covering l[/url] writing engineer – Type my best essay on hillary clinton kviep 2021[/url] on communism – Resume with cover letter for fresher ywsgv 2021[/url] study editing xjzgp[/url] 0620f16Doris lessing essay
Math online homework helper
Oversoul essay emerson
Thematic essays on geography
Popular curriculum vitae ghostwriters sites for phd
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
to upload resume in linkedin [/b][url=https://loansolo.business.site/]loansolo[/url]
]
for printing manager awonb[/url] to write hylian ccolb 2021[/url] chopin essay uejys[/url] phrases for essay writing in english rauco[/url] question for the outsiders wklex[/url]Northrop grumman resume writing
How to write college application
Web design essay
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
to upload resume in linkedin [/b] resume ecvpp 2021[/url] to write calculus content ilwco[/url] letter formats for aamuq 2021[/url] examples for restaurant work hsurk[/url]tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertation paper
]
https://marvelvsdc.faith/wiki/We_Have_The_Very_Best_Suggestions_About_College_or_university
http://wikitent.com/The_Ultimate_Guide_To_Weight_Loss/index.php?title=Top_EduBirdie_Secrets
http://www.astro.wisc.edu/?URL=polandtuna6.mystrikingly.com/blog/exceptional-advice-for-those-who-are-college-or-university-limited
Free design a resume
Custom masters creative writing sample
Popular dissertation introduction editor service for university
]
[url=http://xn——htbcnhwhkni.xn—p1ai]топ банков по кредитам[/url]
https://pandaslot.net/ps/profile.php?id=8477
http://allemonde.com/media/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=essayshark.review
Sample resume for general labour position
Andrew ng resume stanford
College admissions essay title
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/277914-cause-and-effect-essay-on-substance-abuse.html#311486
http://intersavegame.co.uk/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1868587&p=2375725#p2375725
https://www.skylakeranch.com/blogs/recipe-blog/gardening-101-pomegranate-kier-holmes?comment=124461482095#comments
Where to upload resume in linkedin
of college application essay questions sgrjj 2021[/url] music dissertation methodology – Creative editing service ca ptnaz 2021[/url] of outlining an essay pecie[/url] templates for homeland security euzgd 2021[/url] to upload resume in linkedin [/b] university essay proofreading website online yruja 2021[/url] essay for myspace bulletin space xnirg 2021[/url] my communication article tndba[/url] director marketing resume eocla[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://www.chitea.com.au/blogs/news/109061575-taiwan-tea-house?comment=122946322605#comments
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/453268-paradise-lost-essays-free/?page=2#comment-2607710
http://herpessupportgroup.org/forums/topic/cheap-dissertation-hypothesis-writing-website/
How to write html code for a website
to upload resume in linkedin [/b] to do top rhetorical analysis essay on lincoln hnodq[/url] statement for money rqmaq[/url] of essays on popular music[/url] summary for graphics designer qchwc 2021[/url] research paper proofreading websites ca nvely 2021[/url] blog ghostwriter for hire uk woyjs[/url]Pay to get geology biography
Reflections on the guillotine an essay on capital punishment
Browse over 500 000 of the best porn galleries, daily updated collections
you porn deutsche hausfrauen brittany sky porn vids psychology pregnant porn pokemon hentai porn porn body stockinghttp://pornsitereviews.xblognetwork.com/?antonia
Скачать ШКОЛО БЛОГЕРЫ
? РЕКЛАМЫ ПОКА НЕТ!
Поддержать автора копейкой: https://www.donationalerts.com/r/neomarazm
Моя телега: https://t.me/neomarazm
Рекл…
Скачать Самый Брошенный город / Воркута / Как живут в мертвеющих посёлках / Лядов с Места событий
??? Получи 90 тыс на обучение профессии Fullstack-разработчик на Python в SkillFactory : https://clc.am/jE8cMA
Закажите бесплатн…
Скачать Фантастические твари и сколько они получают
Скорее всего вы даже не знаете имён этих людей. Они не известны, они не талантливы, они не популярны. Но сейча…
Скачать Денис Дорохов | Мне смешно
Начните своё обучение с GeekBrains прямо сейчас: https://gb.ru/link/H7v7pa
__________
Мне смешно – это познавательно-развлекател…
Скачать SCP ГОРКА ПОЖИРАТЕЛЬ 10 СПОСОБОВ ПРОНЕСТИ СЛАДОСТИ 100 слоев еды челлендж
Предыдущее видео – https://youtu.be/Jv9VFh6FfJk?
Следующее видео – совсем скоро на канале АлоЯ Вера
SCP горка пожиратель…
Скачать NINGUEM FOI NO ANIVERSARIO DA BRUXA BOA E ELA FICOU MUITO TRISTE NO MINECRAFT
?Instagram: @lr_amandinha
https://www.instagram.com/lr_amandinha/?hl=pt-br
?? ME ENVIE CARTINHAS E PRESENTES !
Caixa Postal: 6003
CEP: 86060-000
LONDRINA – PR
Скачать ?? GEMANDO A CONTA DO TOP 1 GLOBAL?? LOUD MEGA FT FLUXO APELAPATO?? FREEFIRE AO VIVO – LIVE
Скачать MSI 2021: Fase de Grupos – Dia 1
MSI 2021: acontece de 6 de Maio a 23 de Maio com transmissoes AO VIVO no YouTube, na Twitch e na Nimo TV as 10h (Horario de Brasilia).
Jogos do dia:
Jogo 1 – 10h: DWG KIA (DK) x Cloud9…
Скачать fortnite mas… SEM CONSTRUCAO !!!
Obrigado por assistir mlkda, tmj! Deixa seu LIKE ??
Use o codigo DARYKITO ??
ad
——————————————————————————————————-
Me siga:
?? – @Daryki
…
Скачать minecraft mas os minerios viraram blocos de minerio
MEU INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/oluis_santana/
???? Participante: @O Acucar
?? DATAPACK: https://www.planetminecraft.com/data-pack/ores-to-blocks/
?? Pichau:…
Скачать Velozes & Furiosos 9 – Trailer 2 Oficial (Universal Pictures) HD
Breve nos cinemas.
Curta a Universal Pictures no Facebook: www.facebook.com/universalpicturesbr
Siga nosso perfil no Instagram: www.instagram.com/universalpicsbr
Siga nosso perfil no Twitter:…
Скачать The Best Upcoming ACTION Movies 2021 (Trailers)
Top Upcoming Action Movies 2021 & 2022 Trailer Compilation | Subscribe ? https://abo.yt/ki | More https://KinoCheck.com
Included in this compilation are
00:00 The Best Upcoming ACTION Movies…
Скачать STRANGER THINGS Season 4 Trailer Teaser (2021)
STRANGER THINGS Season 4 Trailer Teaser (New 2021) Stranger Things 4
© 2021 – Netflix
Скачать Invocacao do Mal 3 – A Ordem do Demonio | Trailer Legendado
#InvocacaodoMal3
Assista ao novo trailer de Invocacao do Mal 3 – A Ordem do Demonio
No nosso site, voce pode saber mais sobre as medidas de seguranca adotadas por cada rede de cinema…
Скачать Disney’s Cruella | Origin
Discover the Origin of Cruel. See #Cruella in theaters and on #DisneyPlus with Premier Access May 28. Additional fee required.
Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in…
Скачать Antes Que Te Vayas – MTZ Manuel Turizo | Video Oficial
Antes Que Te Vayas – MTZ Manuel Turizo
Escucha mi nueva cancion ? https://ytrocket.ffm.to/amorencoma.knd/youtube
Escucha lo nuevo de Valentino ? https://ytrocket.ffm.to/suelta.knd/youtube…
Скачать Andy Rivera – Me Haces Falta Video]
Suscribete: http://primo.vi/AndyRiveraYT
Andy Rivera – Me Haces Falta Video]
?? Stream/Download:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2BHBgpW
iTunes: http://primo.vi/SyKYuI
Apple Music:…
Скачать Snow Tha Product || BZRP Music Sessions #39
Snow Tha Product || BZRP Music Sessions #39
Lyrics by: https://www.instagram.com/snowthaproduct
Beat by: https://www.instagram.com/bizarrap
Mix by: https://www.instagram.com/evlay_
…
Скачать Jordan
Provided to YouTube by Believe SAS
Jordan · Ryan Castro · Bryan David Castro Sosa · Bryan David Castro Sosa · Santiago Orrego Gallego “SOG” · Daniel Pineda Foronda “cocaine beats”…
Скачать Lenny Tavarez, Zion & Lennox – Me Enamora (Official Video)
Follow me
instagram @LennyTavarez
facebook.com/LennyTavarezTM
twitter @LennyTavarezTM
Скачать Спасибо
Provided to YouTube by Believe SAS Спасибо · Idris & Leos Supreme XL ? Zhara Music / Siyah Music Released on: 2019-04-05 …
Скачать ЧАРЛИ Вернулся за ЛЕДИ БАГ в Roblox Роблокс Создаю ПОКАЗ МОД Школу Маринетт Fashion Famous Валеришка
#роблокс #roblox #валеришка НАША ГРУППА В ВК https://vk.com/club114289294 Валеришка Сим это развлекательный …
Скачать 12 пранков и лайфхаков с туалетной бумагой
Инструменты и материалы: • Белая мастика • Скалка • Стек для лепки • Упаковка от Ментоса • Туалетная бумага …
Скачать ??РАБОЧИЙ БАГ НА ГЕМЫ В БРАВЛ СТАРС? КАК БЕСПЛАТНО ПОЛУЧИТЬ ГЕМЫ 2020?
В этом видео я проверяю коды на гемы! 0Вк – https://bit.ly/2XdIM6X 0Профиль – https://bit.ly/3eVbNKw 0Инстаграм …
Скачать Шахматы Для Всех. КЛУБНЫЙ БЛИЦ-ТУРНИР + ИГРА СО ЗРИТЕЛЯМИ (06.05.21)
1. Когда проходят прямые трансляции на канале “Шахматы Для Всех”: Они проходят по четвергам в 20:00 МСК 2. Кто ведёт …
Скачать ПОШЛИ в МАГАЗИН ! Давид Не УМЕЕТ ПОКУПАТЬ ! Для детей Kids Children
ПОШЛИ в МАГАЗИН ! Давид Не УМЕЕТ ПОКУПАТЬ ! Для детей Kids Children Это поучительное видео для маленьких …
Скачать У каждой проблемы есть духовное решение <>удиокнига, Nikosho]
Аудиокнига «У каждой проблемы есть духовное решение» Исполнитель: Nikosho Автор: Дайер Уэйн. Категория: …
Скачать ЗАКАЖИ ОПЛЁТКУ И СДЕЛАЙ СЕБЕ ЧЁТКИЙ РУЛЬ!
Привет друзья, в этом видео буду изготавливать оплетку для самостоятельной установки на автомобиль Опель Астра, …
Скачать Расшифрована золотая книга пришельцев,найденная в Эквадоре.Теперь многое стало понятно.Тайны мира
В 1965 году в Эквадоре этнолог Хуан Мориц при помощи местных индейцев обнаружил огромный подземный лабиринт …
Скачать Варвара, Ева, Тали – “Маленькая девочка”
Варвара, Ева, Тали из команды Потапа исполняют песню “Маленькая девочка” cл./муз. Виталий Куровский, Руслан Квинта.
В сети интернета много разных ресурсов для всех желающих, но что же будет интересно мужчинам и подрастающим юношам? ЗАчастую ребят интересует военная тематика, военные люди, солдаты и многое об оружии. Зачастую просто и достаточно почитать новости об оружии и последних новинках военной индустрии. А что вы думаете по этому поводу?
ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ НАСТОЙКИ ТОДИКАМПА НАРУЖНО:протекция от стрессов и депрессий;заболеваний раком (особенно быть поражениях органов-мишеней и репродуктивной системы);
лекарство от геморроя
поликистоз печени лечение
https://todicamp.com/bolezni/papillomi – папилломы лечение
Ежели нуждаться устранить холодный кровоподтек, ускорить заживление раны, язвы, уменьшить желвак, воспаление, то целесообразно помощь к помощи примочек. Ватный диск иногда смачивают в лекарстве и прикладывают к очагу поражения.Круг применения лаэтрила в медицинеБыль: Никто не вспоминает о токсичности хлора, кто в связке с натрием дает обычную поваренную суть и широко используется и в медицине, и в быту. Или о книга, который случаев смерти от абрикосовых косточек или напитков для основе миндаля медицина не знает.