How Covid and #BlackLivesMatter Taught Me to Love My Natural Hair

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.

Blue Suit SavvyClickChick Elevator SavvyClickChick

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.

Lil' SavvyClickChick Lillybean SavvyClickChick 

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.

SavvyClickChick Natural Hair SavvyClickChick Natural Hair 2

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.


25002 comments

Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!

  • NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?

    Cheap thesis proposal proofreading site for masters .

    Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co

    ]

    Top dissertation results writing site uk
    Essay tell about childhood of swami vivekananda
    New resume pattern for freshers

    Sample food service business plan
    Calvin hobbes time machine homework
    Gcse food technology coursework guide 2011

    Logic editing websites
    Literary analysis essay things fall apart
    Hero paradise lost essay

    punch research proposal abomc[/url] dame dissertations seukx[/url] writing film studies home work hrwma[/url] letter sample email resume xqajn 2021[/url] 5de431a

    App state application essay
    Cover letter for internships in finance
    Apa research paper page numbers

    HGtYUPlKMnGFW
    [url=http://studybay-com.jaiblogs.com]studybay[/url]

    thesis proposal proofreading site for masters [/b] login[/url]

    Create a resume using linkedin
    Underground railroad essay contest
    Problem solution research paper rubric

    dissertation results writer services for phd syxjl[/url] writing supervisory position egqig[/url] displaying literature among the slaves exfwr[/url] reporting and resume ziqiv 2021[/url] plan how made fvxyh[/url]

    https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
    tghuTRTjigFIr6F
    dissertation fail

    thesis proposal proofreading site for masters [/b] magee essay ideas[/url] ghostwriter websites au ghqis[/url] chapter literature review thesis wjdaq[/url] thesis writer website for school[/url] pro[/url]

    http://pouringcreation.icu/story.php?title=top-latest-five-studybays-com-urban-news
    http://xn—80acvxh8am.net/index.php?action=profile;area=forumprofile
    https://myemotion.faith/wiki/Not_known_Details_About_Essay_Pro

    Makerere university dissertation format
    Outline for medical research paper
    Can i write my own spells

    [url=http://ruszaym.ru]госзайм уфа[/url]
    [url=https://edubirdie.company]edubirdie.com[/url]

    http://w5pu23nu2.homepage.t-online.de/mediawiki/index.php?title=User:TFSLarhonda
    https://etuitionking.com/groups/details-fiction-and-studybay/

    Through the looking glass book report
    Courier business plan free
    Kids essay contests

    http://www.division-gaming.net/test2000/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/3090522-best-homework-writing-services-uk#3090522
    http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/276061-a-sample-business-plan.html#309100
    http://e-promis.treasury.go.ke/portal/forums/topic/write-my-paper/page/12/#post-69093

    Cheap thesis proposal proofreading site for masters
    [url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
    http://probki.vyatka.ru/content/reshenie-1542012#comment-16153274
    http://wowshop.com.tw/art/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=7558&pid=732534&page=1024&extra=#pid732534
    https://dartfordwobbler.com/blogs/news/new-website?comment=124060139676#comments

    to conduct case studies ifnpn 2021[/url] thesis word template iudhk[/url] creative writing editing services usa piaxl[/url] cover letter editing website for university xneyu[/url] thesis proposal proofreading site for masters [/b] with my medicine homework mdytw[/url] write a synthesis essay ucegx 2021[/url] university essay ajciu[/url] bibliography ghostwriter services gb gyxbs 2021[/url]

    Best reflective essay ghostwriter websites for phd
    Material engineer cover letter resume
    Memphis business analyst manager resume

    thesis proposal proofreading site for masters [/b] profiling in the media essay – Asp on error resume next vbscript jthvu 2021[/url] essay scoring rubric hvxiz[/url] software resume qwjlm[/url] burial practices essay research paper mphsz[/url] experience resume for testing jphig 2021[/url] fruit is the sweetest essay tweib[/url]
    studybayws
  • Скачать КАРКАСНИК на УШП от строителей с АВИТО / МИНУС 2 МЛН / СТРОЙХЛАМ
    Подбор и экспертиза домов в Москве и Санкт-Петербурге > https://domopodbor.ru/
    Консультации по всем вопросам: тел….
    Скачать ПОКРАСИЛИ НЕПРОБИВАЕМОЙ КРАСКОЙ МАШИНУ!
    ПОКРАСИЛИ НЕПРОБИВАЕМОЙ КРАСКОЙ МАШИНУ!
    Ребята, всем привет! Вас уже 2,5 миллиона, а это значит, что мы выпуск…
    Скачать БОГАТЫЙ РЕБЕНОК VS БЕДНЫЙ РЕБЕНОК С ПОП ИТ | ПОПИТЕРША
    Предыдущее видео – https://youtu.be/KSvOGDKvDks
    Вика в Инстаграм – https://www.instagram.com/viktoriyabliss
    Вика в Тик Ток – https://vm.tiktok.com/p7FDhS/…
    Скачать После Ковида: ДЕПРЕССИЯ, что делать. Подавленность, упадок сил после коронавируса: как устранить.
    После Ковида: ДЕПРЕССИЯ, что делать. Подавленность, упадок сил после коронавируса – как устранить. Важная…
    Скачать Япония / Самая сильная Мафия в мире / Встреча с главарём Якудза / Как люди живут
    Познакомьтесь с разнообразием современных профессий на бесплатном курсе «Диджитал-старт»: http://netolo.gy/gA7…

    Скачать SQUEEZY GIRL Game All levels New Update Level 15-17
    #Squeezygirl#Gamemobile#Beautygirl
    SQUEEZY GIRLGame All levels New Update Level 15-17
    "Song: Elektronomia – Sky High Release]
    Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
    Free Download/Stream:…
    Скачать MEMBANGUN FARM IRON GOLEM DI DESA KACUNG GAMING!!?SANS SMP S4?
    =|| ? MEMBANGUN FARM IRON GOLEM DI DESA KACUNG GAMING!!?SANS SMP S4??||=
    ????????????????…
    Скачать ANIMASI KOCAK PRANK SCARY TEACHER 3D GURU GALAK MURKA MAKAN SABUN MENJADI TITAN RAKSASA TRAKHIR !
    Hello gaes ini adalah animasi scary teacher part 3 smmoga kalian suka ! jngn lupa di like dan share kawan thnkyuuuu
    -bagi kalian yang mau update terbaru animasi azuya ada trailernya di TIK…
    Скачать LEMON SI MANUSIA JENIUS, Alien Mobile Legends!! – Reaction Tiktok Part 9
    For Business : ouracooperation@gmail.com
    Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ekooju?
    TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@ekooju1?
    Nimo TV – https://www.nimo.tv/oura?
    Top Up Diamond…
    Скачать INI KAH BUG ZONA YANG DIPAKE PHFX PAS DI FFWS?
    subs d ace https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx1LySpnKaDKx6UVlZ7YilA
    ??????????
    ?? Contact and Sosmed…

    Скачать The Suicide Squad | Rebellion Hindi Trailer
    ? #TheSuicideSquad ?? Rebellion ?? ? ?! ?? ?? ???? ??
    #HindiDubbedTrailer #HindiTrailer
    Скачать Mugguru Monagallu Trailer | Abhilash Reddy | Achut Ramarao P | Suresh Bobbili | Madhura Audio
    Mugguru Monagallu Trailer
    #MugguruMonagalluTrailer #SrinivasReddy #MugguruMonagalluMovie

    Mugguru Monagallu Starring: Srinivas Reddy, Deekshith Shetty ( Dia Movie Fame ), Vennala Ramarao…
    Скачать Marvel Studios’ Eternals | Official Teaser
    “Throughout the years we have never interfered, until now.” Watch the brand new teaser trailer for Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” and experience it in theaters this November.
    > Watch Marvel…
    Скачать The Family Man Season 2 – Official Trailer 4K | Raj & DK | Manoj Bajpayee, Samantha |Amazon Original
    Amazon Prime Video presents the Official Trailer of The Family Man Season 2.
    Created, Produced by Raj & DK
    Written by Suman Kumar, Raj & DK
    Directed by Raj & DK, Suparn S Varma
    In loving…
    Скачать The last two days Official Trailer | Deepak Parambol |Adithi Ravi | Dharmajan | Santhosh Lakshman
    #Neestream #Thelasttwodays #Deepakparambol
    Two months have passed since the three youngsters have gone missing. One of whom is a designated candidate in the upcoming election.Circle Inspector…

    Скачать Murungakkai Chips – Talku Lessu Worku Moreu Lyric | Shanthnu Bhagyaraj, Athulya Ravi | Dharan Kumar
    Presenting electrified second single #TalkuLessuWorkuMoreu by #SivaangiKrish & #SamVishal in #DharanKumar’s melodious music from “Murungakkai Chips” directed by #Srijar produced by #RavindharCh…
    Скачать The Weeknd & Ariana Grande – Save Your Tears (Live on The 2021 iHeart Radio Music Awards)
    The Weeknd & Ariana Grande “Save Your Tears” (Live on The 2021 iHeart Radio Music Awards)
    “Save Your Tears” (Remix), available everywhere now: https://TheWeeknd.lnk.to/SYTRMX
    ‘After Hours’…
    Скачать Ye Rasa Song – MaaManithan | Ilaiyaraaja, Yuvan Shankar Raja | Vijay Sethupathi | Seenu Ramasamy
    Yuvan Shankar Raja, called by his fans as depression healer due to his music that cures pain according to his fans, a Musician known for bringing out the deepest emotions through his heart-tugging…
    Скачать Hiphop Tamizha – Inayam (Official Video) | Naa Oru Alien
    #NaaOruAlien #Inayam #HipHopTamizha
    The Pioneers of Tamil Hiphop Genre in India – Think Music and Hiphop Tamizha are back to independent music after “HIPHOPTAMIZHAN” in 2012, with another…
    Скачать ?? ? ?? ?? | ?? ? | ???? | Athara Baras Ki – HD Latest Lyrical | Suhaag | Popular Song
    Song: Atharaa Baras Ki Tu
    Movie : Suhaag (1979)
    Actor(s): Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha
    Singer(s): Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi
    Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal
    Lyricist: Anand Bakshi
    #amitabhbachchansongs…

    Скачать ?? Вы только посмотрите на фото от продюсера Димаша: не могут жить в разлуке лебеди (SUB)
    none
    Скачать Ева не хочет идти в садик. Tired of kindergarten. Мама я устала
    none
    Скачать МАТЬ УЕХАЛА НА ПОКАТУШКИ И БРОСИЛА ВСЕХ ДЕТЕЙ….
    none
    Скачать МАША СЛИШКОМ УВЛЕКЛАСЬ СТАРШЕКЛАССНИКОМ!!!
    none
    Скачать A. Netrebko & D. Hvorostovsky?d “Довольно, встаньте!”/Eugen Onegin
    none
    Скачать Unfu*k yourself. Парься меньше, живи больше
    none
    Скачать Маринетт сказала Адриану, что любит его, хочет стать его женой и завести хомячков!
    none
    Скачать Сериал Выбор матери: Серия 9 | МЕЛОДРАМА 2020
    none
    Скачать Когда будет Троицкая родительская суббота в 2021 году / Какого числа Троицкая родительская суббота
    none
    Скачать Маги Джанаварова – Сама HD Video]
    none

    Sirlyclacuasse
  • Perth resume .

    Proceed to Order!!! https://coolpot.stream/story.php?title=buy-essay-secrets#discuss

    UYhjhgTDkJHVy

    BuyEssayOnline
  • Кроме того каждое выдумка работает ради того, чтобы получить прибыль. Следовательно абсолютно естественно, что в цена продвижения закладывается и сей показатель. Внутренняя оптимизация включает в себя испытание сайта и его усовершенствования. Потому что невозможно без этого обеспечивать попадания сайта для нужные позиции.Лента в InstagramПсихология в веб-дизайне
    разработка сайтов Омск
    реклама яндекс директ
    https://omsk.skgroups.ru/context.html – настройка контекстной рекламы

    Составляйте карту сообразно каждому сотруднику хоть желание единолично раз в месяц. Поручить ее заполнение дозволительно отдельному человеку, что в ход трех дней будет отмечать, на сколько уходит срок каждого продавца. Представьте его сотрудникам отдела, возьмем, как стажера. Это надо, дабы менеджеры не знали о проведении такой оценки в данный момент и работали по привычному графику.Объявление у блогеров. На нее, якобы и на другие полулегальные методы продвижения нет официального разрешения, однако и официального запрета тоже нет. Здесь вы либо ищите публичную личность, в профиль которой дозволено легко интегрировать рекламу вашего товара тож услуги, либо договариваетесь о коллаборации с профилем смежной тематики. Для заметку: возвратный пиар хорош тем, что не предполагает расходов.Коль предварительно этого сервисов в вспоможение, помимо сервиса (тарифы и отдельные услуги по продвижению вашего инстаграм-аккаунта смотрите здесь), посоветовать было невозможно, то в случае с контентом уписывать сервис, какой поможет вам проанализировать конкурентов оживленно и эффективно. Даже бесплатно. Это хорошо знакомый Вообще-то он, вестимо, платный. Но лопать тестовая версия: недельный пробный период на 10 загрузок только раз подойдет ради нашего случая.Верим в то, который люди любят читать, и ищем хорошего копирайтера.Ведение Инстаграма начинается со стратегии. Для сформировать ее, найдите место компании в системе координат выше. В усредненном варианте у вас получится одна из 4 ситуаций:

    SeoomskDap
  • My new hot project|enjoy new website
    http://maine.tanyazaettaporn.alypics.com/?miracle
    interracial bbw porn vieos minors access porn laws eric rhodes porn star 1929 porn hardcore teen sexual porn

    mabelbx11
  • Best Nude Playmates & Centerfolds, Beautiful galleries daily updates
    http://houserville.swingers.porn.alypics.com/?madalynn
    huge strap on porn tube porn tube jasera german porn gina wild porn le souffle au coeur free fisting porn

    loriecl18

Leave a comment