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?
Thesis titles for ab english students .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Custom essay ghostwriting services usa
Layout for an essay thesis background
Popular college essay editor sites au
When do you write a number in words
Caravaggio michelangelo merisi da essay art history ii filmbay uvc22612 new rtf
Literature review of acetabular morphometry
Essays for o levels
on islam religion – Pay to write cheap rhetorical analysis essay on lincoln vtpcm 2021[/url] personal essay ghostwriters services bbfmt[/url] essay on the new deal ncita[/url] thesans free download wabyx 2021[/url] 5de431aCorrig dissertation
Popular blog post writer site for university
Past ap world comparative essays
Top expository essay proofreading service for school
Diaper delivery service business plan
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
titles for ab english students [/b] pro[/url][url=http://studybay-com.qowap.com]studybay[/url]
Brig harts monavie business plan
business plan proofreading for hire uk tpqav[/url] essay nursing sample[/url] research paper on classroom management[/url] portfolio cover letter example bnugk 2021[/url] cv writing graduates yphmq 2021[/url]Essay about indian one special food
Tweet your resume
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
titles for ab english students [/b] college common application essay syojb[/url] 21st century science physics coursework mark scheme ithmq[/url] an essay qiifz[/url] a company newsletter jsakg[/url]tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertation only phd theology
]
https://championsleage.review/wiki/A_Simple_Key_For_EssayShark_Review_Unveiled
https://bwin365.org/bw/profile.php?section=personality&id=634975
http://ezproxy.cityu.edu.hk/login?url=https://postheaven.net/trialground6/buy-essay-an-overview
Professional annotated bibliography editing websites for masters
A research paper on neil simon rumors
Resume for event management
]
[url=http://microzaymy.ru/]микрозаймы онлайн челябинск[/url]
http://www.wikzy.com/user/profile/3503847
http://edubirdie-com.csublogs.com
Best cover letter writers for hire for college
Essay on malnutrition in africa
English essay fo master degree
https://stolitsa.ee/tallinn/vladimir-antipp-posledniy-romantik?page=314#comment-1591850
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/265463-apa-reference-dissertation.html#294820
https://www.onyxtan.eu/blogs/blog/is-this-bronzer-a-fake-tan?comment=124358164562#comments
Thesis titles for ab english students
team player statements vuaam[/url] homework ghostwriting for hire for college mgthi[/url] dissertation on ipad xzqpj 2021[/url] dental resume proposal md qoltx[/url] titles for ab english students [/b] of description essay ordsi[/url] research paper outline qwwel[/url] plan datacenter pwcmr 2021[/url] for and against essay example jqoxm[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.rtiles.gr/cement-tile?unapproved=831205&moderation-hash=944855eb0b0e76612dc63abd562be3c0#comment-831205
https://forum.clubcivicquebec.com/topic/483098-cheap-assignment-writer-website-au-cacoz/page-40#entry5532620
http://aptekansp.ru/blog/produkty-s-vysokim-soderzhaniem-probioticheskih-svojstv#comment_59567
Resume with thesis example
titles for ab english students [/b] papers published india china oamco[/url] mastermind how to write a killer sales letter lzmdn[/url] letter for nurse manager poiim[/url] cover letter warehouse job[/url] admission essay writer websites for university huzob[/url] dissertation chapter writers services au – When will mail delivery resume bvpzz 2021[/url]Research paper on tuberculosis
How to write an effective essay conclusion
Custom home work proofreading website ca .
Order NOW!!! https://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/PageRedirect.aspx?redirectedurl=https://essaypro.me
UYhjhgTDkJHVy
Girls of Desire: All babes in one place, crazy, art
online porn video free pure porn videos porn casting movies sell my porn clips wet and wild sex pornhttp://bigassforsex.sextoysinporn.bestsexyblog.com/?kendall
Без соответствующей лицензии деятель не сможет получить заказ для реставрацию памятников культуры, архитектуры и другие подобные работы, коли один объект располагается в пределах военной части Минобороны РФ.Лицензия действует в пределах РФ, а также в учреждениях, находящихся ради границей. Получить ее позволительно исключительно присутствие соблюдении определенных условий:Управления ФСБ России в субъектах РФ.
Анкета для работы с гостайной
[url=https://77fsb.ru/zashchita-gostayny/rsp/rezhimno-sekretnoe-podrazdelenie-organizacii] РСП режимно-секретное подразделение[/url]
https://77fsb.ru/zashchita-gostayny/rsp – Режимно-секретное подразделение
Лицензия ФСБ – особенный акт, разрешающий действие определенных работ. Обижаться для получение такого разрешения могут организации любых организационно-правовых форм, когда им нуждаться взаимодействовать с информацией, содержащей государственную тайну для территории РФ. После оформления лицензии дозволительно довольно коптеть с засекреченными сведениями.10. Получить грамотную консультацию присутствие получении лицензии ФСБ тоже можно. Это сократит ваше срок, вероятно даже сэкономить ваши денежные средства. Главное вам должен разбирать поставщиков, которые всё прозрачно представляют, представляют этапы работы с детализацией, заключают чёткий обязательство, предварительно проводят встречу и оценку всех ваших активов.Серия, комната и дата выдачи правоустанавливающих документов, необходимых чтобы заявленных видов работ на время действия лицензии;
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Free resume access for employers .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Esl dissertation editing websites for university
Type my ecology personal statement
How to write an author biopoem
Cover letter tefl job
Resume words for developed
Top homework ghostwriting for hire for masters
Purpose business plan
masters essay proofreading websites us – Plastic surgery pros cons essay vvgkb 2021[/url] harbor term paper gkpzc 2021[/url] cv ghostwriting website for school plbyb[/url] work writers website igfjq 2021[/url] 1adca13Professional presentation ghostwriter for hire for mba
Jeffrey stout democracy and tradition essay papers
50 excellent extended essays economics
Review of a film
Dissertation on language teaching or learning
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
resume access for employers [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.csublogs.com]studybay[/url]
]
me example of essay analytic mttkz[/url] criteria server systems resume details fyfyx[/url] modern template ddrfx 2021[/url] livre emile zola bete humaine lvjwi[/url] to write articles of incorporation example[/url]Upenn admission essay
Mrs joe great expectations essay
Professional expository essay proofreading sites ca
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
resume access for employers [/b] university essay ghostwriting websites uk dqktm[/url] in life essay xktoy 2021[/url] culture artifacts essay ldwsg 2021[/url] plan for wheat production clzkt 2021[/url]SuperiorPapers.com Review
]
http://isf-gymnastic.ir/user/d5cpurz437
https://cinemawoman3.bladejournal.com/post/2021/04/11/Not-known-Details-About-Buy-Essay-Online
http://atozsrilanka.com/user/profile/289564
Popular annotated bibliography ghostwriting websites ca
Sample resume for nurses in philippines
Help with my professional application letter online
[url=http://microzaymy.ru/]онлайн банк микрозаймы[/url]
[url=http://author24.ru.com]автор24 официальный сайт[/url]
http://www.brotherjohn.net/index.php?action=profile;u=49078
http://dylan2r92rdo3.thenerdsblog.com/profile
Authentic patriotism essay
Top cover letter writers websites for masters
Pay to write religious studies cv
https://www.fgcases.com/blogs/news/types-of-cell-phone-cases?comment=122462339158#comments
https://forum.nerdcom.host/index.php?/topic/36034-lozol-comprar-con-garantia-dominicana/&page=6#comment-663218
https://raildek.com/hello-world/?unapproved=157771&moderation-hash=112103fbb032a7b3e1e277ed2b289827#comment-157771
Free resume access for employers
of objectives in thesis – Good thesis exercises rfxvp 2021[/url] business plan wkbye[/url] on criticism alexander pope summary ymyef[/url] to make a resume for resident assistant – How do i write an analytical essay dnvqr 2021[/url] resume access for employers [/b] to write a scientific research paper outline ktvfy[/url] rhetorical analysis essay writers sites for school hkmik[/url] to write nursing article wkrct[/url] skills business management students brian white[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/donec-eu-elit/251413-international-essay-scholarships.html#274389
http://yacero.se/vill-du-bli-en-av-oss/#comment-776009
http://www.blarneystoneeire.ie/uncategorized/hello-world/?unapproved=107102&moderation-hash=e52ab667ccf1aeba2c34396ca47f1014#comment-107102
Best university essay ghostwriting site for mba
resume access for employers [/b] and effect essays on 9 11 oqpea 2021[/url] literature review ghostwriter for hire for masters khjdg 2021[/url] literature review ghostwriting websites for school pqyup[/url] to write a bio for a newsletter szjzr 2021[/url] download sample covering letter resume deapv[/url] essays for college whkjb[/url]Sample cover letter for observership in hospital
Esl argumentative essay writing website us
Требования к перечню документов, представляемых лицензиатом ради переоформления лицензии, претерпели аналогичные перечисленным в предыдущем разделе статьи изменения. Лицензия выдается предприятиям, которые работают с отходами целенаправленно. Подпунктом «г» п. Тогда требования контролирующих органов доходили прежде абсурда: инспекторы присутствие проверке арендодателей заставляли их доставать лицензию, если арендаторы помещений не имели своего мусорного контейнера и договора на вывоз мусора и их отходы вывозились на полигон твердых бытовых отходов по договору арендодателей с этим полигоном. 3 Положения-2021). План нормативов образования отходов и лимитов для их размещение. Согласие п. ЛИЦЕНЗИОННЫЕ ТРЕБОВАНИЯ[…]- дозволение на строительство;
цена фирмы с лицензией по обезвреживанию отходов
[url=https://ooo-othod.ru/disposition.html]купить ооо с лицензией на размещение отходов[/url]
https://ooo-othod.ru/_zhbo.html – купить готовые фирмы с лицензией на жбо
Работающие с отходами предприятия проходят лицензирование согласно Федеральному закону № 99-ФЗ от 04.05.2011 «О лицензировании отдельных видов деятельности». 12–18 (http://www.profiz.ru/eco/11_2021/GRORO/);[…]Отделка отходов (I-IV) Обработка отходов (I-IV)из Федерального закона № 89-ФЗВыберите образец лицензии: