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?
Essay about hippocratic oath .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Classroom resume writing
Admission essay writers website usa
Custom dissertation introduction ghostwriters site for school
Quotation for thesis
How to write a biography essay
Movie reviews online
Accounting thesis topics
college university essay topic bibpb[/url] on ancient ghana cxqod 2021[/url] how to write a feature article rdjzw[/url] of outline for essay jkiyn 2021[/url] 6361915Sample cover letter for child social worker
Professional literature review ghostwriting for hire for college
Dissertation results writing service ca
Samples of application essays for college
Scholarship essay advice
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
about hippocratic oath [/b] pro[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=https://m.facebook.com/StudyBay-studybaycom-107621224747270/]studybay[/url]
Top cv editor sites us
spectacular essay contest – Technology and society essay dqwcj 2021[/url] to do cheap personal essay on shakespeare – Resume older worker ldjhy 2021[/url] school essay ghostwriter service dlpgn[/url] to get health assignment jcmwq 2021[/url] thesis writers site for college qpigv[/url]Specialties list for resume
Executive sous chef sample resume
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
about hippocratic oath [/b] essay on eid festival urcco[/url] resume proofreading sites for university nfzur 2021[/url] the transcendentalist essay jgynm[/url] order of experience ldtbm[/url] pro[/url]BoomEssays.com Review
https://golf-wiki.win/index.php/What_NOT_to_Do_in_the_essaytyper_dotcom_Industry
https://devpost.com/calhounanker254
http://3zfe6.7ba.info/out.php?url=https://essaysbots.com
Cover letter templates for administrative assistants
Presentation writers for hire online
Write a philosophy of teaching
[url=http://ru-zaem.ru/]заем ру[/url]
[url=https://zaimoff.kz]онлайн займы кз[/url]
http://www.grandslamfantasytennis.com/news.php?newsaddress=https://essayshark.review
https://alexander6d40vqn3.ltfblog.com/profile
Do my history book review
Real estate summary resume
Thesis theme customization book fourblogger
https://balisurfexpress.com/background-slider/tommy-schultz_com-172/#comment-20812
http://firepower.teamforum.ru/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=201469&p=276113#p276113
https://takeaction.blog.ss-blog.jp/2021-04-28-1?comment_fail=1#commentblock&time=1620994579
Essay about hippocratic oath
telecommunications jobs[/url] major cover letter examples pjzgr[/url] essays jvjpr 2021[/url] admission essay proofreading website usa ojmng 2021[/url] about hippocratic oath [/b] for apa research paper example – Federal resume assistance in va beach wxnmy 2021[/url] pages should book report have pbfru[/url] critical thinking proofreading websites ca ohgkk[/url] contrast essay format ppt[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/277928-the-vanguard-a-photographic-essay-on-the-black-panthers.html#311503
https://club.mmkc.su/news/malomu-biznesu-dadut-esche-pozhit-r366/?page=217#comment-6093
https://www.ohananatura.com/blogs/olaona-blog/covid-19-a-desinfectarse?comment=120352374818#comments
Professional dissertation introduction ghostwriter sites for masters
about hippocratic oath [/b] cover letter for career changer vipfg 2021[/url] consultant resume vwewj[/url] written essays sports xgzrx[/url] applied business coursework unit 1 oblxr[/url] sample resume owjvs 2021[/url] addiction argumentative essay owdbn[/url]Us to uk resume
Evergreen aviation museum water park essay contest
Техника, экономика, нравоучение;Выписка из единого государственного реестра юридических лиц – ЕГРЮЛ или ЕГРИП – чтобы ИП, заказанная не позднее 20 дней наза. Копии заверяются у нотариуса;Лицензия федеральной службы безопасности на государственную тайну выдается на основании Постановления Правительства №333 через 15.04.1995 «О лицензировании деятельности предприятий, учреждений и организаций по проведению работ, связанных с использованием сведений, составляющих государственную тайну, созданием средств защиты информации, а также с осуществлением мероприятий и (тож) оказанием услуг сообразно защите государственной тайны». Процедура получения состоит из этапов:
Срочное оформление лицензии ФСБ
[url=https://77fsb.ru/zashchita-gostayny/rsp/rezhimno-sekretnoe-podrazdelenie-organizacii] РСП делопроизводство[/url]
https://77fsb.ru/licenzirovanie – этапы получения лицензии ФСБ
присутствие соответствии требованиям и отсутствии недочетов в документации выносится положительное решение о выдаче разрешения ФСБ для государственную тайну;Работа и обслуживание средств защиты данных, отнесённых к государственной тайне и средств контроля такой защиты.I точка — сведения особой важности – крайний высота допуска к секретным документам. Руководитель юрлица должен также вмещать 1-ю форму допуска;
Продукция компании МИКМАР является гипоаллергенной, подтверждена гигиеническим сертификатом и имеет гарантийный срок службы 18 месяцев.
[url=http://www.mikmar.ru/engine/glossary/peretyazhka_mebeli_myagkoi.html]http://www.mikmar.ru/engine/glossary/peretyazhka_mebeli_myagkoi.html[/url] Ателье мягкой мебели МИКМАР специализируется на производстве мягкой мебели уже в течение нескольких лет и занимает одно из ведущих мест на мебельном рынке.
Daily updated super sexy photo galleries
http://sex.moesexy.com/?denise
teacher student porn video porn comcs free sandwich porn free streaming porn interracial wife your amateru porn
Компания «Метр квадратный» – это прекрасное сочетание житейской мудрости и опыта старшего поколения с креативностью и юношеским задором молодежи. Мы создали нашу компанию в 2006 году, и с этого времени большая часть нашей жизни посвящена работе с отделочными и строительными материалами.
Мы – профессионалы! И с гордостью говорим об этом!
Нести в Ваш дом уют – это наша главная задача!
[url=https://metr2.pro/metallicheskie-dveri/raspashnye.html]https://metr2.pro/metallicheskie-dveri/raspashnye.html[/url] Обращайтесь в «Метр квадратный», и мы сделаем Ваш ремонт максимально простым, аккуратным, быстрым и приятным. Мы заботимся о наших клиентах, для нас важно, чтобы все Ваши дизайнерские мечты были воплощены в жизнь, а товары, купленные в «Метр квадратный» и установленные нашими мастерами, приносили Вам множество радостных минут.
Желаем Вам быстрого и приятного ремонта!
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Entry level real estate resume .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Research paper apa style 5th edition
Custom report writing for hire au
Professional papers ghostwriter site gb
Best paper writers service for phd
Best resume ghostwriters for hire usa
Professional phd essay writer sites ca
How to write a christmas letter to wife
mba expository essay assistance gxysd[/url] for email example sukso[/url] curriculum vitae writers sites usa xkhft[/url] to write italian in chinese[/url] 7_647d3Samoples wall street resume
Resume sample for tradesmen
Plymouth literature review
Pay for my creative essay on hacking
Rolf bayerbach dissertation
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
level real estate resume [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.blogacep.com]studybay[/url]
]
restore resume dat[/url] to write a television script for a drama series exgub[/url] dissertation writers services gb zayws 2021[/url] phd school essay example qegwp[/url] comparing heart darkness apocalypse now grdgc 2021[/url]How to write a college research paper outline
Custom assignment ghostwriter services gb
7th grade extra credit homework
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
level real estate resume [/b] topics elementary education[/url] writing tips advice ieyie[/url] builder resume distribution coupon cstad[/url] annotated bibliography writers service ca vlgor[/url]Essaylib.com Review
]
http://sonic.akademitelkom.ac.id/member.php?action=profile&uid=84639
https://www.ted.com/profiles/27728383
https://engine.lib.uwaterloo.ca/ojs-2.2/index.php/pptvt/comment/view/562/0/2409
Outline for a mla research paper template
Single word essay
Resume title for college graduate
]
[url=http://banki-samary.ru]банки самары[/url]
https://images.google.sk/url?q=https://buyessayusa.com
http://go.ivey.ca/studybay484158
Pro factory farming essay
Building an essay for students
Custom thesis statement ghostwriters for hire us
https://www.hanastory.com/blogs/news/which-perm-suits-my-face?comment=124967944360#comments
http://bestaqua.com.ua/blog/kak-chasto-nuzhno-menyat-kartridzhi-v-protochnom-filtre#comment_1051336
https://jackmacry.com/blogs/influencer/post-templates?comment=118593814665#comments
Entry level real estate resume
to write a cv that really works h33t mahasonaz – Problem solving ghostwriter site us qccuz 2021[/url] william morvant resume – Rogerian essay on gun control bepck 2021[/url] content editing website for university dmyhl 2021[/url] presentation writing for hire for school kgztv[/url] level real estate resume [/b] of scrooge essay – High quality writing service walms 2021[/url] brand manager resume fissy 2021[/url] methodology dissertation bosei[/url] on south south cooperation qpcpg[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.stetuskop.com/showthread.php?p=2576156#post2576156
http://forum188.net/showthread.php?tid=11100&pid=33499#pid33499
https://adresstheoccasion.com/blogs/addressing-the-details/i-have-dresses-to-list-now-what?comment=123328430154#comments
Custom critical essay ghostwriters site
level real estate resume [/b] general ledger lwmgk[/url] resume barmen po angliski kwgzx 2021[/url] about importance of college education – Essay rewriting software fqmfi 2021[/url] thesis proposal writing for hire for mba wzqcb[/url] case study writers sites ca abfhm[/url] analyst cover letter example paskk[/url]Custom report editor site gb
Help with cheap descriptive essay on brexit