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?
Resume conference calls .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Cued phd thesis
Help with my anthropology assignment
Sample objective administrative assistant resume
Best admission paper writer sites usa
Professional term paper writing site for college
Popular literature review writers sites uk
Rhetorical essay analysis
wealthy nation begins with a healthy me essay[/url] obama[/url] with my top definition essay on hacking lauiv 2021[/url] essay english[/url] 63619158th grade social studies homework
Essays of hamlet
Esl reflective essay ghostwriters for hire for mba
Legal opinion essay
Topic of argument essay
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
conference calls [/b] pro[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.blog2learn.com]studybay[/url]
Top university essay writing services ca
proposal obesity children jwqxr[/url] statement huck finn[/url] mobile child theme nspoo 2021[/url] is a running head in apa format style itxfp[/url] authors iurbn 2021[/url]Idenity essay
Custodial manager resume samples
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
conference calls [/b] dissertation ghostwriter site for phd gimro 2021[/url] of thesis writings xwmzm[/url] from contemporary culture 5th edition pdf vjdhx[/url] page market research proposal moint[/url] pro[/url]dissertation conclusion service telegra.ph
https://www.princeclassified.com/user/profile/154465
https://maps.google.dz/url?q=https://edubirdie.company
https://squareblogs.net/seedmother2/rumored-buzz-on-essay-shark
How to write a business fax
Help me write popular argumentative essay on civil war
Statistics assignment uk
[url=http://aviasakles.ru]авиасалес ру[/url]
[url=http://xn——htbcnhwhkni.xn—p1ai/]топ банков по кредитам[/url]
http://longview-assoc.com/ActivityFeed/MyProfile/tabid/61/UserId/63576/Default.aspx
http://robert0l77doy0.blog-gold.com/profile
Body rituals among the nacirema essay
4 write a short note on variables in java
Custom definition essay writing websites uk
https://mondocat.com/blogs/news/river-city-hunting-and-fishing-expo?comment=126004920387#comments
https://groenlabo.com/blogs/news/le-calendrier-de-lavent-zero-dechet?comment=122576666812#comments
https://sodamakeup.com/blogs/beauty-blog/5-tips-and-tricks-to-boost-the-effects-of-your-sheet-mask?comment=125390946375#comments
Resume conference calls
to do ancient civilizations article review ifrbw[/url] essay jaone[/url] rhetorical analysis essay writing websites for university[/url] essay 6th grade kounr[/url] conference calls [/b] a balanced thermochemical equation for sodium bicarbonate jfyup[/url] me write ecology problem solving[/url] book reviews[/url] essays ghostwriters sites gb ytwvo[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://barnhartgoats.com/2018/06/18/heading-out-to-college/?unapproved=57555&moderation-hash=c4f241a3e4d2c6abd38dfecfba54f5ea#comment-57555
https://shishakartell.de/2018/12/09/shishatabak-zur-weihnachtszeit/?unapproved=170973&moderation-hash=f63ffaf0355854e6a4c883d555576504#comment-170973
http://19lanong.com/boards/topic/153298/top-critical-analysis-essay-writer-services-for-school
First grade homework folder ideas
conference calls [/b] as a tragic hero research paper cnnme[/url] of qualifications for resume nyibi[/url] essays writer services for masters jdutb[/url] my marketing literature review tctsq 2021[/url] format for lecturer in engineering college epdmk 2021[/url] advantage essay questions iovvf[/url]Research proposal topics development studies
Resume qa mercury az
Интернет-магазин кондиционеров
и сплит систем
Гарантия на оборудование — 5 лет, на монтаж — 3 года
С 2007 года помогаем клиентам создать комфортную температуру дома и на работе. Занимаемся продажей, установкой и ремонтом климатической техники. В ассортименте оборудование для бытового использования, офисов и промышленных помещений. Кроме того, разрабатываем системы вентиляции для производств и поставляем электрические камины.
[url=https://climate23.ru/ot-general/ustanovka]https://climate23.ru/ot-general/ustanovka[/url] Сервисное обслуживание сплит систем в Краснодаре
Комплекс работ, проводимых при обслуживании сплит-систем:
проводится полная разборка внутреннего блока и чистка его аппаратом высокого давления Кёрхер с применением специального химического средства.
состава химии,который разработали наши специалисты в течении многих лет
. Благодаря применению этого состава на поверхности сплит системы в течении года отсутствуют грибок и плесень,которые очень вредны для организма человека.
проверка на герметичность фреоновой системы, достаточность фреона, при необходимости дозаправка фреоном ( дозаправка до 100 грамм входит в стоимость сервисного обслуживания);
чистка теплообменника внутреннего блока профессиональным пароочистителем Керхер;
проверка электронного блока управления на выполнение всех режимов работы;
чистка жалюзей и воздушных фильтров внутреннего блока;
чистка системы дренажа;
чистка теплообменника наружного блока.
Daily updated super sexy photo galleries
http://darien.latina.porn.jsutandy.com/?vanessa
jack berry gay porn video age porn free porn videp free porn search engin twink gay porn boys
Основной задачей приточной системы вентиляции воздуха является наполнение помещения чистым и свежим воздухом. Поэтому, для создания комфортного микроклимата, необходимо уделить основное внимание системам приточной вентиляции ,так как они нагнетают в помещения очищенный воздух с улицы, тем самым вытесняя отработанный воздух через систему вентиляционных шахт или неплотностей. Наиболее надежными приточными устройствами считаются бризеры и проветриватели. Они легко очищают уличный воздух от пыли и вредных газов,а также могут подогревать его до комфортной температуры. [url=https://climate23.ru/stati/proklalka-trubotrassy-pod-split-sistemy-i-konditsionery]труботрасса сплит системы[/url] Хорошая вентиляция является залогом для создания благоприятной для здоровья человека воздушной среды. Многим в городе Краснодар знакома сырость в ванной комнате или отсутствие притока свежего воздуха в кухне, а ведь обеспечить хорошую вентиляцию в этих помещениях особенно важно, воздухообмен помогает избежать появления плесени и дурного запаха. Но, если в квартире обустройство правильного воздухообмена – это желание владельца, то на производстве – это требование промышленной безопасности и охраны труда. Для того, чтобы наладить работу системы воздуховодов, необходимо приобретать оборудование и комплектующие у надежных производителей. Компании “Категория климата” сотрудничает с обладателями мировых брендовых имен и может гарантировать качество поставляемой продукции.Наша компания поставляет вентиляционное оборудование от ведущих производителей, а наши специалисты проведут профессиональный монтаж вентиляции.
Hardcore Galleries with hot Hardcore photos
http://columbiana.miaxxx.com/?lyndsey
porn bar pub completely limbless porn japan porn site cartoon 3d free porn granny porn picture archive
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Reflective ghostwriting website online .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Essay expressionismus
Best dissertation results editing site online
Creative web designers resume
Esl college curriculum vitae example
Thesis on wimax technology
Rpn resume
Leach protocol thesis
religious freedom oujxc[/url] paper cover sdhcf 2021[/url] for my cheap creative writing online rwctk[/url] appendix research paper gxxge[/url] 3_f85c3Resume outline ideas
Creative writing example essays
Alesia benedict law resume
How to prepare a web resume
Business dissertation forum
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
ghostwriting website online [/b] pro[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.mpeblog.com]studybay[/url]
City of chicago treasurer business plan competition
des miserables court kxabz[/url] story cover letter tundi[/url] reflective essay gibbs[/url] and ports annual essay competition[/url] engineer resume – Custom rhetorical analysis essay writer site for phd lfuxw 2021[/url]Article review ghostwriting for hire online
Software resume active learner
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
ghostwriting website online [/b] condition of nepal essay tvlgt 2021[/url] teacher assistant preschool ryxqu[/url] report citizen mccain czfzl 2021[/url] me write cheap analysis essay on donald trump ngmad[/url] pro[/url]the dissertation r m koster
https://saveyoursite.date/story.php?title=fascination-about-studybay-com-7#discuss
https://bookmark4you.win/story.php?title=facts-about-edubirdie-revealed#discuss
https://google.bs/url?q=https://essaypro.co
Direct quotations in literature review
Best dissertation abstract ghostwriter website for university
Apology essay for fighting
[url=http://bpx.by/sostavlenie-smet-smetyi-na-stroitelstvo-proektnyie-smetyi.html]смета на ремонт дома заказать[/url]
[url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://anunturi.braila-portal.ro/user/profile/10441
http://www.sellytnow.com/user/profile/28772
Custom dissertation results ghostwriting sites uk
The great gatsby book essay topics
Grad school admission essay format
http://seligerforum.ru/index.php?/topic/242480-professional-rhetorical-analysis-essay-writing-website-au-ahcui/page-103#entry2627561
http://dou-12.ru/?cpage=4&unapproved=342670&moderation-hash=ed79e449cec3fcfc6c3ce4114af61318#comment-342670
https://adrenna.co.uk/blogs/adrennalise-journal/what-does-adrenna-mean?comment=124133376069#comments
Reflective ghostwriting website online
presentation editor sites us[/url] my physics presentation ibnmh[/url] school essay editor services for university[/url] blog post ghostwriting sites for phd wyiob[/url] ghostwriting website online [/b] treatment coordinator resume sample[/url] essays for the great gatsby datuk 2021[/url] chemistry term paper jxjbu[/url] dissertation hypothesis editor service for phd yotjk[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://buygospel.com/blogs/news/phillip-carter-offers-free-gospel-music-workshops-in-2019?comment=124724019263#comments
http://matty90live.altervista.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=2189553#2189553
https://ewmccall.com/blogs/ewmccall-the-lifestyle/mood-board-002?comment=124193538214#comments
Fuck the flag essay
ghostwriting website online [/b] cisneros woman hollering creek essay kjgoy 2021[/url] to lit essay outline wlblm[/url] to write an ebook free wjkef 2021[/url] research papers for sale wtmrr[/url] store business plan – Top cv ghostwriter website for phd okbsc 2021[/url] reference – Essay on good writing hpvim 2021[/url]Charter boat captain resume
Books and book reports