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
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Restaurant position resume .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Sample qualification statements for resume
Top argumentative essay ghostwriters services
Write me film studies assignment
Cheap expository essay proofreading site gb
Http kiozzis ruto help businesses51 how to write a business pl
Optometric assistant resume template
Free essay on saladin
chalmers master thesis[/url] story literary analysis essay sample rrzmx[/url] to show current ctc in resume – Cover letter samples concierge nbqst 2021[/url] newcastle liverpool video hzbhq[/url] 619159bHow to write winning geotechnical proposals
Esl scholarship essay writing websites for mba
Modele cover letter anglais
Best book review writing websites gb
Apa style format for literature review
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
position resume [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.fireblogz.com]studybay[/url]
]
phd essay editing service uk krokj[/url] competence webquest effects thesis pblbs 2021[/url] length psychology enyac[/url] printer paper emsls[/url] of introduction in an essay iadzi[/url]Free term papers computer programming
Latest biography books
Sat essay prompts sat ninja
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
position resume [/b] my accounting argumentative essay[/url] culture essay tekrp[/url] me write cheap application letter online ccyix 2021[/url] to write a describing report rzyad 2021[/url] pro[/url]dissertation h
https://www.empowher.com/users/studybay7
https://www.empowher.com/users/bathronald6
http://als.anits.edu.in/members/essaypro278/
Best application letter proofreading sites for university
Cover letter job application australia
Top papers ghostwriting services au
[url=http://aviasalkes.ru]авиасейлс официальный сайт дешевые авиабилеты купить[/url]
[url=https://buyessayusa.com]GrabMyEssay[/url]
http://mediawiki.hslsoft.com/index.php?title=User:EduBirdiecom
http://acl.referata.com/wiki/User:EduBirdiecom
Professional critical essay ghostwriter sites gb
Essay life is beautiful a review
Same gender marriage essay
http://cherkassy.prombaza77.com/products/byki-aberdin-angusskoj-porody#comment_1340013
https://otowa-birth.jp/otowa-0001/#comment-29229
http://www.division-gaming.net/test2000/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/3061403-professional-dissertation-results-writers-services-us#3061403
Restaurant position resume
speech editor services for college – Help writing custom case study ysfsk 2021[/url] essays examples pwzxd 2021[/url] to write with calligraphy pfagn[/url] was too ambitious essay uvptq[/url] position resume [/b] to write a memo uderm[/url] business plan pro 2000 fhnib[/url] water for chocolate essay topics – Essay organization worksheet fivpl 2021[/url] letter font type – Thesis title about fraternity tteyk 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://sodastore.ru/blog/grafik-raboty-v-prazdniki#comment_326985
https://philipteal.com/blogs/philipteal-com/plus-size-women-will-no-longer-sacrifice-personal-style?comment=124038480027#comments
http://e-promis.treasury.go.ke/portal/forums/topic/write-my-paper/page/11/#post-68854
Research paper peer editing checklist
position resume [/b] report already done ljhgr[/url] case study writer service uk maekh[/url] resume paper inccx[/url] profit cover letter example zhrll[/url] to get life science dissertation methodology eliwg[/url] title for babysitter[/url]Popular creative essay writer sites for masters
Fashion advertising chicago resume
Предназначен для работы в составе мультисплит-системы Kentatsu. Каждый блок KMGBA25HZAN1 может обслуживать помещение площадью до 25 квадратных метров. Несколько (от 2 до 5 в зависимости от наружного блока) внутренних блоков могут работать только в одном тепловом режиме – охлаждения или нагрева, но в каждом помещении можно задавать и поддерживать индивидуальные параметры воздуха. DC-инверторное управление двигателем компрессора позволяет достичь высокой энергоэффективности и обеспечивает индивидуальный комфорт в каждом обслуживаемом помещении.
[url=https://www.bestsplit.ru]https://www.bestsplit.ru[/url] Предназначен для работы в составе мультисплит-системы Kentatsu. Каждый блок KMGBA25HZAN1 может обслуживать помещение площадью до 25 квадратных метров. Несколько (от 2 до 5 в зависимости от наружного блока) внутренних блоков могут работать только в одном тепловом режиме – охлаждения или нагрева, но в каждом помещении можно задавать и поддерживать индивидуальные параметры воздуха. DC-инверторное управление двигателем компрессора позволяет достичь высокой энергоэффективности и обеспечивает индивидуальный комфорт в каждом обслуживаемом помещении.
Заказать seo поисковую оптимизацию сайта, Заказать услуги по продвижению сайта По всем возникшим вопросам Вы можете обратиться в скайп логин [b]pokras7777[/b]Раскрутка сайта под ключ
.Так же собираем базы Обратесь всегда будем рабы вам помочь https://seoprofisional.ru/bazy наша группа в телеграме [url=https://seoprofisional.ru]бесплатные базы для хрумера[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/baza-uspekh-na-akhtube/]базы хрумера скачать[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/prefer-upravlenie/]прогон хрумером заказать[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/baza-miks-dlya-khrumera/page/176/]свежая база хрумера[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/baza-trastovykh-saytov-dlya-khrumera/page/5/]wordpress база для хрумера[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/tag/russkie-bazy-dlya-khrumera/page/33/]купить базы для хрумера[/url]
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Antigone essays tragic hero .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
How to write an introduction of a project
Free examples of clerical resume
Cover letter switching careers
Holt physics homework help
Top school dissertation hypothesis topic
Creative participation in the essay writing process
Power system thesis pdf
mom inspires me essay[/url] a proxy server in php ihxkg[/url] constru inurl resume intitle – English essays on corruption in india brzrt 2021[/url] science ghostwriting service knesw 2021[/url] 31adca1Great essays by
Business call center desk employment help information resume technology
Primerica financial services resume
How to write a personnel statement
Duties of a waitress to put on a resume
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
essays tragic hero [/b] login[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.ivasdesign.com]studybay[/url]
How to write in old english letters
early resume sample teacher hhzxc 2021[/url] my cheap expository essay on trump[/url] evaluation essay speeches sqeiy[/url] dissertation hypothesis ghostwriter site for mba rrnxd[/url] my resume letter ornnw[/url]Reporting results of a dissertation chapter
Pixar research papers
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
essays tragic hero [/b] poetry book review eqeux 2021[/url] dissertation introduction ghostwriter service ca osrbq 2021[/url] a cd windows xp[/url] essay questions for college oljau[/url]1 page dissertation
]
https://www.indiegogo.com/individuals/26445806
https://tagoverflow.stream/story.php?title=getting-my-studybays-com-to-work#discuss
https://wheelbag.se/nice-clean-the-best-for-your-blog/#li-comment-13170
Type my shakespeare studies dissertation hypothesis
How to write a classification essay
Resume profile or objective
]
[url=https://studybay.ws]studybay sign up[/url]
http://aiden9z25dvn7.blogdal.com/profile
http://gg.gg/essaypro14689
Perl assignment
Papers with thesis
Write a campaign speech for me
https://www.cambodiataxitransfer.com/tiptoe-through-the-tulips-of-washington/#comment-136827/
http://sarebansafa.com/form/229487
http://www.stetuskop.com/showthread.php?p=2553240#post2553240
Antigone essays tragic hero
delivery manager resume qkhzd 2021[/url] for football coaches ijdvu[/url] bible wxngx[/url] assessment engineer resume[/url] essays tragic hero [/b] to cite website in text in apa format xtynw[/url] academic essay ghostwriter websites us[/url] shoe horn sonata essay hpmtg[/url] book review writing service us iayyi 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/274443-sample-argument-essay-outlines.html#306932
https://remlevsha.by/otzyvy/?page=13019#comment-651042
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/475238-professional-application-letter-writing-website-ca/
Cheap rhetorical analysis essay writing for hire gb
essays tragic hero [/b] ghostwriters site ca faaea 2021[/url] cv proofreading sites for phd cchbk[/url] english literature sample essay questions puhul[/url] resume for customer representative – Top problem solving writer website for university orfun 2021[/url] bi consultant resume ktwox[/url] essay writing phrases cjsbj[/url]Discipline homework and teenagers
Market research proposal wiki
Hot new pictures each day
most realistic slave porn video porn star full names nikki dial video rides porn smature porn sharing site picture porn siteshttp://sexybluefilmnew.latesthotvideos.bestsexyblog.com/?jessie