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.


29096 comments

Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!

  • NEED ESSAY WRITING HELP?

    Save your time and get your essay written by a professional writer.
    We can cover any topic on any subject in the blink of an eye.
    Drug rehabilitation research paper nlwbp.

    Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co

    ]

    How to type a research paper in mla format
    Creative writing writing websites
    Free essays help me

    Argumentative essay writing outline
    Holocaust remembrance project essay contest
    Sample personal statement graduate school

    World health organisation essay
    Sample cover letter for first time job seekers
    Get free help on homework

    history paper with citation rfgwt[/url] for social studies homework ojhys[/url] me write best descriptive essay on civil war xqhel[/url] hero essay uribe[/url] b3a445d

    Tiffany resume real email
    Custom cheap essay ghostwriting websites uk
    Argumentative ghostwriters services au

    HGtYUPlKMnGFW
    [b]Drug rehabilitation research paper nlwbp[/b]
    [url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro[/url]
    Resume for law firm assistant
    How to write a explanation essay
    Example resume for quality manager

    paperweight bylga[/url] essay ghostwriter website for phd feuqe[/url] editing website for college bqcsy[/url] biography proofreading site us rtdra[/url] thesis proposal writer site dbplo[/url]

    WritingEssayEast.com Review

    rehabilitation research paper nlwbp[/b] report editor sites for mba fvmzr[/url] home work ghostwriter for hire au suyda[/url] homework aeswp[/url] resourse assistant generalist sample resume pmvwj[/url]

    ]
    http://libraries.ucsd.edu/cgi-bin/redir?resource=822&location=https://essayshark.reviews
    https://aulasabiertas.congresos.unc.edu.ar/perfil/johnsen81vazquez
    https://honors-scholars.osu.edu/Lists/RoomReservation/Item/displayifs.aspx?List=50053e69-4ca9-4f1f-8fd0-d78ed00309ec&ID=632&ContentTypeId=0×010034D9DAC33B4E87459F893E60EF78F266

    Writing an effective title-how to write a research paper an editage series
    Business plan in music industry
    Professional personal statement ghostwriting for hire au

    account creation[/url]

    [url=http://aviasakles.ru]авиасалес ру[/url]

    http://86×.org/home.php?mod=space&uid=2041&do=profile&from=space
    http://sc.youth.gov.hk/TuniS/essaypro.co

    Resume createor
    Writing practice online
    Best report proofreading services for masters

    https://buffetanacelia.com.br/forums/topic/masters-essay-writing-website-ca-udcnc/
    https://honk-club.de/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=140862&p=257862#p257862
    http://forum.googleanaliz.com/showthread.php?tid=193945&pid=948838#pid948838

    Drug rehabilitation research paper nlwbp
    https://hackz.com.br/showthread.php?tid=65954&pid=412720#pid412720
    https://hibu.us/merchants/12082/take_survey?response_set_code=BIRQOjmOVg
    http://spm.com.uy/blog/fabrica-actiu-con-certificaciones-leed-y-well-34?status=ok#comment-4785

    of scholarship essay qkffs[/url] fired first at lexington and concord thesis statement vuhge[/url] presentation writers for hire rndeo[/url] creative writing ghostwriters for hire uk okizv[/url] rehabilitation research paper nlwbp[/b] essay on human understanding hzqqi[/url] university thesis proposal assistance emuqy[/url] runner frankenstein comparison essay dwokw[/url] cigarette addiction[/url]

    ]
    Resume templates for biotechnology
    Order custom reflective essay on presidential elections
    Custom dissertation methodology writer sites ca

    rehabilitation research paper nlwbp[/b] with my economics case study pitsw[/url] baglaclar ve anlamlar keskb[/url] project help[/url] college essay ghostwriting for hire for masters wpvup[/url] law essay example szrgu[/url] reflective essay editing service au kkryh[/url]
    studybayws
  • https://futurium.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-01/missing-film.pdf
    https://futurium.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-01/missing-movie-here.pdf
    https://futurium.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-01/missing-movie-tv.pdf
    https://futurium.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-01/watch-missing-heres-how.pdf

    dsf w e we
  • https://bulios.com/status/58717-watch-megan-m3gan-full-movie-online
    https://bulios.com/status/58730-megan-m3gan-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/58732-watch-megan-m3gan-2023-film-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/58733-watch-megan-m3gan-2023-film-at-home

    sd wewe we
  • https://player.soundon.fm/p/6f5a770b-c6e9-482a-ad42-2458d06be8c9
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/f7f838dd-02ce-469e-a096-264ea1aae81b
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/c1f5acec-e39d-45b0-bfd9-699cf183e47b
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/b54926ae-49a0-408d-a3cb-cef600d2e7af
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/a0ac6f9c-25a3-4081-a232-02f764e87f38
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/146c1d58-87a7-478c-bf61-7c4295758041
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/668be752-8b05-4e0b-862e-451952866ed4
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/02c58f99-4aec-4baf-aa8e-bafe2b41d0f1
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/5f9f8e36-0a1a-42fc-9511-122ad9504e80
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/effecaeb-c74d-4e99-a716-73df6af32dbc
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/e7ad7e82-36ca-4ed6-89d5-a111467e173e
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/ecb2c740-1580-4bf7-8221-f040f39ef91b
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/752dff42-b643-4257-aca7-7867cbb9bc12
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/2618811c-0276-4dd8-a03f-832228035691
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/78c79c85-32bc-4abe-945a-ebebcc12ed7a
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/54f78df8-5602-4831-b7dc-f965a3f43aae
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/c15e7bbb-0c47-4226-a1fd-a39b7ab1c9a2
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/234211d2-dda1-410c-8698-f3468357f2b1
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/83388ee0-3ca0-4344-8743-2883984d197b
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/2ccd93f5-04da-433e-9cb0-7c054108b218
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/c7c9809b-e815-40c6-addb-07970ff512d7
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/14993f43-41ff-4dfb-846c-f785f6f8ec57
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/38a89b16-eb44-433d-8645-a4c6ddf92101
    https://player.soundon.fm/p/30158400-5dd3-44e5-8111-899f46e1b4ca

    df weewwe ewe ew
  • https://hackmd.io/NevWWf64T7iQwimNuI3tWw/S1OlC1Fss https://hackmd.io/ri_JCtYOSIis-8D-NDgWjw/rkyHRyYso
    https://hackmd.io/ri_JCtYOSIis-8D-NDgWjw/SJqyyxYjo https://hackmd.io/NevWWf64T7iQwimNuI3tWw/rkdAR1Ksj
    https://hackmd.io/NevWWf64T7iQwimNuI3tWw/ryVsylFjj https://hackmd.io/ri_JCtYOSIis-8D-NDgWjw/Bk42kxFjo
    https://hackmd.io/NevWWf64T7iQwimNuI3tWw/Hyndeetis https://hackmd.io/ri_JCtYOSIis-8D-NDgWjw/BkSsxxYos
    https://hackmd.io/ri_JCtYOSIis-8D-NDgWjw/H1C5Wltss https://hackmd.io/NevWWf64T7iQwimNuI3tWw/HJDP-gKsj
    https://hackmd.io/ri_JCtYOSIis-8D-NDgWjw/S1CKfltso https://hackmd.io/NevWWf64T7iQwimNuI3tWw/Sy4_zgtjj
    https://hackmd.io/ri_JCtYOSIis-8D-NDgWjw/ByN7XgKso https://hackmd.io/NevWWf64T7iQwimNuI3tWw/H1ZX7xtij
    https://hackmd.io/NevWWf64T7iQwimNuI3tWw/SJtbEetoj https://hackmd.io/ri_JCtYOSIis-8D-NDgWjw/rJ7zNlYoj
    https://hackmd.io/NevWWf64T7iQwimNuI3tWw/HJfs4lFsj https://hackmd.io/ri_JCtYOSIis-8D-NDgWjw/Bk5jVgFij

    sd we we tew we wewe
  • https://bulios.com/status/53657-watch-avatar-2-the-way-of-water-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53666-avatar-2-the-way-of-water-2023-full-movie-online-on-123-movies-ultra-hd
    https://bulios.com/status/53672-watch-avatar-2-the-way-of-water-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53677-hd-avatar-2-the-way-of-water-2023-fullmovie-online-download-free-480p-720p-and-1080p-on-eng-sub
    https://bulios.com/status/53679-123movies-watch-avatar-2-the-way-of-water-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/53687-watch-puss-in-boots-the-last-wish-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53691-puss-in-boots-the-last-wish-2023-full-movie-online-on-123-movies-ultra-hd
    https://bulios.com/status/53692-watch-puss-in-boots-the-last-wish-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53694-hd-puss-in-boots-the-last-wish-2023-fullmovie-online-download-free-480p-720p-and-1080p-on-eng-sub
    https://bulios.com/status/53696-123movies-watch-puss-in-boots-the-last-wish-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/53708-watch-a-man-called-otto-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53711-a-man-called-otto-2023-full-movie-online-on-123-movies-ultra-hd
    https://bulios.com/status/53713-watch-a-man-called-otto-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53715-hd-a-man-called-otto-2023-fullmovie-online-download-free-480p-720p-and-1080p-on-eng-sub
    https://bulios.com/status/53718-123movies-watch-a-man-called-otto-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/53737-watch-m3gan-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53741-m3gan-2023-full-movie-online-on-123-movies-ultra-hd
    https://bulios.com/status/53743-watch-m3gan-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53744-hd-m3gan-2023-fullmovie-online-download-free-480p-720p-and-1080p-on-eng-sub
    https://bulios.com/status/53746-123movies-watch-m3gan-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/53749-watch-plane-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53750-plane-2023-full-movie-online-on-123-movies-ultra-hd
    https://bulios.com/status/53755-watch-plane-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53763-hd-plane-2023-fullmovie-online-download-free-480p-720p-and-1080p-on-eng-sub
    https://bulios.com/status/53765-123movies-watch-plane-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/53767-watch-house-party-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53769-house-party-2023-full-movie-online-on-123-movies-ultra-hd
    https://bulios.com/status/53771-watch-house-party-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53776-hd-house-party-2023-fullmovie-online-download-free-480p-720p-and-1080p-on-eng-sub
    https://bulios.com/status/53784-123movies-watch-house-party-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/53786-watch-the-son-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53788-the-son-2023-full-movie-online-on-123-movies-ultra-hd
    https://bulios.com/status/53789-watch-the-son-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53793-hd-the-son-2023-fullmovie-online-download-free-480p-720p-and-1080p-on-eng-sub
    https://bulios.com/status/53805-123movies-watch-the-son-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/53811-watch-alice-darling-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53813-alice-darling-2023-full-movie-online-on-123-movies-ultra-hd
    https://bulios.com/status/53814-watch-alice-darling-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53816-hd-alice-darling-2023-fullmovie-online-download-free-480p-720p-and-1080p-on-eng-sub
    https://bulios.com/status/53827-123movies-watch-alice-darling-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies
    https://bulios.com/status/53833-watch-missing-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53837-missing-2023-full-movie-online-on-123-movies-ultra-hd
    https://bulios.com/status/53842-watch-missing-2023-fullmovie-free-online-at-home
    https://bulios.com/status/53843-hd-missing-2023-fullmovie-online-download-free-480p-720p-and-1080p-on-eng-sub
    https://bulios.com/status/53852-123movies-watch-missing-fullmovie-free-online-on-123movies

    sd we3e wetew we

Leave a comment