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 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.
Best biography ghostwriters for hire uk idzfe.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Controversial research papers
Essay on industrialization and environment
Conclusion for an essay against abortion
College homework help
Pay to do history course work
Free original essays
Most powerful resume format
english essay quotes womfx[/url] school essay editing site gb hlpky[/url] appraisal sxbqb[/url] sample service social bbosu[/url] 6361915Easy steps book report
Resume bloopers 2008
Mla research paper long quotes
What makes a good dissertation topic
Essay gift giving
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
creative essay editor site au lipzh[/url] methodology ghostwriting websites us amitj[/url] essay teen kgygb[/url] mba admission paper topic uhwfj[/url] movie review proofreading site gb osuci[/url][b]Best biography ghostwriters for hire uk idzfe[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essay pro[/url]
Ground rules for effective resume
Internet technology resume
Creative essay topics for year 7
medical ghostwriting editapaper.com
biography ghostwriters for hire uk idzfe[/b] up letter after cover letter wtszy[/url] book report xjvvt[/url] cv format isawf[/url] it programmer resume texom[/url]]
https://google.im/url?q=https://essaypro.co
https://register.scotland.gov.uk/Subscribe/WidgetSignup?url=http://essaypro.me
https://www.google.com.do/url?q=https://essaypro.me
Popular thesis proposal ghostwriting for hire for school
Cheap book review writer website ca
Dan snaith thesis
[url=http://ocenka.bpx.by]Оценка недвижимости[/url]
[url=http://kreditciti.ru]сити кредит[/url]
http://biddinglaw.com/comment/html/?151866.html
http://www.miyou.hk/home.php?mod=space&uid=1466711&do=profile&from=space
Research paper revision workshop
Free essays on world war 2
Help with my literature blog
http://www.kf5u.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=143&pid=348496&page=6156&extra=page%3D1#pid348496
https://q8mazad.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2148691&posted=1#post2148691
http://sovetyem.ru/forum/showthread.php?p=648519&posted=1#post648519
Best biography ghostwriters for hire uk idzfe
critical essay on trump jyfyy[/url] to do environmental studies thesis npxuz[/url] of how to write a feature article hqsje[/url] dissertation chapter writing services for school lzshz[/url] biography ghostwriters for hire uk idzfe[/b] essays about eating disorders vjjec[/url] rindfleisch memorial fund 500 word essay required haxbu[/url] 1 maths past papers answers avvxq[/url] template law school ifahm[/url] login[/url]https://brooklyntweed.com/blogs/blog/allisons-weekender-light?comment=77790314551#comments
https://board.bmwcarmag.com/index.php?topic=841114.new#new
http://sadikov.uz/ru/content/sadikovuz-da-sizni-aynan-nima-qiziqtiradi-0?page=196#comment-51153
College essay header footer
biography ghostwriters for hire uk idzfe[/b] to write ecology thesis proposal bwecg[/url] case study ghostwriting websites for college weuvf[/url] essays bread muquq[/url] you list high school in resume wngmy[/url] conscious cover letter[/url] for getting fired on resume tchvm[/url]How to write business invitation letter
Marketing research essay papers
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Thesis restaurant .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Best blog post writing service us
Best phd essay ghostwriting website for college
Serv cover letter
Example of sales business plan
Mba assignment help
Teaching essay analytical grammar review
Popular dissertation methodology editor websites online
examples for it resume vtrqz[/url] psychology research paper topics umhnj[/url] ideal first date essay fbiwp[/url] creative writing for kids esvgd[/url] e431adcEnterprise architect resume
Professional critical analysis essay ghostwriter sites uk
Algebraic geometry homework
Popular admission essay proofreading sites uk
Damascus essays
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
restaurant [/b] pro[/url][url=http://studybay-com.bloggin-ads.com]studybay[/url]
Topics for presentation
my scholarship essay on shakespeare tpdgw 2021[/url] do you reference a manual in apa format frcju 2021[/url] to write clues for a treasure hunt – Strategic analysis essay lquvy 2021[/url] resume yutwa 2021[/url] 6 homework yuvyi 2021[/url]How to write a one page synopsis for a book
Brand identity designer resume
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
restaurant [/b] gregory thesis okohl[/url] ounce of cure essay tetha[/url] is an proposal essay – Cheap custom essay writing sites for college cypyv 2021[/url] letter health care samples abref 2021[/url]tghuTRTjigFIr6F
m tech dissertation report
]
http://job.dapw.com/Discuz/home.php?mod=space&uid=119300
https://anotepad.com/notes/kxsaq58i
https://is.gd/cYxtSh
Problems of professional sports essay
Resume bachelor of fine arts
Independent writing topics for toefl
]
[url=http://microzaymy.ru/]микрозаймы на карту[/url]
https://cinno-sys.com/handwritten-notes-vs-typed-records-can-there-be-a-5/
http://www.bupingtheming.com/forums/users/annajohnsonus/
Buy culture homework
How to write definition of terms in research
Enthymeme thesis examples
https://www.buffher.com/blogs/blog/apples-to-lighten-skin-acne-scars?comment=122427736251#comments
http://appdev.163.ca/dz163/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1313940&pid=5660574&page=29&extra=#pid5660574
http://wowshop.com.tw/art/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=7558&pid=738602&page=1119&extra=#pid738602
Thesis restaurant
popular rhetorical analysis essay on trump vmyol[/url] for oracle resume hkqzp[/url] the savage brave new world essay tzipq[/url] cls file latex sljfi[/url] restaurant [/b] math practice test with answers pdf xgzpv[/url] resume editing service for phd ligbb 2021[/url] template biology student chpuc[/url] essay oral presentation – Cheap custom essay proofreading websites au cyoro 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://whimsyandever.com/blogs/blog/the-pauperly-princess?comment=125360570439#comments
https://www.al97.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=379904&pid=2282339&page=1653&extra=page%3D1#pid2282339
http://seligerforum.ru/index.php?/topic/207032-a-visit-to-an-interesting-place-essay/page-19#entry2521426
White paper example apa format
restaurant [/b] on against internet censorship – Crunching business plan ioaaa 2021[/url] for bar manager vkeya[/url] thesis high school pkuey[/url] topics for sociology research papers xxrcj[/url] to make money writing[/url] essay writer website vngec[/url]Custom critical analysis essay writing for hire au
Popular essays writing sites online
Дамски ризи
Young Heaven – Naked Teens & Young Porn Pictures
http://hotnatalia.com/?amani
amateur sissy french maids porn movies porn goth porn dude came to fast hd teen young porn fuck young porn yideo
Free Porn Galleries – Hot Sex Pictures
http://barzinporncortez.gigixo.com/?monica
create a character porn mature gay porn eisbaren porn dream porn theathers bulma porn video
Скачать РАССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ТРАГЕДИИ В КАЗАНИ. Пусть говорят. Выпуск от 17.05.2021
Прошло семь дней со страшной трагедии в Казани. Ильназ Галявиев признал свою вину и ждёт суда. Город только…
Скачать ПОЧЕМУ эту машину НИКТО НЕ ПОКУПАЕТ?
Бесплатный сервис «Циан.Ипотека»: https://clck.ru/UumqR – 1 заявка, 6 банков, предварительные решения за 2 минуты. Попр…
Скачать Hasbulla vs. Abduroziq. Pre-fight Press Conference
Tamaev – https://instagram.com/tamaaev?igshid=13kttpocz6hrh
Abduroziq – https://instagram.com/abdu_rozik?igshid=1adnf6u0epnyt
Hasbulla – https://instagram.com/hasbulla_magomedow?utm_medium=copy_link
Скачать Наука – всё? За что арестовывают учёных? Кто переписывает историю? Кому теперь нельзя читать лекции?
Уважай свой автомобиль! Бесплатная диагностика ходовой части – https://fitservice.ru/kq
Бесплатная диагностика систе…
Скачать Ollane feat. Miyagi & Andy Panda – Where Are You (Official Audio)
Ollane – Where Are You (feat. Miyagi & Andy Panda)
https://hajimerecords.com/ollane-where-are-you
Production: Ollane
Cover: Igor Klepnev
#hajimerecords
© Hajime Records 2021
https://hajimereco…
Скачать Monster School: Poor Baby Monsters Life (SAD STORY but happy ending) Season 1 – Minecraft Animation
A fine mere combination of our monster school stories all together in a season! Remember, like and subscribe for more videos!
Скачать B?t Ng? Em Gai Du?c “ H?c Sinh Gi?i “ Venh M?t Khoe V?i Kelly D? Xin KC Khi Dang Di WC Va Cai K?t ?
B?t Ng? Em Gai Du?c “ H?c Sinh Gi?i “ Venh M?t Khoe V?i Kelly D? Xin KC Khi Dang Di WC Va Cai K?t ?
?? Free fire – Link shop FF C?a Minh : https://shopkellygamin…
Скачать M?U TH? THACH 24GI? THU PH?C THU CUNG PHEP THU?T TRONG MINECRAFT*REDHOOD CO THU NUOI LA DOI L?A MCPE
?DONATE: https://playerduo.com/meusan
—————————————
M?U TH? THACH 24 GI? THU PH?C THU CUNG PHEP THU?T TRONG…
Скачать Monster School : Fat Baby Zombie and Thin Baby Skeleton – Sad Story – Minecraft Animation
More monster school videos : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL724OswNTbY2ji8YYw-t_Yps5Z2oABZPQ
Music Credit :
Cartoon Squeak Fast by Motion_S (http://freesound.org/people/Motion_S/)…
Скачать i can’t pass this level ?? lick runner
?? ?? ???? – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCspBdT0UySegWYJpEBO4YYg?sub_confirmation=1
i can’t pass this level ?? lick runner Hack All Levels Gameplay Animation…
Скачать HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 4: TRANSFORMANIA Teaser Trailer (2021) Animated Movie
Drac and the gang are back for TRANSFORMANIA ?? Check out the new trailer for HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 4!
Want to be notified when we post new videos?
Subscribe to the channel and click…
Скачать Friends: The Reunion | Official Trailer | HBO Max
Our favorite friends are back on the set that started it all. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and special guests reunite to discuss…
Скачать The Green Knight | Official Trailer HD | A24
SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/A24subscribe
From director David Lowery and starring Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, and Joel Edgerton. The Green Knight – In Theaters July 30. #TheGreenKnight
RELEASE…
Скачать Dear Evan Hansen – Official Trailer
Today is going to be a good day because the trailer is here! #DearEvanHansenMovie, only in theaters September 24.
—
https://uni.pictures/DEHfb
https://uni.pictures/DEHtw
https://uni.pictures/DEHig…
Скачать Hard Target: Clips + Trailer
If you love the movie Hard Target with the unstoppable JCVD as much as we do, you will enjoy our selection of some of the best scenes! You will also find the trailer at the end of the video….
Скачать JIHYO PERFORMANCE PROJECT “Crown (Camila Cabello & Grey)” Cover by JIHYO
JIHYO PERFORMANCE PROJECT “Crown (Camila Cabello & Grey)” Cover by JIHYO
CHOREOGRAPHY BY : YOUJIN WON
TWICE The 10th Mini Album “Taste of Love”
Release on 06.09 6PM KST | 06.11 1PM KST
https://tw…
Скачать Bella Poarch – Build a B*tch (Official Music Video)
Stream “Build a B*tch”: http://bellapoarch.lnk.to/BuildABitch
Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/bellapoarch?sub_confirmation=1
Follow Bella Poarch:
https://www.tiktok.com/@be…
Скачать ?? Janice Vidal – It’s OK To Be Sad (Official Music Video)
? ?It’s OK To Be Sad?
??? ??
?? ??
????,
?…
Скачать Olivia Rodrigo – good 4 u (Official Video)
Listen to “good 4 u” out now: https://OliviaRodrigo.lnk.to/good4u
Pre-order the debut album SOUR: https://OliviaRodrigo.lnk.to/preorder?
Shop the SOUR collection: https://smarturl.it/oliviarodri…
Скачать BTS (?) ‘Butter’ Official MV
BTS (?) ‘Butter’ Official MV
Credits:
Director: Yong Seok Choi (Lumpens)
1st AD: Jihye Yoon (Lumpens)
2nd AD: Ran Ro (Lumpens)
PA: Soeyoung Park, Minsu Kim
Director of Photograph…
Скачать ?Невозможно не влюбиться ? Can’t Help Falling In Love ?
Невозможно не влюбиться – фильм о девушке, которая неожиданно для себя оказалась замужем. Гэб не первый месяц …
Скачать Владислав Медяник — Тяжело седому пацану (Премьера клипа 2021)
Владислав Медяник — «Тяжело седому пацану…» (Премьера клипа 2021) Стихи: Михаил Гуцериев Музыка: Андрей …
Скачать Michelle Andrade – Хватит свистеть Video]
Участвуй в конкурсе!! Выкладывай видео у себя в соцсетях, как ты свистишь эту мелодию. Не забудь хештег …
Скачать Древние Технологии, Которые Настолько Продвинутые, Что Не Должны Существовать
С вами tophype и в этом выпуске мы покажем вам древние технологии, которые настолько продвинутые, что не должны …
Скачать ДиДюЛя – Путь домой
Подпишись на канал – http://bit.ly/joinstartv -———— Подписывайся в социальных сетях: ВКонтакте: http://vk.com/startv_yt …
Скачать Работа в США: Сантехник | Работаю за бесплатно в Америке
Работа в США: Сантехник | Работаю за бесплатно в Америке.
Скачать Салат-ОБЪЕДЕНИЕ из капусты. До чего же вкусный! Рецепт салата из свежей капусты, горошка, колбасы.
none
Скачать Фейнман Ричард. Вы, конечно, шутите, мистер Фейнман!
Аудиокнига 1_2.
Скачать В ЧЕМ ПРИЧИНА ВАШИХ ПОРАЖЕНИЙ И НЕУДАЧ /влияние внешних ,или внутренних факторов? / ГАДАНИЕ ОНЛАЙН
Общий таро расклад ! Для индивидуальных раскладов контакты в WhatsApp, VIBER +34 622942954 Снятие негатива, …
Скачать ПРЯМИЙ ЕФІР Телеканал НАШ. Онлайн-трансляція
Прямой эфир телеканала НАШ. Последние новости Украины и мира онлайн. Верховная Рада. Онлайн-трансляция …