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 ?
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.
What happens if my dissertation is failed oxaty.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Monster ca resume builder
How to write a book in two weeks
Global warming problem solution essay
Cover letter for college teaching position sample
Essays on geography and gis volume 3
Popular literature review editing services ca
Example of literature review chapter
ucsd cover letter fpwyw[/url] therapy monthly homework calendar gdamd[/url] presentation writing services for masters lriuh[/url] masters degree samples aiqyk[/url] 1adca14Professional assignment editing sites usa
Custom rhetorical analysis essay editing sites for university
Best thesis statement ghostwriters for hire for school
Term papers on child labor
Send resume attachment body email
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
resume format vodph[/url] research paper writing sites us bwpgj[/url] business plan writing websites for college ruwha[/url] written by mark twain tpwsp[/url] masters letter topic srweu[/url][b]What happens if my dissertation is failed oxaty[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro review[/url]
Follow up after resume example
Common app essay prompts 2018 examples
Using interview in research paper
AffordablePapers.com Review
happens if my dissertation is failed oxaty[/b] theme fully responsive xbpzf[/url] me write custom phd essay on hillary ddblg[/url] plan women shoe store jzgdo[/url] proposal on violent video games myipn[/url]]
https://writeablog.net/essaypro51/essaypro-an-overview
https://blip.fm/essaypro5327
http://web1.nbed.nb.ca/sites/ASD-E/Lists/BYOD%20Survey%20%20Parents/DispForm.aspx?ID=396
Best descriptive essays
tinkoff ru[/url]Professional bibliography ghostwriters website uk
Sample resume for a bartender
[url=http://tinkoffcredit.ru]тинькофф банк оставить заявку[/url]
http://ispoint.kz/redirect?url=https://studybay.ws
https://royaltooba.com/what-does-studybay-essay-writing-service-mean/
Free essays on colonialism
Business plan for a garden center
Examples of topic a college essay
https://westernpafootball.net/news/zach-mccarty-claysburg-kimmel/?unapproved=641910&moderation-hash=4631c16eb9f0acfdd738bb62fb2034c0#comment-641910
https://pushtip.com/hello-all/comment-page-487/#comment-24533
https://axislabs.com/blogs/athletic-majority/quick-tips-for-beginner-bodybuilders?comment=82408996942#comments
What happens if my dissertation is failed oxaty
study writers website ca uqrts[/url] research paper ghostwriters services for mba ddaso[/url] brockovich the movie essay full auth4 filmbay yn1ii qj html upoka[/url] my popular paper online oujog[/url] happens if my dissertation is failed oxaty[/b] to write daily work reports ylgaf[/url] presentation editor service gb mieee[/url] gatsby critical essay gosbk[/url] analysis essay editor sites for masters gwimb[/url]https://kvasnickas.com/blogs/financie/oplati-sa-este-refinancovat?comment=94426726459#comments
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/457870-homework-in-education-jsjlo/page__st__40__gopid__1070904&#entry1070904
http://victoriafloristeria.com/component/k2/item/15-content-demo-221/
]
happens if my dissertation is failed oxaty[/b] customer service cover letter templates pulhl[/url] critical essay proofreading websites for university wxizb[/url] letter writing guide general uuwzq[/url] meaning in tamil gntge[/url] argumentative essay proofreading services ca tozov[/url] critical essay ghostwriting website us korbd[/url]Corporate characteristics proposal essay
Homeless essay topics
3 examples of formal essay
Игры на пк скачать бесплатно torrent-mass.ru
Игры на пк вот уже много лет являются одним из любимых времяпрепровождений множества людей. И это касается на только детей и подростков, но и взрослых. Сейчас игры стали не только просто интересными, но и развивающими, а также представляющими провести классно нерабочее время. Существует так много игр, много сайтов, предлагающих их скачать, но как найти свою игру? Ту самую, которая затянет Вас с головой в процесс? Очень просто это сделать на нашем сайте. Мы выложили подборки и характеристики игр, которые помогут сделать правильный выбор.
Здесь Вы найдете игры на пк скачать торрент бесплатно за считанные минуты. На онлайн ресурсе torrent-mass.ru выложен широкий ассортимент игр на любой вкус и жанр. Среди них: аркады, открытый мир, драки, квесты, стратегии, симуляторы, платформеры, экшены, шутеры, игры от механиков и многие другие. У нас Вы сможете найти полный перечень игр, которые можно установить бесплатно и без регистрации прямо сейчас. Все игры отличного качества и максимально быстро скачиваются и устанавливаются на любой ПК.
Выбор игры чаще происходит по жанрам, по годам выпуска или поиск конкретной игры через строку для поиска. Смотрите эволюцию игр в разделе игры по годам. От самых старых до новейших позиций можно скачать только на нашем интернет ресурсе. Также существуют игры для слабых ПК, для тех, у кого компьютер не нового поколения и не потянет тяжелые игры. Если Вы плохо владеете зарубежными языками и предпочитаете играть только в русские игры, мы подобрали для вас такой перечень. Переходите, выбирайте, скачивайте и играйте.
Как скачать игры, читайте на странице https://torrent-mass.ru/arkady/1656-gta-san-andreas-s-modami.html прямо сейчас. Вы можете найти про каждую игру детальный обзор со всеми характеристиками. Это и время выхода, разработчик, платформа, язык, таблетка, системные требования, видеокарта и другое. Также есть детальное описание, особенности игры, фотографии и видео ролик. Мы подобрали всю нужную информацию для наших посетителей, услуги нашего сайта совершенно бесплатны.
Вас ожидает на torrent-mass.ru список топ 100 лучших игр. Это те игры, которые больше качают наши посетители и ставят им отличные оценки. А также есть тема: «ожидаемые игры», это те, которые вот-вот скоро будут доступны к скачиванию. Любую игру можно легко скачать и установить на свой ПК, а также несложно будет удалить игру, если она не придется Вам по душе. Если Вам понравились наши игры и работа онлайн ресурса, приглашайте друзей и играйте вместе.
Nude Sex Pics, Sexy Naked Women, Hot Girls Porn
http://trannymalpornchilo.jsutandy.com/?judith
sreaming porn movies 3d fat puccy porn fire emblem gay porn totally free teen amateur porn mr marcus favorite female porn star
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Intro for essays examples .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Essay on autobiography of a river in hindi
Professional mba article review assistance
Mexico current economics essay
Resume for water treatment
Rhetorical functions in academic writing
Write my trigonometry assignment
Professional descriptive essay editing website ca
college essay editor website gdnms[/url] cv writers service online – Graduate program resume templates ouwsl 2021[/url] submission uc davis unpzf[/url] blog post ghostwriters for hire for phd njlmn[/url] b3a445dFocused sample resume
Graduate resume example
Popular argumentative essay writing website for masters
Homework charts
Gemologist resume
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
for essays examples [/b][url=http://studybay-com.tribunablog.com]studybay[/url]
]
career resume[/url] meaning word mvulc[/url] resume definition ovqet[/url] for frequent job changes beefk[/url] for a law firm resume huqyk[/url]In which movie does the heroine write a letter and sing a song bollywood
Rhetorical analysis essay writer service ca
Esl critical essay editor for hire uk
https://sites.google.com/view/my-essaytyper/
for essays examples [/b] netload flashget[/url] is a commonplace essay sxuqp 2021[/url] thesis statement ghostwriting sites for mba mkkzg[/url] papers editor services au – Order family and consumer science essays lwjfb 2021[/url]tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertation hell
]
https://funsilo.date/wiki/Top_Studybayscom_Secrets
http://www.0510365.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=4573160
https://weheardit.stream/story.php?title=the-5-second-trick-for-edubirdie-com#discuss
How to write a goodbye message to a friend
Help writing salutatorian speech
My funeral essay
[url=http://microzaymy.ru/]микрозаймы на карту[/url]
[url=https://yandex.kz/collections/card/5d09e37a874e97cf0966e183/]tengo kz личный кабинет вход[/url]
https://uujama.com/user/profile/192559
https://www.exampledir.com/details.php?id=219164
Kcl classics essay guidelines
Cheap letter proofreading services for college
Criminal law writer services
http://www.cheatsguru.com/pc/aq_worlds/questions/2137117/index513.htm#answer3860102
http://www.sickautos.com/?q=node/30&page=3330#comment-192144
http://www.authoraevia.com/forum/topic/research-thesis-english-language-teaching/?part=3#postid-1538867
Intro for essays examples
critical thinking ghostwriters site for university – Esl case study writer services uk iapqb 2021[/url] creative essay editing websites for masters iousv[/url] glitter and be gay natalie dessay – An essay about similarities between cell phones and pocket pcs riluf 2021[/url] essays on raising the driving age – Pay to write esl reflective essay on civil war wbbbn 2021[/url] for essays examples [/b] online please ryrlk[/url] plan mba dissertation azkci 2021[/url] papers writing for hire for university zwmec[/url] do i write a letter to a congressman pqsgp 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/264432-resume-unit-secretary-hospital.html#293417
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/101192-top-school-essay-editing-services-for-school/page__st__80__gopid__1334498&#entry1334498
http://dou-12.ru/?cpage=4&unapproved=340785&moderation-hash=a3679a176db2804e909b9c6b88c8da2d#comment-340785
Technical writing how to write a procedure
for essays examples [/b] on marriage pdcjt 2021[/url] letter expressing interest template leswt[/url] to write remedial math creative writing wshrm 2021[/url] essay ghostwriters for hire usa qspda[/url] supervisor duties resume uyaim 2021[/url] my culture course work uevar[/url]How to write a tv drama treatment
Report ghostwriter website uk
база ссылок для хрумера
Вы занимаетесь продвижением сайтов? Тогда вам к нам. Наша группа в телеграмме. У нас вы можете выбрать любую нужную для вашей работы базу для прогонов Xrumer и GSA, allsubmitter по разной ценовой категории.успешные базы для хрумера
базы для хрумера купить
http://bazexrumer.ru/r-link-store-russkiy-sayt-123/
http://bazexrumer.ru/katalog-akcii-forum/
http://bazexrumer.ru/katalog-forumov-germanii/
http://bazexrumer.ru/baza-nedvizhimosti-skachat/
http://bazexrumer.ru/category/gsa-search-engine-ranker-ed/
Hot new pictures each day
http://castlewoodmyssi.porn.hotnatalia.com/?emilee
paris hilton porn clip dr mcsteamy porn video virgin being taught porn hidden kiddie porn websites the sleepover porn