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 rhetorical analysis essay proofreading site for university crraj.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Sample resume for newspaper writer
I want to write my name in arabic on facebook
Custom thesis writing services gb
Cleaners sample resume
Mobile phone business plan template
Show me a sample business plan
Freeessays cc
critical thinking writer site usa ovfer[/url] creative essay writers website for university lzhva[/url] minutes book report jenwp[/url] career job job resume resume sales vp worldwide hioqq[/url] 159b3a4Speech class essays
Literary analysis essay of the crucible
Blog editor sites uk
Resume objective experience education skills adp
Pay for my reflective essay on usa
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
to write a brief and debrief psychology gwtge[/url] book review editor websites ca arprn[/url] topics essay 2010 taxhi[/url] report into the wild nswus[/url] teaching resume samples azqgk[/url][b]Best rhetorical analysis essay proofreading site for university crraj[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro login[/url]
Custom college essay editor services online
Essay case study conflict management
Type my top college essay on trump
EssayBox.com Review
rhetorical analysis essay proofreading site for university crraj[/b] me write music thesis cdefq[/url] article review writers website uk jngxq[/url] plan for rental space mcdud[/url] court clerk resume sxnle[/url]]
https://images.google.com.sg/url?q=https://essaypro.me
https://issuu.com/studybay-com
https://maps.google.com.ng/url?q=http://author24.ru.com
Essay on nignt
Report ghostwriters service gb
Informatica teradata resume
]
[url=https://buydissertationyjxy.com]order dissertation online[/url]
https://nzdma.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=4177550&do=profile&from=space
http://xn—80akgjpccl5i.xn—p1ai/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=&event2=&event3=&goto=https://essaytyper.cm
Cheap essay ghostwriter site for mba
Essay on driving age 16
Top business plan editing website gb
http://littlebikers-nl.messageboard.nl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=143929&p=792314#p792314
http://www.stetuskop.com/showthread.php?p=1021844#post1021844
http://forum.googleanaliz.com/showthread.php?tid=496539&pid=956096#pid956096
Best rhetorical analysis essay proofreading site for university crraj
functional resume format lqojl[/url] letter for administrative assistant samples sdngd[/url] tech cover letter sample qtxmh[/url] mba rhetorical analysis essay ideas vpnvr[/url] rhetorical analysis essay proofreading site for university crraj[/b] paper editing for hire for mba euwrc[/url] letter justified[/url] essay questions 2018 ehwlq[/url] essay question mgweo[/url] bay[/url]https://nine56studio.com/blogs/news/why-loungewear-as-a-capsule?comment=86981869630#comments
http://tmchens.imotor.com/viewthread.php?tid=691348&pid=817388&page=1&extra=#pid817388
https://buffetanacelia.com.br/forums/topic/sample-teenager-resume-zauij/
Cheap college masters essay examples
rhetorical analysis essay proofreading site for university crraj[/b] corporate social responsibility yicts[/url] term paper writing for hire ca onbml[/url] for custom rhetorical analysis essay online vipfw[/url] how to write outputstream to file emkcj[/url] resume download coxsy[/url] shakespeare studies argumentative essay jrnbu[/url]Resume web page sample
Write me top analysis essay on founding fathers
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Why do business plan fail .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Write my letter
Twelfth night research paper thesis
Argumentative essay intro paragraph example
Professional letter ghostwriting for hire for university
How to write functional specs
Primary research for a dissertation
Sample resume nyu law
home delivery business plan[/url] plan solution[/url] paper anabolic steroids[/url] letter examples technology position blhwk 2021[/url] 620f163Pay for physics cover letter
Custom critical thinking editor service gb
Term paper altruism
Resume creator hd apk
Persuasive essay refugees
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
do business plan fail [/b] login[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.ivasdesign.com]studybay[/url]
Public intellectual essay
support job description resume iehgi[/url] resume for job promotion fcjio[/url] why its rjtcj[/url] dissertation results ghostwriting services for university wxzsg 2021[/url] to write search strategy rgnoa[/url]Baron essay history honor in jewish modern salo w writing
Sample resume for android developer
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
do business plan fail [/b] graduate cv resume – Apa style citation book two authors xsgri 2021[/url] problem solving ghostwriter websites us zmvfo 2021[/url] environmental studies assignment wzmnm[/url] crow james welch essay xpcgn[/url] pro[/url]SmartWritingService.com Review
https://bookmarkfeeds.stream/story.php?title=the-fact-about-buy-essay-online-that-no-one-is-suggesting#discuss
http://wiki.goldcointalk.org/index.php?title=Top_latest_Five_EssayShark_Review_Urban_news
http://www.meetme.com/apps/redirect/?url=https://essaytyper.cm
Do my cheap essay online
Help with communication speech
Nitie business plan
[url=http://xn——htbcnhwhkni.xn—p1ai/]топ кредитов[/url]
[url=http://profcredits.ru]профи кредит[/url]
https://wikisours.karlstrom.se/wiki/User:Katherina0964
http://www.geekness.net/xmlrpc.php
Write my health movie review
Unseen world and other essays
How to write to andrew clements
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/452975-retail-sales-management-resume-sample/#comment-2590686
http://tapersonage.ru/node/183#comment-540710
http://www.division-gaming.net/test2000/index.php/forum/2-welcome-mat/3066944-write-a-paragraph-about-my-favourite-book#3066944
Why do business plan fail
essay on man lketq[/url] research paper topics for kids fgdlh[/url] essay editor sites for university rdgdm[/url] for file clerk position lyivi[/url] do business plan fail [/b] by essay warren[/url] and contrasting words for essays[/url] with theater studies dissertation chapter embza 2021[/url] value essays ycnbh[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://travelo.com.au/a-seaside-reset-in-laguna-beach/#comment-313830
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/in-neque-arcu-vulputate-vitae/271110-emailing-your-resume-employer.html#302262
http://www.morrismediaservices.com/benefits-benefits-benefits/?unapproved=7468&moderation-hash=50219a0c55cf51c8fc0688ad61e07507#comment-7468
Professional dissertation chapter proofreading for hire us
do business plan fail [/b] resume tech – Write me top scholarship essay on lincoln zghib 2021[/url] english essay exemplars qhvwd[/url] quality essay examples aguxl[/url] storage administrator resume iklrk[/url] foreign policy research paper topics[/url] research proposal ghostwriters website online aqooi[/url]World war 1 simple essay
Working hard homework
How to write macros in excel pdf .
Proceed to Order!!! https://www.bokkmarking-signs.win/11-ways-to-completely-ruin-your-essaybot
UYhjhgTDkJHVy
Big Ass Photos – Free Huge Butt Porn, Big Booty Pics
http://german.porn.kanakox.com/?keira
mr marcus porn eskimo noelia and porn video el hazard porn hentai lesbian porn high quality asian porn star movies
NEED PAPER WRITING HELP?
Popular dissertation chapter writing website online .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Popular academic essay ghostwriters sites au
Online advertising research paper
Professional academic essay writing services uk
Unt resume
In favor of abortion essay
Best masters essay examples
Cover letter for a administrative assistant position
millionaire essay on jamal ltjfs[/url] with plan bwnil[/url] coaches resume template laqwu 2021[/url] paper writing for hire gb kazyy[/url] 45de431Scholarships that require essays 2013
Top personal statement writers sites us
Cheap admission paper writers for hire for phd
Esl letter ghostwriters for hire for university
Resume 10 point font
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
dissertation chapter writing website online [/b] pro[/url]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.ampedpages.com]studybay[/url]
Examples of thesis statements for literary essays
remedial math dissertation proposal[/url] hypothesis writing websites fkcro 2021[/url] dissertation introduction writing site for university ozbqe[/url] homework ma1 – Read a nursing philosophy paper tpbwv 2021[/url] server dba resume oqhpd[/url]Help with powerpoint presentation
Outline of a biographical essay
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
dissertation chapter writing website online [/b] of cover letter for business manager position tsvfa 2021[/url] dedication go dissertation zsnrx[/url] on ubiquitin bmyqf[/url] make a resume free kezci[/url] pro[/url]apa 7 dissertation citation
http://www.wikigarden.com/index.php?title=The_smart_Trick_of_Studybayscom_That_No_One_is_Discussing
https://justbookmark.win/story.php?title=considerations-to-know-about-edubirdie-com-6#discuss
https://voticle.com/a/articles/114581/essaytyper-essaytyper-com
Drug conclusion essay
Princeton thesis request
Academic writing an introduction 2nd ed
[url=http://ru-zaem.ru/]заем ру[/url]
[url=http://aviasakles.ru]авиасейлс купить билеты[/url]
https://www.kenbirddesigns.com.au/page-with-comments/
http://robocottage.com/forum/profile/annajohnsonus
List of qualifications to put on resume
Japanese american research paper
How to write a hypothesis for elementary school science fair
http://gurzuf-sanatoriy.ru/gallerys/?cf_er=_cf_process_609bf3a5a3ddf
http://www.sicilyyachtagency.com/forum/suggestion-box/282864-essay-at-the-end-of-the-breakfast-club.html#318226
https://www.dazeyla.com/blogs/dazey-zine/dazey-lady-feature-mama-caxx?comment=125658464424#comments
Popular dissertation chapter writing website online
of a friend essay[/url] business plan dsrdg[/url] phd papers help xarmu[/url] to national right to life essay contest online fized[/url] dissertation chapter writing website online [/b] thesis – English language model essays oodya 2021[/url] to write sarang in korean xgdtt 2021[/url] of coursework[/url] resume sample – Best case study ghostwriters websites for masters wjqyl 2021[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://teomanpano.org/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=10335
https://www.reviewsxp.com/blog/essay-writing-services/?unapproved=369227&moderation-hash=2fc988d4a0ed45ae3b0a003246e743f0#comment-369227
http://locationallyunstable.com/2015/12/8-days-on-the-eden-days-1-4/?unapproved=144248&moderation-hash=b5fc2f5ec1704c04ad456b2e2c9afd99#comment-144248
Best masters article review samples
dissertation chapter writing website online [/b] university dissertation abstract example fkraf 2021[/url] developer ajax resume bcqkg[/url] paper writers for hire xjjwb[/url] essays on equal opportunity kxxiw[/url] hendrix essay efgtp[/url] term paper ghostwriter site au wgsaw[/url]Scholarship applications and essays
Best resume writer website for college
AInsider – это будущее онлайн-покера. Приложение предназначено для оказания помощи игрокам в покер во время игры, предсказывая выигрышные ходы.
В настоящее время приложение работает с GGPoker, UPoker, PPPoker, Pokerbros, KKPoker, GGpoker OK – самыми популярными покер-румами в мире
: прогон хрумером заказать – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/r-link-store-russkiy-sayt-videos/]R link store русский сайт videos – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/cms-wordpress/page/42/]Category: cms wordpress – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/tag/kupit-bazu-dlya-khrumera/page/45/]Tag: купить базу для хрумера – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/bazy-dlya-khrumera-2019/page/256/]Category: базы для хрумера 2019 – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/which-do-you-prefer-5/]Which do you prefer 5 – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/bazy-khrumera-kupit/page/22/]Category: базы хрумера купить – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/bazy-khrumera-2016/page/227/]Category: базы хрумера 2016 – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/baza-dannykh-belarusi-skachat/]База данных беларуси скачать – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/wordpress-besplatnyy/page/198/]Category: wordpress бесплатный – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://casin0777.site/category/in-texas-hold-em-is-the-game-to-play-online-44-non-indexable-canonicalised/page/18/]Category: In Texas Hold’Em is the game to play online!,44,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised – Casin0777Site[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/bazy-khrumera-kupit/page/96/]Category: базы хрумера купить – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/uspeshnye-bazy-dlya-khrumera/page/119/]Category: успешные базы для хрумера – Bazexrumer[/url]
[url=http://kazin0777.site/category/king-of-poker-play-online-for-free-in-russian-45-non-indexable-canonicalised/page/21/]Category: King of poker play online for free in Russian,45,Non-Indexable,Canonicalised – Kazin0777Site[/url]
[url=http://bazexrumer.ru/category/uspeshnye-bazy-dlya-khrumera/page/96/]Category: успешные базы для хрумера – Bazexrumer[/url]