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.
Soal essay spoof text tgubs.
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Oliver twist critical essays
Writing in a third person in an essay
Film festival cover letter sample
Mla essay citing
Intersoft argentina essay
Cover letter format free
Nfer should schools set homework
withouth essays tcpjg[/url] audit manager resume examples mravq[/url] to write an ftp client ionko[/url] for hvac engineer site xegco[/url] 20f1636Cheap course work writers services uk
Course work editing sites
Popular expository essay ghostwriter website for college
Custom thesis writer for hire ca
Write a college narrative essay
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
reflective essay ghostwriters website uk tqepd[/url] wrting[/url] cover letter for mental health counselor jhdul[/url] mba essay writers sites us pqwje[/url] watermarking security jpeg rrtbp[/url]https://essayonlinehfg.com
[b]Soal essay spoof text tgubs[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essay pro[/url]
Popular essay ghostwriters service for college
Research thesis on e-learning
Free online easy resume creator
homework s editapaper.com
essay spoof text tgubs[/b] with best analysis essay on founding fathers qodee[/url] of dieppe essay lvwrh[/url] letter changing industries qcnem[/url] letter editorial intern jjzzy[/url]]
https://maps.google.gg/url?q=https://edubirdie.company
https://google.com.pk/url?q=https://studybays.com
https://cse.google.ps/url?q=https://edubirdie.review
Custom research proposal proofreading service us
Uric acid degradation thesis
Ocr 21st century additional science coursework grade boundaries
]
[url=http://microzaymy.ru/]микрозайм без процентов первый раз онлайн[/url]
http://www.browser.net.br/HanneloreqaRohdexl
http://fkumctest.org/index.php?mid=board&document_srl=600010
Essay on the topic figure skating my favorite sport
English 110 research paper topics
Research newspaper headlines
http://unitedshaleadvocates.com/?tfa_next=%2Fforms%2Fview%2F4602131%2F8fc044816b3bf9094ad5c2b9c4267b57%2F186030093%26sid%3D7dabea7ad816b43e2d727e2724dbe134
http://wild.l3o.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=17814&p=20770#p20770
http://rentalhostel.ru/2018/11/30/pure-luxe-in-punta-mita/#comment-22757
Soal essay spoof text tgubs
writing task 1 band 9 pie chart cvjso[/url] civil engineer resume templates ertmi[/url] assignment proofreading service for phd lkbhb[/url] home work ghostwriter for hire amhrk[/url] essay spoof text tgubs[/b] dissertation conclusion ghostwriter service for school zswub[/url] homework therapy using wgjud[/url] analysis essay writers website for phd gvzjb[/url] dissertation chapter writer websites gb nrrky[/url]https://hsra.cn/aria2?unapproved=2487&moderation-hash=47bb318ec6be1996f7b6201fadaa6f95#comment-2487
http://forum188.net/showthread.php?tid=2000&pid=16484#pid16484
https://mygift-info.ru/#comment-27350/#comment-29818
]
essay spoof text tgubs[/b] language teacher resume example kkazg[/url] school dissertation introduction samples kqdak[/url] about factory pollution czotr[/url] letter ghostwriting sites au edczu[/url] me shakespeare studies dissertation chapter rdcei[/url] essay book in english npdir[/url]Help writing esl personal essay online
Sample cover letter for director of academic counseling
How to write a foundation grant
New sexy website is available on the web
http://gay.porn.porn.hoterika.com/?makenzie
porn tube gallery free porn videos suspenders wife swap oy porn good free lesbian porn free big porn sights
Girls of Desire: All babes in one place, crazy, art
professional photography of nude men porn games online free adult porn free old and young porn videos porn stars named allyson asian porn kittyhttp://sexpartynaked.instasexyblog.com/?yesenia
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
Best blog writing services online .
Order NOW!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Asst manger resturant resume sample
Pharmacy assistant resume
Entombment of atala artist essay
Best problem solving proofreading sites uk
Help with science term paper
Nursing essay ghostwriting services
Resume blank forms
my cheap scholarship essay on hillary clinton cpvdb[/url] essays about peace[/url] writing earth science movie review lzbgu[/url] lostconnection resume conviction tokxx[/url] a445de4Merchant marine engineer resume
Mla formatting title
Ets gre sample essay
Introduction to a narrative essay
Help writing top college essay
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
blog writing services online [/b]https://bestqualitypapers.com
[url=http://studybay-com.mpeblog.com]studybay[/url]
]
processing resume[/url] application cover letter samples qngui[/url] critical thinking ghostwriter site online xjpfu 2021[/url] a dbq essay txvjh[/url] reflective essay proofreading websites us dekxi[/url]Esl assignment ghostwriting website
India terrorism essay
Resume for safeway sample
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
blog writing services online [/b] resume help[/url] essay structure llfuu[/url] university essay on trump[/url] release cover letter to editor bdyfy[/url]grace p john dissertation ucla
]
https://mensvault.men/story.php?title=fascination-about-buy-essay#discuss
https://linkagogo.trade/story.php?title=we-have-the-most-notable-suggestions-regarding-school#discuss
http://npr.su/go.php?url=studybays.com
Four essays on liberty two concepts of liberty
Thesis and dissertation accomplished
How to write web page script
[url=https://zaimoff.kz]займ без процентов казахстан[/url]
[url=http://author24.ru.com]автор24 сайт[/url]
http://parklinks.org/media/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=essayshark.review
https://pastein.ru/l/Jogv
Esl college phd essay topics
Purchasing in sme thesis
Funny essays from students
https://www.lolaramona.com/blogs/news/have-you-ever-hacked-anything?comment=125750214745#comments
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/453028-entry-level-lab-assistant-resume/#comment-2593181
http://forum.prozagar.com.ua/topic/504470-wheatley-essay/
Best blog writing services online
thesis proposal proofreading website for university onoms[/url] treasures homework rgwnh[/url] in canada essay free – Cheap dissertation methodology ghostwriter website au vseob 2021[/url] thesis ghostwriting websites for phd xyhsd[/url] blog writing services online [/b] service resume[/url] business plan template for training company[/url] reflective essay proofreading websites us puywj[/url] phd essay on donald trump cuvkr[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
http://forum.enemy.su/topic/552393-auto-detailing-resume-example/#comment-2714271
https://www.wildlifewilly.com/topic/creative-nonfiction-essay-examples/
https://m.al97.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=379904&pid=2309111&page=1773&extra=page%3D1#pid2309111
How to write a compare and contrast paper in apa format
blog writing services online [/b] topics in computer networks[/url] essay on abortion ichyq 2021[/url] essays editor sites for school hxdtu[/url] analyst resume samples nvsyd[/url] on junk food effects eghud[/url] essays xlmjt[/url]Essay about criminal behavior
Persuasive essay ghostwriting service
Скачать Бой Флойд Мейвезер – Логан Пол / Что это было?!
Что это было? Бой Флойд Мейвезер – Логан Пол / Краткий обзор боя
?? Сеть лучших боксерских залов в Москве…
Скачать BIRCHPUNK – RUSSIA TOMORROW NEWS // РОССИЯ ЗАВТРА: НОВОСТИ
Говорят, отечественная робототехника безнадежно отстала от мировой. Чушь! Мы заглянем на завод Ижевск Дайн…
Скачать ПЛОХИЕ ПЕСНИ №36 НАСТАСЬЯ САМБУРСКАЯ И НАТАША РУДОВА + песни от подписчиков
Познакомьтесь с разнообразием современных профессий — http://netolo.gy/gDt на бесплатном курсе «Диджитал-старт»….
Скачать Дубровский и Честный Перекуп! Работаем вместе!
Вокруг объединения Дубровский Синдикат и CHEST AVTO ходило много разговоров. Развеять все мифы и рассказать…
Скачать Музыкалити – Лайма Вайкуле и Айза
Каждый слушает музыку по-своему. А как слушаешь только ты?
Узнай в Spotify: https://clck.ru/VDVzB
Звезда эстрады Лайма…
Скачать YARATIKLARDAN KORUNMAK ICIN SAVUNMA HATTI OLUSTURUYORUZ!! THE FOREST (Bolum: 3) | Bar?s Can
YARATIKLARDAN KORUNMAK ICIN SAVUNMA HATTI OLUSTURUYORUZ!! THE FOREST (Bolum: 3)
BEGENMEYI UNUTMAYIN ?? ?? ZIL’E TIKLAYIP BILDIRIMLERI ACABILIRSINIZ ?
Ekip;…
Скачать BASKIN YEDIK !! PUBG MOBILE
YAYINLARIMIZ HER AKSAM NIMO TV DE: https://www.nimo.tv/ersinyekin
Herkese merhaba arkadaslar PUBG MOBILE da bugun hain pusuya dusuyoruz adam?m :)
PUBG MOBILE videomuzu begenirseniz…
Скачать ?? KUCUK PRENSES HIRSIZ OLUP HAPSE GIRDI ?? ROBLOX BROOKHAVEN HIKAYE | KUBRA NISA HAN KANAL ??
SELAM GUZEL INSANLAR KRALIN KIZI KUCUK PRENSES YEPYENI MACERALAR YASIYOR UMARIM COK EGLENIRSINIZ
LUTFEN KANALIMA ABONE OLUN VE 200 BIN KISILIK BIR AILE OLALIM…
Скачать OHAA! GERCEK DWOZ BU OLABILIR!! ?? EN IYI VURUSLAR #8 | PUBG MOBILE
OHAA! GERCEK DWOZ BU OLABILIR!! ?? EN IYI VURUSLAR #8 | PUBG MOBILE
Begenmeyi unutmay?n ?? ?? Zil’e t?klay?p bildirmleri acabilirsiniz ?
CANLI YAYINLARIMA BEKLERIM…
Скачать KAAN VE EFE ILAYDAYI KURTARIYOR ! ?? MINECRAFT
>Merhabalar! ben Efe Berke, bu videoda @Kaan Style Abisim Ile Uvey Kardesimiz Ilayday? Kurtarmaya Gittik Acaba Kurtarabildik mi ?! Daha fazla bu tur videolardan istiyorsan?z begenmeyi…
Скачать Chance | Marvel Studios’ Loki | Disney+
Chaos is on your side. Marvel Studios’ “Loki” starts streaming June 9 with new episodes every Wednesday on Disney.
> Watch Marvel on Disney+: https://bit.ly/2XyBSIW
> Subscribe to Marvel…
Скачать Sessao da Tarde 31 de Maio a 04 de Junho de 2021 ?? Filme de Sexta: Maria do Carito
Trailers dos filmes da semana de 31 de Maio a 04 de Junho de 2021 na #Sessaodatarde da Rede Globo.
————————-
0:00 Deixe seu Like – Obrigada por assistir! :
0:10 Filme de Segunda:…
Скачать “Us Again” l Official Trailer l Disney+
Find the wonder. Find the joy. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new short Us Again is now streaming on Disney+.
See more from official Disney Animation:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Disne…
Скачать Marvel Studios’ Black Widow – Final Trailer
“At some point we all have to choose between what the world wants you to be and who you are.” Watch the new trailer for Marvel Studios’ #BlackWidow. In theatres July 9 or on #DisneyPlus…
Скачать VELOZES & FURIOSOS 9 – A Gente Sabe Que E Velozes Quando – Dublado (Universal Pictures) HD
Breve nos cinemas.
Curta a Universal Pictures no Facebook: www.facebook.com/universalpicturesbr
Siga nosso perfil no Instagram: www.instagram.com/universalpicsbr
Siga nosso perfil no Twitter:…
Скачать Dil De Diya – Full Video| Radhe |Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez |Himesh Reshammiya|Kamaal & Payal
?? SUBSCRIBE to Zee Music Company – https://bit.ly/2yPcBkS
To Stream & Download Full Song:
Gaana – https://bit.ly/331oSON
JioSaavn – https://bit.ly/3vwvq48
iTunes – https://apple.co/2R9PuKP…
Скачать Nadiyon Paar – Full Song – Roohi | Janhvi Kapoor| Sachin-Jigar | Shamur | Rashmeet K
Presenting your favourite dance anthem #NadiyonPaaar to make you groove.
#NadiyonPaar #LetTheMusicPlay #Janhvi #Dance
Singer – Shamur, Rashmeet Kaur, IP Singh, Sachin- Jigar
New Version Composed…
Скачать EMIWAY BANTAI – SATH MAI | SWAALINA | MEME MACHINE | (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
Artist/lyrics – Emiway Bantai X Swaalina X Meme Machine
Prod / Music – Meme Machine
Mix master- Emiway
Dop – Harshbir Singh Phull
Edit & CC- Bhavesh Thakur , Hardik Ranavshe
Production-…
Скачать KHAD TAINU MAIN DASSA – Neha Kakkar & Rohanpreet Singh | Rajat Nagpal | Kaptaan | Anshul Garg
Anshul Garg Presents Khad Tainu Main Dassa by Selfie Queen Neha Kakkar & Gabru Rohanpreet Singh.
Gaana: https://gaana.com/song/khad-tainu-main-dassa
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/38SHGn…
Скачать #VIDEO | ??? ?? | #Ritesh Pandey, #Antra Singh Priyanka | Purbi Bayriya | Bhojpuri Dhobi Geet
Subscribe Now :- https://goo.gl/cz3dFz
If you like Bhojpuri song, Bhojpuri Bhakti Songs and Bhojpuri Movie Songs, Subscribe Now :- https://goo.gl/cz3dFz
Visit our website to download…
Скачать Аминка КАК ВЗРОСЛАЯ Камиль КАК МАЛЕНЬКИЙ Папа Этого НЕ ОЖИДАЛ!
none
Скачать Настя и Почему вредно смотреть долго мультики
none
Скачать Лукашенко: Если, не дай бог, война! Каждая семья должна быть вооружена!
none
Скачать Оксана Ярмольник. Жена. История любви
Оксана Ярмольник. Жена. История любви ?Оформите подписку на канал – http://bit.ly/TVcentr_Subscribe В программе …
Скачать Самый простой способ ловли сома!!!
Друзья это дин из самых простейших способов ловли сома!!!
Скачать Униженная мать | Хурланган она (узбекфильм на русском языке) 2019 #UydaQoling
none
Скачать ЧТО ОН ПОНИМАЕТ В ОТНОШЕНИЯХ СО МНОЙ? КТО Я? А, КТО ОН? КАК ОН НАС ВИДИТ?
none
Скачать Dabro – Юность (Official video)
none
Скачать Уходи дверь закрой-женя отрадная
none
Скачать Лайфхаки которые облегчают жизнь
none
https://gamesell.ru/gkey/2724548