3 Ways I'm Fighting the Stigma of Curly Hair
I spent a significant part of my childhood constantly stressing about how my hair appeared on a daily basis. I'm grateful that my parents put in a lot of effort to take care of my hair, but unfortunately, it didn't shield me from the relentless bullying. The names I was called and the comments about my "gross" and "nappy-headed" hair stung deeply. My hair was not only a target for words but also for physical abuse as it was pulled and grabbed. The harasser made sure to emphasize how "disgusting" my hair was, leaving me with feelings of shame and sadness.
I vividly remember yearning for hair that was different, longing for the glossy, straight locks that were glorified on TV – either in a blonde or jet-black hue. In my quest to fit the mold, I resorted to drastic measures, including dying my hair and chemically straightening it. I even attempted to grow it out, all in the hope that the harassment would cease, and I'd finally feel hassle-free and beautiful. It was a difficult time, one where I concealed my true self behind a façade of hair that didn't reflect who I truly was. All of this, driven by the weight of the stigma against curly hair.
But then, something shifted. At 24 years old, I stood before the mirror and said, "Enough is enough. I'm tired of hiding and feeling ashamed of who I am and how I look." I realized that my hair was my crowning glory, and I would no longer change it to please others. I longed to be proud of my hair, to no longer conceal it in shame.
“My hair, a testament to my natural, God-designed beauty,
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So, I took a bold step. I ceased all chemical treatments, limited my use of heat, and opted for a short bob cut. It was a fresh start, and I adored the freedom that came with short hair. Despite the negative comments and harsh judgments that came my way, I held my ground. I reminded them that it was my hair, and I was fiercely proud of it. My hair, a testament to my natural, God-designed beauty, became a symbol of strength and authenticity.
Through this transformation, I found my power and confidence in embracing and styling my hair exactly as I wanted. My mission is simple: I want more women to embrace their natural crowns, to defy societal standards, and to wear, style, and rock their hair in a way that makes them feel utterly good about themselves. I've witnessed far too many women suffer from hair shame, and it's time for a change.
So, how can you break free from this suffocating shame and fully embrace your curls? While it's not a simple journey, I can attest that it's undeniably worth it.
1. Start by Loving Yourself: Embrace your curls by loving yourself first. Begin by asking yourself, "What do I like about myself, especially my hair?" Let go of those "I wish" statements and replace them with bold, powerful "I am" statements. Stand before the mirror and declare that you are a masterpiece, a creation of God's hands, and you are undeniably beautiful.
2. Educate Yourself: Next, learn how to care for your curly hair. Invest time in educating yourself about suitable hair products and understanding the specific needs of your hair type. Follow social media accounts of Black women who not only embrace but also educate others on nurturing their hair. Knowledge is power, and for a woman with mixed curly hair, mastering hair care is essential.
Celebrate the exquisite beauty of African curly hair and showcase a powerful message of graceful diversity in your living environment.
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3.Celebrate Curly hair Through Art: For me, the most transformative step in embracing my natural beauty was through art. Art became my avenue to embrace my curls on a profound level. I actively sought out artists who celebrated the beauty of Black women and their hair. I immersed myself in artwork that depicted women who had natural curly hair that looked like me and my family. This inspiration drove me to create my own art, a means to showcase the strength and beauty of African women, their unique hair, and their distinct style
After taking these steps, my relationship with my hair underwent a complete transformation. I now wear my hair exactly how I want, embracing its unpredictability with pride. Most importantly, I'm teaching my daughters to love their hair and empowering them to make their own choices when it comes to their hair and I long for you to experience the same freedom.
Join me and fight against the sigma against curly and buy these curly beauties and display them proudly in your home. Let these powerful naturally curly hair woman hang front and center to inspire you and all who enter your space to embrace the beauty of curls.
