I love the deep waves and indentations of my hair, but I dislike that it is unpredictable. I can’t count on a hairstyle being consistent and it’s picky and stubborn based on the weather.
I have been natural my whole life. I decided to wear it curly more after college in my late 20’s going on 30 because I hated the smell of burnt hair whenever I straightened it. I also wanted to work out more and wearing my hair naturally was a motivation to improve my physical health and mental growth. I put the hot comb down and decided I wanted everyone to see the real me and how comfortable and beautiful my tresses were without it being straight. Now, I love the smell of my hair after a shower.
My family was the biggest challenge in this journey. My mom and her generation disapproved and often tried to brush out my curls to make them straight or more “presentable”. Now they have accepted the fact that I won’t back down from my hair confidence. I haven’t received discrimination when wearing my hair naturally, but when it’s straight I get called “Pocahontas”. I also dated a guy who told me he likes my hair better when it’s straight.
Social media and hair expos help me get inspiration for natural hairstyles. I believe that within the natural hair community there is representation available, but mainstream media is slow with changes.