My Hair, My Crown: Embracing the Beauty of Natural Hair – Here is Why?
Hair holds significant meaning beyond being simple strands that grow from our scalp. It is a powerful form of self-expression, reflecting our cultural heritage and contributing to our identity. Unfortunately, society has long enforced beauty standards that often disregard natural hair textures and prioritize Eurocentric ideals.
I vividly remember a specific occasion in my early 20s when I was searching for a part-time job in London through an agency that supplies staff to luxury mega stores like Harrods. The woman in charge, in an authoritative manner, suggested that we wear wigs as a potential means to secure a job in this industry, stating that "coif is not acceptable". My friend and I, both from a French-African-speaking background, left the meeting laughing. We couldn't comprehend the purpose of her statement when she had her hair styled in a single plait and I had a beautiful silky scarf nicely tied over my head to enhance my appearance. Our goal was simply to gain experience in the captivating world of fashion. However, at that moment, it became clear that this woman failed to recognize that she was addressing two proud African women who fluently spoke French and English and had experienced various forms of racism. Looking back, I cannot determine which was worse: experiencing these different levels of racism or navigating the Western approach of stigmatization, which includes a hypocritical perspective and a defensive view that undermines the integrity of people of colour.
To be honest, I had already experienced this stigmatism by the mid-90s. I grew up mainly around white people and attended a Catholic school for my entire primary education in Brussels, as well as the early stages of my secondary education before entering a hospitality program. However, as a Katangese, I was fortunate to also be surrounded by a small community that helped maintain my sense of self. During this time, I was the darkest, skinniest girl in my family, so my beauty was not perceived as the most attractive, even though there was nothing wrong with me. It never truly affected me as I had a more significant concern growing up, which was dyslexia. But I suppose that's another topic. It seems that society uses any physical or weak point to undermine one's existence, and we must all remember that fighting against stigmatization starts with the work we do within ourselves - the beauty within. I was fortunate that my mother instilled this principle in me at an early stage of my life. I'm certainly not perfect, but the most difficult part of this society is living with the pride that allows us to shine over time. As a Kalunda, I was raised to move quietly as it helps one age gracefully.
The hair movement has always existed to some extent. However, in recent years, a powerful movement has emerged, encouraging us to embrace and celebrate the natural beauty of our hair. In this editorial post, we will honour the profound significance of natural hair throughout history, in the present, and for the future. We will delve into the transformative journey of self-discovery and confidence that accompanies embracing our unique hair textures.
Representation plays a pivotal role, particularly when it comes to hair. For far too long, mainstream media has predominantly showcased straight hair as the epitome of beauty, leaving many individuals feeling marginalized and pressured to conform to unattainable beauty standards. Fortunately, the rise of social media platforms and empowering campaigns like #BlackGirlMagic have sparked a shift towards embracing diverse hair textures and celebrating the natural beauty of our hair. Witnessing a diverse range of hair representation allows individuals to feel acknowledged, validated, and proud of their unique hair journeys.
Natural hair holds a profound significance that goes beyond its physical appearance. It serves as a powerful symbol of self-expression and cultural heritage, contributing to the individual's identity. Unfortunately, societal beauty standards have long overlooked and disregarded the beauty of natural hair textures, favouring Eurocentric ideals instead This bias has resulted in a lack of representation and limited acceptance of natural hair in various professional settings, including schools and workplaces. Many individuals with natural hair have faced discrimination, being told that their hair is unprofessional or unkempt.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to embrace and celebrate natural hair. This movement has been driven by individuals who are proud of their heritage and want to challenge societal norms. They are reclaiming their natural hair as a source of empowerment and self-acceptance.
Natural hair is not only a statement of personal style, but it also carries historical and cultural significance. Different hairstyles and textures have been passed down through generations, carrying stories of resilience, strength, and identity. By embracing natural hair, individuals are connecting with their roots and honouring their ancestors.
Furthermore, natural hair care promotes self-care and healthy hair practices. Unlike chemical treatments and heat styling, natural hair requires gentle care and nourishment. This encourages individuals to prioritize their overall well-being and better understand their hair's unique needs.
«Natural hair holds a profound significance that goes beyond its physical appearance. It serves as a powerful symbol of self-expression and cultural heritage, contributing to the individual's identity.»
The importance of natural hair extends beyond the individual level. It is a movement that challenges societal norms and promotes inclusivity and diversity. By embracing natural hair, we are creating a more accepting and inclusive society, where everyone can express their true selves without fear of judgment or discrimination.
In essence, the significance of natural hair cannot be underestimated. It serves as a potent symbol of personal expression, cultural heritage, and empowerment. When we fully embrace and celebrate our natural hair, we not only embrace our identities but also contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society. It is time to liberate ourselves from the constraints imposed by Eurocentric beauty ideals and wholeheartedly appreciate the diversity and innate beauty of natural hair. Now, the question arises: what steps should we take next? I invite you to share your insights, along with a light-hearted and memorable anecdote that pinpoints your journey in embracing natural hair. As we are aware, black women are versatile in their acceptance of natural hair, and it is crucial to engage in open discussions that challenge Eurocentric beauty standards. Leave a comment below and, if you haven't already, join our community to be a part of this movement. If you act quickly, a pleasant surprise may be on its way to welcome you.
