The past couple of weeks have sparked conversation and debate about Black women’s hair. Tessica Brown, the woman who posted her dilemma on TikTok after using Gorilla Glue to hold her style, had the adhesive professionally removed by a Black plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills last week.
On Friday, Sirius XM Host Lurie Daniel Favors addressed the topic on her show while discussing the recent story of a little girl who was ridiculed for her hair texture. The phone lines lit up with women weighing in on how they have navigated life to combat the self-hate, the experiences and how identity—as Black women of the diaspora—boils down to hair texture and skin tones.
For centuries, Black women have had to navigate society’s “beauty” standards. Today, many women opt for natural hairstyles and forgo the relaxers, extensions and weekly trips to the salon. As soul singer India Arie so eloquently put it, I am Not My Hair. And so many Black women have found liberation because of this mantra.
As we move toward freedom, it is essential to allow ourselves to share healing love, light and grace. Whether you perm or braid or wear an Afro, as long as you feel good is all that matters. How do you feel most beautiful? If you are natural, how long have you been rocking it that way? More than 10 years? Or are you a newbie? And when was the first time you were made to feel different? Let us know in the comments.
