I am genuinely proud of having this hair type but this love for my real texture only started 2 years ago.
I spent my high school years straightening my curls, considering straight hair as the only condition to beauty and femininity.
In secondary school, I would straighten my hair once a month, and people would almost welcome me with a round of applause, congratulating me for the way I looked that particular day, me and my straightened hair…
All of this didn’t send a very positive message to the natural version of myself.
I wouldn’t say that I feel represented in today’s society. It’s only recently that I started to understand the power of representation! Seeing yourself out there is important, it shows that you exist, that you matter, that you too can be a role model!
I don’t mean to be judgemental but seeing so many black and biracial women hiding their true nature is very sad and frustrating to me.
The reasons for this can be diverse. I know for instance that from a very young age, my black colleague had to endure her own parents’ criticisms towards the texture of her hair, the dark tone of her skin or even the shape of her nose. They were looking like her but criticised everything about her…
Beyonce, Rihanna, and all the others could send such a strong message to all of us black and biracial women by wearing their hair natural. Unfortunately, it seems like this type of representation is way too much to ask for now…