She Strengthens

Embracing My True Self: A Journey of Self-Acceptance

Breaking Free from Societal Expectations

I still remember the day I decided to take the plunge and go natural. It was my freshman year of college, and I was tired of conforming to societal beauty standards. I had initially planned to transition gradually, but my impatience got the better of me. With a pair of paper scissors, I cut off my relaxed hair, tears streaming down my face as I watched my old self disappear.

The Struggle to Accept My Natural Hair

But my newfound freedom was short-lived. I struggled to come to terms with my natural hair, and the constant criticism from others didn’t help. People would tell me I looked like a boy, and even a cousin of mine said I was stupid to have gotten rid of my “beautiful” relaxed mane. The worst part was feeling like I didn’t know how to style my hair, especially when I started interning at glossy women’s magazines.

The Pressure to Conform

In the media industry, where appearances matter, I felt like I needed to fit in. I would spend hours planning my outfits, perfecting my bio, and mapping out my commute to ensure I made a good impression. And, of course, I would get a straight weave installed to conceal my natural hair, afraid of being judged or rejected.

A Turning Point

But there was one time when I was forced to wear my natural hair to work, and it was a wake-up call. People would touch my hair without permission, give me weird looks, and even ignore me. It was dehumanizing, and I was mortified. For years, I avoided wearing my natural hair in public, opting for weaves and braids instead.

Finding Inspiration

That was until I stumbled upon YouTube videos of black women sharing their natural hair journeys and experiences at work. These strong and inspiring women refused to be deterred by naysayers, and their confidence inspired me to do the same. If they could rock their natural hair with pride, why couldn’t I?

Breaking Free from Fear

When I landed my first “big girl job” in media, I finally felt empowered to accept myself. The financial burden of constantly getting weaves also played a role in my decision. I realized that I didn’t need to hide behind expensive hair extensions to feel confident. My natural hair was beautiful, and I was done letting others dictate how I wore it.

Embracing My Authenticity

Today, I wear my natural hair with pride, whether I’m at work or at freelance events. I still enjoy wearing weaves, braids, and wigs, but it’s no longer about shrinking myself to fit others’ expectations. If someone judges me for my natural hair, that’s their problem, not mine. I’m finally done trying to conform to societal norms, and I’m loving every minute of it.