By: NewNaturalista
I recently got my hair blown out and flat ironed to see my length. I had such anxiety about it. I am fiercely protective of my fro.
1. I am so afraid of heat damage!
2. I don’t want to give others expectations.
That last one is in reference to my job as a television reporter. The reactions were somewhat expected. People fawned over my flat ironed do. One coworker said, “You hair! It’s fabulous!” She likely meant just that, without any reference to my usual fro. I however felt a bit of anxiety about whether a “blowout” even for one week – was a good decision.
This whole process is just a step in my journey, I’m learning new things about myself and others – evolution.
9 comments
Trevor says:
Nov 24, 2010
Sounds like you found out some of your coworker’s true feelings. On the plus side, you’re one step ahead in knowing who’s been blowin smoke all this time.
Since my eyes have been opened to what our black women do to keep up with the caucasian Jones’, I have new found respect for the ladies that opt out of the status quo and keep it natural. Stay strong!
DJEfabulous says:
Nov 24, 2010
I too experienced the same feelings when I blow out my hair. I no longer see myself as beautiful with flat ironed hair. In fact, when I get my hair flat-iron, I do it on a Friday so by Sunday night my thickness is back.
Tweets that mention New Naturalista » Blog Archive » VIDEO: The Straight of It -- Topsy.com says:
Nov 24, 2010
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Su Ring, New Naturalista. New Naturalista said: VIDEO: The Straight of It, my first blow out/flat iron… http://bit.ly/flkyH2 [...]
admin says:
Nov 24, 2010
@DJEfabulous “I no longer see myself as beautiful with straight hair.” That’s pretty powerful – a complete shift in thinking right? It’s amazing! I think the real message here is that it should be about what WE think is beautiful – we should be able to wear our hair straight or curly because we love it, not because of societal pressures. Thanks for responding.
admin says:
Nov 24, 2010
@Trevor, see what we ladies go through! LOL. Thanks for posting.
ami says:
Nov 24, 2010
First you look beautiful, straight or natural. Second Yes, when we get our hair straightened, especially if it’s been along time, you get ” you look so much better” or “you look so pretty”…it’s like did I not look pretty before with the fro, twists, braids? And it’s like the week you stay straight that’s when you see every natural sista in your neighborhood and you just want to go run and splash some water on your head just to prove to it to them.. The life of a Naturalista is never boring!!!
admin says:
Nov 24, 2010
@Ami, “the life of a naturalista” I love it!
Windi says:
Dec 4, 2010
First you are so cute, straight or natural. However lots of time people rave just because it is different, and the style does actually look good on you. Also our AA natural hair is foreign, so people gravitate to what they know. Take the compliment and move on. You know what you like and what you makes you feel good, that is all that matters. The comments only matter if you are not comfortable with yourself.
admin says:
Dec 5, 2010
@Windi you’re absolutely right. People do gravitate to what they know – “the comments only matter if you are not comfortable with yourself.” PREACH!
Thanks for the comment.