Embracing Natural Hair

By Briana Whiteside

The last time I wrote about my natural hair journey, I expressed that I was still hesitant about exposing my hair for long periods of time, and that I wore a lot of protective styles because of the summer heat. However, this week, I decided to wear my hair out and in the style of a frohawk. To my surprise, I received so many compliments.

Because my hair is thick and curly in some places and wavy and coily in other places, a lot of the hair styles that other naturals wear do not work for me. As a result, I am usually self-conscious about the way my hair reacts to products and weather conditions.

Two months into this natural hair expedition and let's not forget the disposing of those false eyelashes, I have to admit that I love it more each day. I feel like I’m embracing who I really am and allowing my inner beauty and confidence to shine through. Some one has even remarked that I have a glow about me!

I understand now that this is a process—anyone who knows me knows I don’t like processes—and it’s not about when I get to the end of this journey, but about the things I learn about myself along the way.

Briana Whiteside is a graduate student in English at SIUE and a contributing writer for the Black Studies site.