Loving The Hair You Were Given | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Loving The Hair You Were Given

Hiar love throughout my lifetime.

34
Loving The Hair You Were Given
Rachel Chanderdatt

I have an afro.

Okay, not a literal afro especially since my hair is long, but essentially...an afro. The twists and tangles of small and big curls came to me from my father's genes. And the wildness of it drives my mother crazy cause her hair is pin straight in nature. Highlights of my childhood include me sitting on the floor while she tugs my hair from above attempting to tame it. There was so much tangle spray and so much pain. I grew to hate the hair I was given.

As I got older, straighteners were widely common and the weekly hair tug-of-war became hair frying. It took at least an hour to get my hair into a form that would be seen as acceptable outside. My dad would always say that my mother was jealous of my big, thick hair, "she wish she had hair like you." Though it helped, the masking of what I was given would always hurt.

Fast forward years later, my heat damaged hair remains. A lot of the curls have diminished but the wide-reaching dimensions remain and I love it. I spent so much time hating myself and changing myself for the sake of vanity and others' perspectives that it was interfering into my own life.

Now, I refuse to hide the natural hair I was given in updos or braids if it's not straightened. I wear it loose and free and my dense hair keeps me warm like the wooliest scarf. There was never anything wrong with it.

Statistically, two women go in for an interview, one with straight and the other with curly hair--- the straight haired one is more likely to get the job. Even more so if her job includes public appearances. It's common for women within the entertainment business to get their hair straightened because many producers think that curly hair is wild and unpredictable, not knowing what it'll do on camera. Personally, I'd like to think that's a part of my charm, but also in the moment I'm unsure if I'd give in or not. It is hard to choose between a job and your self expression, but it shouldn't be.

Right now, I have no problem wearing my hair as is professionally. I'm so comfortably me like this and I feel that this should be the defining factor. The more comfort a person has about who they are, the more their personality will ring true to their character. We shouldn't have to change for anyone

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

19521
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8220
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5987
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5187
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments