During a conversation with a Black man a few weeks ago, in the presence of another Black woman, it happened. Again. I felt the need to defend my hair length. As soon as the exchange ended, I was haunted. Disturbed by the incessant occurrence of having to exculpate my existence, my beauty. Before I could properly process what I was doing and stop myself, I had JUSTIFIED MY HAIR LENGTH. Justified. As if there was something wrong or ugly about it, as if I was less attractive because my hair length was modest, even average, for a Black girl. A Black man had informed me, proudly and perhaps innocently, in front of another woman with longer hair that his hair had been longer than mine “at one point.” We’ve all heard or said The Defenses before. “My hair used to be really long BUT.” “That perm my mom forced me to get broke my hair off, girl.” “I told the hairdresser to just cut my split ends and she cut a few inches off. It’ll grow back.” “I did the big chop.” We’ve all cringed at the “bald head scallywag” jokes on the middle school playground, subconsciously brushed down gelled up baby hairs to ensure ourselves that we had edges, dodge that jab. Why is brushing down gelled up baby hairs even a thing? Doesn’t this act implicitly ingrain the message that natural edges are unruly or unsightly? Continue reading👇🏾: https://lnkd.in/dM5g6fnm #blackwomaninhr #bwhrconference2024 #networking #leadership #empowerment #humanresources #blackexcellence #inclusion #diversity #equality
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Explore Black hair culture: self-expression, scrutiny, and empowerment revealed. “Within the Black community specifically, there is a noticeable divide when it comes to how Black women and girls wear their hair. When they wear their hair in its natural state, typically in an afro or any low or high puff styles, they risk being subjected to ridicule. If their hair is typically of a four-type texture, they’ll often receive negative comments about having “nappy” hair. Some will even tell these young girls and women that their hair would look more attractive if straightened.” This article It discusses the scrutiny and judgment encountered by those who choose to wear their natural hair versus those who opt for wigs and weaves, highlighting the impact of racism and texturism on perceptions of beauty and identity. Article link: https://lnkd.in/guma4RfG Author: Sydnee Walcott Let us know your thoughts on this article in the comments below! We would love to hear from you! #4loveofwriters #forloveofwriters #flow #writer #writers #writingcommunity #whattoreadnext #writerslife #writersociety #writersnetwork #explorepage #writerscorner #amwriting #amreading #whattoreadnext #bookobsessed #readingaddict #readmore #currentread #trendyread #personaldevelopment #NaturalHairMovement #BlackHairCulture #HairIdentity #SelfExpression #HairLove #WigLife #WeaveLife #CulturalBeauty #BlackGirlMagic #Empowerment
Wearing Wigs and Weaves: Embracing Self-Expression Creatively written by Sydnee Walcott.
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Welcome to Buhle Talks Hair! 🎬 A YouTube talk show; that deep dives into the world of Black womxn's hair🌟 Beyond styling tips, we seek to amplify diverse voices and untold stories surrounding hair. 💬 Join us as we elevate the conversation, exploring themes like hair discourses, hair in art, and the transformative role of hair in beauty and fashion! 💁♀️ Through engaging interviews and insightful discussions, we challenge stereotypes and celebrate individuality, fostering understanding of the cultural, social, and environmental significance of Black womxn's hair 🌍💫. Join us in our mission to delve in deep in the stories and narratives of how Black women do and see hair whilst making a meaningful impact in the beauty industry, society and beyond. 💖 #BuhleTalksHair #RedefiningBeauty"
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🌟 Embracing Natural Hair in Corporate America: A Journey Towards Acceptance 🌟 For many Black women in corporate America, the quest to find suitable protective styles that align with conservative work cultures is a significant challenge. The struggle to maintain a professional appearance while embracing natural hair often leads to feelings of being deemed "unprofessional" due to longstanding biases. 💼 Protective Styles & Professionalism 💼 Protective styles are crucial for maintaining the health and integrity of natural hair. However, in many conservative workplaces, these styles are not always recognized as professional. This discrepancy forces many Black women to spend extra time and resources to conform to traditional grooming standards, often at the expense of their hair health. 👩🏽💼 Acceptance of Natural Hair 👩🏽💼 It's time to shift the narrative and embrace the beauty and professionalism of natural hair in all its forms. It's not just about hair; it's about fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are. 🗣 Join the Conversation 🗣 What are some challenges you are having in finding styles that suit your career and lifestyle? Share your experiences, and let's discuss how we can support each other in navigating these challenges. 🔗 Stay Connected 🔗 If you found this discussion valuable, follow me for more insights and conversations about natural hair and professional life. Let’s build a supportive community together! #NaturalHair #CorporateAmerica #DiversityAndInclusion #ProtectiveStyles #Professionalism #BlackWomenInBusiness #EmbraceDiversity
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World Afro Day 2024 It’s the seventh anniversary of #WorldAfroDay – a day to celebrate not just your hair but your relationship with it and acknowledge hair discrimination and the different behaviours and microaggressions that can come with wearing hair naturally whether with an afro, braids, dreadlocks, fades or locs. The vision of the founder is a global day of celebration and liberation for Afro hair and identity. But what does that mean and why is it necessary? Some of our Black members gave examples of micro-aggressions that they have faced working on the railway – 🤔 Wore a headscarf to work and was asked “Am I bringing ghetto into the workplace?” 🙄 Can I touch your hair? 😔 Is that a wig or extensions? 😶 You’ve changed your hair again! 😡 I understand why you use extensions now 😭 😩 Having a conversation with a colleague about next hair appointment – a line manager told me to go for straight hair than curly as it’s more professional rather than fluffy. 👷🏾♀️ Have you faced hair discrimination at work? 🎒 Have your children faced hair discrimination at school? ⛑ Can you fit your locs under the hard hat? We would love to hear your thoughts or your lived experience below. #belonging #haircare #understanding #change #microaggressions
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Accepting natural hair involves self-love and defying beauty standards for Black women. Embracing our natural hair impacts emotional and identity deeply. When we choose to embrace our natural hair, we are not only making a statement about our appearance but also about our inner selves. It's a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that can have a profound impact on our emotional well-being and how we see ourselves. Dialogue and support are crucial for embracing one's hair identity. Having open conversations with others who are also on this journey can provide a sense of community and understanding. Support from friends, family, and even online communities can make a world of difference in feeling confident and empowered in our natural hair. Embracing natural hair requires self-love in a world with eurocentric beauty standards. In a society that often values certain beauty standards over others, choosing to embrace our natural hair can be a radical act of self-love. It's about challenging the status quo and redefining beauty on our own terms. Check out the latest episode of the H.E.A.L. Her podcast with Dani Bourdeau for more depth into this topic. I hope you love it!
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Today, as we reflect on Juneteenth and the significance of freedom, I'm proud to share a new headshot that captures more than just my image; it is the freedom to show up in professional spaces as my authentic self. For the first time, I have a headshot with my hair in its natural, curly state - a celebration of my authentic self and the freedom to express my identity. In many corporate circles, curls are subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) deemed 'unprofessional.' I've had colleagues and bosses express a preference for straight hair, but I've learned that professionalism isn't about conforming to a narrow standard of appearance. It's about competence, confidence, and character. I owe a debt of gratitude to an incredible mentor who, despite our differences in appearance, assured me that my natural hair is not only acceptable but welcome in the workplace. They reminded me that this is "out of the box" hair, and it doesn't need to fit into any pre-defined molds. By embracing my natural hair, I stand in resistance to outdated norms and in solidarity with those who've been discriminated against for their hair texture and styles. I support the CROWN Act, which seeks to prohibit such discrimination and affirm the right for everyone to show up as their full selves. Let's celebrate diversity in all its forms and empower one another to bring our whole, authentic selves to work. It's time we redefine 'professional' to include the rich tapestry of human expression and honor the journey toward freedom and equality that Juneteenth represents. #NaturalHair #CROWNAct #AuthenticityInLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Juneteenth #Freedom
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For centuries, one of the most defining features of Black people, besides the color of our skin, has been our hair. Yet, this natural aspect of our identity has been subjected to scrutiny, discrimination, and systemic oppression. For too long, society dictated that our natural hair was unacceptable, unprofessional, or even threatening. It was a feature used to classify us in negative ways, perpetuating harmful stereotypes & undermining our self-image. The natural hair movement marks a transformative journey for Black individuals worldwide. It's a celebration of our authentic selves, rooted not just in pain or trauma, but in a profound love for ourselves & each other. For the first time in generations, we are reclaiming our natural hair with pride, breaking free from societal norms & embracing our true identities. Imagine growing up in a world where your natural hair was constantly criticized, policed, & belittled. From a young age, many of us felt pressured to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, resorting to chemical treatments or extensions to alter our hair texture. This pressure to assimilate created a disconnection between our minds and bodies, perpetuating a cycle of self-betrayal & seeking validation within oppressive norms. But the natural hair movement is about more than just embracing our curls, coils, and kinks. It's a revolutionary act of self-love and empowerment, rejecting the notion that our natural features are inferior or undesirable. It's a language we all speak without words, a collective affirmation of our beauty, resilience & cultural heritage. Through the natural hair movement, a new sense of community has emerged, fostering support, knowledge-sharing, & solidarity. Black-owned hair care brands have flourished as we invest in products that cater to our unique needs & celebrate our beauty on our own terms. Supporting one another from an intrinsic motivation and need, rather than a fight against the rest of the world. The decision to do the big chop, shedding years of chemical processing, is not just a physical transformation but a spiritual one, reclaiming our true identities and embracing our natural crowns with pride. Our natural hair didn’t just become a symbol of resistance, resilience, and empowerment, challenging societal norms & rewriting the narrative of Black beauty. The natural hair movement is a testament to the power of embracing our true collective identity & showing true support to one another on our journey towards self-love & liberation. As we’ve embraced our authentic selves, we inspire future generations to do the same. We are redefining standards of beauty, creating a legacy of self-acceptance & collective respect & 🖤🤎 that transcends generations. As we continue to celebrate our natural hair, we pave the way for a future where Black beauty is truly celebrated, embraced, and honored in all its diverse forms. About me: disrupting your thought process & possibly inspiring new thinking patterns 🧠
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💞 Happy International Women’s Day 💞 This year’s theme is “Inspire Inclusion”. This post by maybeboth on IG really resonated with me. It got me thinking about what it would mean to embrace “letting go” rather than “adding more”, to establish inclusivity. As Women, we are often burdened with societal expectations and pressures that dictate how we should act, think, and look. We see this play out all the time in the workplace. And yes, this hits different for Black women. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it means relaxing the shackles of societal norms and embracing a more inclusive definition of Womanhood. It means celebrating our differences, supporting one another, and ensuring intentions, actions and outcomes are in alignment. So whether you’re a “Chad”, a “Chelsea” or a “Company”…this is a moment to pause. This is the time to reflect. This is a chance to do better. This International Women’s Day, I encourage you to join me in letting go… 👉🏾 Of bias (conscious and unconscious). 👉🏾 Of judgement (when the unfamiliar or different shows up). 👉🏾 Of expectations (held always for others, but rarely for yourself). 👉🏾 Of limiting thoughts (that hold us back from progress & growth). Let it go. Let it go. 😮💨😮💨😮💨 AND JUST FREE UP YUHSELF 🙌🏾 #HOTperspectives #IWD2024 https://lnkd.in/gGrHiYB3
Anna Kai on Instagram: "No gurgle, no mergle, just freedom. Happy International Women’s Day to all biddies everywhere. @Kristin Ess® Hair Working Texture Spray Kristin Ess Soft Bend Titanium Curling Iron 2” Kristin Ess Loose Styling Powder @Armani beauty Lip Power Matte shade 207 @lacademie_ x Marianna Elijah Jacket via @Revolve"
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😱Shades of gray—OH, MY! What you’re about to read may seem a little controversial. 😂And no, I’m not referring to the book and movie I have neither read nor seen. ✍️Besides, the spelling is different—GREY. ❓OK, so what am I talking about? 👉I’m talking about the age discrimination, ageism, and age bias associated with gray hair in hiring, the workplace, and society. 👉I’m talking about the millions of people judged solely by their hair color EVERY SINGLE DAY instead of who they are as individuals. 👉I’m talking about the millions of people rejected after their initial in-person or Zoom interview or ghosted as if they never existed. 👉I’m talking about the millions of people passed over for promotions due to the stinkin' thinkin' associated with gray hair. 👉I'm talking about the millions of people forced out of their jobs due to age discrimination because gray hair isn't considered a positive attribute within the workplace culture. 👂I hear you, my friends! 💥ALWAYS remember: YOU are NOT the PROBLEM. ⚡AGE DISCRIMINATION, AGEISM, AND AGE BIAS are the problems.💥 ❓So, what to do? 👍You have choices! 👉You can: ✅TUNE out any noise that steals your sunshine: Stop listening to naysayers and anything that labels graying as a negative. ✅TUNE into those companies supporting an inclusive workplace culture with age-inclusive images on their websites and social media. ✅Dance to your own TUNE: Maybe it’s time to think about starting your own business. ✅Fine-TUNE your PERSONAL hair strategy: Stop comparing yourself to others. Think of it as a personal rebranding opportunity! ✅TUNE out GRAY SHAMING on BOTH sides of the aisle: You should NEVER feel PRESSURED by anyone or any organization to go gray OR color. ✅No one should be neither disrespected nor discriminated against by others because of their personal choices. 💥IT’S NO ONE ELSE’S BUSINESS. 😎For the men with NO hair or shaved heads—KUDOS! You rock that look! 😁Me? When it comes to hair color, I’m a lot like Lucille Ball, although I’m a natural redhead. True redheads don't turn gray. My first blonde hair appeared in my late 40s. And, just speaking for myself, I’m keeping my hair red until I can’t. But that’s just me--and Lucy. 📣Whether you have lots of hair, some hair, no hair, brown, black, blonde, red, or GRAY HAIR, everyone has an opinion on HAIR. 🎥So, let’s end on an upbeat note, get a little hairy, and have some fun with this TBT music video from February 1969—6 months before Woodstock! ☮GROOVY! https://lnkd.in/eyDezR6e #AgeBias #AgeDiscrimination #Ageism #GrayHair #GreyHair #Hiring #JobSeekers #Meme #Workers #Workplace
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I AM CROWN PROUD! 👑 While many in the US will celebrate Independence Day, I am mindful of how in 1776 slavery was legal. I'm also mindful, that through the centuries and even today, freedoms continue to be denied to Blacks. One such freedom is for Black people to wear their hair naturally without being discriminated against, especially professionally. BLACK HAIR IS PROFESSIONAL! For those who doubt that the discrimination happens, here are a few cases: 👑 Darryl George, an 18-year-old Black student at Barbers Hill High School, has faced disciplinary action all school year because he wears dreadlocks and has refused to cut them. 👑 Chian Weekes-Rivera, a veteran of the police department in Maplewood Township, alleges in the suit that she was subjected “to disciplinary action for having Black hair.” 👑 Andrew Johnson was made to cut dreadlocks or forced to forfeit a wrestling match. 👑 Imani Jackson, a Louisiana woman, filed a lawsuit against her employer because she was fired after she stopped wearing wigs and started wearing a natural hairstyle. 👑 Countless other cases of those who endure this form of discrimination in silence... As I type this caption, I recall my own experiences with hair discrimination, including a White manager touching my hair and even as an entrepreneur when a business coach told me he liked my hair better when it was straight. For those who may need numbers, here are some research findings: "According to a 2023 research study, Black women’s hair is 2.5 times as likely as white women’s hair to be perceived as “unprofessional.” The same study finds that approximately two-thirds (66%) of Black women change their hair for a job interview. Among them, 41% changed their hair from curly to straight (Dove and LinkedIn 2023)." 👆🏾 This is why the CROWN ACT is needed. Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair 👉🏾 What it is: a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots. Freedom in America should include Black people being able to wear their natural Black hairstyles and not be discriminated against based on them. Currently, The CROWN ACT has only been passed in 26 states. Thank you Dr. Adjoa B. Asamoah, Unilever (Dove) and others for championing this issue. I also appreciate LinkedIn highlighting this as a workplace issue. Learn more, https://lnkd.in/g-rxP9nD #CROWNDay #CROWNAct #CROWNProud #BlackHairIsProfessional #discrimination
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