Embracing My Roots: The Journey of Black Hair and Self-Discovery

From the crowns of Nefertiti to the braids of Beyoncé, Black hair has been the epicentre of identity, resistance, and beauty throughout history. This intricate relationship Black women have with their hair isn’t just superficial—it’s a reflection of culture, societal pressures, and personal journeys.

Growing up, my hair took the form of an Afro, a symbol of the Black is Beautiful movement. Its simplicity was its power. However, like many Black women, as I transitioned into different stages of life, so did my hair. Wigs, weaves, braids, you name it—I’ve experimented with them all. And while these choices reflected evolving fashion trends, they also mirrored the societal pressures faced by Black women to conform to mainstream ideals of beauty.

In a world where sleek, straight hair is often seen as the epitome of sophistication, Black women have, for centuries, navigated the intricate path between conforming for survival and expressing their true selves. Historically, our hair textures were ridiculed, with descriptors such as “nappy” used as derogatory terms. Weaves and wigs, for some, provided an escape from prejudice and allowed a degree of assimilation. For others, they were simply a means of artistic expression and convenience.

Yet, as I transitioned from one hairstyle to another, there was a quiet undercurrent of detachment—a feeling that I was losing touch with a vital part of myself. It became evident that my hair journey was less about fashion and more about finding my identity within and outside of the Black community.

The natural hair movement, which has gained momentum over the last decade, isn’t just about rejecting chemicals or extensions. It's about Black women reclaiming their narrative, celebrating their heritage, and dismantling beauty standards that have long excluded them.

Today, I’ve come full circle, returning to my short afro. This decision wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a homecoming. Embracing my natural hair isn’t a rejection of wigs, weaves, or braids, but rather an embrace of my authentic self. It’s a declaration that my Blackness, in its most raw and unaltered form, is beautiful.

In my journey, I've learned that every Black woman’s relationship with her hair is deeply personal. Whether we choose to wear our hair natural, braided, weaved, or wigged, these choices weave intricate tales of our lives, struggles, joys, and discoveries. Our hair isn't just hair—it’s a canvas of our stories.

To every Black woman reading this: Your hair, no matter how you choose to wear it, is a testament to your strength, resilience, and beauty. In a world that often tries to fit us into boxes, may we continue to defy, redefine, and above all, remain true to ourselves.