I recently decided to remove my beloved braids and wear my natural hair, and I have to admit, it wasn’t easy for me. I absolutely adore my braids; they’ve always been my most convenient and comfortable hairstyle.ย I’m known for effortlessly changing my look, but for me, there is a deeper meaning behind every choice I make with my hair. As a woman of color, our hairstyles often carry deeper significance and can be seen as acts of rebellion or statements of identity.
On Mother’s Day 2021, I recall a particular moment when my hairstylists trimmed and styled my hair into a protective style with cornrows and a cute little mohawk. I felt incredibly confident and proud of my unique style. It was super fun! However, to my surprise, I encountered some perplexing reactions from individuals at church. Looking back, I can laugh because “If you know, you know. My new cute-hawk felt brave, and in a loving-tight fit church community, I felt comfortable sharing the slow transformation.
My new look has been received warmly.
This eye-opening experience taught me an invaluable lesson โ the importance of staying true to yourself and not always allowing others’ opinions to dictate your choices.
As a recovering people-pleaser, this reinforced my belief that self-expression is crucial to personal growth and embracing one’s beauty. I’m reminded that my true worth lies in knowing that Jesus loves me; this I know.
I am learning to fully celebrate my individuality and gather the courage to express myself authentically while having fun with it. My hair is just one facet of who I am. Yet, it is a constant reminder that my true beauty comes from within, grounded in the understanding that Jesus loves me unconditionally. Because of this, I can courageously push through the random voices to the contrary.
Ultimately, I am proud to be a woman of color who embraces her unique identity and uses her voice and personal style to inspire others to do the same.
I do love my braids, and they will return๐ฆ
Red Highlight Hair- August 2023
