As a Black woman who has lived most of my adult life in Australia and now in my early fifties, I want to share some of the challenges I have faced in embracing my natural hair.
In Australia, I have discovered that there are limited hair salons that truly understand our hair texture and how to care for it. Making the decision to go natural came with several challenges. The biggest was confronting my own internalised insecurities, those placed on me over time and learning to recognise that I am beautiful just the way I am.
Secondly, I had to recognise my responsibility to the next generation: to teach them the importance of embracing their hair as part of their African heritage and identity. Our hair is not just hair, yes it carries history, culture, and pride.
Lastly, I had to dismantle the idea that opportunities will come to me only if I look a certain way. I truly believe we are living in a time where society is beginning to embrace authenticity in every form, including how we wear our hair and express our identities.
Here I am, with my Afro hair.
Discovering styles and learning how to care for it has not always been easy, but I am getting there and I am truly learning to love my Afro hair.