EMBRACE THE CURLS, GIRL

So, let’s talk about hair, shall we?

For as long as I can remember, I have had this underlying feeling that my natural curls just didn’t come off as polished and “put together” as straightened hair or more “mainstream” looks. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still love a good blow out, honey! But, this past month I found myself in a space where I’m comfortable with the idea of embracing my natural curls and a more natural look in the workplace. I know that I may be behind a lot of y’all with this - but this is my truth, ok. Don’t judge me. lol Even when I would get my long box braids, I just never really felt super polished unless they were pulled back or pulled up into a bun.

I recently started a new job and the culture of the company has encouraged me to just be me. And I can honestly admit this is the most accepted and free that I have felt at work in my life. Something that is even more crazy to me is that, yes, I would compliments and questions about my hair when it was straight or when I would pin curl it but the response to wearing my hair more kinky and curly has been surprisingly positive! Even strangers have stopped me to tell me how pretty my curls are and it’s like I’ve unlocked a new level in the game of life! Imagine the confidence I would’ve had if I would of been able to feel this free straight out of college. And while I have never been with a company that had strict rules on how we wear our hair (I honestly think this was a self-imposed rule), I really have just felt more comfortable with more “European” styles.

Which brings up a whole ‘nother conversation about how society impacts our self-images of what is considered beautiful and most acceptable, etc. My daughter has naturally curly hair and her curls are beautiful. We have a morning routine and she watches and wants to emulate everything that I do - from my eyebrows to my bronzer. She’s questioned the flat iron and knows that its hot and not to touch it. But up until now, I don’t think she remembers me wearing my hair curly like this. I want to make sure she knows her curls are beautiful. I want her to know self-love and all the power that it can unlock. But how can I encourage this if I am not truly in tune with my own confidence and self-love? Welp. It starts now. So (at least for now) the curls are here to stay y’all. And while I’m still getting use to the wash days, wash and gos, 3rd day curls, and the plethora of products that come with natural curls, I’m loving it. But more importantly, I’m loving me.

Drop down in the comments and let’s talk about your experiences working in professional settings and if you have ever felt the need to hold off on certain looks.

xoxo,

Marie