Crowning Glory: Black Hair as a Source of Self-Love
Embracing Black hair, especially natural 4C hair, can be a journey of self-discovery and defiance against societal standards. For many, hair isn’t just about style; it’s a statement of identity, pride, and cultural resilience. Natural Black hair, often misrepresented or marginalized, carries deep-rooted history and symbolism. Social media and society have made great strides toward loving and accepting natural Black hair, but there is always work to be done.
Future generations deserve to grow up knowing their hair’s worth without hearing myths like “4C hair can’t grow” or “is unmanageable.” They should not have to explore what it means to embrace Black hair in a society that hasn’t always celebrated it. Building an enduring sense of pride and acceptance of Black hair starts now, with conversations that educate and uplift Millennials and Generation Z about the history, beauty, and resilience of Black hair, paving the way for empowerment.
A year and a month ago, I shaved my head down to the scalp. I didn’t give myself time to overthink or weigh the decision because I knew I’d talk myself out of it. Black hair, especially 4C texture, is wrapped in so much controversy and opinion in today’s society. Had I dwelled on it too long, I would have let society's "rules" dictate my choice. But for once, I wanted to change my hair for me, not for anyone else.
Just four months earlier, I had permed my hair, hoping that straightening it and making it "more manageable" would give me the confidence to wear it out. What I failed to understand at the time was that Black hair is more than just curls and coils. It’s a symbol of identity, cultural history, and pride. We’re all familiar with the story of braids during slavery, where women wove escape routes onto the scalps of their kin—a powerful act of resilience. Wearing natural hair is a source of pride and empowerment in our community, a way to literally and figuratively embrace our roots.
Even with protective styles like weaves, box braids, and wigs, Black hair remains deeply tied to our identity. Historically, focusing on Black hair has uplifted us, but society often discourages the natural hair movement. Like many others, I’ve experienced moments of disheartenment regarding my own Black hair. I spent years hiding behind protective styles, and though it felt safe and beautiful, eventually, I wanted to be seen in my natural beauty. More importantly, I wanted to feel beautiful in it. Perming my hair seemed like the answer, but it didn’t feel right. I was still searching for true comfort in my natural state.
After shaving my head, I quickly realized that this change was more than physical. It marked a significant shift in how I approached societal beauty standards and personal expectations. With each pass of the clippers, I felt a release of long-held ideas about what was considered "acceptable" or "beautiful." Touching my scalp for the first time, I was aware that this change went beyond appearance; it symbolized freedom from the need to hide or adjust my natural curls and coils to fit a specific mold. I embraced my hair and identity fully on my own terms. My hair journey became more than aesthetics; it became a declaration of self-acceptance and defiance against a society that often told me my natural state wasn’t good enough.
Black hair has always been political, from the times of slavery when braids held hidden maps to the Civil Rights Movement when afros became symbols of resistance and pride. Our hair is a crown, one we wear proudly even in a world that has historically tried to strip us of that dignity. For centuries, Black women have been told that our natural textures are too wild, unprofessional, or even unworthy of respect. But our hair is a story, a history, a rebellion, and a reclamation of beauty on our own terms.
Even now, as my hair grows back, I continue to learn that the journey isn’t about fitting into society's box but about embracing the freedom to define beauty for myself. Whether in a fresh afro, a protective style, or shaved down to the scalp, my hair, our hair, Black hair holds the power of choice. That, in itself, is the ultimate expression of pride. That in itself is enough. My hair is enough. I’m enough, and so are you.
Society’s opinions and relationship with natural 4C hair has been complex. We have seen both misrepresentation and judgment, as well as recent strides toward greater acceptance. Historically, society and social media have marginalized or criticized tightly coiled 4C hair textures, portraying them as "unmanageable" or "unprofessional." For decades, beauty standards in advertising, television, and film have mostly favored Eurocentric hair types, pushing the beauty and versatility of natural Black hair to the side.
In recent years, however, there’s been a positive shift as social media influencers and brands have worked to normalize, bring more awareness to, and celebrate natural 4C hair. Representation in films, television, and social media has improved, showcasing 4C hair in various professional settings. Influencers have also used their platforms to educate on styling and appreciating Black hair.
Being comfortable in Black hair is a journey that often involves embracing natural textures, challenging societal expectations, and working towards self-acceptance. For many, learning to feel comfortable with natural Black hair means unlearning messages and thoughts deeply embedded within themselves. Black hair, whether it’s 4C coils, locs, braids, or any other natural texture, embodies cultural identity, history, and pride.
Being comfortable in your own beautiful Black hair begins with understanding and caring for one’s hair type, embracing its unique beauty and versatility. The journey to self-acceptance and pride in Black hair is both personal and collective, and it’s a powerful statement of identity and self-love in today’s society. What do you need from yourself and society in order to work towards being comfortable in your natural 4C hair loud and proud?
