In my line of work it’s hard to find acceptable style options while transitioning from relaxer to natural. When it comes to the news biz, there are so many hidden rules. The bosses won’t say to your face, “We don’t want you to wear your naturally curly hair.” However they would probably say, “Your hair looks much better straight.” To avoid running into legal problems, they’re careful with choosing the right words.
As my hair continues to grow, the roots are getting pretty thick. I’ve been avoiding the gym recently, so that I won’t have to deal with those sweaty bad hair days. It’s not so bad if I’m chillin’ at the crib. If I’m not working and my mane won’t cooperate, I just rock a ponytail. It’s that simple. But if I do have to work, there is no way that would fly. Needless to say -as I continue on this journey, I’m gonna have to find other style options that’s acceptable for work and also right for my hair.
I recently had one of those bad hair days. Since I already applied heat earlier this week, I wanted to avoid flat ironing again. My tresses are weak as it is, I don’t want to make it worse. So I got a hair tie from a friend at work, and put my hair in a ponytail with a more professional and elegant twist.
I was expecting boss lady to shut me down. We’re usually not allowed to rock a ponytail. But, she said she loved it! Maybe I’ll let her in on my master plan to go natural. Then I can experiment a bit more with different styles. What do ya think?
Weather Anchor Mama
WELL MS STACEY-ANN I WEAR MY HAIR NATURAL AND I LOVE IT. I WAS NOT A FAN OF PERMS BUT HELD IN THERE TO THE END. IT WAS NOT EASY LIKE YOU SAID YOU TRY TO AVOID NOT SWEATING YOUR HAIR OUT, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO IS BRAIDS, WEAVES OR WIGS UNTIL YOU ARE READY. BASICALLY I JUST KEPT MY HAIR CONDITIONED BETWEEN THE TRANSITIONING. WHEN I HAD ENOUGH NEW GROWTH I WENT TO A BARBER AND HAD HIM TRIM OUT THE PERM AND SHAPE UP MY NEW NATURAL. YOU JUST HAVE TO BE VERY COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR NEW LOOK. LIKE I SAID I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR WHICH IS VERY THICK. I WEAR IT PUSHED BACK WITH HEADBANDS. I ALWAYS USE A LEAVE IN CONDITIONER. GIRL ROCK THAT NATURAL. GOOD LUCK TO YOU.
INSPIRATION:
Melissa Harris-Perry – CNN
Rochelle Ritchie – NBC
Tonya Mosley – NBC
Robin Robinson – Fox
Rene Syler – formerly CBS early show
Vimbayi Kajese – 1st Black anchor in China
FACTS and QUESTIONS:
Relaxer = increased chance of cancer
Relaxer = increased chance of fibroid cysts
Relaxer = clear cultural imperialism
is that acceptable to your news director??
Black women are the original women on this earth. All of their features are regal adornment. Nothing was made in error. Wearing your hair natural is the only way you can stand at your full height, and emanate your full glory.
Show your daughter to make no apologies or harbor no insecurities as a result of the proof of her African ancestry.
We might follow you on TV, but she’s following your example.
One thing I notice about watching the news is that everybody (black and white) have straight hair. I wonder if it’s even acceptable for you to rock a curly do. You never see it. It’ll be interesting to see what happens later when your hair is out of transition.
I saw you on the news last night and thought, “hey, I like the new do”. It’s very elegant and simple. It’s a shame that you aren’t allowed to veer too far from the oh so common straight hairstyle. Is the news industry afraid that “ethnic hair” will destroy the image of professionalism in that field? It’s a shame that the only acceptable appearance is straight hair (relaxed, flat ironed, or wigs/weaves). Not to offend anyone, but I don’t believe that many non African Americans understand how damaging it is to our hair to keep up with the sleek and straight look that is deemed appropriate. My heart goes out to you Stacy-Ann. I wish you the very best with balancing your natural hair journey and your career.
Well said! Thanks so much! My daughter is one of the main reasons why I’ve decided to go natural. Thanks for the inspiration as well. It’s a shame that the NYC market doesn’t have the same variety of black women rockin’ natural curls.
That’s a great question. I wish I had the answer. You are right though, the constant heat and styling could be damaging. I’m still on my natural journey. I plan to visit the hair doctor and hopefully, I’ll learn about new style options. I’ll be blogging about it soon. Thanks so much:)