Hair loss during economic hardship, termed "recession hair," is a trend that unexpectedly highlights the fortunate circumstance of maintaining luxurious locks in challenging times.
It's All About Hair Struggles Unveiled**: Let's chat about Black hair and the overlooked exclusion of Black women from the "recession hair" conversation! This month, our resident writer, Sophie Meharenna, shines a light on this often-ignored issue.
The "recession hair" craze has been all over the place-videos, articles, you name it! Everyone's talking about trimming their tresses to save dough and embracing a more laid-back look. Magazines like InStyle, Refinery29, Bustle, Vogue, and Allure have all jumped on the bandwagon, sharing thoughts on how our relationship with hair is changing in these tough economic times. But with the constant chatter, a question lingers: Who gets a pass to let their hair go wild without consequence?
Well, when you're Black, like me, it ain't that simple. Our hair ain't just another part of our bodies-it's one of the most visible, scrutinized, and politicized features of our identity, particularly in the workplace.
It's a hard truth that Black women can't just throw caution to the wind when it comes to our hair. While everyone's stripping back their highlights and cuts to save a buck, most of us are stuck with our tried-and-true haircare routines or face dangerous consequences. You see, the world of work ain't always kind to our coils-rules about what constitutes a "professional" style weren't drawn with our natural texture in mind. But make no mistake, the repercussions for breaking them can be harsh.
Early on in my career, I kept my hair straight as a strategy to manage media perceptions in my corporate world, especially when meeting new clients for business development. I religiously stuck to a biweekly blowout schedule, not because I loved the look but because I knew (and was even instructed by my boss) that it was the ticket to fitting in and being heard.
Nowadays, I rock my curls, braids, twists, or whatever I feel like wearing-and while progress has been made in workplace inclusivity, I still face that scrutiny. Sometimes it's sneaky, like when folks can't seem to stop staring at my roots. Other times, it's crazy, like when a colleague whipped out a ruler to measure the changes in my hair's size throughout the day, fascinated by the "magic" of shrinkage. And then there are the "compliments" that leave a not-so-subtle message about my place in the workplace, making me question whether some people see me as a novelty.
Our diverse experiences with hair during economic troubles deserve more attention and understanding, shedding light on different financial, social, and health-related challenges faced by Black women. From the low-income women with limited access to affordable hairstyling options to those battling health issues or struggling in underserved areas, the need for a more inclusive conversation on haircare during hardship is clear. Let's dive deeper into these experiences and work towards a more equitable future for all!
- The discussion around 'recession hair' often overlooks the unique challenges faced by Black women in the realm of 'workplace-wellness'.
- The hair of Black women, often a politicized feature, is subject to scrutiny in the workplace, and breaking the norms can lead to harsh consequences.
- In the past, Sophie Meharenna, in her corporate role, straightened her hair as a strategy to manage media perceptions and fit in, despite not enjoying the look.
- The experiences of Black women with hair during economic hardship require more attention and understanding, as they face various financial, health, and social challenges.
