To Be or Not to Be...

by Jacqueline Davis- Moranti

Growing up, I was constantly told by my family and family friends that I have "bad" hair. The truth of the matter is, that many little girls with kinky, curly, or coily hair are told everyday by their peers and the media that their hair is undesirable. Many girls who aren't born with smooth, long locks choose to hide it, by way of chemicals and/ or wigs. I too had succumbed to the pressure of trying to look the way  everyone wanted me to look. All that did for me was years of split ends and lackluster  hair. It just was not me. Then one day it hit me, why should I continue maintaing lackluster hair when I can have huge, bad ass, healthy hair?

Unfortunately because of the media's encouragement of sleek hair, many employers lump natural hair with tattoos and peircings. I'll admit that for many of my professional outings and interviews, i've hidden my hair in buns, or bunny tails for fear of being judged on the sole fact of the tiny curls that sprout from my scalp. It's just such a shame that a lot of us are brainwashed from childhood, to believe that the only way to be pretty and successful is by keeping our hair straight! Thank goodness I don't believe in conformity!

For me, I was in college--- that pretty much sums it all up! I was just too busy to wake up every morning and straighten my strands, make sure they laid down the right way, smooth, flyaway free... it got too hectic. Then one day, I cut it off and started fresh. Boy were those months awkward! But i'm never looking back! 

"We really need to move forward in the language of what beauty is. Beauty is such a minefield for a lot of people that we think it says something about the inner person, and it really doesn't."

-Iman

Photos courtesy of Chaucee Stillman

Ps.... I know I've been a bit lagging in my posts but that's only because i've been busy since i've been given the title of lead fashion stylist for Stardust Magazine! I've been doing tons of pre production work and now is when the fun part happens, photoshoots! Can't wait for this issue to be completed and show you all! If you want to keep up to date with me and what's happening, check out my Instagram! (Button on the right side)

                                                                                                                      Xoxo,

                                                                                                                         Jacqui