By Love Olaniyi 07 January 2024 | 1:00 pm Do you remember that time when having straightened hair felt like the only way to fit in? It was as if being part of the ‘cool’ group meant having hair that didn’t curl or kink naturally. We would plead with our parents, hoping they’d allow us to change our hair, wishing our curls could match… Do you remember that time when having straightened hair felt like the only way to fit in? It was as if being part of the ‘cool’ group meant having hair that didn’t curl or kink naturally. We would plead with our parents, hoping they’d allow us to change our hair, wishing our curls could match what we believed was beautiful. When they refused, it sometimes left us feeling a bit down, as though our natural hair didn’t quite measure up to the standards, we saw around us. But as we matured, something extraordinary began to unfold. We started to see the charm in our curls, coils, or waves. With a touch of care and attention, they unveiled their uniqueness, showing us that being different was something to treasure. Yet, even today, it’s disheartening to witness some individuals not appreciating natural hair. They make comments like, “Don’t wear your natural hair to my event,” or “You’re not welcome if you have your natural hair.” It seems they haven’t yet grasped the beauty in the diversity of hair types. These notions often stem from what we see on TV or from the generalised ideas of ‘beauty’. It’s like we’ve been taught not to love ourselves as we are, but rather to aspire to look different, more like what’s considered ‘better’. However, embracing our natural hair goes beyond just choosing a hairstyle. It’s a voyage towards self-acceptance. When we started caring for our curls, a profound shift took place within us. It wasn’t solely about looking good; it was about feeling confident, smiling more, and taking pride in who we are. Amid this journey, a crucial revelation dawned upon us: our beauty and confidence aren’t about mirroring someone else. They’re about honouring our individuality. Embracing our natural hair wasn’t just a rebellion against set standards; it was an act of loving ourselves more and celebrating our differences. However, societal norms have often put pressure on us to fit into a particular mould. There’s a belief that natural hair isn’t tidy or suitable for special occasions. But we beg to differ. It’s not about conforming to someone else’s idea of perfection; it’s about declaring that we are perfectly fine just as we are. Embracing our natural hair isn’t merely about following what’s trendy; it’s about reshaping what’s considered normal. It’s about creating a world where every hair type is revered—a world where beauty isn’t confined to a single style. To those who have faced criticism for embracing their natural hair, know this: you’re part of a transformative movement. Your choice isn’t just about hair; it’s about self-empowerment and showing the world that beauty comes in diverse forms. Ultimately, embracing our natural hair isn’t merely a physical transformation; it’s a journey of internal growth. It’s about declaring proudly, “This is me, and I cherish it.” Embracing our natural hair isn’t a passing trend; it’s a profound statement reflecting self-acceptance and a celebration of individuality. Guardian Life NOW Do you remember that time when having straightened hair felt like the only way to fit in? It was as if being part of the ‘cool’ group meant having hair that didn’t curl or kink naturally. We would plead with our parents, hoping they’d allow us to change our hair, wishing our curls could match… 1 hour ago It’s a New Year, and as the festive dust settles, lots of ‘To Dos’ for the year are piled up in the schedules. One way to sort this out is to find a quiet, yet intriguing place to sit and plan for the year. These fascinating places, housed in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, are the perfect… 7 hours ago In a world where the concept of beauty has long been dictated by Eurocentric standards, a profound movement is gaining momentum, challenging the status quo and redefining the narrative around African hair as women of African descent reclaim their natural beauty. The protagonists of this revolution are Lekia Lée, the founder of Project Embrace, an… 8 hours ago Welcome to yet another exciting week with The Guardian Life where we keep you updated on sensational and entertaining stories around the globe. This week’s Catch Up is thrilling, revealing and worthy of every read. Catch Up with all the drooling stories from us! Nicki Minaj Dominates Rap Streams In 2023 In 2023, Nicki Minaj… 1 day ago The viral tweet of the woman Known as Debbie has caught the attention of Nigerians and various organisations including her bank, and it has decided to match her current balance as Nigerians continue to shower her love. What happened? A woman identified as Debbie on Twitter caught the attention of Nigerians, when she posted that… Music 1 day ago From multiple Grammy nods to chart-breaking history, Afrobeats – Nigeria’s biggest music export – rose up the ranks in global musicdom, last year. Among the most interesting things that happened within the multi-billion dollar scene, the flux of new voices soundtracking the evolution of the industry was most laudable to watch. 2 days ago After an amazing year on the music and entertainment scene, leading youth entertainment brand, MTV Base reconvened for a recap of all the exciting, entertaining moments in 2023 through its renowned roundtable discussion… 30 Dec Everyone loves a grass-to-grace story, but when it comes to Laycon it’s more than just a regular muse. Born Olamilekan Agbeleshe, the 30-year-old singer stepped into the spotlight circa 2020, when he won the Big Brother Naija season 7 edition. 29 Dec Embattled Nigerian musician Naira Marley has dropped two singles amidst the many controversies surrounding him. The songs are titled “Wahala” and “OMO, on my own” respectively. Naira Marley released the two singles on the 29th of this month, making it the first for the better part of the year, since the death of his former… 23 Dec Across Afrobeats’ ever-expanding community, there are a plethora of unsung heroes. One of such noteworthy mavericks is the acclaimed record producer, composer and House DJ, Bigfoot. From the pulsating tempo of Hip Hop to the moody ballads of RnB, Bigfoot has left his imprint across myriad Afrobeats classics for nearly two decades. Film 2 days ago Funke Akindele’s ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ is Nollywood’s highest grossing film ever made, crossing the #1B mark less than a month since its release. Here are the records broken and also created in the process, by Funke Akindele’s biggest project yet. Nollywood’s Highest Ever Grossing Film: Just fourteen days after its release, the film already… 2 Jan Nollywood actor and producer, Femi Adebayo, has announced his first 2024 project, ‘Seven Doors,’ to be release sometimes in the new year. The ‘Jagun-Jagun’ producer disclosed this In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on New Year’s Day, Adebayo shared insights into his new film, revealing that the movie, currently in the… 29 Dec Filmmaker and Media Broadcaster, Norman Busigu is set to take latest Docu-Film on Nigeria’s Bright Future to the United State of America (USA), expanding his global reach by tapping into the buzzing international market, particularly, of American media platforms, creative hubs and academic institutions to amplify his work from Africa and to help spark bigger… 28 Dec The 1992 film “Sarafina” stands as a poignant portrayal of the struggles against apartheid in South Africa. Directed by Darrell Roodt and written by Mbongeni Ngema, this cinematic masterpiece features a stellar cast that brings to life the harsh realities of the era. Each actor delivers a powerhouse performance, breathing life into characters that reflect… 28 Dec Sarafina is a 1992 South African musical drama film written and directed by Mbongeni Ngema. The film is set in Soweto, South Africa, in the 1970s during the apartheid era. It tells the story of a group of black high school students who rebel against the Afrikaans Medium Decree, which requires them to be taught…
Comments