September 15th 2024.
Hannah's hair was always a source of shame for her, thanks to the cruel bullies who called her names like "poodle." But on World Afro Day, Spice Girls star Mel B called for a change in the UK Equality Act to protect afro hair as a characteristic.
Hannah Beau, now 25 years old, knows firsthand the struggles of having afro hair. She was bullied and even called a poodle by her peers. She admits that her curly locks have always been her biggest insecurity, especially since she looks visibly white but has an afro. After years of straightening her hair, she realized the damage it was causing and struggled to accept her natural curls.
But four years ago, Hannah decided to embrace her natural hair and recorded a video diary on TikTok, asking for advice on how to care for her damaged curls. Overnight, her video gained the support of hundreds of thousands of people, including celebrities and Black and mixed-race women who could relate to her story.
Now, as an online content creator, Hannah frequently shares curly hair tutorials to help others learn how to care for their afro hair. But it wasn't an easy journey. She regrets the years of straightening and says, "If I could go back in time, I would take the straighteners out of my hands." It took a lot of self-acceptance and unlearning the mindset she was brought up with to embrace her natural hair.
Growing up in a predominantly white area, Hannah was often the only person with lighter skin and an afro hair texture. This made it difficult for her to fit in, as she explains, "When you are the only person who looks different, it is very hard to feel like you belong." She also faced microaggressions from her peers, who treated her as a circus act and would ask to touch her hair.
It wasn't until she posted on TikTok during lockdown, asking for advice on her damaged hair, that she found the support she needed. Celebrities like Skai Jackson and Amber Gill reached out to her in solidarity. This helped Hannah realize she wasn't alone and that many others could relate to her story.
Since then, Hannah has learned to love and take care of her hair without feeling the pressure to straighten it. She visits Black-owned salons to find hairdressers who specialize in afro hairstyles. It has taken her two decades, but she has finally learned to love and embrace her natural self. She encourages others to do the same, saying, "Your most natural self will always be the most beautiful."
Mel B's recent comments about being asked to straighten her hair for the music video of Wannabe struck a chord with Hannah. The singer stood her ground and refused to change who she was, saying, "I sang and danced as me, with my big hair, my brown skin, and I was totally proud of who I was." Hannah can relate to this experience and fully supports Mel B and Labour MP Paulette Hamilton in their efforts to make afro discrimination illegal.
Hannah believes that this change in the law would be a huge step in the right direction. It would help combat institutionalized forms of afro hair discrimination, especially in schools and hair salons. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can raise awareness and encourage others to embrace their natural selves.
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