October is Black History Month here in the UK. This is a time to celebrate the contribution Black people have made over the centuries, and how they have shaped the dynamic and diverse country we have today. Today we are sharing Octavia’s memories of getting her hair styled.
Dear Daily Sparkle,
When I hear the breakfast pan sizzling on the hob, I am reminded of my mother hot-combing my hair when I was a little girl. My sister and I would sit by the stove and wait for the comb to heat up. Mama would use it to straighten our Afro hair, ready for the school week. The steam would fill the room! Then she would carefully apply a pomade called La India onto our straightened hair. There is no other smell like it. Back then there were only a few products for Afro hair. I wear my hair natural now – it is much easier! I always tell my children, grandchildren and now my great-grandchildren to embrace their Afro curls. Life is better when you accept yourself exactly as you are.
Best wishes, Octavia
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