EC

When she was younger, EC participated in activities that created a challenge in terms of how she styled her hair.

She took swim classes, and while other students easily transitioned from the pool to the shower to the rest of their day, EC would leave the pool and start a “five-hour journey”: wash, condition, blow-dry, braid.

EC also took dance classes. When she attended a Black-owned studio, she was not required to wear a bun. However, when she switched to a different studio, the rules were less flexible. One Black student’s boxbraids were heavy in a bun, so she wore a ponytail — but the teachers told her she was required to wear her hair in a bun to participate in class.

Today, EC continues to wear her hair natural, but often straightens it, particularly because she participates in more career-related endeavors. Even still, she loves that her hair is versatile. She tries different styles, and she appreciates that it pushes her to take more time for herself.

“My hair is pushing me to try self-care more, because I can’t really rush. It forces me to take time to focus on myself, be with myself for however long it takes to do my hair. I’ve been really enjoying that, especially when I’m busy,” EC said.

Additionally, EC appreciates how Black hair builds community. For example, she and her friends with curly hair often share tips and tricks for taking care of it. She is a Residential Advisor, and she sponsored a hair-oil-building station along with another RA to build community in the college living environment.

“I just feel like there’s a lot of community around natural and curly hair, which is really nice,” EC said, “and I think I can find that in a lot of places.”