The Struggle with Cultural Beauty Standards

Born in Indonesia, where straight hair is revered, the pressure to conform to beauty standards left me feeling inadequate because of my wavy hair texture. This societal ideal pushed me towards costly and damaging keratin treatments in an attempt to achieve the coveted straight hair look, a routine I diligently followed until 2019. The constant striving for straight hair not only damaged my hair but also deeply impacted my self-esteem.

A Turning Point

The journey to embracing my natural waves began when I decided to ditch the keratin treatments. Initially, I sought alternative ways to straighten my hair, but a fortuitous encounter with a YouTube video sparked a realization: my frizz could actually be a sign of my hair's natural beauty trying to emerge. This epiphany led me to dive into the world of wavy hair care, sharing my discoveries and experiences on social media to an unexpectedly positive reception.

Media Representation and Its Impact

My struggle with hair acceptance was exacerbated by the lack of positive wavy or curly hair representation in the media. Growing up, characters in movies and TV shows with frizzy, wavy hair were often depicted negatively, reinforcing the idea that straight hair was synonymous with beauty. This disparity between what I saw on screen and in the mirror contributed to my ongoing battle with self-perception and acceptance.

Embracing Natural Beauty

Even after stopping the keratin treatments, my relationship with my natural hair was fraught with challenges. I spent excessive amounts of time and effort in an attempt to achieve the "perfect" look, free of any frizz. This taxing routine eventually led to a profound realization: my attempts to tame my hair were rooted in a deep-seated rejection of my natural self. Choosing to embrace my frizz marked the beginning of a new chapter of self-acceptance and liberation.

The Liberation of Self-Acceptance

Today, I stand liberated from the burdens of conforming to unattainable beauty standards. Embracing my natural waves has not only freed up my time and allowed me to enjoy life more fully, but it has also been a powerful act of resistance against the pressures imposed by society. This journey of hair acceptance has opened up new opportunities for joy and self-expression, proving that beauty truly comes from within.

Conclusion: It's Just Hair, But It's Also So Much More

While hair is but a small part of who we are, my journey to embracing my natural waves has been transformative. It has taught me the importance of resisting societal pressures and finding joy in my own unique beauty. As I continue to navigate this path of self-love and acceptance, I am reminded of the power of embracing our true selves, one wave at a time.