Navigating Natural Hair On-Air
The first time I decided that I was going to ditch my tracks on-air for a twist out was back in 2015. I was a brand spanking new reporter in Lawrence, KS, anxious and nervous about how viewers would receive my natural look, and worried about whether or not management at my station would accept it. Unfortunately, that was a valid concern for me as a reporter in middle America where there was a 5.8% African-American population…in the entire state of Kansas.
Despite my initial fear and anxiety, I decided that viewers were going to get this natural hair whether they liked it or not because representation meant much more to me. I wanted young women and girls to see me living out my dreams and achieving my goals being my unapologetic self!
Along the way I’ve faced challenges, moments of doubt, embrace, and most importantly moments of impact! Here’s a much condensed version of my natural hair journey in TV.
Challenges
Coming out of college I was told by my professors that I should have an “on-air look.” That meant straight hair, not too long, not too short, with a natural color. While we all know not hiring or firing someone because of their looks is illegal, in the entertainment industry it is most definitely something that happens, especially to women. Once I went natural it took me a while to be confident with my look. I’ve heard horror stories of women in the news industry being harassed by viewers, being sent hate mail, and even cases where colleagues suggested they find a “cleaner” look.
Luckily, the station that I worked at the time was super open and loved that I was embracing my hair in its natural state, which was a huge weight off of my shoulders.
However, it was when I started looking for new opportunities after my time as a local reporter that I was hit with a new wave of anxiety. I was constantly thinking, “What if I don’t get a job because someone with a more traditional look is preferred?” As a young reporter that was a thought that haunted me. And it bothered me, even more, when people suggested that I should straighten my hair. While these things presented themselves as challenges to me, I quickly realized that the only thing making it an actual challenge was my mindset. If an employer or viewer cared more about my hair than my experience, knowledge, and professionalism on-air, then they didn’t deserve what I had to offer.
Own it!
For me, I think the older I get, the more I realize that being confident and comfortable in your own skin is power. Not only do I wear my hair natural because it’s healthy and bomb AF, but because there are millions of girls and women out there that need and want to see someone who looks like them on all platforms. In news, sports, entertainment, and even behind the scenes in boardrooms and front offices.
I love that now more women of color in the media industry are embracing and owning their natural hair. There are women at every level being their unapologetic selves on-air, however one that sticks out to me is Rosalyn Gold-Onwude. Not only is she smart and amazing at her job as a sideline reporter, but she’s breaking barriers with her hairstyles and bringing culture to mainstream media platforms.
Upkeep!
Although I’ve been natural my whole life, I never really took care of my hair. Years of hot combing on the stove and flat-ironing my leave out left my hair damaged. I never did the “big chop,” however I did begin cutting my hair myself to get rid of those hideous ends. YouTube tutorials were essential in the beginning! However, now I’m pretty set on the twist out method. I usually do a fresh one every Sunday that lasts me about 3-4 days before the frizz takes over. If I’m in a good mood, I’ll re-twist the front of my hair, and if not, then it’s time to get creative with the ponytails, buns, and updos! (See Exhibit A below)
The key ingredient here is to just be YOU! Whether it’s rocking your curls on cam, serving in a sew-in, or workin’ it in a wig. Make sure whatever look you choose it’s one that you’re confident with!
Have you thought about going natural? Share your story below!
