June 29, 2018

#BigBowandAfros

Hair is always a difficult topic when it comes to cheer teams and trying to achieve a uniform look; I know this from personal experience. There are girls who have been told that they could not wear their natural hairstyles, like buns or braids, because they did not appear “neat enough”, would be “too heavy for tumbling”, or was “not the look” wanted for the team. With the stereotypical image of “cheer hair” being long, straight and teased, it’s easy to feel pressured to fit the standard by changing your hair whether that be by flat ironing, or buying a hairpiece. I am included in those who feel the need to fit that image. For every competition I have felt inclined to slick my hair up and put in a hairpiece.

I made myself feel like it was mandatory to have straight hair, never even considering wearing my natural hair even though I wear it natural most of the time.

But, during the last competition season I noticed other girls wear their natural hair to compete. Seeing these girls has inspired me to become comfortable not always looking exactly like the other girls on my team, and to feel confident in rocking my natural curls with my bow.I love the versatility of our hair! Whether you rock curls, locs, relaxed or weave; be you! And wear it well!

By Jordan Soltau

BGC Ambassador, Jordan Soltau

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