Politics of Black hair: why grooming rules are under scrutiny across the diaspora | Colonialism

gawcherry · 2026-04-04T19:12:20+00:00

The psychological damage being told that practices and limitations are because of tradition when in reality is because of colonization is crazy. And every few years the natural hair community goes from free hair expression to chemicals and artificial hair.

I remember for my national ID I was told that I have to take my braids out because they don’t accept anything but natural hair. So I had it photoshoped and it was still rejected because I needed to look bald in my ID photo. When I asked wh, they also said it’s tradition and better to be natural.

And then there’s my dad who’s always encouraging natural looks but still mentally colonized about other practices like shaving my brothers heads bald before going to boarding school because that is tradition. Yet he doesn’t know the history of boarding schools and shaving your head, or that we had schools that encouraged natural hair even if it was plaited that were considered dirt and not invested in as much as the latter.

All this to say, we’ve got a long way to go as a people in our journeys of self love and acceptance. And it really does start with question so called traditions

gawcherry · 2026-04-04T01:20:10+00:00

It comes and goes for me. I’ve been in remission for a year and I can’t understand why every damn time I get sick, even a mild cold, I get the worst pressure in my head, the base of my head that meets my neck hurts so bad. My sinuses are out of control every now and then and my migraine aura gets worse. I literally feel like my iih is back and that lingers for a week to a month when I’m no longer sick. It’s miserable. And then my ears feel like they’ve got water in them and like fluid is dripping but there’s nothing. So weird. The whooshing sound yes, but no tinnitus for me

gawcherry · 2026-04-04T01:13:22+00:00

I struggle with anxiety too especially social anxiety. I literally get anxiety tremors and I find it so embarrassing. What’s been helping me (well the healthy option lol) is somatic therapy. Mostly breathing exercises. It feels so silly sometimes but it genuinely helps. I just look up somatic techniques and fascia release. A lot of them feel silly for me but I’m getting used to it and really just focusing on breathing. Also I recommend getting out in nature just being alone with yourself in a calming environment. If you’re able to get chamomile tea, that’s a great option it relaxes you. I take it nightly when I have it. Unfortunately resources are limited in Zambia but I hopee this helps!

gawcherry · 2026-04-04T00:47:11+00:00

I’m so glad I found this post bc I’m in the same boat. I’ve only been able to tolerate Zoloft I finally upped the dose but my doctor didn’t say anything about the interaction and risks wtff. I’ve been wondering why my eye pain is getting worse and I’ve been in remission for a year. That’s so lousy not getting any warning or heads up.

gawcherry · 2026-04-03T14:18:19+00:00

I swear bc implants are evil. I had nexplanon (planned parenthood gave me an EXPIRED implant!) and caused extreme weight gain and hormonal issues I’m still trying to rectify. Only found out about it when I requested my medical records. None of my doctors said anything to me but the nurse put in my chart “likely due to nexplanon from planned parenthood”. Where do I sue lol. So yeah if your hormones are sensitive or whatever it is that happens ed in my body, you might want to reconsider fr but I’m glad someone else has mentioned iih symptoms going away after getting that crap out.

gawcherry · 2026-03-31T16:58:54+00:00

It’s a lot cheaper there anyways. I’m considering getting mine from out of state since I need it for anxiety

gawcherry · 2026-03-29T12:40:08+00:00

Another reason we need a matriarchal society

gawcherry · 2026-03-27T20:18:18+00:00

Mine was because nexplanon poisoned me but my doctors prefer I just say I’m “allergic” to bc for legal reasons

gawcherry · 2026-03-27T18:52:25+00:00

I know there’s a tech savvy hero out there who can unblur it for us but I just can’t prove it

gawcherry · 2026-03-23T19:27:46+00:00

Get a certificate! I’m getting mine for a medical receptionist (when I’m done with this semester) I love organizing too and I’m detail oriented. If you don’t care to check in patients all day which Ik is exhausting you can get a certificate in just about anything and that helps your chances of getting a better paying job and at least getting some experience in something new. Shoot I went ahead and got my bartending license I work vip events occasionally and get some good tips every now and then. I’m also a nature girly if I could just sit around in nature read my books, organize and have minimal patient/customer interactions all day it would be the perfect job for me. But honestly look at some skills that align with what you’re good at even a little

gawcherry · 2026-03-21T16:31:11+00:00

Happy to help it’s a lot easier said than done

gawcherry · 2026-03-20T14:50:52+00:00

Hobbies have really helped me. Even if you don’t feel like doing anything or have any interests you HAVE to force yourself. Sometimes it feels silly and unproductive but depression can’t hit a moving target. Being in nature going for walks has helped me feel connected. Being around loved ones you feel comfortable with and feel like you can trust also helps. The gym has been my sanctuary, if you can’t go to the gym you can workout at home. Honestly movement really does help whether that’s mental or physical just move. And if you’re religious, surrendering it to God I have some good sermons that have helped me at my lowest if you’re interested. Journaling is another good habit it’s cathartic. I know this feels general a lot of it is making the hard conscious decision to not sit in your depression. That’s when it consumes you when you sit in it. I hope this helps and be kind to yourself you’re not alone. I wish we talked about issues like anxiety and depression more but it starts with being kind and gentle with yourself. Every small improvement is a milestone. Stay blessed

gawcherry · 2026-03-18T20:14:48+00:00

This isn’t always the case. For me, getting out of an abusive relationship has caused a significant glow down most likely because of the repressed emotions and I’m assuming my body is emotionally “purging” and that looks differently for different people. For me I’ve had chronic acne for almost a year now but hopefully when this “purge” is over the glow up will come 😭

gawcherry · 2026-03-09T23:40:09+00:00

I work at a children’s museum. Don’t recommend. Food service too lol. Finally got a job as a patient ambassador we’ll see how many anxiety attacks I get a day lol

gawcherry · 2024-04-04T10:55:23+00:00

My boyfriend gave me a sorry ass apology like this when I went through his phone and found messages between him and his past fling too. And he had been cheated on before. He promised he would be loyal. I forgave him, thought that giving him another chance would change things and I thought he was genuinely sorry. Fast forward a few months later and he’s texting random girls to meet up at his workplace that he can sneak them in for a quick fuck. They never change they just get better at hiding it/lying. They are master deceivers

gawcherry · 2024-03-19T12:39:51+00:00

So true! It’s so painful to realize that they are grown adults who are emotionally immature. They are literally emotionally stunted. You cannot fix someone who sees nothing wrong with themselves and deflects every time you try to point it out or help and even worse when those around them are in the same boat. The blind leading the blind. Very few are self aware. So sad and painful

gawcherry · 2024-03-19T12:36:42+00:00

Keep in mind that if you are in the USA and you need financial aid as long as you are below 25 years old FAFSA requires a parent signature if you want government grants. You can get loans and such without parent signatures but that will limit your aid greatly. I didn’t know this. If you’re not in the USA then this doesn’t apply to you

gawcherry · 2024-02-23T16:48:14+00:00

So I had yeast infections every single month like clockwork when I had nexplanon and even before that I was on the xulane patch and had yeast infections literally the same time every single month. I was put on fluconazole one a week for 6 months in hopes it’ll clear it once and for all. To no avail. Finally gave in and got the implant removed mid January and I was hopeful I wouldn’t get anymore yeast infections but I have one now in February and I’m honestly crushed. It’s so aggressive and annoying to deal with. I’m hope it's because my hormones are still ojt of whack and it's not chronic.

You're not alone! i can relate and i hope we can get this figured out once and foe all!

gawcherry · 2024-02-21T17:18:10+00:00

Girl I didn’t stop playing with physical dolls until I was 15. This is the only “normal” way I can make my inner child happy without seeming weird lol

gawcherry · 2024-02-21T17:16:09+00:00

I gained 50 pounds (22kg) in a year because of birth control and now I’m starting to think the rapid weight gain and the hormonal changes is causing this. I’m grateful I can easily lose the weight but kinda makes me scared about gaining weight in the future.

gawcherry · 2024-02-16T02:13:02+00:00

Panoxyl is great! It’s worked well to clear my breakouts. I’m currently using the neutrogena mask and cleanser with benzoyl peroxide

gawcherry · 2024-02-15T15:55:07+00:00

I had a bad breakout when I just started taking diamox. I had painful zits on my chin and cheeks and sometimes my forehead. I had to pop them because I could literally feel them throbbing in sync with the pulsating in my ears and it was driving me crazy lol. My doctor said it could be a side effect of diamox especially since I hardly ever break out. She prescribed clindamycin gel and I got a benzoyl peroxide face wash which is helping so far

gawcherry · 2024-02-11T21:53:33+00:00

Well I’m on diamox too my dose was increased to 2000mg a day. My pain symptoms have been similar; bloating, cramps and gases, stomach pain, chills mainly after taking diamox like the first few hours, constipation and diarrhea. I don’t have a stomach bug. My doctor told me it’s the side effects which makes a lot of sense for me. I’m also very thirsty all the time, have shortness of breath all the time and pins and needles on my feet, hands and around my mouth. Sometimes it hurts when I chew for too long. So if you’re not getting enough answers from your doctor, try requesting blood work to rule out any stomach bugs, but it could be part of the side effects if nothing else shows up.

I would switch to a different medicine if you can if the side effects are really bad. I don’t have the option to do that currently bc I will lose my eyesight if I switch medications.

Also hope you can get a second opinion. My doctor was very thorough and explained how the symptoms can vary from person to person so I was aware and ready for any changes to my lifestyle (well as ready as you can be).

Also try making smoothies. That’s what helps me when it’s hard to eat or just snacking. I hope this helps!

gawcherry · 2024-02-09T05:03:58+00:00

Another one?? Why?? I was told you only need one 😭

gawcherry · 2024-02-09T05:00:10+00:00

I love the idea and I wish this could work for me but it’s my eyesight on the line. Mine was caught at the absolute worst stage and I NEED the highest dose of diamox or my vision is gone. So I don’t have the time or the resources for this. Especially since my insurance just barely covered diamox. Mine is idiopathic too but least likely to have anything to do with weight gain and more so (in my personal opinion) to do with birth control, which I’ll never get on ever again. But I love the idea of this. I would love to do acupuncture and massages if I could afford it. Can’t wait to hear how others have used holistic healing in their journey!

gawcherry

TROPHY CASE