As an adopted child I was the only one with curly hair in the family and was one of very few growing up. My hair was a fascination to others, something I could never quite understand. I experienced a lot of name-calling and would regularly have strangers reaching out and touching my hair as standard. Sometimes they would refer to the curls they pulled, sometimes they would make noises, and other times if I were lucky, would pay me a compliment, but I grew up thinking that my hair was fair game, that it was the right of others to reach out and touch—and they certainly never asked permission.
I have since learnt to appreciate and love my hair—which also means it is not the possession of others and their curiosity. I may allow the curious to touch it—but it is not guaranteed and certainly not their right.
I have learnt more about how my hair works, and what it needs and doesn’t need. By treating my hair well and with kindness, it will always look its best and be strong.
I tend to wear my hair loose, showing off the curls and revelling in their unique personality. They are an extension of me, one that doesn’t want to be tamed or conform, but be unique and stand out, truly representing who I am.
My hair means everything to me. It embodies my identity, my story, and who I am. Being mixed race on both sides of my parentage but light-skinned and adopted, I am further removed from my genetic make-up and, consequently, my cultural identity. My hair is the real indicator that I am mixed and for me, it is wonderful as I am proud of where I have come from.
I didn’t always feel this way. Growing up, I wanted to conform, to fit in, so my curls meant I stood out and not necessarily in a good way! I feel now that my curls are a window to me, my story, my experiences.
My curls have shaped me and many of my experiences good and bad have been as a result of my hair. I gave up a very successful and lucrative career to start my entrepreneurial journey and launch a new brand in the hair industry. This shows just how instrumental my hair is to my happiness. But it is not just about my hair; it's about curls as a hair type. They are beautiful, diverse, strong, and powerful, each with their own identity and story that should be celebrated. That is why I founded Shedid & Parrish — to celebrate all curls in their natural glory.
Society sadly, particularly in the West has since perceived beauty through a white-centric lens. This means that the blonder and straighter the hair the better. When you have a crown of dark brown voluminous curls, they are not appreciated in the same way.
From open taunting to underhand slights that somehow cut even deeper as they are so ingrained and not even perceived as causing harm. Society sadly, particularly in the West has since perceived beauty through a white-centric lens. This means that the blonder and straighter the hair the better. When you have a crown of dark brown voluminous curls, they are not appreciated in the same way.
We see this in the language where tighter texture is referred to as wild, untamed, messy or frizzy. Sleek is the ideal so any deviation away is a negative. This considerably impacted my confidence when I was younger, and even in the professional workspace. Yet, for those with even tighter texture, the discrimination is even more prevalent.
We need to keep the conversation going at all levels, from the streets to the board rooms but particularly to engage those who don’t have textured hair themselves to learn and understand the challenges faced by those who do.
From children being removed from classrooms to jobs and promotions not being offered, simply down to hair type, we need to accept that this is happening and that open discrimination exists so we can make a change. At a societal level, there are more conversations about natural hair and how those with tighter textures face discrimination. The salon industry is now educating on all hair types, however, it’s a slow road. Too often this is seen as a minority issue, yet 70% of our population has curly & textured hair so this is anything but niche.
I believe we need to keep the conversation going at all levels, from the streets to the board rooms but particularly to engage those who don’t have textured hair themselves to learn and understand the challenges faced by those who do.
Your hair is you, it is natural, unique and beautiful. Many of us carry scars from our past, words that have cut deeply and these are not easy to forget. But we are in a new time where diversity is celebrated and it is important to look forward rather than look back. Whether rocking a TWA (teeny weenie afro), braids, locks, waves, kinks or coils, be yourself, stand out and stand proud.
I am fairly minimal when it comes to my beauty and hair regime, but I want my hair to be as healthy and strong as it possibly can be. Like many with curls, I love my wash day, it’s a bit of me-time and allows me to start the clock over.
As the owner of a hair brand, I am very specific about what I use on my hair. In my case, it is natural, vegan, clean Shedid & Parrish products all the way! I wash my hair with the Deep Cleansing Shampoo, it is gentle and light but gives a fabulous sudsy lather which I love! I do a second wash, which always releases even more suds and is so satisfying (particularly knowing there are no sulphates involved). I condition with the Deep Restoring Conditioner running it through with my fingers and lastly brush it through to ensure each strand is coated.
When time is on my side I plait my hair and leave the conditioner to soak in overnight. The next morning, I rinse it out and my hair feels silky soft. I then style my hair by sectioning my damp hair and applying the Silky Leave-in Conditioner followed by the Curl Styler, which is our curl cream. It holds and nourishes which is perfect and simple to apply, my hair's elasticity bounces up and it is ready to air dry. And that’s it, my hair is pretty much done for the week.
I love how versatile my hair is. It changes every day from the fresh washed and air-dried look, where it is super defined, decent length but less volume, to a fuller, less defined more voluminous look as the week progresses. I still feel others are judging me based on how my hair looks, but I am learning to feel confident in all ways. I protect my hair during the night with my hair in a loose pineapple, a scarf and a pillowcase. Whilst it may not be a great look, it ensures my hair is at its optimum day after day which is always my aim. Feel good, look good, be good.
Jessica is the founder of Shedid & Parrish, the award-winning premium quality hair range for curly and textured hair. With over 20 years of experience, delivering international business strategy across the food and property sector, Jessica launched Shedid & Parrish as a brand that champions hair inclusivity, empowers all curl patterns and makes them a pleasure to look after.
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