"Are We Still Shrinking Ourselves? The Truth About Hair, Beauty, and Confidence"

The Relationship Between Our Hair and How We See Ourselves

Let’s be real—our natural hair is more than just hair. It’s a statement, a history, and for many of us, a journey of self-acceptance. But even in 2025, with all the progress we’ve made in embracing our natural textures, there’s still this lingering pressure to "tame" our curls, stretch our coils, and make our hair appear… longer, sleeker, more "polished."

And it makes me wonder—are we still shrinking ourselves to fit into beauty standards that were never meant for us?

The Shrinkage Struggle: Annoyance or Celebration?

Let’s talk about shrinkage. We joke about it, we sigh about it, and we spend hours stretching, banding, and blowing out our hair to show its "true length." But why do we feel the need to prove how long our hair is? Why is longer still seen as "better"?

Shrinkage is literally a sign of healthy, hydrated hair—so why do we see it as a problem?

Is it because we were conditioned to believe that length equals beauty? Is it because we grew up with people pulling on our curls and saying, "Wow, your hair is actually long!" as if our natural state wasn’t good enough?

I want to challenge that mindset. Because our hair—shrunken, stretched, or styled—is powerful in every form.

Are We Still Policing Ourselves?

Even within the natural hair community, we see unspoken rules about "acceptable" textures and styles. Loose curls are praised, but tighter coils still get overlooked. "Neat" styles are seen as professional, but free-flowing afros are labeled as unkempt. We tell ourselves we’re free, but are we really? Or are we still holding onto the idea that natural beauty has to look a certain way to be valued?

I want to hear from you, sis. Do you ever feel like you’re still shrinking yourself, whether in hair or in life? Do you feel pressure to make your natural hair look a certain way to be taken seriously? Let’s talk about it in the comments. No judgment, just real conversations.

And while we’re here, let’s also shift our mindset around shrinkage. Instead of fighting it, let’s nourish our curls so they’re at their healthiest—no matter their length. Keeping hair moisturized is key, and if you need a little help keeping your strands soft and defined, check out Crown Jewel Bentonite Clay for a deep cleanse or Reign Drops Growth Oil for daily hydration. Both have been game-changers in keeping my coils happy and thriving. You can find them (and more hair-loving goodies) at MajestyBeauties.com.

Drop your thoughts below. 👇🏾 Let’s build a space where we can unlearn, grow, and celebrate every kink, coil, and curl—exactly as it is.