THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Many pageants are mission based and purpose driven. Some are designed to provide scholarships to deserving young women while others nurture and build confidence. The growth of the natural hair movement, a movement composed of women of African descent, who embrace and wear their kinky, curly, or textured hair, allows many contestants to find ways to celebrate their natural hair, and pageantry is one of many platforms they are using to spread their message of hair authenticity.
Titleholders such as Cierra Jackson, Miss District of Columbia 2016; Kira McCullough, Miss USA 2017; and Davina Bennett, Miss Jamaica 2017 have shown us that it is perfectly okay to showcase natural hair on the national stage of a mainstream pageant system. Even though we are seeing contestants competing in their natural hair, a good number of “pageant naturalistas” still believe they do not have the opportunity to win the coveted crown or garner accolades in mainstream pageant systems. This is due to the fact that the majority of contestants wear straight hair which is heavily favored during competition. In response, there have been pageants that have been created that celebrate natural hair such as the Miss Natural Hair and Health Expo Beauty Pageant and the Black and Natural Pageant. Regardless of whether you compete in a mainstream pageant or a natural hair pageant, you need to develop the skills to successfully compete with natural hair so I have provided some tips that can help you.
- Shift your mindset.
Mindset is everything. It is time to stop the negative thinking, and believe you are intelligent, skilled, and beautiful regardless of your hair type or texture. Judges are not choosing your hair; they are choosing a contestant who has the ability to represent a system in a professional and positive manner. Affirm yourself daily so you can begin to radiate to positivity.
- Set up a consultation with a natural hair stylist.
If you are having trouble styling your own natural hair, seek the advice and assistance of a natural hair stylist. Natural hair stylists have the knowledge and expertise, and they know what it takes to properly care for and style natural hair. They may even be able to style your hair the day before or the day of the pageant so your hair can look its best.
- Choose a hairstyle that complements your facial features and personality.
Some examples of natural hairstyles that work well on the pageant stage are twist outs, braid outs, and updos. I personally love a twist out because it complements my facial features, and the hairstyle reflects my out of the box personality.
- Apply the right type of makeup and accessorize.
Makeup does wonders with enhancing a contestant’s natural beauty. The right type of makeup will make that fro or twist out stand out. It is also important to choose the right accessories to go with your pageant attire. The right jewelry makes a huge difference if it properly complements your hairstyle.
- Display self-confidence.
You must be comfortable with your own features. If you are uncomfortable with your natural hair, how can you expect others to be comfortable with it? Inner beliefs manifest on the outside so make sure your inner thoughts are healthy so the judges can see a manifestation of your best self. If you are comfortable in your own skin, they you will be able to showcase your talents and abilities.
Photo Credit: iPUSH Magazine
Last year, I had the opportunity to interview a young lady who knows what it means to be a confident queen with natural hair. Adrian Latham, Miss Natural Hair and Health Expo 2017, has a mission of reaching out to women of all ages in the natural hair community in her hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She wants to encourage them to be themselves and let them know it is okay to be natural. Follow Adrian’s lead and embrace yourself in its entirety so you can successfully compete with your natural hair.
Embrace and love the hair that you were born with because it is your crowning glory. Take the time to enjoy the pageant experience, and do not worry about how your hair will be received. The focus should be on the competition and the relationships that will be developed because of this wonderful opportunity. Take the time to develop the necessary skills that are needed in order to manifest a crown. Once you shift your focus, you will begin to experience success in a beautiful way.
If you are interested in competing in a pageant that celebrates natural hair, please check out the following pageants:
Miss Natural Hair and Health Expo Beauty Pageant
Producer: S.T.E.P.S. Event Planning Firm, Inc.
Director: Carlotta Blake-King
Website: https://www.naturalhairandhealthexpo.com/beauty-pageant
Email: info@naturalhairandhealthexpo.com
Little Miss Natural Hair Beauty
Director: Visions Alabama Team
Website: https://www.naturalhairandhealthexpo.com/kidspageant
Email: info@naturalhairandhealthexpo.com
Black and Natural Pageant
Director: Day Edwards
Website: www.blackandnaturalpageant.com
Email: info@blackandnaturalpageant.org
As I mentioned earlier, it is important to properly accessorize when competing. Even if you are not competing, accessories are important for enhancing your personal style and taste. If you want to accessorize your look outside of the stage, check out the accessories at Natural Girls Rock. I served as Natural Girls Rock Global Brand Ambassador a few years go, and I have been a fan of their brand and accessories for quite some time. If you are interested in making a purchase, you can make a purchase at Natural Girls Rock.
Leave a Reply