"Since I work at a university, my self-isolation started earlier than what was mandated by my governor. Because of this, I wasn't as prepared at the beginning because I still had a sense of normalcy with the stores being open. I just had to work from home. I did go and buy a new shampoo and conditioner so I could do my own hair at home, as I wanted to take advantage of this time to take a break from so much wig wearing. Without my hour and a half one-way commute, I found that I had more time in the morning to try out natural hair styles — I actually managed my first successful twist out! I had more patience with myself, and staying home gave me the space to actually attempt new things without being concerned about what my boss or others might think, particularly on those first couple of attempts that were not very good.
Once the stores were locked down, I decided to braid my own hair, something I hadn't done in two years! I wanted to take a break from daily maintenance, and as the quarantine was starting to emotionally wear on me, I found it harder to get up earlier enough before my daily Zoom meetings to do much of anything to it.
As of now, I've found a good balance with my hair. I've learned so many things about the way it acts and I've witnessed the versatility in the styles that I can do. In general, I've spent a lot of this time being kinder to myself and learning to be present and work with the things that I have." — Ashley Gibbs, clinical research coordinator
