Recently, I've been seeing different kinds of survival kits where people list items related to a certain topic. For example, a hangover survival kit would include sunglasses, an energy drink, and a bed. After seeing a couple more, I wanted to create one that I would find very relatable and personal to me. After discussing and gathering information from close friends, here is my Black Girl Survival Kit.
1. Natural hair products
Natural hair is definitely not easy to handle or take care of. It is a lot of work to maintain. Learning about your hair type and texture is key to knowing which products will work for your hair. So you are very familiar with hair products like Shea Moisture or Cantu in your hair routine. But if you don't personally manage your hair, it is important to find a hairdresser who knows how to deal with your natural curls, coils, and kinks.
2. Hats or wigs for lazy days
Sometimes nobody has time to wake up, fix their hair, and go about their day. Since managing natural hair takes a lot of time and energy, investing in hats and wigs will definitely be your best friend and make your life easier.
3. Silk pillowcases or head scarves
Every black girl knows that you should not go to sleep with your natural hair without extra protection. If you don't own a bonnet or silk headscarf, then you will regret it later. Silk pillowcases can also be your savior.
4. Pepper spray to keep people away
For some odd reason, people love to walk up to a black girl with natural hair and think it's okay to touch her. Definitely not! So ladies, please carry a little extra protection in case someone wants to pet you like an animal.
5. Counseling
It seems like some people in the black community are trying to raise their children tough and be able to handle a lot from society. However, they tend to not see mental health as important. It's okay to not feel alright or that everything is fine. You already carry the weight of judgment because of your skin color so don't suffer alone.
6. Self-love
This goes hand in hand with my previous point. It's important to have self-love as a black woman in this society. Not only are we judged for the color of our skin but also because of our gender. Know you are beautiful, embrace your differences, and don't let that stop you from reaching your goals.
7. Spray bottle
Water is very essential. Our hair is like plants, so water is your friend. Always keep that gorgeous hair moisturized.
8. Lotion
When winter rolls in, the snow isn't the only thing that's turning white. Don't walk around with ashy hands, knees, and elbows. Carry around coco or shea butter to moisturize that melanin.
9. Sunscreen
Melanin can only protect you from so much. Take the extra precaution and wear some sunscreen to prevent skin damage. Black don't crack, but it does burn.
10. Wide tooth combs
We all know our thick curly hair can break through anything if it's not a wide tooth comb. I can't even tell you how many times my natural hair broke through fine tooth combs.
