Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently revealed the challenges she faced with her natural hair during her college days on the latest episode of her Confessions of a Female Founder podcast. Reflecting on her time at Northwestern University, Meghan shared her experience managing her thick, curly hair long before the days of easily accessible flat irons.
Struggles with Styling Natural Hair in College
During her conversation with friend and hair colorist Kadi Lee, Meghan recounted her efforts to style her hair before modern tools like flat irons were easily available. “I had the little stove, with the flat iron that would go in, with a paper towel on the side,” she shared with a laugh. She recalled the curious reactions from her non-Black sorority sisters at Kappa Kappa Gamma, who would often ask, “What’s that smell? Is hair burning?” This moment highlighted the unique challenges Meghan faced as a Black woman managing her natural hair in a predominantly white sorority.
Hair Journey and the Struggles of Embracing Natural Curls
Meghan’s conversation with Kadi resonated deeply, especially as Kadi, who attended Spelman College, one of the nation’s two all-women Historically Black Colleges and Universities, had her own experience experimenting with her natural hair. Meghan reflected on how her hair journey evolved over the years, noting how she has grown to embrace her natural texture despite facing societal pressures around beauty standards.
Previously, Meghan has shared the story of how her grandmother would style her thick curls with minimal mercy. On a past episode of her Archetypes podcast, she described the experience, saying, “She’d go, ‘Just hold on to the sink,’ and I would grip my little hands on both sides.” These candid recollections offer insight into Meghan’s personal evolution, not just as a royal, but as a woman who learned to love and embrace her natural beauty.
Empowering Conversations Around Natural Hair
Meghan Markle’s discussion on her podcast sheds light on the often overlooked struggles many women face when it comes to styling and embracing their natural hair. Her candid stories about her college days resonate with women of all backgrounds, especially those who’ve faced similar challenges in navigating beauty standards.
By openly discussing her hair journey, Meghan continues to empower women to embrace their natural beauty, break free from conventional beauty ideals, and celebrate individuality.
Stay tuned for more personal insights from the Duchess of Sussex as she continues to share her experiences and empower others through her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder.
