Viola Davis Says Natural Hair Makes Her Feel "Powerful"

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Viola Davis' chic, cropped natural coif caught everyone by surprise during a recent LA Times' Magazine photo shoot.

Davis' natural hair is absolutely stunning -- and enhances her beautiful features. So I was suprised when she sported a chic short wig at the NAACP Image Awards last weekend. Where did her natural hair go?

blank stare

Davis stepped out in natural hair at Essence Magazine's Black Women in Hollywood 2012  awards this week with a bold TWA. She told Essence about her reluctance at times to wear natural hair.

When asked if she breaks out her natural hair for special occasions, Davis replied, "No, there hasn't been any occasion that I felt brave enough to do it."

We've all been there, and I totally get it. Swag is mandatory with natural hair. You just have to know that you know you look good. Even when your twist out failed, your curls plopped and you are having a bad hair day ... you still are on point.

And it takes bravery to do that.

Viola Davis wearing her natural hair in an LA Times' Magazine photo spread 

But there are days when, admittedly, we just don't have it. Even as naturals, our confidence about how we look is very much tied to our hair. I know that feeling good about myself on those not-so- good hair days is something that I struggle with. 

Davis was honest, and I respect her for that. I know I've been there are and after four years of wearing my hair curly, doubts still creep in. (I just make sure that on those days, I wear big earrings, a cute outfit and do other things that make me feel good).

Add the weaved up, wigged up pressures of Hollywood -- which, unless you are an actress, we really don't understand --  and I get Davis' reluctance to give up the safe bobs she's always worn. While all our natural hair journeys are different, we all have similarities: Davis is learning to step into her own and I think it's something most of us can relate to or at least identify with.

How many blogs do you see about wearing natural hair in the workplace, dating or relationships. For a long time, my post about natural hair and marriage was one of my most viewd osts. When you think about it, blogs about natural hair, careers and relationships almost always are inevitably tied to our insecurities about our natural hair. 

Let's support Davis' journey and others that are on the natural fence. I know that when I'm having a bad hair day, a compliment means the world to me.

 "I feel very powerful, I really do," she said. "I feel more powerful every day, more secure in who I am, and I've waited so long for that.... It feels so divine." 

Amen.

What do you think? Can you identify with Davis' struggle? Have you ever been reluctant to wear your natural hair? Does natural hair make you feel more powerful?