Embracing Our Roots: Hair, Identity, and National Adoption Day

Have you ever felt like you didn't quite fit in? Like there was something about you that set you apart from everyone else. For many adoptees, especially those adopted into families of different ethnic backgrounds, this feeling is all too familiar. As we celebrate National Adoption Day, let's dive into the stories of Josh, Kelsey and Jessica—three incredible individuals who found empowerment through embracing their hair and heritage.

 

Josh's Crown: A Family's Commitment to Heritage

 

Josh's story is a testament to the power of family love and the importance of embracing one's roots. Born to a white European mother and a black African father, Josh was adopted at the age of three by Becci and her husband, both white British parents. Aware of the challenges that could arise from adopting a dual-heritage child, they committed to doing everything in their power to support Josh's understanding and pride in his background.

 

At six, Josh began to notice the ethnic differences between himself and his adoptive family. During family movie night, Josh would try to rub his skin to match theirs and was frustrated by his tight, curly hair that didn't resemble his cousin's straight locks. After seeking specialist advice, his parents helped him explore hairstyles common in Black culture. Josh was immediately drawn to dreadlocks.

 

 

From the age of seven, Josh started growing his dreadlocks, and over time, they became a symbol of his pride and connection to his African heritage. The process not only helped Josh embrace who he is but also brought the family closer as they learned how to care for his hair together. Their Saturday movie nights every six weeks are now a cherished family tradition, filled with love, laughter, and the nurturing of Josh's beautiful hair.

 

Kelsey's Quest: Rediscovering Identity Through Hair

 

For Kelsey Rickards, hair was more than just hair—it was a connection to her heritage and a crucial part of her identity. Adopted from Zimbabwe into a white British family in Liverpool, Kelsey struggled with her appearance from a young age. Her adoptive mum, unfamiliar with how to manage afro-textured hair, kept it cut short, leading Kelsey to feel more like a boy and less like herself.

 

School was challenging. Without role models who looked like her, Kelsey felt isolated and was often bullied. She longed for the silky, straight hair of her peers and even resorted to wrapping a towel around her head to imagine what it would feel like.

 

Everything changed when she met her first boyfriend, whose family embraced their black culture. Inspired by his mother and sister's beautiful natural hair, Kelsey began to learn how to care for her curls. She ditched the straighteners and extensions, dedicating hours to watching tutorials and reading blogs about natural hair care. For the first time, she loved her hair and, more importantly, herself.

 

 

Now 30, Kelsey uses her journey to inspire others. Through Kelscurls, she shares hair tutorials and encourages young women to embrace their natural beauty. She's become an advocate for self-love, proving that understanding and accepting one's heritage can be a transformative experience. You can read Kelsey's story as told by Eleanor Layhe here.

 

Jessica's Journey: From Feeling Out of Place to Founder

 

 

Growing up in a mostly white neighbourhood in the 1970s England, Jessica Parrish often felt like the odd one out. Adopted by a loving English father and Canadian mother, Jessica knew from an early age that she was mixed-race. Her birth parents had rich African and European roots—her mother was Italian and Sudanese, and her father was Congolese and Belgian.

 

Despite the unwavering love from her adoptive parents, Jessica struggled with her identity. Simple things like filling out forms where she had to tick "other" for ethnicity were constant reminders of her difference. Hair salons didn't know how to handle her curly locks, and she often felt isolated without anyone who looked like her.

 

But over time, Jessica began to see her unique background as a strength. Traveling and immersing herself in different cultures helped her embrace her identity. This personal growth led her to create Shedid & Parrish, a 100% natural and vegan hair care brand specifically designed for curly and textured hair. Her mission? To help others like her feel confident and beautiful in their own skin and crowns.

 

The Bigger Picture: Adoption and Identity

 

These stories highlight the intricate relationship between hair and identity, especially for those navigating life through adoption. Adoption in the UK can be a beautiful process that gives love to those who need it, but it also comes with its own set of challenges—particularly when it comes to understanding and preserving a child's cultural and ethnic background.

 

Embracing Diversity with Shedid & Parrish

 

At Shedid & Parrish, we're more than just a hair care brand. We're a community that believes in the power of embracing your identity and heritage. Our natural, vegan products are designed to celebrate curly and textured hair, helping you feel confident and beautiful and more like you.

 

This National Adoption Day, let's celebrate the unique journeys of adoptees everywhere. Let's acknowledge the challenges and triumphs that come with finding one's place in the world. After all, our differences are what make us unique, and embracing them is the first step towards true self-love. And if you're curious where to start with your hair care journey or that of a loved you, check out our Starter Kit.