THIS. You’ve explained perfectly why its such a significant step. It is the “added cultural and racial baggage” that gives many black women an insecurity and complex about who they allow to see them in such a “natural state.” As you said thankfully it somewhat receding but its still an insecurity in many.

The woman in the article was just referring to braiding/twisting her own hair at night to keep it from tangling.

the closest thing i can compare it to is when you’re comfortable going makeup free around your significant other but its MUCH more intimate then that. Our natural hair is something deeply personal to us.