Meghan Markle Opens Up About Her Natural Hair Struggles from Childhood Through College
Meghan Markle opens up about her struggles with natural hair during college sorority life at Northwestern University. On her podcast, the Duchess of Sussex shares candid moments of identity and beauty challenges.
The Duchess of Sussex Reflects on Her Hair Journey
In a recent episode of her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, Meghan Markle candidly shared her experiences navigating beauty standards and hair care as a young woman of mixed heritage. The Duchess of Sussex, now 43, took listeners back to her college days at Northwestern University, where managing her natural hair posed daily challenges.
Early Hair Care Struggles in College Sorority Life
During the April 22 podcast episode, Meghan opened up about the reality behind her college beauty routine, particularly her struggles with natural hair care while she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority from 1999 to 2003.
Speaking with her longtime friend and celebrity hair colorist Kadi Lee, Meghan recalled how she used to style her hair before modern tools like plug-in flat irons were widely available.
"I had the little stove with the flat iron that would go in, have a paper towel on the side,” Meghan explained. “Most of the girls in the sorority who weren’t Black would ask, ‘What’s that smell? Is hair burning?’” she laughed.
The Cultural Gap: Hair Norms and College Curiosity
Meghan’s story highlights a moment many women of color experience—feeling different in environments where their natural beauty routines aren't widely understood. Her anecdote sheds light on the subtle, daily microaggressions and cultural gaps that come with navigating predominantly white spaces.
Bonding Over Shared Experiences
Kadi Lee, who attended Spelman College, one of America’s prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), related to Meghan’s experience. She spoke about how many young Black women experiment with hair identity from a young age—exploring texture, styles, and self-expression through a cultural lens.
Their conversation emphasized how hair can be more than just a beauty topic—it’s tied to identity, self-worth, and resilience.
Childhood Memories of Hair and Family Influence
This isn’t the first time Meghan has spoken about her journey with natural hair. In a past episode of her former Archetypes podcast, she recalled how her grandmother would tightly style her curls:
“She’d go, ‘Just hold on to the sink,’ and I would grip my little hands on both sides,” Meghan said, painting a vivid picture of her childhood hair memories.
Why Meghan's Story Resonates
Meghan’s honest take on her natural hair journey offers comfort and solidarity for many women navigating similar experiences. By using her platform to discuss these often-overlooked challenges, she’s continuing to bridge gaps between cultural experiences and spark important conversations.
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