Valeria's Archive

Pelo Malo is a work of short fiction that deals with and combats the internalized insecurities of a young Afro-Latina girl. This story deals with family dynamics, micro-aggressions, and self-love. The term “Pelo Malo” is common among Latinos to describe curly and textured hair. The colorism and prejudice faced by young women of color in the Latino community are so ingrained into the culture that it damages self-esteem before it’s given a chance to grow. This work explores this dilemma while also participating in it. On a rainy day in June, our middle school protagonist, Daniella, must attempt to keep her just straightened hair from getting wet for an award ceremony at her school. After things go terribly and her hair does get wet, she is left feeling dejected, fearing having to stand up in front of her entire school with “pelo malo”. By the end of the story, with the help of her mother and sister, Daniella can finally start to accept the parts of herself that Eurocentric beauty standards have taught her to hate.

The short story can be read here!