What does it mean to feel confident in your body?
To feel confident is to embrace body positivity. And this is more than just a buzzword — it’s a movement, a mindset, and a powerful way to reclaim self-love in a world that often sets unrealistic beauty standards. For black women, the journey to ultimate body confidence includes celebrating our shape, our melanin-rich skin, our hair, and every unique feature that makes us who we are. But in all honesty, society hasn’t always celebrated us the way we deserve. That’s why taking the necessary steps to boost your body confidence is more than self-love, it’s an act of defiance and power.
If you’ve ever struggled to feel confident in your body, this guide is for you! We’re diving into ways to embrace body positivity, shift your mindset, and feel amazing in your own skin. Plus, we’ve got some product recommendations to help you glow inside and out.
1. Reclaim your narrative
The last few decades have consisted of black beauty being overlooked in mainstream media. But thanks to the rise of social media and public figures who have become pillars of representation such as Lupita Nyong’o and Lizzo, we are seeing more black women embracing their beauty, inspiring us to do the same. With this in mind, it is important to filter your social media following across all platforms to women who closely align to your own beauty beliefs, goals, and standards. This can be as simple as following women who embrace body positivity such as @preciousleexoxo on Instagram, or showcase makeup products on underrepresented skin tones such as @golloria on TikTok. Representation is important, and your social media is one of the strongest reinforcers of this.
2. Be nice to yourself
The way we talk to ourselves matters. Negative self-talk can be a confidence killer, so start flipping the script. Instead of saying, “I hate my stretch marks,” say, “My body tells a story, and I embrace it”. The longest relationship you will ever have with anyone in life, will be with yourself. And with any relationship, it needs to be built on love, and care, and be nurtured. Be kind to yourself, be gentle with yourself, and most importantly – be patient with yourself! Self confidence is a process, so take baby steps.
3. Dress to impress (yourself)
This is your life, and you are the main character. When you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you become unstoppable. Experimenting with your style not only boosts your confidence, but is a way to express yourself. While this typically means adding more to your wardrobe, it also includes trying less. We’re talking taking it ALL off and stepping into your sexy era. It doesn’t get sexier than lingerie, and Rihanna’s inclusive lingerie line, SavageXFenty, is the perfect place to start.
4. Make self-care one of your love languages
Self-care is self-love, and loving yourself could simply mean using products that soften your skin, moisturise your hair, and grow your nails. If you want to bump things up a notch and give yourself a spa-like experience, Necessaire’s The Body Essentials Set will leave your skin feeling silky, smooth, and ready to receive all the love.
5. Surround yourself with positivity
Your energy is one of the strongest forces in your life and you cannot waste this on negative people. People that put you down, criticize your body, or fill your mind with toxicity may need to get cut off in order to preserve your peace as this can naturally decrease your ability to feel confident. Stress is stored in the body, and unfortunately can show up in physical forms. Prioritise people who prioritise you, your mental health, and well-being. Spend time with people who support your body positivity journey, or set boundaries with the people who don’t. Your energy is precious, so protect it!
6. Boost confidence with movement
Exercise does not have to be the chore that we believe it to be, and if you find yourself getting bored, switch it up. Ditch your next gym session for a super fun dance class – from Afrobeats to pole dancing, the options are endless. You can start with YouTube tutorials if you’re a little nervous about signing up to a class. Instead of trying to ‘fix’ your body, explore it. You’d be surprised with what it can do.
Because at the end of the day…
Black women have always been beauty icons, trendsetters, and cultural shapers. It’s time to love ourselves as fiercely as the culture we create.
