What do you think about natural hair? Hi everyone! Welcome back, a special shout out to the ladies, International Women’s Day has passed but everyday of this month and all the others -lol- belongs to us so Happy International Women’s Day to you regardless of when you are reading this.

So recently I reposted this image to my Instagram story and although I wasn’t anticipating responses, the ones I received were very interesting.

• The popular ones I got sounded like: “it’s beautiful, it’s the best, black magic and I love it”. I expected those sentiments, so the funny thing is, I don’t think they answered the question because, in the times we live in now, where the fad is either a lace wig or natural hair, those are popular opinions. Not to say they aren’t important because believe me they are. I know most of us can agree that even with a lot of people commending women, especially black women for sporting their natural hair and doing so well, there is still a number of others who think these women should hide their kinks and coils beneath wigs and weaves or with relaxers.

On that note, I have to ask, why does the term ‘natural hair’ automatically refers to curly, coily or kinky hair? And with those descriptions, the face to go with the hair is always a black woman? So white women don’t have natural hair? Neither do Latinas, Asians and women from other races?

FYI

The definition of natural hair according to LiveAbout is “hair whose texture hasn’t been altered by chemical straighteners, including relaxers and texturizers”.

So I understand that as women of African descent our crowns are clearly distinctive, in most cases. But I don’t think we should be the first that come to mind, simply because, we’re not the only ones who grow hair ‘naturally’. The curly- haired images which usually pop up when natural hair is researched are also other reasons why I am a bit annoyed when we are immediately thought of when the term arises. Not all black women or men are born with naturally curly hair and I think the way we are portrayed is highly biased.

Back to the Instagram responses, one of which my ‘rant’ actually covers. One user responded “not every natural hair is curly!” and as you can tell, I concur.

• Someone else said “natural hair isn’t all that. Hair is hair, all that matters is that its healthy”, again I agree. Yes I am a natural hair fanatic, lover and guru (if I may jump ahead) but, I love seeing healthy relaxed hair and a bomb lace wig just as much as I enjoy seeing a glowing afro.

  

  Hair is hair, a wig may not be your natural hair but it is hair nonetheless. It just doesn’t compare, as it shouldn’t because, although they are both hair, they’re different types and each hold their importance to the individual wearing them. That’s all that should matter, how you feel sporting whatever kind of hair you want, my only requirement is that it’s clean and fit for a queen. Just don’t compare.

• Another person said “wash and go’s don’t work for everyone”, I laughed at this thought not because I didn’t agree, but rather because I agree too much. I remember my first wash and go, I watched my hair go from cute to scary in the space of five minutes. Not fun. So I suggest you find what works for you. One of my previous posts do tell how you can get the desired wash and go though, check it out here.

The response I think stood out the most was the one from a female who said “straightening your natural hair or wearing braids should not make you less of a natural hair woman”. My response to that is multifaceted;

1. Anyone who chooses to wear whatever hairstyle should not be made to feel less than in no way at all.
2. If you use heat to straighten your hair, meaning as soon as you wash, it will return to its natural structure, your hair is still natural, you didn’t do anything which takes much effort to reverse the effects, you have merely adjusted the state somewhat, refer to definition above. So in my opinion, much of the conservation should not even be directed your way ladies. Unless you use chemicals, then I agree that you are no longer sporting your natural hair so you don’t have hair so that classification really is no longer yours.
3. Braids and wigs can be protective styles for natural hair. However, I think when you extensively sport those styles and deliberately avoid wearing your natural hair because of a sense of shame(or choice), then I do think at that point others may choose not to address you as a natural hair woman. I mean, they can’t tell because they never get to see it. But, in the same breath, there be should no labels such as ‘fake’ or anything that alludes to that nature.

   

   But, I am OK with wig/braid lovers owning their preference and being identified with the slayage you love and likewise for those who sport their natural hair. If you do both even better for you.

4. Hair doesn’t define beauty, it may enhance it, but every woman is beautiful whether she chooses to cover, straighten or cut her natural hair or not.

There should be no hostility whatsoever.

Other responses were:

• “water doesn’t work by itself
• you don’t have to like your natural hair
• it’s not that expensive to care
• it’s hard to style
• it’s a stress but it’s worth it
• your edges don’t have to be done”

In the order they’re listed my two cents are;

• right,
• so true,
• if you know what to use,
• if you’re lazy like me,
• AMEN
• and exactly!

My advice to you queens and kings with these opinions and others is, find what works for you and to do that, you first have to know what type of hair you have. I’ve got you covered just click here. As it relates to styling your edges, that’s a choice much like everything else we’ve talked about. It’s your hair, you decide what to do.

Just be gentle with your edges and give them a rest sometimes, because speaking from experience, I can say I am now learning the hard way, sadly.

All hair is beautiful. All hair is hair BUT all hair isn’t healthy, so make sure your hair is. Kings and Queens, I’ll see you next post. Let me know what your unpopular opinions of natural hair are in the comment section.