On youtube, there has been a discussion of Afrocentrism. In particular when it comes to natural hair vs. perms. Many on youtube feel that some of us natural haired folks look down upon them, and think they want to be white. While in some instances I do think this is true, I don't have an issue with people who perm their hair in general. I think those who are natural and have been vocal about "getting back to your roots" in regards to hair care come from a place of rejection and ridicule. Believe it or not some people with weaves and perms make fun of those of us with natural hair, and I would only say in the last few years have I been getting compliments on my hair from other blacks. Not to mention I feel as a black woman in America, I have been made to feel my hair in inadequate, not just from the European mainstream media, but within the black community, and even within my own family.
I have always had a LOT of hair. As a child, I remember my mother cursing doing my hair. She hated detangling it, she hated combing it, she would comment on how thick my hair was on a regular basis. She never said my hair was bad directly, but I got the feeling something was wrong with my hair and made me feel my hair was inadequate. It made it seem like my hair was a burden. Couple that with the predominant white areas I grew up in, it made me feel like there was something wrong with my hair as is. I know a lot of black people have heard and even said the negative comments in regards to "nappy" hair. Talking about people's kitchens. That people wear their hair natural because they are too lazy to get their hair done, or the "buckwheat" comments, or the "I have the best beautician to hook you up and get your hair right." The experience of flat ironing your hair on a whim, and being told you look "professional", or "so much better", or the "someone must have had a come to Jesus with you" comments. Seattle Slim just recently had this experience, and I can say I feel her pain.
With all that being said, and knowing my past experiences are not unique to me, I can see how some black women will embrace european beauty standards and ideals as their own, and look in disbelief at the concept of actually wanting to wear your hair in it's more natural form. Not all black women who perm feel this way, but I can see why I received the negative comments I did from those with perm and weave. No one ever told them, like me that black hair in it's natural state was ok. It was expected for you to have a perm, not locs or twists. Most black women can say they started perming at a young age. I was nine when I received my first perm, I know countless others who were much younger. They have grown up like me, not really knowing the actual texture of their own hair, and never really learning how to do hair in it's natural state.
I can also say that often people make assumptions about my political stances based upon my hair and appearance. People don't realize I just like the "black hippie" look. I love my hair natural, I love my big door knocker earrings (now I do have some more petite and smaller earrings for work, but casually, if I wear earrings, they are door knockers, I am not going to lie). No, I am not a Hebrew Israelite, or know of the ways of Yah(Jah). I do not wait for Biafra to rise again. No, I don't hate white people. I don't feel any closer to Africa than any other black American out there. I don't take an afrocentric view of the world vs. a eurocentric view. If anything, since I don't fit in either ideal, I mesh the two, or have created a more unique view of the world. I understand the concept of collectivism and think it is great, but I appreciate the idea of the individual as well.
For me being natural wasn't an "awakening" to get closer to my African roots, but a way to distance myself from pain. I still cringe at the thought of a hot comb burning my ear or the back of my neck. I've never had a time I could say I enjoyed getting a perm. Maybe I have a sensitive scalp, but that stuff burns my head, and yes for a week for hair looked silky straight, but my scalp would be full of scabs and tender. Also note because I have such thick hair, and I live in an area of relatively high humidity in relation to the rest of the country, my hair was always frizzy even when relaxed. I would curl my ends and for the 2 minutes I would be outside, my hair would frizz and the curl I put in my hair gone. The fact I was scared to go swimming in our public pools because my mom feared my hair would break off due to the chemical from the perm mixing with chlorine, making it super dry was an issue for me as well. I like not spending a couple of hours in the salon or at home to do my hair, but rather take an extra 15 minutes in the shower to detangle and deep condition when needed. I also saving money.
I will say going natural has caused me to put a different perspective on things. Like I am more inclined or more aware of eating processed foods, or being more concerned about buying organic and fair trade products. It I guess in that perspective, it did give me an insight, but not one I feel that should be pushed as an agenda to others, nor do I see my hair is a reflection of my blackness.
****An afterthought****
Something I noticed on IR blogs about natural hair, is that some men find natural hair to be a deterrent. Not that they don't like it, they are just under the impression that natural hair means pro-black and anti-IR. Why is that? I'm still about white boy love, perm or no perm.
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Eh, when I cut my hair last month I suddenly got flack for it being too nappy and too "African". My parents were really happy with it though. When my hair was longer & permed I still got flack for it being too nappy and not... "straight"--I even had one white guy criticize me because it wasn't as long as some of the other girls in school *coughweavecough* He still does it. The sarcasm is weak in that one.
I wonder what it is about hair that some people just can't win? Why does it even matter, I wonder? How does your hair determine what you believe in or what you value? I know for some people it is a sort of statement, but for me it's just...hair *shrug*
It's funny -- hair actually became less (instead of more) of an issue for me, and others around me, when I STOPPED relaxing it. As it turned out, my hair is mostly 3B, and no one cares, or comments, either way. I catch a few people inspecting it, but that's as far as it goes. And, in that respect, I feel free from the permed hair/natural hair tension (even though my hair IS natural now, that doesn't seem to count since it's not a kinky texture).
I pretty much like my natural texture it's naturally very dry but now that I've found a working routine, it's no problem), but in the end, it's just hair - which, after it's shampooed and groomed, takes up little space in my brain.
My hair. I went natural because I wanted MY hair. I wanted what God blessed me with. This is what grows out of my head- and for a reason. I am not my hair, but I love it. And it urks me to no end when people can't seem to wrap their psyche around the fact that I simply wanted to rock my own hair texture. It has nothing to do with Africa or some political statement.....
I wore a wig to work last week and the first thing that my supervisor said was, "You got your hair done!" He was so excited about it. I just looked at him and smiled. The way he said it bothered me- like there was something wrong with me wearing my hair out in its kinky, curly state. When I stopped wearing the wig, one co-worker asked me why I did it. "You looked so nice," he said. I told him, I like my hair THIS way.
*sigh* I've given up on people understanding. You either hate it or love it. I'ma do me! =)
Hello All,
I have a perm but consider it a hairstyle and not a political stance. I'm sure in 20/30 years, my hair will be different but for now, that is what I like and comfortable with. I would never, ever criticize someone for their hair style choice. I've seen many women who choose to perm and straighten their hair who would look much better going the natural route. Nothing looks worse that grease all over one's head to get the hair to lay down or stay put. On the other hand, when I was in Brazil, I just let the humidity take my hair where it needed to go and I loved the style that came out of it.
I'm also pretty glad my mother never used words like Nappy, kitchen, bad hair, buck shots (thank you Martin Lawrence) etc. I cringe to this day when I hear black/spanish/white people speaking this way. I'm just really glad my best friend feels the same as I do. I love my hair. People are always amazed that I can get it flat iron straight, curly, air dried, etc and it always looks different. We should celebrate that our hair can produce various styles. Many people can't do that. I guess the word I'm looking for is versatility. We have it--nuff said.
Remember stay away from people who seek to berate you including family members. I haven't talked to some of my cousins for years--trust me, it's better that way.
I totally understand where you're coming from. Yes, I went the natural route a few months ago. I have braided extentions right now, but plan on taking them out and figuring my was around taking proper care of my hair.
I thought it was crazy that people automatically want to assume that BW who wear their hair in its natural state are now considered being "too black." I just think it maes some black people feel uncomfortable. I know there are some natural sistas who start feeling like they had an awakening and thats cool with me. But every woman BW that goes natural has a different reason for doing it and has a different experience.
The one thing I get sick of people doing is making some BW who have gone natural feel like there is something wrong with there hair. How the in the hell is the hair that you were born with some how "wrong" now.
Oh and one more thing. I am in love with natural nanas videos on youtube!
-I even had one white guy criticize me because it wasn't as long as some of the other girls in school *coughweavecough* He still does it.
Some folks just don't know. Some people either think it is natural, or they think everyone wears a weave. I hate the wig/weave test folks give me looking for tracks in my head. I once dated a white guy who worked at Toni and Guy (no he was not one of the men on my previous list of crazies). He could spot weaves a mile away. I was just excited I knew someone who could put highlights in my hair and knew how to do a press. I think that is what initially attracted me to him. That and he had awesome fingers when he washed my hair. I think that was his ploy, wash hair, get a date LOL
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As it turned out, my hair is mostly 3B, and no one cares, or comments, either way.
I hate the not everyone has hair like you and can go natural craziness either. From 1a to 4b it is all good.
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My hair. I went natural because I wanted MY hair. I wanted what God blessed me with. This is what grows out of my head- and for a reason. I am not my hair, but I love it. And it urks me to no end when people can't seem to wrap their psyche around the fact that I simply wanted to rock my own hair texture. It has nothing to do with Africa or some political statement.....
Exactly. When I tell people I went natural for the sole purpose of avoiding chemical burns, they look at me crazy, like I was supposed to have some spiritual awakening about my hair.
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The one thing I get sick of people doing is making some BW who have gone natural feel like there is something wrong with there hair. How the in the hell is the hair that you were born with some how "wrong" now.
I don't get that mentality either.
've seen many women who choose to perm and straighten their hair who would look much better going the natural route. Nothing looks worse that grease all over one's head to get the hair to lay down or stay put. On the other hand, when I was in Brazil, I just let the humidity take my hair where it needed to go and I loved the style that came out of it.
Yeah, it goes either or. It took me months to get used to looking at myself with curly hair instead of straight hair, but now it is the opposite, I think I look weird with straight hair. My husband doesn't care as long as it stays long LOL.
SIDDITY: I understand the concept of collectivism and think it is great, but I appreciate the idea of the individual as well.
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yep
I have no problem with how people wear their hair but when they insult the way you choose to wear your hair becuz it is no straight etc...i admit it, i may look down on them. But i am never verbal or even act on that thought. It has only happened once so not an issue. Most of my friends with permed hair are proud of who they are ! And like my hair. :-)
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SIDDITY:For me being natural wasn't an "awakening" to get closer to my African roots, but a way to distance myself from pain.
FULLCOMPLEXITY: I went natural because I wanted MY hair. I wanted what God blessed me with. This is what grows out of my head- and for a reason.
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I never had any problems relaxing my hair. My hair is soooo tough, thick and super coiled that i could sit with relaxer in my hair for almost an hour with no pain.
I went natural for the reason you said you did not go natural. I agree with fullcomplexity as in i wanted my hair. I want people to look my natural hair and say it is beautiful ! Not my perm, weave or even my braids ! Although i love getting braids.
It was an "awakening" for me and a good one too. Maybe because you are a black american it is different but since i am an African i felt i had to stop trying to be something i was not and learn more about my culture, my roots. I grew up in a country with an identity crisis. Everyone was always looking for acceptance from a certain group of people. The belgian-french from the french, the belgian-dutch from the dutch. They were accused of not being "french" enough ot "dutch" enough. Nigerians always called me "oyinbo" which means like "white man". I have an oyinbo nose and accent. My Uncle who i have decided is not very nice sometimes said that i was trying to be Nigerian because i really like Chimamanda Adichie !!!
n.1: You cannot try to be something when you are already that thing. It's exactly like when someone says you are trying to be black...it's like... what the fuck?
If people think that wearing your hair natural is a political stance, let's just remember the woman who sang "My Neck, My Back..." You know the rest.
Hey,
BTW, What's 3B, 1a-4b? I've never heard of that. I live in NYC. Is that a southern thing?
I never had any problems relaxing my hair. My hair is soooo tough, thick and super coiled that i could sit with relaxer in my hair for almost an hour with no pain.
It wasn't my hair in pain, it was my scalp. I have VERY THICK hair, it is the first thing people notice about me is my hair and how thick it is, regardless if it is straight or curly.
It was an "awakening" for me and a good one too. Maybe because you are a black american it is different but since i am an African i felt i had to stop trying to be something i was not and learn more about my culture, my roots. I grew up in a country with an identity crisis.
I think all of black america has an identity crisis. We don't really fit in anywhere. I was called Oreo, my nick name in high school from white kids was "white girl"/
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If people think that wearing your hair natural is a political stance, let's just remember the woman who sang "My Neck, My Back..." You know the rest.
AAAAAAHHHHHH khia...she was so skank. She looked like she needed a bath all of the time. When she looked as if she bathed, she wasn't so ugly, but she looked as if she never bathed. That was the problem.
For everyone else: My neck, my back. This was the official song of summer 2002.
Can you imagine the nursing homes 40 or 50 years from now, and people dancing to the oldies and goodies of yesteryear, and this song and Gin and Juice are playing?
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BTW, What's 3B, 1a-4b? I've never heard of that. I live in NYC. Is that a southern thing?
Not a southern thing, a curly girl thing. Here is the hair type scale. It was created by Oprah's old hairstylist, Andre. Per that scale I am considered a 3b.
I COMPLETELY agree with everything you said in your post. I also went natural a few years ago, and my decision had nothing to do with "black pride".... I was just tired of spending $60-100 dollars every three weeks trying to keep my hair straight! I also love me some white boys, but I actually haven't dated one since I went natural. I wonder why that is???
I've been natural and currently rock a relaxer. My choice to wear a relaxer is based on personal preference: it makes my life a hell of a lot easier.
My hair is naturally curly. Even with a relaxer I have to break out the blow dryer and flat iron if I want to straighten it. A relaxer every 8-10 weeks saves me time when I want to change my look.
Relaxed or natural, do you.
I went natural 2-3 years ago.
I was reading a book and the main character had locs. And I asked myself "why don't I have locs?" Simple. I was straighting my hair. So I asked myself why. I didn't have an answer. I've never cared for straight hair(on myself) so it was pointless.
So I shaved my hair off. Not bald but it was really short.
My hair has grown a lot since then. Now I wear an afro. I'm trying to learn how to do 2 strand twist but I'm really bad at it.
As for women with perms, it's not my head. Not my business.
under the impression that natural hair means pro-black
Am I pro black? Depends on how you define pro-black
I love my people. I want us to do better.
I strongly prefer Lift Every Voice and Sing over The Stars Spangled Banner.
I prefer the red,black, and green flag over the red, white, and blue.
Maybe I am. I don't think that's a bad thing.
I posted this at the other blog and I am posting it here:
A behavioral study that recently aired on “Good Morning America” found that employers are more likely to hire a woman with curly hair than a woman with straight hair. When GMA reporter Taryn Winter Brill, met with job recruiters with her hair worn naturally curly, those experts described her as being more “intelligent, articulate and displaying a higher level of confidence” than when she mirrored the interview but only altered her hairstyle to straight. Why is that? The recent study suggests that people with curly hair are thought of as “low maintenance, independent, self starters, trustworthy and go getters” — all qualities that make up an ideal job candidate.
This is no news to the proclaimed “Queen of Curls”, curl expert and author, Ouidad, who says, “My clients are strong, independent women who aren’t afraid to show their individuality. Curls give my client’s the confidence they need in today’s competitive workplace!”
With today’s dismal economy and rising unemployment rates, finding a job can be a daunting task. If curls increase one’s hire-ability, then let the ringlets take center stage.
You post made me have flashback about the burn and sting. Man I don't miss being a kid. I stopped when I was about 13 and no one said anything except my brother. He told me he would pay for me to get my hair done and I said no. He said why and I just said no. That was that.
For everyone else: My neck, my back. This was the official song of summer 2002.
Can you imagine the nursing homes 40 or 50 years from now, and people dancing to the oldies and goodies of yesteryear, and this song and Gin and Juice are playing?
Ok, I could have gone without on my neck, my back..
But gin and juice is the shiznit! That is a classic!
I've been natureal for about 6 years. I keep a low cut - 3/4" It's the easiest thing for me especially with 3 young kids.
My hair is a 4b or 4c. Very very kinky. Siddity, I know 1B-4B is all good hair. Still the truth is that 4B wears differently than 3B. With my natural 4B/4C, I can only wear it short. Nothing else will do.
But I am concerned about my daughter who has my same type of hair. She has been laughed at in school. I tell her constantly that our hair is beautiful. God made it. I plan to keep her hair natural till she's 18 and can decide for herself. However, I either put cornrows every 2 weeks or single braids with human hair (feels lighter) every 6 weeks.
My children are my heartbeat. And it hurts that she has to deal with this at age 5. But that's live. I live in a predominetnly white neighborhood. So its hard to find other BW to help reinforce what I am trying to instill in my child.
Just for that... I seek out black dance schools and such. (going off topic) Anyway, my 2 cents.
I started styling my hair in its natural state mainly because I like the look of fuller hair. I was born with naturally thin hair that I inherited from my grandfather's side of the family (unfortunately), so did my mother and I aunt. I remember being constantly teased by my other aunts not because of the texture of my hair but for its density. I mean EVERY time my aunt used to style my hair the others would ALWAYS find something negative to say about it, I honestly dreaded having to be around them every two to three weeks for my press and curl, which is something else that got on my nerves. I hated having the risk of getting burned on the ears and neck, not to mention having to make sure I didn't get my hair wet because it would "frizz" up. I'm so happy I don't have to deal with that anymore, well unless I'm getting my ends clipped and it only stays straight for a few minutes until it reverts back to its natural state. I was so lucky to come across some extensions that matches my natural hair to a T (which is difficult to find) and I plan on getting it sewed in on Friday and have twist outs at the top, and I'll finally have some nice and full hair... I can't wait lol.
I wore braids for years--Micros or the individual braids/tree braids. But when my hair started falling out-- I have alopecia areata, I started wearing wigs. WM started complimenting me on my "new hairstyle." Just a basic, straight bob, nothing fancy, but all of a sudden, I started getting more attention. Maybe some WM do think you are Pro-Black and anti-IR. When I was wearing braids, I'd get the strangest looks from WM when I was out with my husband. They would be confused, I guess. With or without the braids,I still think the same-- I don't think I'm saying "WM stay away." But yeah, the song "I Am Not My Hair" by India Arie comes to mind..
Actually, I've heard the opposite, that white men like a black woman's natural hair, that hair is just a hairstyle to them, not a political statement.
However, I will say that when I was rocking a weave, I got more compliments from white men. (Black men just looked at me funny.) I even had married men flirting with me.
When I took out the weave and was transitioning from relaxed to natural, I still got some compliments. Now that I'm all natural, the only compliments I get are from other natural black women. Maybe because my hair is more of the 4a/4b type instead of the 3 type which you see more often in advertising and sales catalogues.
On a side note, I think the hair typing categories are just another way to classify hair and create a hierarchy among black women.
I have been natural for now six years, it was nothing political, I got fed of relaxing burns, doing my roots and I could never see any growth, also I started loosing my hair at the side. I also liked to colour my hair, but it would lead to more breakage, since I am now natural, I add highlights and my hair has grown longer than when I was a lot younger. I don't care about the political stance. I just love my hair.
I was just reading this and nodding along in agreement. As a sista with bra-strap length freeforming dreads, you can guess that folks tend to think I am a Rasta.
Anyway going natural for me did take on spiritual and deeper overtones as time has gone on, but my origibal desire to go natural was based in the fact that I was tired of being wedded to the beauty shop. I was tired of wasting 3 hours every Friday to maintain my "Halle Berry" do and I was even more tired of spending hundreds of dollars each month on my hair.
Its funny because I was probably a hell of a lot more militant when I was relaxed but overall I agree with you, my hair is not a measure of my Blackness. I recently wrote about hair on my own blog, heck I am now at that stage that I can fully appreciate when another sista has a fly relaxed hair do, I just know its not for me.
I also love me some white boys, but I actually haven't dated one since I went natural. I wonder why that is???
It has been said before on other blogs that white men assume that a woman with natural hair is a bit more militant in her stance on sticking with black men, so they don't try.
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My hair has grown a lot since then. Now I wear an afro. I'm trying to learn how to do 2 strand twist but I'm really bad at it.
There are a ton of youtube videos on this, try Najahface's older videos. She is a natural hair genius!!!!
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You post made me have flashback about the burn and sting. Man I don't miss being a kid. I stopped when I was about 13 and no one said anything except my brother. He told me he would pay for me to get my hair done and I said no. He said why and I just said no. That was that.
You had the option to stop. My mother forced me, I didn't think I could stop until I was in college.
Good to know curly girls can get a break in the workplace though :)
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Still the truth is that 4B wears differently than 3B. With my natural 4B/4C, I can only wear it short. Nothing else will do.
It is handled differently, but there re so many options. braiding, two and three strand twists, twist outs, braid outs, it is all good :) I think that is what I like it to me seems more versatile to be natural than not.
Have you tried yarn braids. Some people swear by them, and it is very inexpensive because it is just yarn :)
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I was born with naturally thin hair that I inherited from my grandfather's side of the family (unfortunately), so did my mother and I aunt.
My paternal grandmother had thin, wavy hair. My father has kind of thin hair. But I got my mom's hair. It is uber thick, which is a good thing and a bad thing. Detangling while dry is a daunting task.
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. But when my hair started falling out-- I have alopecia areata
They say that black women have alopecia more than any other race of women, they attribute it to braids.
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Actually, I've heard the opposite, that white men like a black woman's natural hair, that hair is just a hairstyle to them, not a political statement.
I guess it depends on the guy. I know white guys who think natural hair is attractive, and others who love the weave, perms, etc.
On a side note, I think the hair typing categories are just another way to classify hair and create a hierarchy among black women.
I think it is more a method of how you care for your hair. Someone with 2b hair is going to be treated differently than 4a or 4b hair in regard to products, how often you wash, etc.
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I was just reading this and nodding along in agreement. As a sista with bra-strap length freeforming dreads, you can guess that folks tend to think I am a Rasta.
I want to do locs, like palm rolling or twists, my husband and mother are acting appalled at the concept. My mother just got used to the natural hair, she actually thinks it is cute now, but she hated it for years. I don't know why people assume rasta. I have seen women with sisterlocks and their hair looks far from a rasta.
Anyway going natural for me did take on spiritual and deeper overtones as time has gone on, but my origibal desire to go natural was based in the fact that I was tired of being wedded to the beauty shop.
I definitely can relate, I have become more aware of diet,eating more natural vs. processed foods, going for a more natural approach to things, being more environmentally aware, etc.
I thought about Sisterlocks a while back, but it sounds just as expensive as maintaining a relaxed do.
Hey I agree with Krystal on the whole hierarchy thing. When I first went to the site, it really didn't help me in determining my hair type or the hair type of my friend. I honestly hope that it doesn't catch on. I can just see crazy black women coming up to me or my friend, my friend especially because her hair always looks natural even with a relaxer, saying you're a 3b while you're a 2c. Please that would annoy me even more than the skin color issue. People make such a big thing out of hair. It really isn't that important folks and if you think you don't have to maintain your locks then you're in for a surprise. It cost just as much for a stylist to "touch/twist up" the roots as it does for a wash and set. Unless you have a very, very loving partner that will do it for you, you’ll end up paying a pretty penny. My ex-boyfriend thought that he could sit between my legs for an hour or two while I did that. Well, after 20 minutes my hands started to cramp. Of course, you could always rock the scarf on the head for a while but if you're like me, that wouldn't work because ponytails, hats, and scarves cause migraines.
C'est la vie.
I thought about Sisterlocks a while back, but it sounds just as expensive as maintaining a relaxed do.
They are expensive to maintain, but a bunch of women have started doing braid locs, which give the sisterlock lock, but the home maintenance.
You can go here, here, here, and here.
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When I first went to the site, it really didn't help me in determining my hair type or the hair type of my friend. I honestly hope that it doesn't catch on.
It has been around for about 20 years when Andre came out with his book. It has been kind of widely accepted on the natural hair boards on the web.
It just depends on the sites you go to. I went to naturally curly and put up fotki pictures and that is how I figured out my hair type. I don't think it is a matter of good or bad hair, but rather how you care for your hair as a 3b vs. 4a.
Here is another classifier on black hair media. It was helpful for me as well.
I can just see crazy black women coming up to me or my friend, my friend especially because her hair always looks natural even with a relaxer, saying you're a 3b while you're a 2c.
It doesn't really matter what folks will say, I just want to know how to care for my hair. I have had people come up to me and say we have the same kind of hair, even though we have completely different hair types.
People make such a big thing out of hair. It really isn't that important folks and if you think you don't have to maintain your locks then you're in for a surprise. It cost just as much for a stylist to "touch/twist up" the roots as it does for a wash and set
There are different methods of doing locks, and some require more maintenance than others. Sisterlocks are expensive, but I know folks who palm roll their own locs and they look beautiful. I have a friend who palm rolls on a sunday once every couple of months and her hair is awesome looking. I know some who have done the braidlocs, they paid to have their hair braided initially, but then did the maintenance at home. Braidlocs are for those who want the sisterlock look,without the sisterlock expense.
Excuse ny ignorance but I don't know the difference b/w sisterlocks and braidlocks or the costs of maintenance. I only know what they charge in brooklyn (which varies) for traditional locks which is $50 and up.
Krystal sd:
"On a side note, I think the hair typing categories are just another way to classify hair and create a hierarchy among black women."
I will have to agree. I feel like even though the hair texture scale may not have been created with the intention to create a hierarchy complex amongst BW, it is very quickly doing so. Very soon, it will be @ par with colourism if not worse.
I have no clue what my hair texture/type is even after looking @ that chart.
Ok I went to the sites you listed and the braidlocks look really good. But you don't need a skill there to use the hook for tighting the hair.
My mom can use the hot comb to curl her hair but the curling is a mystery to her. She can't do it at all. I guess it all depends on one's comfortability on the issue.
Excuse ny ignorance but I don't know the difference b/w sisterlocks and braidlocks or the costs of maintenance. I only know what they charge in brooklyn (which varies) for traditional locks which is $50 and up.
Yeah but you can do locs at home.
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Ok I went to the sites you listed and the braidlocks look really good. But you don't need a skill there to use the hook for tighting the hair.
You can roll or latch and youtube has a ton of videos showing you how to do both.
I think the only real benefit of know your hair type and texture is when it comes to styling and hair products. Otherwise it could become a phenomenon on par with colorism: "Girl, I'm a 2c/3a. Aren't I lucky?"
I meant that it looks like it takes a lot of skill to lock the hair correctly using an instrument but I think you got my meaning from your response.
It reminded me of that painter on PBS who would paint the trees, the waterfall, and lake with such ease and then you would try it and it turned out nothing like the painting on the show.
I've been seeing a lot of comments about relaxers burning your scalp. I've never had a relaxer burn me nor made my hair fall out.
Is the issue with the person applying the relaxer? Or the type of relaxer being used?
I do my own, but that's 'cause I like keeping $70 in my pocket.
I think the only real benefit of know your hair type and texture is when it comes to styling and hair products.
I thought that was all it was for, but I can see it turning into a colorism thing for sure.
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It reminded me of that painter on PBS who would paint the trees, the waterfall, and lake with such ease and then you would try it and it turned out nothing like the painting on the show.
That would be me. I could see my locs looking scary because I got lazy palm rolling. I better stick to wash and gos.
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I've been seeing a lot of comments about relaxers burning your scalp. I've never had a relaxer burn me nor made my hair fall out. Is the issue with the person applying the relaxer? Or the type of relaxer being used? I do my own, but that's 'cause I like keeping $70 in my pocket.
I'm tender headed, as a child even before a relaxer, getting my hair combed made me cry. It hurts. When cream is applied to my head, it is instant irritation and pain. No matter if it is the over the counter super duper revlon super relaxer, or at the salon. Even the Just For Me kiddie relaxers hurt my head. That is what I was using before I went natural. Lye or no lye, those suckers hurt and I ALWAYS got scabs on my head after a fresh relaxer.
I hated the at home kits because due to the thickness of my head, I had to keep it on for 18 minutes, I remember literally, and my mother would slick out my hair as it relaxed to make it straighter, and her hands on my head, plus the relaxer made for pure 18 minutes of hell.
I was so relieved to get it washed out and my scalp being sore, and for the next few days you could feel scabs all over my head, and my head would be tender from where the scalp burns were at.
Before I got a perm, I had very long hair, but sixth grade I had a lot of breakage, mainly from me not taking care of my hair and the relaxer. I know when I went natural again my hair grew longer. No breakage, no split ends, no dry scalp.
I think the only real benefit of know your hair type and texture is when it comes to styling and hair products.
I thought that was all it was for, but I can see it turning into a colorism thing for sure.
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It reminded me of that painter on PBS who would paint the trees, the waterfall, and lake with such ease and then you would try it and it turned out nothing like the painting on the show.
That would be me. I could see my locs looking scary because I got lazy palm rolling. I better stick to wash and gos.
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I've been seeing a lot of comments about relaxers burning your scalp. I've never had a relaxer burn me nor made my hair fall out. Is the issue with the person applying the relaxer? Or the type of relaxer being used? I do my own, but that's 'cause I like keeping $70 in my pocket.
I'm tender headed, as a child even before a relaxer, getting my hair combed made me cry. It hurts. When cream is applied to my head, it is instant irritation and pain. No matter if it is the over the counter super duper revlon super relaxer, or at the salon. Even the Just For Me kiddie relaxers hurt my head. That is what I was using before I went natural. Lye or no lye, those suckers hurt and I ALWAYS got scabs on my head after a fresh relaxer.
I hated the at home kits because due to the thickness of my head, I had to keep it on for 18 minutes, I remember literally, and my mother would slick out my hair as it relaxed to make it straighter, and her hands on my head, plus the relaxer made for pure 18 minutes of hell.
I was so relieved to get it washed out and my scalp being sore, and for the next few days you could feel scabs all over my head, and my head would be tender from where the scalp burns were at.
Before I got a perm, I had very long hair, but sixth grade I had a lot of breakage, mainly from me not taking care of my hair and the relaxer. I know when I went natural again my hair grew longer. No breakage, no split ends, no dry scalp.
I have been natural for over 15 yrs. I now have 3yr old sisterlocs. I originally went natural because I didn’t like the effect the relaxer had on my fine and delicate hair (I blame my mom for this hair). I am also a no frills gal when it comes to hair. Now I can just wash and go if I choose. I can swim, run, walk in the rain, and I don’t worry about the humidity. I have so many options. Twist outs, braid outs, or with a little spritz of water instead of setting lotions, I can have curls that last for days.
As far as sisterlocs being expensive, they can be, but if you want small locs there are other options. I paid $675 for consult and installation. The stylist did try to get me to come to her for maintenance, but I refused. One of the reasons I went natural was for low maintenance.
I have done my own maintenance. My hair actually looks thicker and fuller. I don’t need to see a stylist for grooming and upkeep. No frills, I love it.
Lips
Sid, it sounds like you have a really sensitive scalp!
If had went through that as a kid (I didn't get my first relaxer until middle school) I would be put off chemicals too.
I use mild relaxers and leave them on about 10 mins. No more than that. It just loosens the curl and that's all I need.
They say that black women have alopecia more than any other race of women, they attribute it to braids.
The funny thing is that the dermatologists I've been to are split on where this came from. The AA is before the braids and it started after I got married--COINCIDENCE??? Maybe it is stress-related. I permed for years, but currently have been chemical-free for 8 years now. Wigs are easier to deal with, but I'd love to have my hair grow back and stay.
I didn’t go natural until I saw that my hair just wasn't growing properly. I researched and decided to put down the lye-crack and let all the split ends fall out. I had been as a consequence natural for several years. I loved my huge, free floating afro.
Then the Katrina Debacle occurred and I got militant and decided to loc 2 ½ years ago. I am locked permanently and will never cut my dreds. Thus my hair is a political statement. I don’t care if it is offensive or ugly to anyone or it impedes me from being noticed by men or it prevents me from being hired. I love my locs and I hope they continue to grow long and wild like weeds.
No question that black women are still discriminated against on account of hair, skin tone, and body size. I wonder if it's the case that white men attracted to black women would shun natural hair, and to what extent this has changed over the decades, and how natural hair would be politically interpreted.
Remember that 40 years ago an Afro might well have been correlated with militancy, whereas now it just seems outdated to many. A "militant" hairstyle now would be more likely correlate with dreads, extensions, braids, than a big Afro of Angela Davis vintage.
There certainly remains job discrimination connected with natural hair, but sexual attraction? I can only speculate, as I have no systematic database to go on.
It seems that the black women most considered to be attractive in days of yore would be those closest to white women, in terms of skin color, facial features, body type, and yeah in those days hair. But once white men started going for black women who look like real black women, to what extent did or does hair prove to be an obstacle. I mean, if a white man likes dark-skinned black women with African facial features and a bodacious rear end, is hair going to be an obstacle at that point? I don't think it was when Afros were in, and I have my doubts about it now.
But I will admit there remains this hang-up about hair.
BTW, Afrocentrism is a specific ideology predicated on a mystical, metaphysical conception of peoplehood and history, and is not a general synonym for ethnic orientation.
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