Mixed Heritage and Hair Growth? WHAT????

OK…I’m not gonna lie….I barely know this woman but I know the drama behind her words and the anger and hate that follows.  

Black hair can’t grow….

Isn’t that what we’ve been told?  Isn’t that what we’ve been led to believe until recently with this positive and progressive Natural hair movement?  I can list several black woman who have proved these negative words and thoughts wrong but will it stop many from feeling the only way to have long hair is mixed genes or sporting weavers?  HARDLY.

Here’s what ole girl actually said in Sophisticate’s Black Hair Styles and Care Guide:

SBH: What’s the secret to your gorgeous long hair?
Melanie Fiona: I was born with a full head of hair, and my mom wouldn’t
let me cut it until I was 12! I’m mixed – my mom is Black and Portuguese
and my dad is Indian so I have a good mix for growth.

What the hell does that even mean?!?!  A good mix for growth?  Girlfriend is lost or behind or just plain ignorant but do I need to get angry because her words are stupid?  Yes and no.  She’s her own person and entitled to her own ignorance but spouting words as facts is dangerous in our community ESPECIALLY about hair!  Is she new to the whole black woman thing?  Really, I don’t care all that much but with me being out of it lately with school, work and family wiping me out I didn’t know this was even going on until I took a peek at Clutch to get back on track.  It makes me sad more than anything and it makes me wonder when that fallacy about black woman and hair not growing will finally be left up on the myth shelf with the other ignorant stereotypes.  We CAN and DO grow long hair but it’s fragile so we have got to be smart, careful and (most of the time) Natural.  

Any thoughts?  I’ve shared so I would love to hear how you feel as well.  Is it even worth the press?  

Let’s stay positive Naturals,

Sabrina