Not everyone has a partner who does not want to be included in the conversation on changing your aesthetic. Just check out a forum or blog and read some tearful stories of women having relationship problems because of simply wearing your natural hair. From reality TV stars to bloggers, blogs are filled with posts about women confessing the problems they are facing because of going natural. My husband could care less how I rock my hair but I do understand this is not a reality for everyone. So instead of writing it off I know I must address the problem because it is a real problem.
Often we just need to communicate with our partner about what we are doing so they can gain better insight and become that supporter we would prefer. So, here’s a list of some things you may want to share so they “get it” and not just look freaked out at some of our natural hair habits.
Silk or satin pillowcases are necessary
I cannot tell you how many times I have had to wrestle my satin pillowcase from my husband’s armpit. I had to explain this is my pillow and not his to just use at his leisure. We may also sleep with a bonnet, scarf, or wear our hair in a pineapple so our sleep routine does not ruin our hair for the following day. I wore a scarf to bed when relaxed too so this should not be that much of a surprise to most, but it needs to be said regardless.
Wash day is an event
Wash day is essential to all women, but to naturals it can be a long process, especially if you have longer detangling sessions. Wash day also entails overnight to pre-poo or deep condition, so many of us schedule our lives around it. That may need to be expressed to your boo who may not realize just how much this can affect the plans. There may be a lack of hot water after we are out of the shower or it may end up looking like a crime scene with conditioner, shed hairs, or stained tubs from rinses. This is just a part of the process.
Hating my hair is hating me
This may cause some anger directed at me but our bodies and hair are a part of us. Telling us you hate our hair is not accepting us for who we are. Whether we rock free form locs or loose colored curls, love is deeper than a hairstyle. If you do have an issue with my hair, then there are constructive ways to present that concern and discuss the root of the problem.
Read the rest of my list over at Naturallycurly.com
