Sorry Naturals, but I have to ask this annoying question. Reason being, I am STILL seeing negative posts about how ugly Natural hair is, along with relaxed women calling our hair hard to manage, expensive and unattractive to men. Black men in particular, but that is a topic for another post.
See also: Maybe Natural hair ISN’T for everybody…
I also have to ask because I tire of the implication that this personal LIFESTYLE change (Yes, going Natural was a lifestyle change for me) I made over ten years ago is still being considered superficial. Why does that bother me? Well, ask my good friend Patricia and she will say almost ANYTHING bothers me (She’s probably right) but I think it’s because I refuse to believe rocking the hair I was born with could EVER be a damn fad.
I am over 40 and not one for fad following anyway. Not even going to completely commit to the idea I was into fads back in my 20’s either, but it most definitely ain’t my thing to do at this age. First off, fads cost money. At least the ones I’m familiar with and that is unattractive to me. Secondly, they tend to be short-lived and most often a waste.
Now, I can see scores of women rocking crochet braids, wig braids (Yes, they exist) and Natural hair clips all over social media and out and about at events. Does that mean everyone is really Natural and not relaxed under their bought ‘do? No, it does not, but those who may be firmly seated on the bandwagon for a hot second have an agenda that a lot of us rocking the Natural look do not possess.
They may be seeing this as a fad but PLEASE do not loop us into your short-lived journey. You may not believe it is a change in black women’s acceptance of our natural beauty, but it IS steadily growing and transforming without a slow-down in sight. It is happening, and you may not see it, and more than likely just super late to the party.
Now, I’m not saying if you are relaxed you do not love yourself, but do not confuse my love Natural hair as being “IN”. It’s insulting and a tad bit supercilious in assuming self-acceptance is trendy. It is an awareness of one’s worth and beauty that needs more depth than labels like “fad”, “trendy” or even “fashionable”. Me rocking my natural hair and maybe even adding some sexy color or cut means I am living in my natural skin that extends to my kinky tresses. Don’t try and take that from me and honestly…I won’t let you.
So, I am asking my readers. The ones who know me and like what they see when they look into the mirror…is natural hair STILL considered a fad or are we gonna put that nasty little insult to rest?
Let me know what you think Naturals!
Sabrina (being a tad bit testy today)
A month ago I was in Walmart and I was flabbergasted and proud at the amount of Naturals I saw in all ages and styles. When I went natural in late 2010 you could go awhile before seeing another natural. This is no fad, natural hair is becoming a hair choice like relaxed hair.
I totally agree. Thanks for sharing!
I agree we are growing as people become knowledgeable and lose their fear of what people think.
I agree we are growing as people become knowledgeable and lose their fear of what people think.
A month ago I was in Walmart and I was flabbergasted and proud at the amount of Naturals I saw in all ages and styles. When I went natural in late 2010 you could go awhile before seeing another natural. This is no fad, natural hair is becoming a hair choice like relaxed hair.
Yup, I agree 1000%! thanks for sharing.
I will be 65 yrs in August. I have not only embraced my natural hair but my gray also. The word and concept of change causes fear with some people. I have gone totally natural for the past 4 years. My family first thought it was a phase but they have come to embrace it as they see more people becoming knowledgeable. I have learned to really care for my hair. From natural products and care. I share these facts and therefore teach and show others how to care for their hair. I get compliments from young and mature women. So as we pursue our journey, knowledge and style they will help others.
I will be 65 yrs in August. I have not only embraced my natural hair but my gray also. The word and concept of change causes fear with some people. I have gone totally natural for the past 4 years. My family first thought it was a phase but they have come to embrace it as they see more people becoming knowledgeable. I have learned to really care for my hair. From natural products and care. I share these facts and therefore teach and show others how to care for their hair. I get compliments from young and mature women. So as we pursue our journey, knowledge and style they will help others.