There are several reasons why I love my natural hair and you should too.
Our natural hair is expressive. It is versatile. It is bold. It is us.
Not only does our hair show confidence, but it also shows self-love, black power, and magic.
We may come across people, who’ll suggest that our natural hair portrays defiance, messiness, childishness, or unprofessionalism. But, that is not a “black” hair problem, that is a “culturally-insensitive” societal problem.
Due to the racially biased nature of our society, our hair makes us vulnerable to discrimination. At school, there may be teachers and staff who will penalize us for wearing a natural hairstyle, which they’d argue goes against school policies or regulations. At work, there may be employers who feel that our natural hair doesn’t comply with business standards. Thus, viewed as an unkempt or inappropriate liability for the workplace. It may even be looked at as some sort of distraction or rebellion in academia.
Truthfully, our hair doesn’t fit in with societal norms. It doesn’t resemble societal views of what a “neutral hairstyle” should be. It doesn’t look like the highly favorable straight hair that you typically see within the European or Caucasian culture.
But, black hair is beautiful. It is course, textured, and voluminous. Our hair is not nappy; it is kinky, coily, or curly. It is good hair. It doesn’t block others’ views; honey, it is the view.
Don’t allow negative ideas to deprive you of being your best self.
Be proud of your blackness. Take pride in your roots. Fight oppression by embracing your cultural differences.
We were born to stand out.
Signed,
A woman who was, is, and always will be her mother’s Black child.
You are an amazing and caring mom. Keep it up
Is this really a thing? I have thick, half straight, half wavy, unmanageable blond hair and I have always been a bit jealous of my friends’ black hair and the versatility of it. Where I had to struggle with my hair daily they could get it styled once or twice a week and it always looked nice. I frequently tried to achieve that natural curly look with perms as well and they never quite got me the look I wanted. Now I have biracial grandchildren and they have awesome hair that I could only ever dream of. Let someone tell my grand babies they are not beautiful because of their hair.
Sadly, it is a thing. Some people don’t quite see the beauty of black hair and, as a result, they try to police it. I think it is important that children learn from day one to love every aspect of themselves because there will always be someone who has something to say. I appreciate your comment, thank you.
This post is so powerful. There are so many black children who suffer in silence because they believe natural is hair is ugly. Your post encourages people to embrace their natural hair. Thank you for your transparency.
Right! You’re very welcome.