The fashion world is changing again. With the help of Tyra, Chris Rock and Wendy Williams, african-american hair is being viewed under a heavy spot light. Even more heavy than what it has already been. I didn't consider it a big deal until one day a random woman typed on a hair forum, "Child, I could never go natural. It's too much work and I wouldn't look right." Cough. How does one GO natural?! How do you GO with what is already growing out of your head?
The sad reality is that instead of people cringing when they hear the words perm or relaxer, they cringe at the thought of their own natural hair. People think of lint ball afros, thick dry matted hair or unkempt locs when they think of natural.Then there's the helmet crew. Those are the people who have chemically unaltered hair sitting underneath wigs and weaves or inbetween braided extensions. It's always the worse scenarios when people think about certain topic, whether it be a high schooler envisioning college or an umeployed bloke nervous about an interview. Many people figure the only women who can "go natural" are those with looser curl patterns like Tracie Ellis Ross or Corinne Bailey Rae. Then there's the helmet crew. The people who have chemically unaltered hair sitting underneath wigs and weaves or in between braided extensions.
Truth is, natural hair is beautiful. It's beautiful if it's well kept and cared for. A perm is just another mere marketing technique for individuals who believe straight hair is the only way to view hair as beautiful and manageable. Another truth is that the are chemicals that you pour onto your head: who knows down the line whether this can affect you by having cancer or some other ailment? Not cool, bubby. Many women tend to believe, " My ends are fine, my hair isn't breaking off and it's soft so my hair is healthy." Yea, it's "healthy" until you miss a touch up. Your "elaxed hair is healthy, NOT your natural hair.
Natural hair is just as versatile as straightened hair, you want curls? You've got it! You wet set achieve spiraling curls like Corinne does as well as Bantu-Knotting your tresses at night and take it out in the morning. Black hair isn't brittle... if you moisturize. Black hair is also cheaper. You can deep conditoner and hot oil your hair at home and it could only take fifteen minute to an hour. You can pin up your hair in different styles like the girl in the picture above. Nothing a little gel or wet manipulation can't fix. Alot of folk make the mistake of trying to handle nappy hair while it is bone dry. If this was only way to do hair, I'd be weaving it too! Handle hair while it's wet or damp. Less breakage, less hassle.
How many ladies know how to wash and dry their hair properly and without the use of heat? Many relaxed or weaved people envy the hair that some natural people have but realize they have the same curl pattern or texture! But you would know if you constantly use heat on your hair. Damaged ends make anyone's hair look undesirable.
I'm not saying give up weaves, wigs or even relaxers, but the beauty of a woman embracing her own texture is sexy. Ever wondered what happened to that thick long hair of yours as a kid? It's still there. You have have you learn how to take care of it and grow it back. You don't have to just where an afro, braids, or twists when your hair is in a natural state. Be creative. You can't NOT look good with your own hair. That's ridiculous. And P.S. guys dig natural hair heavy. Just wear a style that shapes your face and physique, throw on a bad (good) outfit and see if you don't turn a few heads. You'll probably look refreshed! Less or no make-up is needed when you don't have a helmet swinging across your back!
