sunday retrospective… natural hair and racial environment
BGLH reader Yuki left a comment on a recent post…
Having frequented a number of natural hair sites and forums since I “big chopped” last September, I seem to be noticing that the black women who embrace their natural hair quite often live in racially diverse areas or predominantly white areas, while women who choose to mainly relax and wear weaves live in largely black areas. Is this the case? And if so, why? Has anyone else noticed this? Or am I way off the mark here. Probably I am. Any thoughts?
Interesting.
I haven’t seen this in my experience, but what do you think?
It's true in my case. I'm the only black person in school, we're probably only 10 people with african inheritance in town.
Mmh..I think I wouldn't want to go natural if I had more black friends.
Truthfully, I don't know how to answer the post. I think it varies from people to people…situation to situation…environment to environment. We as humans are naturally fickle minded, so what may work in one group of people, whether it be black or white, may not work in the other.
However, as a Spelman alumna, I would have to disagree that due to my alma mater being an HBCU, it in some ways instills an ideology of straight hair is better. Anyone who has truly been on the campus…a student on the campus who attends classes, interacts with the community, would know that the women of the institution are just as diverse with their hair as the black women of the world, for it's nothing but a representation of such. Whether they're from the hood or lived a life as a member of the Links, Spelman women represent a diversity in the looks of black women. Prior to going to Spelman, I've never seen such diversity in black hair. Whether or not natural vs. straight hair was accepted more is based on a personal issue of that person. However, don't believe the hype that a Spelman woman, or any woman who attends an HBCU has only one set ideology of "acceptable" hair.
I agree with Cheron L.Hall.Natural women do tend to be more educated and socially-aware. For example: for some the knowledge of the effects of the chemicals is what makes them go natural in the first place.
I definitely must say that the compliments I have gotten about my natural hair are from people of other ethnicities, and fellow naturals. Most black women, even my mother, have said "It's soo THICK!! (a nice way to say "nappy/unmanageable") and that's about the closest I get to a nice compliment – unless it's in a twist-out, braid-out, or set with rollers.
I've noticed that when my hair shows it's true tiny coils – without being manipulated with braids or twists, that's when it is most unaceptable to black women.
When the texture has been stretched, and has some type of curl or wave definition to it and fits the "good hair" stereotype, then it becomes "OKAY" to wear within my black community.
I wouldn't necessarily equate "intelligence" to acceptance .. but I would say EXPOSURE to diversity and STANDARDS of beauty are very influential in how WE see our OWN hair.
I agree with yuki, but as an individual, I'm entitled to my own opinion, as are relaxed/weaved women and naturals alike.
Someone commented that "…We insist on using our personal experiences to develop theories to be applied to the population at large…" I don't think we should be aiming for a general consensus amongst blacks. Other races don't do this. Let's just rejoice in our own diverse opinions. I think most of us do anyway.
I totally agree with Dajadedpoet and Retromus
Our natural hair has become foreign to us, a friend of mine said to my hair a week ago…it just doesnt look attractive. .. its almost like people were born relaxed
All the guys *that matter to me* (all black), have told me they prefer natural hair, its just that many that have it dont grow it long or take care of it so it looks crazy.
The funny thing is that right here in Nigeria,(99.9% black folk) i have gotten more compliments as a natural.
I think this is very true
I know this a few days old but I just wanted to say that I am natural and I live in a predominately black neighborhood and I have attended predominately black schools all my life. I am planning to go to community college once I can afford it. I currently work at Rite Aid. I think of myself as quite intelligent despite having not attended college. Not that it matters but I am 20.
I know I'm late but can anyone give me tips on products to use in my hair to make it feel soft, look shiny and not dry, brittle and dull. I would like to wear my hair out more without it breaking off. Currently I twist my hair once a week.
I actually get hit on by black men MORE than when I was relaxed. All "types" of black men. They tell me they wish more BW would wear their natural hair and our natural hair is beautiful. I do get the "my nubian princess" type dudes, but hey, nothing wrong with that.
As for white men I mean, its pretty much the same.
Black females well..some stare and cut their eyes at me and my hair, especially when I wear a picked out 'fro. I do it for me not for anyone else so I dont really care. other black females will come up to me and ask how long I've been natural, what I use, and seem geninely interested.
I've gotten nothing but positive remarks from Black people, where I live..
I’ve lived in a predominately white community for about four years now and i will say this; they hate it if your hair isn’t pin-straight. They get uncomfortable and jokingly (but not really) ” Your hair is so big..your hair is a fro” even, “your hair is getting nappy” it’s kind of horrible because once you relax your hair everything’s all good but if you have natural hair there’s a big problem, one of the reasons i want to move back to NYC. It’s also one of the reasons i relaxed my hair so religiously; i was afraid of what my friends would say if it wasn’t…would they still like me? they would definitley make fun of me. So i think living in a mostly white community is hard (atleast around here) if your natural.
in my experience, white people, men in particular, are more likely to compliment my hair than most black folks who do not also have natural hair.
I notice that I get more positive feedback from other races than my own. The reasons for the internal negativity are various, but I’m determined to embrace me as God created me, kinky hair and all.
I have been sporting my natural hair for over a year now, i am 19 if it matters lol..and i usually sport an afro
I have met black men that absolutely love my hair and literally drool over the fact that its naturally long and glows..not to be negative but i often feel as doe they have this “good hair” mentality thats basically encouraging their positivity, i always ask them questions like why do you like it natural? Do you like it because its natural or because its natural and long?..I highly doubt that if my hair was shorter that i would get the same response form those same black men.
From the others i get questions like..Whats wrong with your hair? What did you do to your hair? Why do you wear your hair like that? When are u gonna perm it? You dont like getting your hair done? Are you like “Afrocentric”(i fricking HAAATTTE that question by the way)?
ALMOST EVERY BLACK WOMEN i have ever came into contact with asks me..”Is that all your real hair??”..then proceeds in trying to touch it..which we all know is just the “checking for tracks” approach..i really hate that..and it has almost gotten a few women str8 SLAPPED
The other have praised me for my natural look and asks me millions of questions about my transition
All white people women and men i have got 100% positive feedback from them. My realistic and logical approach is that they are accustomed and expected to see a black girl with permed hair/weave so seeing something different sparks interest and enthusiasm.
I personally feel that it is ABSOLUTELY SAD AND DISGRACEFUL that wearing my hair EXACTLY how it grows out of my scalp raises such controversy..and is viewed as being against the norm.
i’ve noticed the same thing too!
Another reason many black women “go natural” while in a predominately “other” area…if the majority of the area is encompassed of straight haired whites (or in my experience, hispanics), why in the WORLD would they sell Black hair relaxers??? There’s NO MARKET for it. So you either drive to the nearest area that will fit your hair needs, or you roll with the punches and try something new. Which is what I did…and I LOVE it!! It wasn’t the ONLY reason I did it (I got sick and lost my hair), but once it grew back, it was the reason I KEPT it natural.