Your photos your thoughts: A curly-haired BGLHer chooses to describe her hair as “nappy”
Christina was recently featured as a style icon. Peep what she has to say…
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I really do believe that my hair is nappy. There may be tighter curl patterns than mine, but I still have nappy hair. It’s tightly curled and can be very fuzzy. Stripped of its social stigma, that’s what “nappy” means.
As Black women, we put our hair types into categories. By doing so, we compare one type of texture to another and make judgments.
Some judgments are used to identify what healthy hair care practice or product a specific hair type needs, or what haircut would work best with our face shape. But a lot of times, we use it to justify ignorant statements like: “Oh, you have ‘good’ hair”, “You’re not Black enough”, or “I’d go natural if my hair wasn’t so ‘nappy’”.
Unfortunately, the word nappy has the dirtiest connotation in the Black hair community, something we cannot wash out easily, even with sulfate shampoo or an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.
I grew up where it was a big deal to have loosely curled hair, light eyes, light skin, all that sort of thing. I think in my little way, without even realizing it at first, that I just want to kind of rebel against that way of thinking.
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Very interesting… what are your thoughts? Click HERE to see Christina’s style icon profile and click HERE for her blog.
I agree that nappy hair has a negative connotation in the black community, even in the natural community. I have no problem describing my hair as nappy, because that’s what it is, but some people seem to get mortally offended if you describe their hair as nappy. In my opinion, the dirty little secret of the natural world is that many people still subscribe to some version of hair hierarchy, even once they’ve gone natural. I see it all the time on the hair blogs, as some women seem almost desperate to find and/or create curl definition. If you have to go through 20 different products and 10 different application methods before you figure out how to define your curls, there probably aren’t any to define. And there absolutely NOTHING wrong with that!
@Moni – I appreciate your comment
I’m going to have to keep it real for this one and encourage us all to dig a lil deeper. I have tradtionally termed “nappy” hair. By traditionally termed, I mean I have no defined curl pattern, my hair is tightly coiled, breaks combs/brushes and all of that good stuff. I think that tightly coiled hair is more difficult to manage as a natural. Typically, our hair is more delicate, takes longer to retain length, etc. Because of this, I feel there’s an unspoken “struggle identification” for people with traditionally defined nappy hair that those with wavy/loose curls could never understand.
Additionally, I will parallel nappy with the word nigger. Nigger had a very negative connotation. However, now those who used to be oppressed by the word (blacks) use the word for non-negative means (though it’s debatable). Non-black ppl that say “nigga” are criticised because they never could relate to the hurtful meaning of the original word. I feel the same way about the term nappy. If you don’t have nappy hair, you don’t really know what it feels/felt like for people to use that term to describe your hair. Trust me, when others use the term to describe my hair, it was never positive.
Why do we RE-define these negative words to lift us up?
I rarely use the word to describe my hair – if I do, I only use it to describe my texture.
If you choose to describe your hair “nappy,” then “nappy” it is…..simple as that.
I don’t mind describing my own hair as “pretty little naps” but when other people say my hair is “nappy” or “all kitchen” they don’t exactly mean it as a compliment.
I have no issue describing my hair as nappy. I also don’t mind other people calling it nappy because it is. What I do mind is people trying to convince me that nappy hair is a bad thing, and that it needs to be altered in some way. I really don’t think nappy and nigger can be put into the same category.
I agree that they were both used as derogatory terms, but nigger never had any other connotations other than describing the unique and inferior status of the enslaved African sold into chattel slavery, not seen as anything more than a piece of property.
Nappy simply means tightly coiled. When I first started to embrace my natural hair, I believed that the only truly beautiful natural hair was loose curls. I was determined to achieve that look when my hair grew in. Well my hair has grown in, but I’m no longer concerned about loose curls. I’m perfectly happy with my nappy hair because I’ve finally realized that there is nothing wrong with it! Nappy hair is just as beautiful as the rest. Its funny, because I always had a preference for men with nappy hair…so why I didn’t realize it was beautiful on both men and women is beyond me.
I just saw the most beautiful pictures of a nappy-haired bride:
http://laurenmcglynnphotography.blogspot.com/2009/11/thomas-starlas-golden-love-shakedown.html
Nobody can convince me that nappy is a bad thing. How could it possibly
be when it looks that good?
i dont describe my hair as any thing, its just My Hair. if someone wants to call it nappy, kinky, thats their opinion, doesnt bug me one bit.
I totally agree with BlackKittenRoar. Nappy and nigger will never be the same thing to me. Not long after my BC, a friend of mine looked at my bf and I and stated “Your kids are gonna have the nappiest hair”. We just laughed, AT her, not with her, and said thank you! We weren’t about to let her issues make us feel like their was something wrong with our nappy hair. To me, it’s just a word. I don’t struggle for my identity, because I know that my hair is beautiful. I don’t let other people determine how I feel about myself.
i realy don’t say nappy but if you want to describe your hair as nappy feel free to do so. we also have to be aware when others intentions when they say it (Imus — saying nappy headed hoes to a bunch of ladies who had straight hair — now that’ll make you say hmmm). I also dont think nappy and nigger are comparable. i totally agree with blackkittenroar and her analysis of both words.
Nappy was used to desribe not only afro texture but to show how different it was from european texture, AND that afro texture was inferior to euro texture. so when people say their hair is nappy, i take it as a total rejection of the idea that european hair is better and as an acceptance of the love they have for their tightly coiled hair. When a black woman says “She’s happy to be nappy” It’s a sense of pride. The word “nappy” is NOT inherently offensive (the word wasn’t invented to degrade black folk, it means tightly coiled, majority of black hair is tightly coiled) rather the word has been used as a tactic debeautify our blackness. For centuries people have tried to make black folk hate themselves, these same tactics though covert are still going on today . . .
i understand both sides of the word nappy — as i was caught up in a youtube scandal (lol) about the word “nappy” and folk tried to lynch me when i said it. but, i understand that we all love being black and are very protective when we feel that anyone is trying to take away our pride and love for who we are. We are all beautiful black women and we can agree to disagree
I don’t believe in taking words back or changing the meaning or wider social connotations of words used to oppress a people. Nappy and the other N word both have their roots in the same negative history. It is completely up to individuals if they choose to refer to THEIR OWN hair as nappy. However people who are willing to take on the moniker ‘nappy’ should remember that not everyone subscribes to the same view as them, outside of their social grouping, the word has no positive associations, nappy is not and never will be synonymous with beautiful no matter how much people say it and if someone outside of their grouping/race uses the word, they will more than likely be angry/upset. Why go to all the bother of using such a word with confused meanings and murky beginnings to describe what is JUST hair, just like caucasian and asian hair? Sure there are different patterns and textures but maybe nappy is not the best word to describe something so beautiful and unique as afro hair.
I don’t describe my hair as nappy, I prefer kinky or coily and feel these are as valid words for my hair as nappy is for another natural who may or may not be the same hair type as myself.
I agree with Zooey, If an individual chooses to refer to their own hair as nappy thats their perogative. But people should stop pretending the word doesnt have negative connotations. If you hair is truly tightly coiled and someone refers to it as nappy the likelihood is it was not a compliment.
Monique said:
“If you don’t have nappy hair, you don’t really know what it feels/felt like for people to use that term to describe your hair. Trust me, when others use the term to describe my hair, it was never positive.”
I agree with this statement. There is a difference between being called nappy and “choosing” to call yourself nappy. I think it can unintentionally belittle the experiences of those who have grown up being told their hair is nappy. It’s a luxury in a sense, because those with looser textures can walk away if they are no longer comfortable with that term.
I do wonder…what was the ORIGINAL meaning of the word “nappy”? People here have said that nappy originally meant “tightly coiled” but I realize that the British term “nappy” is synonymous with diaper. It’s also an old term for foaming beer as well as a shallow dish. Is there a correlation between the old meanings and why it was originally used? Reclaiming a word is good for some, but I’d rather know *why* the word was used and make up my mind from there.
I agree that the N word is not a good parallel for nappy, but to make my point here: In fourth grade, I looked up the N word in a large dictionary at school. One of the definitions was “a dumb animal”. So, since that time I personally cannot reconcile reclaiming this word when its very definition (even outside of the social connotations) is degrading in its core. But that’s just me. Like others, I use the word “nappy” when trying to describe my texture to someone else, and even then usually as a last resort. But I do understand why not everyone feels this way.
I cally my hair “curly” with a “nappy” patch in the middle. Let someone else call my hair “nappy” and I’m ready to fight. I would never use that word to describe another person’s hair because it sounds so negative.
Zooey is sooo on point. I completely agree. And I’ll also add that nappy doesn’t really define anything; a coil, however, does. Everyone knows what coils, curls and corkscrews are (hell, even cotton candy, clouds and wool are more definitive). Why not describe our hair more accurately? Why must we insist on using words that were imposed upon us (and meant to degrade/dehumanize us as a people)? What even is a “nap”??? *rhetorical question*
Maybe I’m biased, because in my household I had never, EVER heard the term “nappy” or “kinky” (that is, until I met more black girls in jr. high). We just called it “natural hair” or “a natural”, instead of “an Afro” (and would go on and on about how thick or jet black it was lol).
I’m sorry, but Christina’s hair is not nappy the way MY hair is nappy. Christina’s hair is curly. I’m sure she’s been accused of having “good hair”…an accusation that has NEVER EVER been placed on me. Just because she’s not nappy the way I’m nappy doesn’t mean she is less “black” or I am more “black.” Black people come in all shades, colors, and textures, none of which are (supposed to be) any better or worse than any other.
As for the word “nappy” I don’t have a problem with it but I understand why other black folks might. I absolutely do not think it carries anywhere near the same weight as the other N-word. I don’t want the other N-word anywhere near me but I understand (on an academic level ONLY) why other black folks don’t have a problem with it.
@b.
Ha! I did the same thing too! Instead of looking up nappy, I wondered what a “nap” was so I found this definition that might be the answer to your question:
Main Entry: (3)nap
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English noppe, from Middle Dutch, flock of wool, nap
Date: 15th century
: a hairy or downy surface (as on a fabric)
[Source: Merriam-Webster Online, http://m-w.com/dictionary/nap
@b.
oh! One more thing: I’m not a history buff AT ALL, but I know that (1)Christopher Columbus was funded by Spain, (2)”negro” means black/dark skinned in español, and (3)English speaking people can have trouble learning to roll their r’s. I suspect the answer to where the N word comes from is in those facts somewhere.
I think the definition of “a dumb animal” was formed at a later date based on its eventual use. I don’t think that is the true origin of the word. The above 3 facts are too close to be coincidental.
I struggled with the use of this word and will admit that it hurt in the beginning to hear others call my hair nappy. It is never in a positive manner and I slowly got over it. I am not mad at anyone who says my hair is nappy. It is! I cant get mad because these individuals were raised just like me and were taught that nappy hair is ugly and should be feared. There are many who still feel this way. Just the other day a little 4 year old told me that my hair was nappy and I should comb it! I asked if nappy was a bad thing. She responded yes! In my eyes nappy is not a bad thing. It is beautiful. With that in mind I proudly say thank you to anyone who says my hair is nappy! From there I go into education mode and educate the individual.
I do agree that this word is close to using the n word. Or is that just me? It just seems like whenever someone uses it, they get this look os disgust on their face like “you got some nappy hair”. The truth is, what the hell does that even mean?
Everybody hair tangles up cuz that’s what i think of when u say naps. Its a stupid stereotype to me. But u can’t change peoples views on it if they remain ignorant.
I’ve read through all the comments and I have to say, I don’t like the fact that women with tightly coiled hair are so defensive.
I myself am in that group. I refuse to hair type (with the 3s, 4s and all that), but I will say that my hair is tightly coily.
But I never have felt a need to somehow create a protective barrier around myself and “defend” my nappiness. Yes, I understand that girls with kinkier textures have a harder time (with haircare, with mainstream acceptance, etc), but I don’t understand why that has to seep into the way we relate to other naturals.
Natural is natural. Period.
When I see a woman with natural hair, it makes me happy. Whatever the texture.
I’ve noticed that curly haired style icons on BGLH get less comments or enthusiasm. And that’s offensive to me.
This site is for everybody. And I don’t like the fact that we feel a need to divide ourselves.
From what I see of the comments, most of them question the use of the word “nappy” in general. Very few of them question Christina’s use of the word for herself. Those of us who may be bombarded with that word on a semi-regular basis probably question the use of the word “nappy” — by anyone — the loudest. A lot of the defensiveness about the word nappy stems from having it hurled at us like a slur. It’s not my favorite word but I don’t run from it (unless someone’s trying to offend me on purpose…then that’s another story!)
IMO, those that disagree with Christina’s use of the word are simply disagreeing with her. No one is saying that she’s less natural or less beautiful.
I prefer to use terms like curly and kinky. However if someone wants to use the term nappy to describe their own hair…more power to ‘em.
I feel as though my hair is curly and kinky. Nappy…..sometimes, but I feel more empowered by using curly. That’s what our hair is CURLY. Some curls are tighter than others but they are still curls.
Peace
Dear BGLH,
I noticed you feel that commenters on this site show animosity to curly-haired naturals. I think that when people read and participate on blogs they are attracted to what they feel is the ethos of that blog. From an observer’s eye (and a blog user’s), most hair blogs favour/put emphasis on curls and curl care. Even with this very post, you are inviting those who do not feel that they possess curls to participate in a discussion on the word ‘nappy’ ( a word which few curly haired girls will have had used to describe their hair by others). A blogger cannot have her cake and eat it. Maybe your blog attracts a high readership of all hair types/textures because it feels inclusive and encourages everyone, no matter her hair to debate and opine.
Many of the other blogs seem solely focused on curly hair. Maybe some of your non-curly readership feel that this is a place they can call home, that is no negative thing.
Personally I think that this site allows room for everyone. I do see that curlier textures don’t illicit that much whooping or congrats on here but I don’t see any bias towards tighter textures from commenters either. Maybe BGLHonline doesn’t attract those with ‘curly’ hair as much as some of the other blogs on the web. I like all afro hair types and have no problem with reading blogs for the 3cs etc BUT conversely, I do see a web-based curl hierarchy fully formed since Andre popped along AND a certain mood of ‘oh how lucky, you have curls’ or ‘ooh your hair is better because it’s curly’ across the web.
One popular curly site now goes out of its way to feature 4a/bs. Was that a demand that was not being met?
The term nappy, I believe, is not the same a the term nigger. I could be wrong but calling one self a nigger and describing oneself as having nappy hair would read rather differently. I could be wrong. I have no problem talking about my naps, because it is what it is. Now, I do agree that it would be impolite to call someone else’s hair nappy b/c it is usually understood as a negative thing. Also, I do think that hair typing is a PC way hair prejudice, as others have said. 4b and 4c, in my opinion are code for/ interpreted as “nappy”. One poster on a popular forum even mentioned that such hair looks like taco meat. What confuses me is that there so called “nappy” hair is quite lovely. Two of my youtube hair inspirations, Rustic Beauty and Sera2544 have 4b hair and I bet that many of their subcribers, who are in awe of their length, would turn around an look down on others with the same texture but not as much length. In my opinion many folks are texture obsessed but if you gave such individuals the option of waist length 4b hair v. shoulder length 3c hair (that could not grow) I’d think one would discover that hair stereotyping revolves around a perception that tightly coiled hair doesn’t/can’t grow long.
lol @ “Taco Meat”, such a random comparison..lol
Personally I wouldn’t refer to my hair as being ‘nappy’ simply because I wasn’t brought up with the term being used to refer to hair.
I guess I don’t mind others saying I have nappy hair, because the word clearly means something different to them. But of course if I catch negativity in there speech regardless of the word they’re using, I wont be happy.