As women, We fight off the Hecatoncheires every day when we walk outside our homes. Are we happily nappy or happily straight? Do we now have to defend ourselves against each other? It’s not enough to say you have natural hair. If you are not wearing it in it’s “natural” state, prepare to be questioned like a suspect at a crime scene.
“Are you Mixed?”
“Is your hair 3c, 4b, 2a?”
“Where were you between the hours of 2 and 4 on Thursday?”
The truth is, most of us had natural hair before it became "a thing”. And the reason why our hair became "a thing” was that America had such a fascination with it. Yet, it’s not that different from European hair. Both revert when wet. Both frizz when its humid outside. Both frizzle(i mean straighten) when ironed. So why the fascination?!?
It’s already hard enough in the workplace being judged by our hair. Sadly, our social circles judge us just as harsh.
“She’s mixed that’s why her hair is like that!”
“What kind of hair is that? Indian, Brazilian, Russian?”
“She has natural hair, but she is always getting a blowout!”
Is “hairism the new shadeism?” Not only are we dividing ourselves into sub-cultures based on our skin tones but now hair is fair game too. It shouldn’t be! WE need to wake up and understand that maybe – a woman who wants to wear a wash and go has the time to do so. Perhaps, a woman who goes for the weekly blowout does so because it makes her life more comfortable.
We have shit to do ladies, so do what works best for you!!! While you’re at it; share which products are getting the job done. Make sure your hair is professionally maintained, conditioned and treated. Stop judging each other! Be happy whether straight or natural.