Everyone's Natural Hair is Different

Serfronya Wallace
Since I have returned to my natural hair I have been amazed at how many textures of hair there are. The term natural hair just means hair that has not been chemically altered. So you can have natural hair that is curly, straight, wavy, springy, or a combination there of. Even if you are talking specifically about natural African-American hair, one texture does not describe every one's hair.

It is not unusual for us to have more than one texture on one head. I have six people in my family and each of us has a different texture. I have a son with z-formation hair, no curl pattern at all. I have a son with very thick hair that is a mixture of tight coils, looser curls, and many hairs that stick right up. Another of my children has a texture is similar to mine, a mixture of 4b and 4c. But I have more 4B..

Why I am bringing up this up, you ask? Well, I watch a lot of YouTube videos on natural hair. Many people graciously share their hair care tips and successes with others. And I often read comments where people put down the video maker because the product, style, or technique didn't work for them.

This is unfortunate because every one's hair is unique. So, what works for one person might not work for you. I do try to find videos of people who's hair appears to be close to mine in length and texture. But that still does not guarantee that my hair will turn out like theirs even if I follow their instructions to the letter.

But I still appreciate the fact that someone took the time to put a video together in an attempt to help others with natural hair. I had a relaxer from the time I was 12 years old until I was in my early 30's. So I had no clue how to care for my hair when I did the Big Chop. And I have read or watched videos of others with a history similar to mine. Therefore,I have learned a lot of useful information from others who have also chosen to return to their natural hair.

I just hope that each person will realize that hair is unique to the individual. Try new techniques and products with an open mind. And know that your outcome might be different than someone else's.

Published by Serfronya Wallace

Serfronya Wallace is a wife, mother, and freelance writer. Her husband and she have been home educators for several years. Serfronya writes about home management, frugality, child rearing, and homeschooling....  View profile

1 Comments

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  • David A. Reinstein, LCSW7/14/2010

    Not everyone is happy when they look in the mirror and see what they have come to the world 'naturally' with... thus, the cosmetology and plastic surgery industries.

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