Seven Myths About Highly-Textured, Natural Hair
The Truth About Natural Curly, Coily, Kinky Hair
These products alter the natural texture of the hair by breaking down disulfide bonds, which hold together the keratins (proteins) in hair. We won't discuss the ins and outs of permanent chemical processes, rather this article will discuss natural hair and the myths associated with it.
Natural hair comes in many textures. Some natural hair is very tightly coiled; some is more loosely coiled or curled. Some textures have no curl pattern and no definition. Some textures have very visible definition. One head of natural hair alone can have more than one texture. These are all things to consider when talking about natural hair because actual textures vary just as much as the faces that proudly smile beneath it.
MYTH #1: Natural hair is hard to manage.
This myth probably really is number one. There is a huge misconception that naturally curly or coily hair is hard to manage. Simply, it is not. What many people do not understand is that highly-textured hair is very unique, even from looser, naturally curly textures. Any type of hair is hard to manage if it is being 'managed' in such a way that works against its natural texture. Those who embrace the natural texture of their hair often wear styles that compliment that texture, and are not trying to force their hair to do something it will not naturally do. Extreme manipulation of the hair is stressful not only to the hair, but also to the person who is doing the manipulation. Not understanding the natural hair texture is one of the main reasons many people return to relaxers.
MYTH #2: Natural hair is rough and tough.
Natural hair, contrary to obviously popular belief, is neither rough nor tough. Upon looking at a head of luscious nappturalness, some believe that it is rough to the touch. However, actually touching the hair (which is not recommended without consent) may reveal something entirely different. Most, in fact all, natural hair is very soft if properly moisturized and conditioned. African-American hair tends to be dry, but a good moisturizing and conditioning routine will keep the hair moist and soft. Any texture of hair that is denied proper moisture will be dry.
Because natural hair is very full and thick, people often assume that it is super strong and tough. This is false. Each and every little bend in the shaft of the hair is a potential breaking point. When handling natural hair, you must be sure to be gentle because it is very delicate. In an Essence magazine article, Rodney Barnett, a trichologist, states, "'Think of your hair as a delicate piece of thread, not as a rope that can be knotted and twisted (30-Day Hair Repair).'"
MYTH #3: Natural hair is trendy.
No doubt many people choose to be natural for a myriad of reasons, including to be stylish or trendy. But in no way should anyone believe that the only reason to be natural is to be trendy or hip. For those of us who have made the decision not to conform to European standards of beauty, this natural is far from a trend. Many naturals have made a very conscientious resolution to love who they are entirely. Giving up caustic and carcinogenic relaxers is, surprisingly, not something that is favored amongst the African-American community. Enduring comments of disgust and disapproval are oftentimes an accepted part of being natural, and there is nothing trendy about that.
MYTH #4: Natural hair grows slowly and does not get long.
This is one of my favorites because it allows me to explain the wonder of highly-textured hair. Natural hair neither grows more slowly nor more quickly than relaxed hair. What naturals must take into account is what is known as shrinkage. Like a telephone cord, natural hair coils up tightly, more or less, thus increasing the surface area within a given length of hair. For example, six inches of relaxed hair is six inches, period. Six inches of tightly coiled hair could be up to twelve inches long when stretched. Natural hair, because of its density and volume, tends to grow big or out, as opposed to lengthy or down, depending on the actual texture of the hair. It is also a myth that the only way natural hair can be long is by locking the hair or wearing twists. This is very untrue.
MYTH #5: Most naturals wear twists and these twists are unattractive because they show the parts in the scalp.
Eeeeeehhhhnnnnn. Wrong answer. As with all freshly twisted or braided hair, the parts show the scalp. The beauty and magic of natural hair is that, within a day or even a few hours, the hair swells and gets a little fuzzy, creating a very beautiful and unique style. The only way for relaxed heads to achieve this look is with synthetic kinky twists. Another beautiful thing about twisting or braiding natural hair is that no product is needed. Using relaxed and synthetic hair, the hair must be spritzed with holding spray or burned at the ends to keep it from unraveling. Although companies manufacture loc and twist gels, many nappturals opt out of using any product other than water to twist or braid the hair. The natural coiliness of the hair keeps the hair from completely unraveling, and the style can last for days or even weeks. Twists are only one of many styles that showcase the versatility of napptural hair.
MYTH #6: Natural hair is not accepted in the work place.
While there have been instances of discrimination against those who choose to wear their natural hair, there are more examples of women who are working in all kinds of positions with their naturals. There are doctors, teachers, cashiers, social workers, writers, lawyers, artists, etc. who are proudly wearing their hair and bringing home checks. This is a completely bogus reason for thinking natural hair is unacceptable. Discrimination against natural hair is wrong and should not be tolerated.
MYTH #7 Natural hair makes one an exhibit or a spectacle of some sort; your intelligence will be overlooked.
False and false. If anything, natural hair entails a sense of self-awareness. Naturals are not societal anomalies. While a person may choose to express herself through her hair, no one should feel that natural hair will make her an exhibit. Any natural would find this belief to be highly offensive, not to mention downright incorrect.
Now, why, again, are you still relaxing?
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31 Comments
Post a CommentI have a blog with lots of pics and info.We as Afrikkans born in Amerikka range from the very darkest to the very lightest and hair ranges from very kinky to very curly and also straight! So just be your Beautiful self.
Peace&Much Luv
Actually @Ericka... if you do your research you will find that most of the jewelry designs and inspiration, makeup, etc originally derived from Africa. Godl and embellishments were adorned by Queens and Kings long before Europeans were doing so. So technically, wearing jewerly and clothing is not actually a European standard of beauty but an amalgamation of many cultures. NOw, straight hair is by no question a European standard of beauty, aka an "Americanized" standard of beauty by which Europeans stole this country and claimed it as their own, shipped our nappy headed ancesters over who were living peacefully and proudly of their heritage and culture. Then we were brainwashed to view our hair and beauty features as dirty, ugly and unacceptable. Funny thing is, so many Europeans are now attempting to achieve a lot of these looks with their lip plumping, booty lifting and more. tha article is very well written and kudos to the author!
In response to the guest named Erika on 02/02/2010, I think this writer did a fine job writing this editorial piece whitch by the way, most editorials are opinions mixed with some facts so, duh. Also yes European standards are American standards, they founded this country obviously from the Britians. I just think that is off the topic. A standard of beauty does not have to be an individual's standard. Especially if it causes you to loose esteem in yourself and totally try to alter your physical self to mimick someone else. This is when beauty standards should be seriously re examined. Don't you want children growing up not being virtually ashamed of their real selves instead of being slaves to one kind of beauty standard? I wish you luck if it means you will get help to help others one day. You don't need light eye contacts, weaves, straightners and lighter skin, I don't think God makes mistakes, he just loves variety!
I have no apologies for grooming my Afro hair into locs. I have heard all manner of things from people who apparently were never taught that it's wise to keep your words sweet lest you later have to eat them! I always loved the look of natural curls and I never really wanted to get my hair relaxed,except that I was told that it was the thing to do once you left high school. So for ten years or more I tried to work with relaxers, putting my hair into box braids between relaxers. But it happens that I am allergic to the relaxer creams and the process once even created bald spots on my scalp which I fortunately have recovered from. I love the feel of my hair now.I love the texture. I even discovered that your hair actually has a different fragrance when it is not chemically denatured,more "earthy" and mellow. My two closest male friends are in fact totally in love with my locs: "Finally!" said one, beaming with approval and "Will you marry me?" said the other, not kidding at all. He prese
This article is filled with the author's personal opinion, instead of fact. The "European standard of beauty" is actually the American standard of beauty, and women should not feel ashamed to live up to the standard of beauty. Should we also throw away our makeup, jewelry and stylish clothes? Those things are standard in European fashion also. I'm going natural because I'm tired of my long, straight hair and I want a change. Short and curly is the ultimate change. Wish me luck!
A very good article. I believe I've experienced a majority of the myths from family, friends and strangers. But as much as my hair gets on my nerves sometimes, at the end of the day I still love it. I love the feel, the texture, the length, the stares I get, the compliments I receive for commendation and even the encouragement I give to other women who wonder if they can achieve the same naturalness I have with my hair. After all it's me and I am what matters most to me.
I really enjoyed this article, your writing style is great! Check out my site - iHEARTmyhair.com
Great article.I'm a teacher & currently wearing a wig after doing the Big Chop myself in February. I'm conditioning & pampering my hair & growing out another afro after 28 years of curly perms.I only had one relaxer as a teen & it took my hair out & burned my scalp. That's when I grew my first afro,then went to curly perms which aren't nearly as harsh; but I'm middle aged now & started getting some thinning at temple & nape & decided it was time to go "back home". I noticed how many women 40+ had thinning hair from being permed most of their lives while those that stuck with the old press & curl still have their hair.Had a huge afro in the black pride glory days of the 60's-80's. There are several teachers at my school wearing natural styles & many say they quit relaxers after starting to lose hair. Now it's growing back & they have full heads of hair. I'll never have another perm.If I want a straight style, I'll get a wig !!
Thank you for busting Myth #6. I could never understand why so many women would say that natural hair was not accepted in the workplace, yet everywhere I would turn there is a woman in power wearing twists? I think there needs to be a distinction made between well groomed/styled natural hair and messy unkempt natural hair.
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Ray623,
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/product.php?prod_id=71746 - Africa's Best KIDS ORGANIC relaxer is rated a hazard level 10 on a scale of 10, with CANCER being the first threat named!
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/wordsearch.php?query=relaxer - a search of "relaxer" yields these results.
The article isn't talking about transitioning, which is managing two contrasting textures of hair (and can be done without much stress if done properly), but the article refers to many women who have drawn the conclusion after becoming fully natural that natural hair is hard to manage. Or there are women who have never even tried being natural for an assumed fear that the natural texture is hard to manage.