Shawanda porter
March 7, 2018
The evolution of natural kinky curly hair
Natural hair is the new thing popping in the African American Women world today. But it has not always been that way. Black women and their natural kinky curly hair have not always been accepted in the world. Black women did not accept their own hair. These women were not happy with their nappy hair. During the slavery time period it was totally understandable why these black women looked down on their natural hair. Combing nappy hair is hard. Black women began using braids as hairstyles. The Afro was not seen as a nice look. Black women did take pride in great hairstyles like locks, plaits, and twists. Black women were very creative with their hair but lack hair products.
Without the combs and herbal treatments used in Africa, slaves rely on bacon grease, butter and kerosene as hair conditioners and cleaners. Lighter-skinned, straight-haired slaves command higher prices at auction than darker, more kinky-haired ones. Internalizing color consciousness, blacks promote the idea that blacks with dark skin and kinky hair are less attractive and worth less, “according to AfricanAmericanhairhistory.”
I have natural for 7 years. I think women back in the day did not accept their natural hair because it was hard to manage. There were not a lot of different products on the market for African American women to use on their kinky curly hair. So, women were forced to use other methods. Kinky curly hair is not easy to comb it is hard work. Black women did not have a hair model to show them how to wear their hair. Black women were forced to think that a white woman hair was good hair. Our natural kinky curly hair was referred to as wool back in the day. But now in today's world black women are embracing their natural hair all over the globe. There are too many natural hair products in the stores. In local Walmart the natural hair products are in a security glass case for protection. The value of being natural now is so great. I am so happy to be apart of such a great time. Black women are still wearing weaves and braids now we can proudly add natural to the popular hair style list.
I have been natural for 2 years. Black women hair was not accepted because of society. The world made us believe that the white woman was the ideal woman to be. Straight hair was what made women pretty. An afro was not pretty or accepted. The afro was your natural for black women. Looking at the television and magazines, all we saw where skinny little white girls with perfect long flowing hair. Blacks started copying the white women on tv because they thought that was the proper thing to do. Black women started frying their hair. One string at a time stripping it of its natural oils. Thanks to Madam C.J. Walker and her hair products black women were able to have straight hair. (Madame C.J. Walker develops a range of hair-care products for black hair. She popularizes the press-and-curl style. Some criticize her for encouraging black women to look white.) Things are different today because of more hair products and social media. Social media has been great because you can google whatever question you have about your natural hair. There are very detailed videos women can watch to learn how to do their own natural kinky curly hair. Social media helps us to know that our natural hair is beautiful. We can now embrace our natural roots without shame. As a natural woman I can do a twist out, wash and go, finger coils, deep waves, the pineapple puff and so much more. The afro is not the option any more. We can finally love our hair. Some people think this natural hair break though is only a trend I disagree. I think we are back and back to stay. Black women will forever see the beauty in their natural kinky curly hair there is no going back. The one thing I like most about the natural community there are different types of naturals. Everyone can express themselves differently.
I am a 23 year old black man. I feel that the natural hair thing is not for everybody. Some people look good with the natural kinks and curls, and some people should just get a perm. The natural hair is a bad look on some black women. Many women are not taking care of their hair which I think effects the outer appearance. I think women back in the day were jealous of the white women with straight hair. I think natural hair started as a trend. Someone decided to try something different and many people started to like it and do it. I feel that in the work environment black culture was not accepted because the owners were not familiar with it. Some people in the business environment were against the natural hair because they thought it was not professional. Black women are told to tame their natural kinky curls.
I have been receiving perms since the age 3. My mom gave me my first perm it was called PCJ. This was one of the most popular perms out during that time. I am not against natural hair even though I did get perms. I think different things may just work for different people. But I love my straight hair the same. If my permed hair was ever to become damaged I would consider going all natural.
Having natural hair is a breath of fresh air. Having natural hair has evolved over time. Black women today are truly embracing their natural hair with the freedom to do so. the natural hair is not a trend but here to stay forever. people are way more accepting of kinky curly hair now because it is like the new black. People are gaining confidence and rocking these Afros like never before. So yes, people are more accepting now because times have really changed. We should join together and begin changing society’s view of Black Beauty. Let’s join together to take back our definition of beauty in our hair and culture. Let’s do this for our kids and generations to come.