Nappy is not a Trend…
It’s A Rooted Movement.
It’s important to say it. Going nappy is not a trend. It’s a lifestyle, a commitment, a movement. Calling it a trend is demeaning. That’s like saying being healthy is trendy, it’s not, neither is it a trend to be confident enough to own your birthright in a world that scorns it at every turn.
Before diving in, let's start at the origin, the roots. Afro-textured hair is the natural hair texture of populations in Africa and those of African descent. It’s different in appearance, has a helical structure, lower density and has a shorter growth rate than all other hair types. It can be described as “kinky” or “nappy”, is declined in several types based on the texture and shape of the hair strand.
When slave trade and colonialism were raving havoc in the continent, nappy hair shifted from being a source of pride, fashion statement, bonding point in the community, to becoming a telltale sign of one’s blackness. Methods were developed to “soften” the hair, make it more conventional, acceptable in the white world. With the abolition of slave trade and independence from colonialism, a slow, steady rise in awareness began. The mentality shifted from Eurocentric to Afrocentric. This gave birth to a black hair movement which promoted black hair, it’s origins and history, led to more and more people accepting their blackness.
Yes, I said it! natural African hair is a birthright, a legacy which should be passed on, celebrated and treated as such. Own it! do not apologise for it.
“It’s too wild, untamed”, -tell them raw beauty never is.
“Its abnormal”, -tell them normal is overrated.
“It’s not soft, too strong and tough”, -yup, like diamond, breathtaking, soft and strong all at the same time.
“it’s too moody”, -yes it is, it has a mind of its own, comes alive with the right touch.
Being nappy affects all areas of your life, your diet, self-care routine, character, clothing. Rocking the crown isn’t enough, you have to live the part. The legacy doesn’t come without responsibilities. Nappy is not just chopping off your relaxed hair, It’s a journey that involves patience, frustration, work and self-acceptance. If you don’t feel up to it, you are a relaxer step away from your old life.
Your hair becomes your voice, a stylish, powerful statement to the world and yourself, accepting, showcasing your crown in a million different ways. No need for long speeches, that crown is reserved for Africans and those of African descent. The beginnings of your hair journey might not be easy, good things never are, but it goes a long accepting who you are, breaking free from convention and creating your own normal.
It gives you a sense of belonging, your hair is a reminder that you belong to something bigger, stronger. You are not alone, all the nappy girls in the world are right there with you. It does wonders for your self-esteem and awareness. Your hair changes with you; grows with you, becomes an intricate part of yourself that can be transmitted to the generations to come.
Nappy involves learning about your hair type, what makes it healthy, being patient while it grows, taking out time for wash day, tangling and detangling, shrinkage, breakage and lots of effort.
The effort is worth it, you create a bond with your hair, it loves you right back, makes you feel more confident, proud of yourself, free as the wind that blows through it. People can’t keep staring, they want to touch, know what products you use, when you embarked on this journey, how you do it all on your own, their envy is barely concealed by their praise. Unfortunately, we can’t all be royalty!
To all my naturalistas, I celebrate you!! You deserve that crown, rock it, own it. Touch it right now and be like “we are royals” and let no one tell you otherwise.
If you don’t feel up to it, you are a relaxer step away from your old life.
