Our Hair is NOT Less Than and is NOT Unmanageable!
We keep trying to view it and treat it like other hair textures that have nothing to do with ours. Before the European standard of beauty was forced upon those of African descent (with afro textured hair), we just did our hair and didn't see it as "unattractive/unprofessional", "unmanageable", "too much work" or "too nappy". We didn't even know that that was the case for our hair. It just was what it was, you took care of your hair, and went on about your business. Please stop comparing our hair to others; you will never be able to fully appreciate and take pride in your own hair if you keep doing this. I know it's tempting and that the media doesn't always help but we must stop this (and looking to the media for validation and acceptance anyway). Some textures involve a little more maintenance than others. So what? It doesn't make one texture better than another. It just makes them different. Straight hair or a looser curl pattern or whatever texture other than your own that you are lusting after doesn't solve all your life's problems. Men cheat on straight haired women. Straight hair doesn't guarantee you a cushy, happy life with all the trimmings. They all have they're pros and cons. Just like some have to work out more than others to maintain a certain level of fitness and health, it's no different. So please stop sulking because you are wasting time! Accept and love YOUR hair. Lust after your hair's texture b/c it is what it is. LEARN. YOUR. HAIR.
On Length Hang Ups:
When you learn how to care for your texture properly (which includes minding your ends since that's how you retain your growth), the length will come. But you can't be lazy and complaining. Do your homework and pay attention to what your hair responds positively and negatively to. Write things down in a notebook if you have to to keep track of everything so you have an easy reference. DO NOT GIVE UP til you have found what works for you. As frustrating as it can be, just keep trying things and taking note. Your efforts won't be in vain and WILL pay off in the end. The internet is a powerful tool. There's no excuse at this point for no one NOT to be able to learn how to care for whatever their hair texture is.
Unless you have a medical condition, your hair is always growing. A watched pot never boils anyway, so you're better off making the decision to enjoy the phases of lengths until your desired length is achieved. Youtube, is an afro textured girl's best friend. There is so much information, hairstyle inspiration and tutorials for the easiest to more advanced hairstyles no matter what length your hair is at. You have so many styling options, it's mind blowing. Be proactive and be inspired.
I know long hair signifies femininity for many but it's not the only factor. You have plenty of other physical features that let the world know you are a woman. Lol.
Back to our regularly scheduled postings. :D
We keep trying to view it and treat it like other hair textures that have nothing to do with ours. Before the European standard of beauty was forced upon those of African descent (with afro textured hair), we just did our hair and didn't see it as "unattractive/unprofessional", "unmanageable", "too much work" or "too nappy". We didn't even know that that was the case for our hair. It just was what it was, you took care of your hair, and went on about your business. Please stop comparing our hair to others; you will never be able to fully appreciate and take pride in your own hair if you keep doing this. I know it's tempting and that the media doesn't always help but we must stop this (and looking to the media for validation and acceptance anyway). Some textures involve a little more maintenance than others. So what? It doesn't make one texture better than another. It just makes them different. Straight hair or a looser curl pattern or whatever texture other than your own that you are lusting after doesn't solve all your life's problems. Men cheat on straight haired women. Straight hair doesn't guarantee you a cushy, happy life with all the trimmings. They all have they're pros and cons. Just like some have to work out more than others to maintain a certain level of fitness and health, it's no different. So please stop sulking because you are wasting time! Accept and love YOUR hair. Lust after your hair's texture b/c it is what it is. LEARN. YOUR. HAIR.
On Length Hang Ups:
When you learn how to care for your texture properly (which includes minding your ends since that's how you retain your growth), the length will come. But you can't be lazy and complaining. Do your homework and pay attention to what your hair responds positively and negatively to. Write things down in a notebook if you have to to keep track of everything so you have an easy reference. DO NOT GIVE UP til you have found what works for you. As frustrating as it can be, just keep trying things and taking note. Your efforts won't be in vain and WILL pay off in the end. The internet is a powerful tool. There's no excuse at this point for no one NOT to be able to learn how to care for whatever their hair texture is.
Unless you have a medical condition, your hair is always growing. A watched pot never boils anyway, so you're better off making the decision to enjoy the phases of lengths until your desired length is achieved. Youtube, is an afro textured girl's best friend. There is so much information, hairstyle inspiration and tutorials for the easiest to more advanced hairstyles no matter what length your hair is at. You have so many styling options, it's mind blowing. Be proactive and be inspired.
I know long hair signifies femininity for many but it's not the only factor. You have plenty of other physical features that let the world know you are a woman. Lol.
Back to our regularly scheduled postings. :D
Comments
I love my naps in all their manifestations. From my TWA to my mid length locs. Going back to my roots was the BEST decision I ever made! I'll never lust after another's length/texture because mine is just fine.
Great blog sis!
I completely agree with you.Hair care only becomes hard when you pick the wrong tools, products and routines. Our hair has a perfect design and a perfect simple method of care.
I think that the length obsession is not good but at the same time, it is a useful way for people to gauge whether what they are doing is good or bad. If hair is not gaining length, changes need to be made, don't blame the hair!
Ok I would type more but I just went swimming and my arms are killing me!
I agree, being lazy and complaining about your hair's condition does not help. I know FIRST HAND! lol
Be proactive, that's all to it.
Jc: I'm just tired of hearing ladies that don't even TRY to learn how to handle afro textured hair/their own texture give it a bad rap. If your hair is unmanageable then it's because you have not mastered how to manage it yet. Our ancestors didn't walk around saying these things about our kind of hair pre-Eurocentric beauty standards domination. There are different steps and maybe even a couple more steps involved, sure, but OUR HAIR IS NOT ANY MORE DIFFICULT TO CARE FOR THAN ANY OTHER HAIR TYPE. Trust, I see a LOT of jacked up, dried out (usually from heat and color abuse) straight hair on women of all different races.
Like you said, I'm pretty sure women we're walking around Africa before colonization complaining about how unmanageable their hair was or wishing it would stay straight or grow down their backs. lol