OVERWHELMING support! From BLACK people, at that!

[robot.]

Before you get up in arms, my title is half facetious. From what I've gathered, it seems like black people are the only ones who have issues with black hair, so that's where my title comes from. I am aware that there are many black women who love hair, natural or not.

I just wanted to tell you all that BC'ing was the best thing I've ever done in my life in regards to my hair. I love my hair everyday: the curls, the softness, learning, blogging about it. I didn't know quite what to expect, but I figured I'd simply learn as I went along.

When I see all the threads about older white males and people of other races complimenting our hair moreso that other black people, I wondered if I'd get the same reaction. I have had lots of support - ALL of it from the black community! It's so uplifting!

I was surprised at how many people where so excited that I'd chopped all my hair off. A few women have even told me that they want to cut their hair too and a good friend of mine has been thinking of going natural as well! I'm always quick to offer encouragement and any help I can. I'm beginning to think that black women don't necessarily hate their hair as much as it is that they simply don't know about their hair, which is something a lot easier to fix than self-hatred. The ones who've expressed that they wish to go natural as well, seemed hesitant, but not at all unwilling. They just don't know their hair and the options that they have and I tell them to google natural hair - there's a wealth of information just waiting for you!

Anyways... I get many compliments and I'm so proud to know that my sistas find my hair just as beautiful as I do and I tell them their hair is just as beautiful. It is really a joyous feeling and I hope that we can all share in it!

 

[ceebee3]

That's great. I was raised around black men and women who loved natural hair so it's quite normal for me. I'm glad to see so many others turning around though.

 

[robot.]

That sounds very nice. I grew up in a dual household. My dad was a hippy and is locked, and never understood the point of relaxers. Meanwhile, my mother made sure she and I stayed on top of our touch-ups.

So my dad was thrilled when I went natural, my mom not so much. My father showers me with compliments, while my mother keeps suggesting curl activator and there's an undertone to it that I'm not quite comfortable with.

Oh, well. She'll get over it.

 

[countrychickd]

I've experienced the same so far, and I love it! I've also experienced the same from white people, so I can relate to both sides. Great thread btw!

 

[Maracujá]

Where do you live?

 

[robot.]

I'm in the DMV.
Maybe it's geographic?

 

[tocktick]

It's awesome that you've had so many positive and uplifting comments. This is not something that you hear often on this board (or NP either), imo. I think that there are more black people IRL that appeciate natural hair than it would seem based on threads here.

On the other hand, I'm not sure if many BW (who have been exposed to well styled natural hair) aren't going natural because they "don't know" about natural hair. I think a lot of BW just don't view it as acceptable on them. I've come across a few BW who had nothing but praise for my hair but stated that they "couldn't" go natural and that it only looks good on a select amount of people.

 

[Solitude]

I'm in the DMV.
Maybe it's geographic?

Before I moved to DMV area, I never even considered going natural, but there are so many women with a variety of beautiful natural hairstyles.

I remember going to Wheaton mall last July and not seeing any other black women with relaxers.....

I don't know if it's geographic because that is the same time that I found LHCF, so it may be my mind that changed.

 

[robot.]

It's awesome that you've had so many positive and uplifting comments. This is not something that you hear often on this board (or NP either), imo. I think that there are more black people IRL that appeciate natural hair than it would seem based on threads here.

On the other hand, I'm not sure if many BW (who have been exposed to well styled natural hair) aren't going natural because they "don't know" about natural hair. I think a lot of BW just don't view it as acceptable on them. I've come across a few BW who had nothing but praise for my hair but stated that they "couldn't" go natural and that it only looks good on a select amount of people.

I have had that response too. The "it looks good on you, but not on me." It's a little disheartening, but I think that if they think it looks good in the first place, then hey, at least that's a start, y'know? Maybe a few years down the road, they may change their minds.

 

[robot.]

Before I moved to DMV area, I never even considered going natural, but there are so many women with a variety of beautiful natural hairstyles.

I remember going to Wheaton mall last July and not seeing any other black women with relaxers.....

I don't know if it's geographic because that is the same time that I found LHCF, so it may be my mind that changed.

I'm spotting natural hair all over the place now that I'm natural myself. It's like I'm looking for it. My personal goal is to compliment every woman I see with hair I think is lovely, relaxed or natural.

 

[robot.]

bumping up the good vibes!

 

[Neith]

I haven't had much support IRL...

It hasn't been overwhelmingly negative either. Those close to me were a little surprised at first, but didn't think it was ugly. And it's grown on them more now that a little time has passed. but overall they are not too concerned with my hair.

I guess most other people (regardless of race) that know me either don't notice or don't see it as a drastic change.

No stranger ever comments on it or looks at it or anything (that I notice). I dunno if that's good or bad!

You ladies gave me most of the support. Thank you all!

 

[Southern Belle]

I have had that response too. The "it looks good on you, but not on me." It's a little disheartening, but I think that if they think it looks good in the first place, then hey, at least that's a start, y'know? Maybe a few years down the road, they may change their minds.

You're so sweet. What a great attitude you have. I love being around people like you. You can feel the positive energy radiating from you.

 

[Oasis]

That's awesome. I've had the same experience. Black folks have showed me nothing but love in my 2 years of being natural. Everyone in my fam loves my 4b hair except my grandma who goes on about how dry it looks. They still make comments about so-and-so's hair being so nappy and whatnot but they have nothing but positive things to say to me.

 

[Vonnieluvs08]

For the most part I have gotten really positive feedback from ppl. I've always been the girl with long hair so when ppl say something "negative" its just that I have short hair now. I live in South Jerze and natural hair isn't a style choice here except in older women. Ladies my age or so are always weaved up. The few ppl I know with natural hair never wear it out so you wouldn't know it was natural. However if you go across the bridge in Philly you see plenty of naturals in IMO.

Also I have noticed that a lot of ppl feel that if you wear natural hair then u must be "Hippie/ Neo Soul/Erykah Badu/Jill Scott". They expect me to be this all-natural vegan/vegetarian weird person and it isn't even that deep. I was tired of relaxers. I know how to take care of my hair so why not be natural.

Funny thing is that my male friends who I expected to be most opposed to it (they loved my long real hair) and give the most negative responses all love it. Everytime I see them they wanna touch it and marvel at how soft it is and how sweet it smells (love that coconut oil!). They want to know if I'm going to grow it out (which is my plan) or keep it in this midlength TWA.

All in all. I love my natural hair. And so does everyone else.

 

[MonPetite]

I'm beginning to think that black women don't necessarily hate their hair as much as it is that they simply don't know about their hair, which is something a lot easier to fix than self-hatred. The ones who've expressed that they wish to go natural as well, seemed hesitant, but not at all unwilling.

I think you hit the nail on the head.

 

[robot.]

I haven't had much support IRL...

It hasn't been overwhelmingly negative either. Those close to me were a little surprised at first, but didn't think it was ugly. And it's grown on them more now that a little time has passed. but overall they are not too concerned with my hair.

I guess most other people (regardless of race) that know me either don't notice or don't see it as a drastic change.

No stranger ever comments on it or looks at it or anything (that I notice). I dunno if that's good or bad!

You ladies gave me most of the support. Thank you all!

I agree - the most support has been from the wonderful women here!

When I first BC'ed, I was so feeling myself, I was expecting the compliments to just pour in from strangers. Didn't happen. But I am definitely grateful to have so much support from my family and friend because they're the ones I'm around the most, anyway.

 

[robot.]

You're so sweet. What a great attitude you have. I love being around people like you. You can feel the positive energy radiating from you.

Thank yoouuu! I'm so happy to hear this. I'm going to send you a PM.

That's awesome. I've had the same experience. Black folks have showed me nothing but love in my 2 years of being natural. Everyone in my fam loves my 4b hair except my grandma who goes on about how dry it looks. They still make comments about so-and-so's hair being so nappy and whatnot but they have nothing but positive things to say to me.

My mom is the one giving me the side-eye, although it's died down, thank goodness. But I don't let her get to me. I am just too beautiful to myself and no one's opinion will change that! Even my mother's! She told me I looked like Angela Davis and Diggy from Run's House. I look it as a compliment.

I think you hit the nail on the head.

I certainly hope so.

 

[robot.]

For the most part I have gotten really positive feedback from ppl. I've always been the girl with long hair so when ppl say something "negative" its just that I have short hair now. I live in South Jerze and natural hair isn't a style choice here except in older women. Ladies my age or so are always weaved up. The few ppl I know with natural hair never wear it out so you wouldn't know it was natural. However if you go across the bridge in Philly you see plenty of naturals in IMO.

Also I have noticed that a lot of ppl feel that if you wear natural hair then u must be "Hippie/ Neo Soul/Erykah Badu/Jill Scott". They expect me to be this all-natural vegan/vegetarian weird person and it isn't even that deep. I was tired of relaxers. I know how to take care of my hair so why not be natural.

Funny thing is that my male friends who I expected to be most opposed to it (they loved my long real hair) and give the most negative responses all love it. Everytime I see them they wanna touch it and marvel at how soft it is and how sweet it smells (love that coconut oil!). They want to know if I'm going to grow it out (which is my plan) or keep it in this midlength TWA.

All in all. I love my natural hair. And so does everyone else.

Wonderful!

I have a friend who's into the neo-soul, liberate-our-people, free-thinking thing and I think she took more pride in my hair cut than I did. But if it makes her happy, then I'm happy.

I don't have many male friends, but my SO loves it. He told me he was wary at first and now he's happy I did. I'm happy to have his support (although I would've cut regardless of him ). He compliments me often.

 

[growth2come]

Before you get up in arms, my title is half facetious. From what I've gathered, it seems like black people are the only ones who have issues with black hair, so that's where my title comes from. I am aware that there are many black women who love hair, natural or not.

I just wanted to tell you all that BC'ing was the best thing I've ever done in my life in regards to my hair. I love my hair everyday: the curls, the softness, learning, blogging about it. I didn't know quite what to expect, but I figured I'd simply learn as I went along.

When I see all the threads about older white males and people of other races complimenting our hair moreso that other black people, I wondered if I'd get the same reaction. I have had lots of support - ALL of it from the black community! It's so uplifting!

I was surprised at how many people where so excited that I'd chopped all my hair off. A few women have even told me that they want to cut their hair too and a good friend of mine has been thinking of going natural as well! I'm always quick to offer encouragement and any help I can. I'm beginning to think that black women don't necessarily hate their hair as much as it is that they simply don't know about their hair, which is something a lot easier to fix than self-hatred. The ones who've expressed that they wish to go natural as well, seemed hesitant, but not at all unwilling. They just don't know their hair and the options that they have and I tell them to google natural hair - there's a wealth of information just waiting for you!

Anyways... I get many compliments and I'm so proud to know that my sistas find my hair just as beautiful as I do and I tell them their hair is just as beautiful. It is really a joyous feeling and I hope that we can all share in it!

ITA. I think for some its just a matter of learning how to take care of their hair.

 

[robot.]

Like I said earlier, I'm hoping that's the case!

 

[robot.]

Bumpity.

 

[robot.]

I complimented two women with natural hair this week. On the prowl for more...

 

[bablou00]

I think its all on how you carry yourself. If your confident with the way your hair looks then people around you will accept it. I have gotten nothing but good feedback since I BCd...with a couple of suspect looks but I tend to ignore them and keep one stepping. Ive had people say wow u are so into your hair I cant believe u cut it all off but it looks good. My family likes it and I like it so thats all that matters. I wish we could educate everyone one natural hair or how to take care of african american hair rather relaxed or natural but we cant. However men of all colors have complimented my hair over women...but its all good!!!! I LOVE MY HAIR

 

[NappyMD]

For the most part I have gotten really positive feedback from ppl. I've always been the girl with long hair so when ppl say something "negative" its just that I have short hair now. I live in South Jerze and natural hair isn't a style choice here except in older women. Ladies my age or so are always weaved up. The few ppl I know with natural hair never wear it out so you wouldn't know it was natural. However if you go across the bridge in Philly you see plenty of naturals in IMO.

Also I have noticed that a lot of ppl feel that if you wear natural hair then u must be "Hippie/ Neo Soul/Erykah Badu/Jill Scott". They expect me to be this all-natural vegan/vegetarian weird person and it isn't even that deep. I was tired of relaxers. I know how to take care of my hair so why not be natural.

Funny thing is that my male friends who I expected to be most opposed to it (they loved my long real hair) and give the most negative responses all love it. Everytime I see them they wanna touch it and marvel at how soft it is and how sweet it smells (love that coconut oil!). They want to know if I'm going to grow it out (which is my plan) or keep it in this midlength TWA.

All in all. I love my natural hair. And so does everyone else.

I think there is a strong geographical component. I went to med school in Philly. When I left California I was wearing braids but I didn't know it was POSSIBLE to wear ones hair natural without the fake hair! In Philly, many black women and the vast majority pursuing higher education was natural and even locked. So when I started wearing my twists, etc (my hair was already SL natural from braids) the only comments I got is "hey that's cute" "who does your hair?" and "what oil do you use?".

But THEN I went to my Grandma's house for Xmas! There was silence, an offer of a pressing comb, an offer of a free relaxer from someone's hairstylist, I was "accused" of wearing locs and my aunt said "MLK died so black people wouldn't have to wear their hair like that anymore" My BFF thought it was cute but said she'd love to do it too but "you can't wear that in California". My parents are supportive but my mom does take great pleasure in straightening my hair (although I think she just likes the length).
Couldn't WAIT to get back to Philly!

But now I'm back in So. California and I brought my naps with me. I may be in the minority here but I'm happy and love to educate.

PS. I used to be scared people would assume I'm pro-back or into health food, but now I AM and would love to be the weirdo health nut in the bunch

 

[*Muffin*]

Your hair is beautiful. I personally love natural hair. I love any hair as long as it looks healthy and nice on the person .

 

[MonPetite]

"MLK died so black people wouldn't have to wear their hair like that anymore"

MLK died so we could wear our hair the way it comes out of our scalps and not suffer any more discrimination than we already do for being black, let alone "looking as Black as is genetically possible".

Her words are rather "intense".

I'm sure you looked AMAZING!

 

[NappyMD]

MLK died so we could wear our hair the way it comes out of our scalps and not suffer any more discrimination than we already do for being black, let alone "looking as Black as is genetically possible".

Her words are rather "intense".

I'm sure you looked AMAZING!

I know!!! That's what I said in response! She seemed to think she was funny, but that comment pissed me off so bad I still remember it 7 years later

to make matters worse she was wearing a JERRY CURL!!!

 

[robot.]

I think its all on how you carry yourself. If your confident with the way your hair looks then people around you will accept it. I have gotten nothing but good feedback since I BCd...with a couple of suspect looks but I tend to ignore them and keep one stepping. Ive had people say wow u are so into your hair I cant believe u cut it all off but it looks good. My family likes it and I like it so thats all that matters. I wish we could educate everyone one natural hair or how to take care of african american hair rather relaxed or natural but we cant. However men of all colors have complimented my hair over women...but its all good!!!! I LOVE MY HAIR

I love your hair too. *adds fotki to list of faves*

 

[robot.]

I think there is a strong geographical component. I went to med school in Philly. When I left California I was wearing braids but I didn't know it was POSSIBLE to wear ones hair natural without the fake hair! In Philly, many black women and the vast majority pursuing higher education was natural and even locked. So when I started wearing my twists, etc (my hair was already SL natural from braids) the only comments I got is "hey that's cute" "who does your hair?" and "what oil do you use?".

But THEN I went to my Grandma's house for Xmas! There was silence, an offer of a pressing comb, an offer of a free relaxer from someone's hairstylist, I was "accused" of wearing locs and my aunt said "MLK died so black people wouldn't have to wear their hair like that anymore" My BFF thought it was cute but said she'd love to do it too but "you can't wear that in California". My parents are supportive but my mom does take great pleasure in straightening my hair (although I think she just likes the length).
Couldn't WAIT to get back to Philly!

But now I'm back in So. California and I brought my naps with me. I may be in the minority here but I'm happy and love to educate.

PS. I used to be scared people would assume I'm pro-back or into health food, but now I AM and would love to be the weirdo health nut in the bunch

People will say and think however they please. Don't let it get under your skin. YOU know you're beautiful and that's all that matters! Don't worry about them!

Your hair is beautiful. I personally love natural hair. I love any hair as long as it looks healthy and nice on the person .

Thanks, and agreed, most definitely.