Why dont we admit it!!!

[Sweet_Ambrosia]

There's really nothing to admit to, hair growth is based on genetics not race. I'm certainly not worrying, calculating and researching just to see whether or not if white people's hair grows faster than african-americans, it's just not that serious. I'm only concern with my own hair, not others.

 

[BeetleBug]

There's really nothing to admit to, hair growth is based on genetics not race. I'm certainly not worrying, calculating and researching just to see whether or not if white people's hair grows faster than african-americans, it's just not that serious. I'm only concern with my own hair, not others.

So, when are you going to reveal your fotki?

 

[Vinyl]

The thing that's wrong with that analogy is that if you leave your hair in cornrows for 3-4 months, your hair is going to break off when you try to take them out/comb them out. Black hair requires more care because the texture tends to be more fragile, so while a white woman can go months barely doing anything to their hair and have it grow, we at least need to do something to make sure we retain that length/have proper moisture/etc.

 

[FluffyRed]

I can't believe people's responses in this thread.

It's like saying black women don't have a different body type. We just "happen" to have bigger hips, butts, and generally thicker builds. Lol it's GENETICS

It's the reason why we don't have blue eyes, why we have more melanin in our skin, why our lips are bigger. There are exceptions, but there are also general characteristics! Hair growth rate is different among different races.

But many black women don't have thicker builds and bigger hips and butts and some do have blue eyes. OP needs to add the phrase "on average" to make her assertion true.

As always, my question is if WE are jacking up our hair so bad, how does one explain little black girls with short hair and white 3 year olds with long hair. Doesn't add up.

A little black girl in my church has hair like mine. Her parents had to switch to silk/satin pillows because she was rubbing her hair off. Same as my white friend, who could not get to a bob because her ends kept splitting. She gets secondhand LHCF tips from me and her hair is chin length for the first time in the 12 YEARS I've known her.

Scientific studies have shown that African hair grows an average of 4" per year compared to 5 or 6+ with Caucasians and Asians. I'll come back with the link if I can find it.

I can't compare myself to others, but I know for a fact my naps get 6 inches per year.

Even if there is a difference in hair growth (like above mentioned study), the difference has only been shown to be 1-2 inches per year, and that's only an average of all people in African, Caucasian, and Asian categories.

right. 1-2 inches per year is not explaining the vast difference in hair length between blacks and everyone else.

Maybe its just the natural oils that their hair produces so well that causes them to have great growth!!

I dont think our hair produce oil like that..If it did we would be washing our hair every day too!! since our hair doesnt maybe thats the reason why we have dryer hair.

False. I have a very oily scalp and skin. Sebum does not flow down the shaft of coiled hair due to the texture.

I really think straight hair grows faster than curly hair. So I don't think it has anything to do with being white they are other women from other countries with straght hair that grows faster. Look at India

I think Indian hair grows faster than others' hair

i believe every other ethnicity hair grows faster than ours. i don't get the denial about it. its not like that means black hair doesn't grow at all. ♥

I once wore a cornrows in my hair for an entire year yeah, that's a long story, but I would shampoo/condition them, slap a scarf on and repeat weekly, FOR A YEAR, yeah...

But I observed my 6 inches. As far as what other folks' hair does, IDGAF.

#kanyeshrug

 

[Southernbella.]

Maybe I'm just cranky tonight, because my only thought is, "Who the hell cares?".

Long hair, don't care about this thread..

 

[jamaraa]

Not all Black folks have the same textures and require the same amounts of care either. Blacks, like anyone else and even more so, have tons of genetic diversity. It's a mistake to think that if you follow Black chick's X reggie, you'll end up w/ her hair. Doesn't work that way folks.

 

[shunemite]

WHO CARES?!!! White people also get wrinkles and sun burn faster, yada yada yada. Deal with the cards you're dealt. Hair is like money. One person can save a dollar a day and become a millionaire, or have a million bucks, squander it, and become broke like MC Hammer did. I have a cousin who has type 3c hair and grows 1" a month with MBL hair. That doesn't mean I can't do the same. It'll take longer, but I don't have to focus on the negative.

 

[FluffyRed]

Not all Black folks have the same textures and require the same amounts of care either. Blacks, like anyone else and even more so, have tons of genetic diversity. It's a mistake to think that if you follow Black chick's X reggie, you'll end up w/ her hair. Doesn't work hat way folks.

EXACTLY.

And stating what may be true on average is not going to get OP to her ideal regimen.
The goal is get more specific information on optimizing one's hair, not to live in the generalities.

We, on this board, have hair that grows at different rates, so...

 

[testimony777]

Even if there is a difference in hair growth (like above mentioned study), the difference has only been shown to be 1-2 inches per year, and that's only an average of all people in African, Caucasian, and Asian categories.

So no, there's no reason to think that white women have some kind of "supergro" gene that lets them magically sprout out hair like weeds while black women are stuck with sprouts. A 1-2" difference isn't enough to get riled up about or to explain why black women's hair is breaking off at barely SL while white and Asian women appear (key word, appear) to be growing to BSL and beyond with ease. 1-2" is the difference between BSL and MBL, not SL and WL.

The bad guy is not genetics. It's chemical processing and destructive styling practices.

Amen

 

[missbritt1986]

I really think straight hair grows faster than curly hair. So I don't think it has anything to do with being white they are other women from other countries with straght hair that grows faster. Look at India

I agree with the ladies who said it's all about hair practices. Everyone's hair grows at a different rate regardless of the color of your skin. It's all about retention. If you notice, there's a reason why people buy VIRGIN Indian hair for extensions. It hasn't been through many of the chemical processes we use in the USA. You don't see many of them running around with highlights fresh from the salon & flat ironed within an inch of their life. Low manipulation will help any race retain stellar length.

With that being said, lets stop with the "Poor me, my Black hair won't grow like that White girl's hair", and focus on yourself. There's a reason why your hair won't grow/retain length & it's NOT because you're Black.

Also my sister has chocolate skin & fine wavy hair. She can put water on it, pull it into a pony & go. I'm lighter skinned with coarse 4/a hair (when natural). We have Black parents, Grandparents & Great Grandparents. African American hair comes in all types of textures. Don't believe the hype.

 

[Amerie123]

OP, you are right. Just because I'm not concerned about other races hair (which I'm not), doesn't mean it isn't true. Some people get on LHCF and get brand new. Many other races typically have a faster growth rate (i.e. hispanics, asians, even whites). I don't care about the 5% of people that makes this theory incorrect, but it is what it is. *kanyeshrug*

It's more than just retention. So yeah, I know plenty of long-haired black people (including myself at one point), and thin, short-haired white people, but the majority speaks volumes. Heck, look at indian women. Look at little kids (like someone mentioned earlier).

why is it so easy to believe that everyone's genes vary, but hair growth is supposed to be the same for all races? think about regular growth in height for example. black people are usually taller than asians, but i guess we're supposed to have the same growth rate of height. no, we don't. doesn't make any one more or less valuable, but it is what it is.

we are all different from being individually different, and being racially different. some things (such as hair growth- NOT TALKING ABOUT RETENTION) are just more prevalent in certain races. call me ignorant, i don't care. but, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

ETA: for those who are saying just care about your own hair: i don't think OP cares about anyone else's growth rate. She made an observation on LHCF and was wondering why people kept proclaiming that we all have the same growth rate as other races.

 

[skegeesmb]

All I know is my hair grows about 6-9 year, so I'm not too overly concerned with how fast other races hair grows. I do think that if AA's would not put so much crap in their hair and try the latest grow hair quick schemes they'd be better off.

 

[chicacanella]

Yeah, I highly doubt white folks put this much thought into what black people are doing. Just throwing it out there.


I really wish people would stop using that. It always seems to have a negtive meaning to me. Like I am told that I "act white" because I talk proper and like all kinds of music and not just rap etc etc. It is really insulting because I know what they mean is "wow, I'm surprised you're not 'ghetto'!" or something else stupid. Oy.

I agree. It's like just because many blacks may live in urban areas or are portrayed in the media to have a certain intonation and sound quality to their voices, that all blacks are pegged to be the exact same way. Whites can be astronauts, doctors, 10-year graduate students, skate boarders, rappers (Eminem), rockers, and anything under the sun but blacks must only be a certain way. Such a horrible stereotype that of couse isn't true...hence ChicaCanella.

 

[CarolinaGal]

There are plenty people on this board that believe white and black hair grow at the same rate.

I don't care what study is done, I will always believe that their hair rate is faster than our's. Yes, retaining length is important but I don't believe thats the total difference.

I'm so surprised that no one has commented on another thread about a lady who has done a BKT and someone asked her what race she is and she said, just black. Now come on, black is not a race and to me, its really deceiving. We all know, whether we agree or want to admit it, what everyone views as 'black hair' is not type 3 hair. You definitely have a mixture of ethnicity if you have type 2-3 hair. But lets keep the PC threads going.... THANKS ORIGINAL POSTER FOR SAYING SOMETHING!

No study needed. Hair growth is just basic biology and physiology. Nothing magical or exclusive about it.

Also, hair type does not correlate to ethnicity. Please do not make assumptions about a person's ethnicity as that is rude and offensive. There [are] persons that descended from the Caucus mountains that have straight hair as well as those that have tightly curly hair. In the same regards, there are persons that did not descend from the Caucus mountains that have straight hair and others with tightly curly hair.

IMHO, we have to free our minds of the myths that we keep believing and buying into so that we can deal with the real issues at hand. Hair growth and health have internal and external contributors. So, we have to take care of our bodies so that we be healthy and therefore our cells will produce luscious hair. Then, once we grow it, we have to learn how to take care of it.

 

[Almaz]

I know white people with bone straight hair and my wavy grows faster.

 

[Amerie123]

Believe that you have some type of alien texture and growth pattern if that makes you happy. *shrug*
.

No offense, but we do. Who else has hair texture like ours? Alien enough for me.

ETA: for those who don't "get it".. alien simply means different. definition in post 178.

 

[Sugarhoney]

Wow, i'm still shocked that Biong's Siggy is a guy! LOL

 

[isabella09]

How about we admit this....
Could it be that ON AVERAGE, black women in north America tend to be less healthy than their white counterparts?

To me it's ridiculous to compare the avg white woman to the avg black woman - because the average black woman is more concerned with preserving her hairstyle than getting in a good workout 3-5 times a week. And IMO, working out is what promotes healthy eating. And overall health does make a huge difference in hair, skin, nails.

My Ghanaian friend went natural for 2 years and her hair growth was comparable to that of the average woman of any other race - mind you, she takes care of her hair AND she takes care of herself (she's really fit)

And I know after a while had passed from when my white girlfriend and I went to the salon to get our hair coloured, we had about the same new growth (she just started complaining sooner because her hair is straight and it's more noticeable)

Then there's my aunt, on the other hand, who alternates every 3 wks between colour and a relaxer touch up, and uses heat every day. If I had her hair I would just shave it off, but anyway even just looking at her new growth six weeks post relaxer, there really isn't much there- I don't even know why she bothers for a touch up. Anyway, we're from the same family so I don't think her slow growth has to do with genetics, but the fact that she's incredibly unhealthy.

ANYWAYS, my point is that if people want to make the comparison, they should at least compare using the TOP physical specimens from each respective category.

Regarding the bold, you make an excellent point here and if I may, I’m going to extend it further to consider the average stress placed upon the hair of the average black lady’s (improper chemical alternation starting from varying ages, improper detangling, tight weaves/braid and with some extended periods where the hair may not be washed) VS the average stress placed upon a white lady’s hair. If more average black women were to foster healthier less stress intensive techniques’ on their hair I’m absolutely positive that any perceived difference in growth rate would be eroded as many more women will be retaining their growth (retention is absolutely important as even if I grow at whatever rate within the scale and my hair is breaking at the same rate then my hair will appear to lack in growth).
Finally, the growth rate is an average which is inclusive of all races’ therefore some will follow within that figure, below it or above within all races’.
The reason I will not admit it is because it simply isn’t true

 

[LoveisYou]

Maybe I'm just cranky tonight, because my only thought is, "Who the hell cares?".

Long hair, don't care about this thread..

pretty much!

 

[inspiration150]

Why are we comparing apples and oranges ? All the groups of ppl that have been mentioned for the most part have straighter hair. That is the main difference between our hair for the most part ( this is not everyone in a race). So to me it is obvious that someone with straighter hair will have it easier retaining length. I mean we are talking about white, hispanics, asians, indians. There hair for the most part is straighter and their hair is not as fragile as ours. Since our hair is kinky it has bends and turns along the follicle, so it makes it easier to break.

The main complaint I find from black people is the "my hair is so hard to manage because of the tangles and the curls etc". To me it is obvious that the discrepancies we see has to do with the overall difference in textures and what it means to retain. If we all had one specific texture of hair than I can see us narrowing down the problem to growth rate. But that isn't the case. Plus, even if we did we have to take in diet, genetics, hair practices etc. Like I said before, there are lots of variables.

How many times have I heard ppl on hear say so and so (insert some other race other than black here) can just get out of the shower or whatever they did and leave their hair alone? They would continue on saying they never have to take some much time to work through tangles... blah blah blah. Their straighter hair makes it easier to retain length. Plus, they don't manipulate it as much to "make it behave" or do things outside its natural state.

 

[jamaraa]

Blonde hair is "alien" too if we just wanna go there, but most White folks ain't trippin' cuz most of the world doesn't have hair like theirs. Why should they...why should we trip?

You gotta play the hand that was dealt you...nothing will change that.

 

[missbritt1986]

I agree. It's like just because many blacks may live in urban areas or are portrayed in the media to have a certain intonation and sound quality to their voices, that all blacks are pegged to be the exact same way. Whites can be astronauts, doctors, 10-year graduate students, skate boarders, rappers (Eminem), rockers, and anything under the sun but blacks must only be a certain way. Such a horrible stereotype that of couse isn't true...hence ChicaCanella.

I get so angry when people ask why I "talk white" or any other ignorant nonsensical question. I was raised in CA around different ethnicities & I loved it. I speak the English I was taught in school. I wasn't allowed to say a lot of slang in my house. That's just the way I was raised. I think they thought it sounded ignorant . I also got/get asked if I was mixed a LOT & kids would always ask my sister why she was Black & I was white. (Let me tell you I have African features all day everyday). I get sick of hearing these "long haired thick redbone" songs on the radio. The fastest way to piss me off is when a man asks me if I'm mixed, calls me a redbone, or if I hear someone say "she/he has good hair". I could just scream from frustration! It's like you have to be white to be educated, have long hair/lighter skin, or even be attractive. So self defeating.

 

[missbritt1986]

No offense, but we do. Who else has hair texture like ours? Alien enough for me.

What in the world?

 

[Southernbella.]

No offense, but we do. Who else has hair texture like ours? Alien enough for me.

What's rare typically becomes special and coveted, but for some reason, most of us don't see our hair that way. erplexed

 

[Neith]

What in the world?

I'm with you. Makes ya just shake your head.

 

[Amerie123]

What's rare typically becomes special and coveted, but for some reason, most of us don't see our hair that way. erplexed

I think our hair is very special, and like you said, it's rare. I agree that we should see our hair that way.

 

[anon123]

I'm with you. Makes ya just shake your head.

Neith, do you really think if a group has a different rate of growth that they'd be alien or somehow different or less of a human?

 

[Amerie123]

What in the world?

I'm with you. Makes ya just shake your head.

For those who just cant seem to grasp the concept, just think about what the word "alien" means.

Function: adjective
1 a : belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing : strange b : relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government : foreign c : exotic 1
2 : differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility

alien=different. Doesn't necessarily mean a bad thing people.

 

[inspiration150]

We can't blame genes for this because hair isn't solely determined on genes. So someone's height, eye color, skin color etc is not that same as comparing a group of races' growth rate to another's. Someone's hair growth can include the overall health of person such as their eating habits, excercising etc. I can go on. Whereas eye color has basically nothing to do with that. You just get what you get. Someone's genetic makeup has to do with their ancestry. So a group of people can be lighter than another's simple because their ancestors lived in a colder place than another and vice versa. So again apples and oranges.

 

[BostonMaria]

Okay so I looked at some pics of Casey Anthony and her hair did not grow that long in 3 or 4 months. Her hair was neck length last year in October 08 and it is armpit this year. So it did not grow as fast as you think.

I went from neck length to APL in 12 months. Is that supernatural? Of course not. I was just able to retain my 6 inches of hair, that's all. I looked at that woman's picture and I didn't see anything out of the ordinary that I don't see here on LHCF.