Observation: Relaxed/Natural Hair, Both are Beautiful

[elaine07]

I just wanted to share this with you ladies, because it's been on my mind for a few weeks. I'm on week 11 of a 3 month stretch. Although the front of my hair is still fairly straight, my "kitchen" is rather nappy/curly, whatever you wanna call it. Thanks to this board, I have been wearing my hair up in a bun/ponytail on most days. <I don't let the fact that my hair isn't 100% straight bother or worry me>. When I come to work, sometimes my hair is worn in a high bun, other times it's low, but from the looks and comments I get from some of my black co-workers, I can tell they're saying "why don't she relax her hair?" One of them even called my hair "knotty" the other day. It didn't bother me at all because I know that I'm working towards a goal, and my hair will thank me in the end. I guess my question is, What makes black women think or feel that natural hair isn't as beautiful as straight or relaxed hair? Why is it that if a woman chooses not to relax her hair for a while, it's a big deal? Since joining this board, I've seen some of the most beautiful hair, both natural and relaxed. I just don't know where we learn this foolish way of thinking. Some of us black women, (not all, just some) really believe that only straight hair is beautiful. Something's wrong. Thank God for this board!

 

[Nice & Wavy]

ITA and you are right!

 

[PinkSkates]

I agree with you. We know as black women that we have a loooong history of political, cultural, and professional issues that have been and are still hanging over our head in relation to our hair. Also, check out the thread where member, Chocolatekiss79 ,wrote a letter to Oprah's producers to convine them to do a show about African American hair and our issues.

 

[ALWAYZL8]

I have a co-worker that stays on me about getting touch ups. My hair is always pretty to her after a fresh touch-up. I feel as though she has some self hate issues. I told her I was considering letting the relaxers go. She told me I would never get married if I did because men like long straight hair. I want to question her and ask her why does she only feel that bone straight hair is attractive. I don't bother because I know she is superficial. It would be a waste of my time to even try to change her way of thinking.

 

[elaine07]

She told me I would never get married if I did because men like long straight hair. I want to question her and ask her why does she only feel that bone straight hair is attractive. I don't bother because I know she is superficial. It would be a waste of my time to even try to change her way of thinking.[/quote]

You've got to be kidding me! lol She really said that to you? Yeah, she really has issues, and I think it goes way beyond hair.

 

[seeminglysweet]

I have a co-worker that stays on me about getting touch ups. My hair is always pretty to her after a fresh touch-up. I feel as though she has some self hate issues. I told her I was considering letting the relaxers go. She told me I would never get married if I did because men like long straight hair. I want to question her and ask her why does she only feel that bone straight hair is attractive. I don't bother because I know she is superficial. It would be a waste of my time to even try to change her way of thinking.

Honestly, I think women are more concerned with hair texture than men. Yes, some men may have their preferences but with the versatility that our hair has a curly haired woman can be straight at a moments notice and vice versa.

I think natural hair is beautiful-but at the same time it is not for everyone.

 

[MJ]

I have had both and I like both of them. Going back and forth between the two have really taught me to appreciate the blessings of both.

 

[bLackButtaFly]

I have a co-worker that stays on me about getting touch ups. My hair is always pretty to her after a fresh touch-up. I feel as though she has some self hate issues. I told her I was considering letting the relaxers go. She told me I would never get married if I did because men like long straight hair. I want to question her and ask her why does she only feel that bone straight hair is attractive. I don't bother because I know she is superficial. It would be a waste of my time to even try to change her way of thinking.

You would be surprised how many people said that to me when I went natural too. Now if they could see the men who are all about my hair now, and not just when it cute from afresh twistout, but when I look a mess waking up :

 

[camellia]

I agree, relaxed or natural, both can be really beautiful.

Not all men like straight hair either, so I wouldn't listen top that "You'll never get married" nonsense. My husband prefers to curls to straight hair, the wilder the better.

 

[kittenz]

I have a co-worker that stays on me about getting touch ups. My hair is always pretty to her after a fresh touch-up. I feel as though she has some self hate issues. I told her I was considering letting the relaxers go. She told me I would never get married if I did because men like long straight hair. I want to question her and ask her why does she only feel that bone straight hair is attractive. I don't bother because I know she is superficial. It would be a waste of my time to even try to change her way of thinking.

So sad.

 

[sareca]

Yep. ITA. I just love looking at healthy hair irrespective of length or style. Healthy hair is beautiful.

 

[SunnyDelight]

Yep. ITA. I just love looking at healthy hair irrespective of length or style. Healthy hair is beautiful.

I couldn't have said it better Sareca.

 

[Babydall818]

I loved my hair natural and relaxed!!! I really only relaxed it for easier manageability, since I was going to college.

OHHH and OPrah show about our hair oooo that would be soooo awesome!
Did she ever hear anything back?