All you need to do is open a magazine – one that caters to African Americans
like Essence or to the mainstream like People – and you’ll see it. Turn on the TV or hang out at your local
Target or Walmart and you'll see it. Google it and see how many articles, blog
posts, and pictures, come up. There’s even a YouTube community. Black women everywhere have decided to ditch
the relaxer and wear their natural hair. On nearly every other page, in every
other ad, on every other commercial, if it features an African American woman
most of the time she’s rockin’ a natural (or natural looking) hair style.
For me it’s so refreshing to see natural hair being embraced by the mainstream. No longer is natural hair a style choice that only the few, the bold wear with pride. Our naps are no longer our “dirty little secret” but a natural and beautiful part of who we are and we're wearing it!
But that was so not the case 8 years ago . . .
Me & VP rocking out flat twist-outs in '07! |
But it wasn’t that simple . . . .
First off, let me just let you know, I don’t have naturally
wavy, buttercream textured hair. I got
some naps! For the most part, mine is a think, kinky curly texture that definitely
requires some maintenance for manageability, from what I can remember. It has been 26 years since I have seen a full
head of my natural hair. That right
there is a lot of relaxer!
Back in ’04 transitioning for me was difficult. Even though I had the courage, the
determination and a great stylist, when I went home, I was on my own. My friend and I were both going through a
transition, but we were more like the blind leading the blind! I would wake up
each morning with fear in my heart as I walked to the mirror to see if my
nighttime hair routine had left me with enough style to take on the day -
sometimes yes, sometimes HELL naw!
It was hard. And I realized I wasn’t so brave after all. I had
chosen to grow my relaxer out as opposed to just cutting it all off and
starting fresh like some women do – I was too chicken. I did, however, experiment with new styles
and techniques. It always looked great when I left the salon, but managing the
two textures of hair (one natural and one relaxed) alone at home was a
challenge. I didn't know what I was
doing and I didn't have very many friends to ask.
But that wasn't the worst part.
What I hated the most was that it was ALWAYS ABOUT MY HAIR. At the time I was teaching on the Northside
of Chicago in a pretty diverse and progressive neighborhood. From the first day I walked in with my
flexirod set (a favorite style for transitioners), it was on. My students, my coworkers, the lunchroom
staff – everybody – offered everything
from compliments to questions and even suggestions and opinions about the look.
Not just on the first day, but EVERYDAY! I heard things like “Ms. D! I like your
curls!” “Oh, you look so artsy” to “Ooh Ms. D. you need a
perm”, “You know, I really like your old style better” (yes – someone said
that). Even, the cleaning lady!!! One
afternoon she walked into my room with a sheepish grin and a knowing look in
her eye.
CL: I know
your secret.
Me: What
secret? (I really was curious. Good Lord, what did she know?)
CL: I asked
myself, how could her hair be straight one day and curly the next. You're wearing a wig aren't you? (She smiled
widely as if she had thought long and hard before she arrived at the answer.)
I just took a deep breath and used it as a teaching moment. She looked so disappointed and a little confused.
Why my hair was of such interest to people was a mystery. Truly there have always been and will always be Black women who choose to wear their hair natural. But even as late as 2004, myths, misconceptions , stereotypes, and questions about them still prevailed – she’s radical, she’s militant, she’ll call you a “Sucka” and a “Jive Turkey”, she’s going through some things, she’s depressed, she’s a lesbian, she’s a man hater, she’s a hippie, she’s looking for the gunja!!! Her hair musta fallen out!!
I didn’t want to be bothered with it. From trying to figure out how to style my
hair, to the constant conversations about it, I was spending too much time
thinking about HAIR! So much so that nine months after the start of that
journey, I made an appointment with my dealer and asked for another hit of the
creamy crack. And just like that, I was
back on that stuff!
Today, with so many woman going natural and with so many styles to choose from there is no ONE image of the natural woman. She could be rocking braids, locs, an afro, kinky curls, or wearing it flat ironed straight and for the most part, no one really bats an eyelash. Call me late, call me a chicken, call me a band wagoner, whatever! I wasn’t on the front lines, but I’m ready to be a soldier! I’m down with THE MOVEMENT!! And I now have all I need!
Ammunition - Products
Donna & Stephanie showing off free productsts! |
Allies and Support
Me with Titi and Miko founders of Miss Jessie's Products |
Chicago Natural Hair Expo - My People! |
Armor
Back then,
when I would tell me friends I was growing my relaxer out they’d say, “Good
Luck with that!” Today, they say “Really, me too” or “Good for youl, I’ve been
natural for about 4 years now! ‘Bout time!”
Times have certainly changed.
Thanks to all my forebears who boldly and proudly pushed the envelope (or
rather Kicked In the Door) chickens like me can now proudly join the movement
too without all the fuss. Donella & friend showing off their SWAG bags! |
What are your thoughts? Have you noticed this trend? Are you
down with The Movement? Do you think it will be a passing thing?
Maybe it's time for me to join a natural hair group, even though I like my short 'fro, I know I like it mostly because it takes less maintenance.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely helpful! And you get hooked up with freebies!
ReplyDelete