Black Hair: The Unnatural Natural Trend |
Few things evoke more emotion from a black woman than the subject of her hair. Traditionally, hair has been one of the major defining characteristics of a black woman. The Chris Rock documentary “Good Hair” brought this obsession into the consciousness of mainstream America, and folds of women vowed to “go natural” and “free themselves” from the prison of chemical relaxers. But the actuality is that most seem to have traded one type of jail for another.
The texture of black hair is as diverse and varied as the complexions and personalities of black people themselves. What is nearly universal is the desire for “good hair”, however you define it. At the forefront of the trends, waiting to capitalize on the insecurities of women with disposable income, are hair care companies that cater to this desire. These companies promise that their products are natural, pure, and essential to the success of your hair, made from pure Amazonian cocoa butter, French rain water and pixie dust gathered from Zimbabwe (ingredients may vary). And of course, it costs major money to import pure pixie dust, right? So a 1 oz jar of magic natural hair formula priced at $25 is a small price to pay for the luxury of realizing your true, natural beauty. For the record, I’m not saying that these products don’t work…I’m sure they do based on the glowing testimonials they receive. However, the irony of freeing yourself from costly weaves and chemical treatments, only to voluntarily chain yourself to equally (or more) expensive products is not lost on the rest of us. For the woman who has vowed to ‘free herself’, you would think that she would recognize that this is a bit much and seek more natural, economical solutions so as not to become enslaved anew. But alas…not to be outdone by her creamy crackheaded sisters, she often is willing to pay MORE money on her natural hair, just to prove that she is as ‘fly’ as anyone else. Instead of being a personal journey, it becomes a competition between the perms and the ‘fros.
Not only are the products getting more and more ridiculous…the salons catering to these women are following the trend. I recently visited a new salon in my area and heard their spiel on their proposed ‘program’ for my hair. Needless to say, after hearing the prices, I promptly left my complimentary consultation. I’m happy to report, I haven’t gone bald, my scalp hasn’t developed any lesions, and my hair hasn’t turned green since declining their services (knock on wood!)
I hate when natural hair becomes “in”, because I know that I’m going to get accosted regularly by women who feel they simply must stop and have a conversation with me about my hair. Having been natural for the past 12 years, I’ve had more than my fair share of inquiries from my chemically altered sisters who want to know “how long did it take to get your hair to loc” when I’m loced, or “did you have to shave your head” when I’m not, followed by the sheepish explanation of how she’s always desired to go natural but “her hair is too nappy” or “she wouldn’t look right with short hair” or some other excuse that caters to her vanity. 5 minutes of my life gone, one conversation at a time. But it wouldn’t be so bad, if these women actually wanted information. Instead, what they are doing is displaying some weird sort of perm-shame, and using me to validate their choice. When I say that yes, you do have to go through a transition period to retrain your hair, she feels justified by her choice to continue with her current routine because the transition would be too much trouble. And of course we all know how trouble free the alternative is.
I fully support women’s rights to buy whatever ridiculous products they feel will make them beautiful. But if you go natural for the purpose of fulfilling a trend, rather than a personal decision to be your God-created self, then don’t kid yourself. Just admit that you want to wear the latest trend and do so proudly. If you’re going to wear a weave, then by golly wear a weave. If you want to rock lions and tigers and bears in your hair, there’s a salon in Atlanta that can hook you up. Just don’t be a sucker, and don’t fall into the “my natural is better than yours because I use better products” trap. Stop letting what you buy define you, in hair and in life. And in the immortal words of a very wise Doctor, “Be you, do what you do”.
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