I have been on my natural hair journey for four years. In that time, I have spoken to many naturals regarding hair care. Some naturals engage in negative speak when they feel that their texture does match those with enviable curls. I am not referring to having a hair idol. I am referring to when people say they can't acheive a certain look because of their texture or because they don't have "good hair." I see it as a crutch that prevents people from trying to look their best because I have seen people with various textures acheive great looks. From a curly fro to a wash 'n go, knowing how to care for the hair you were born with and taking the time to do so, makes a difference. I feel like we are regressing to the days of the light-skinned/dark-skinned debate. Bre from America's Next Top Model demonstrated that you don't need to be "red" to have long healthy hair. She ultimately chopped her tresses to show that she was more than just her hair and her curls are popping.
Anywho, we all have different textures and even different textures on the same head. Just yesterday someone asked me "is that your breed?" when referring to my hair. I was perplexed. He wanted to know if my hair looked the way that it does because of genetics. I said yes and Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic didn't hurt.
I tend to shy away from putting myself in the category of women with "good hair" when it is defined only by the texture people see. That doesn't stop people from trying to put me in that box. If I had a dollar for every time someone knocked themselves down by saying they have Kunta Kente hair, I would have paid off my student loans. The debate regarding so called "good hair" will rage on. Whether your hair is long or short, kinky or curly, embrace your curls. Good hair should be synonomous with healthy hair.
Do you speak negatively about your hair because of hair envy?
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