How many of you wear your hair "au naturel" (i.e. no weaving, lace-fronts-or-other wigs or straightening)?

I ask because, from what I read, it seems like black women who don't do any of these things are in the vast minority. Is this accurate?

It seems like so much work! I get tired just thinking about it!

Well obviously I am no woman of African descent, so I know that I am not exactly qualified to answer and I am prepared to be shut down .

I can only give you my impression of black women in Trinidad. Very few wear their hair "au naturel" like you put it, at least not most of the time. And if they do it's often straightened which sadly looks horrible quite often IMO. Some women wear dreads, but a lot more men do than women. When somebody has long "natural" hair overthere it is usually a man not a woman. IMO it's really sad that the vast majority don't show their natural hair, it would look really nice IMO. I don't know how much it might be because of the work it might be, but dreads for example are not much work.

Serious said:

dreads for example are not much work.

I've heard that they're unhealthy for the hair?

i wear my all natural and it is alot of work

the constant conditioning and combing is tiresome

but my hair is way healthier without all of the weave and perming

i had weave in my hair once it was terrible it felt like i had a birds ness under my hair

[Edited 4/8/11 9:38am]

formallypickles said:

i wear my all natural and it is alot of work

the constant conditioning and combing

What kind of style are you wearing that requires all that comb-work?

Ace said:

Serious said:

dreads for example are not much work.

I've heard that they're unhealthy for the hair?

Even if the hair might not be in a healthy condition as long as it looks beautiful it doesn't matter IMO. If I had the chance to have beautiful long hair that way I'd go for it.

I don't see many black Americans or Europeans here in Thailand. I only see black African women here, and they are few and far between.

Non of them wear their hair natural. They are all relaxed, etc. I've seen several with 'good hair' as well.

But, I'm confused as to wear they're getting their hair did. It's not like you can walk into any salon in Thailand and get black hair worked on. Add a layer of racism on top of that, I'd I applaud any African woman here who manages to do herself up.

I think more African role models and figures should go natural though. Not because I don't think black women should have the option to relax their hair, but just because I don't think black girls should feel pressured to do so or to think they're lesser for not having 'good hair'.

Being here and watching Asians have surgery to remove their epicanthic eye-folds makes me realize just how dangerous the fashion industry and media can be.

Serious said:

Ace said:

I've heard that they're unhealthy for the hair?

Even if the hair might not be in a healthy condition as long as it looks beautiful it doesn't matter IMO. If I had the chance to have beautiful long hair that way I'd go for it.

I'm talking about irreversible hairloss, from Traction Alopecia.

Ace said:

formallypickles said:

i wear my all natural and it is alot of work

the constant conditioning and combing

What kind of style are you wearing that requires all that comb-work?

more of a curly afro style like this

[Edited 4/8/11 19:13pm]

SagsWay2low said:

I don't see many black Americans or Europeans here in Thailand. I only see black African women here, and they are few and far between.

Non of them wear their hair natural. They are all relaxed, etc. I've seen several with 'good hair' as well.

But, I'm confused as to wear they're getting their hair did. It's not like you can walk into any salon in Thailand and get black hair worked on. Add a layer of racism on top of that, I'd I applaud any African woman here who manages to do herself up.

I think more African role models and figures should go natural though. Not because I don't think black women should have the option to relax their hair, but just because I don't think black girls should feel pressured to do so or to think they're lesser for not having 'good hair'.

Being here and watching Asians have surgery to remove their epicanthic eye-folds makes me realize just how dangerous the fashion industry and media can be.

Dear heart. Work on taking that expression out of your vocabulary. There is no such thing as "good hair." If you need to differentiate, use "straight hair." I am a black woman with straight hair, but it irks me to hear people say "good" because it connotes an opposite, such as "bad" hair.

Ace said:

Serious said:

Even if the hair might not be in a healthy condition as long as it looks beautiful it doesn't matter IMO. If I had the chance to have beautiful long hair that way I'd go for it.

I'm talking about irreversible hairloss, from Traction Alopecia.

Ah I see. From what I heard other hair styles are more risky when it comes to that than dreads are and I hope that is true.

Shyra said:

SagsWay2low said:

I don't see many black Americans or Europeans here in Thailand. I only see black African women here, and they are few and far between.

Non of them wear their hair natural. They are all relaxed, etc. I've seen several with 'good hair' as well.

But, I'm confused as to wear they're getting their hair did. It's not like you can walk into any salon in Thailand and get black hair worked on. Add a layer of racism on top of that, I'd I applaud any African woman here who manages to do herself up.

I think more African role models and figures should go natural though. Not because I don't think black women should have the option to relax their hair, but just because I don't think black girls should feel pressured to do so or to think they're lesser for not having 'good hair'.

Being here and watching Asians have surgery to remove their epicanthic eye-folds makes me realize just how dangerous the fashion industry and media can be.

Dear heart. Work on taking that expression out of your vocabulary. There is no such thing as "good hair." If you need to differentiate, use "straight hair." I am a black woman with straight hair, but it irks me to hear people say "good" because it connotes an opposite, such as "bad" hair.

Oh please.

It's the expression black women use.

That's why I put quotes around it--I find it ironic they call it good hair. It's like they're also promoting this idea that there's a one-size-fits-all imago for hair.

SagsWay2low said:

I don't see many black Americans or Europeans here in Thailand. I only see black African women here, and they are few and far between.

Non of them wear their hair natural. They are all relaxed, etc. I've seen several with 'good hair' as well.

But, I'm confused as to wear they're getting their hair did. It's not like you can walk into any salon in Thailand and get black hair worked on. Add a layer of racism on top of that, I'd I applaud any African woman here who manages to do herself up.

I think more African role models and figures should go natural though. Not because I don't think black women should have the option to relax their hair, but just because I don't think black girls should feel pressured to do so or to think they're lesser for not having 'good hair'.

Being here and watching Asians have surgery to remove their epicanthic eye-folds makes me realize just how dangerous the fashion industry and media can be.

Im sure there is a gay thai man fixing them up nicely

formallypickles said:

SagsWay2low said:

I don't see many black Americans or Europeans here in Thailand. I only see black African women here, and they are few and far between.

Non of them wear their hair natural. They are all relaxed, etc. I've seen several with 'good hair' as well.

But, I'm confused as to wear they're getting their hair did. It's not like you can walk into any salon in Thailand and get black hair worked on. Add a layer of racism on top of that, I'd I applaud any African woman here who manages to do herself up.

I think more African role models and figures should go natural though. Not because I don't think black women should have the option to relax their hair, but just because I don't think black girls should feel pressured to do so or to think they're lesser for not having 'good hair'.

Being here and watching Asians have surgery to remove their epicanthic eye-folds makes me realize just how dangerous the fashion industry and media can be.

Im sure there is a gay thai man fixing them up nicely

Now, I'm going to be obsessed with following African girls to their salons just to see it take place.

Although, there *is* a Tony & Guy here, and their stylists are required to learn "ethnic" hair care.

Ace said:

How many of you wear your hair "au naturel" (i.e. no weaving, lace-fronts-or-other wigs or straightening)?

I ask because, from what I read, it seems like black women who don't do any of these things are in the vast minority. Is this accurate?

It seems like so much work! I get tired just thinking about it!

I wear my hair natural.

Yeah, it's accurate.

Yes, it's a LOT of work, and really damaging to the hair and scalp. I still have a small spot at the nape of my neck where the hair never grew back after I got burned by a relaxer one time. Relaxers are pretty much Drano, slathered all over a person's head lmao.

i am a black woman. i have what would generally be considered 'good hair' in that it isn't kinky. when it's wet, it's curly, wavy. all i need do is condition it and sweep it back into a chignon and i'm good to go.

HOWEVER, it is also very, very thick. if i let it dry on it's own, believe me, chaka khan would have NOTHING on me. up until about 18 mos ago, i would do home relaxers to straighten it out. i'm cheap, and generally a hair stylist is going to want $70 to relaxer your hair (in l.a., anyway), so unless i need something special, i tend to do it myself.

but when i went to get my hair trimmed and blown out the last time, the stylist said he didn't want me relaxing my hair anymore because i didn't need it and it was destroying my cuticles. i've been without a relaxer over 18 months, so it's really, really, thick now. for the last two months i haven't blown it out and flat ironed it, because i've been so busy, but this weekend i'm going to see how straight it gets - if at all - since it's totally 'unrelaxed' now. i really don't want to go back to relaxers if they're more hurtful than helpful, but my hair is sooooo thick!

still, that 'good hair' doc by chris rock was so eye opening to me. i've never had a weave or extensions, so i had no idea the amount of money black women are spending for some fucking fake hair. it's one thing for me to lay out $8.00 for a box of dark & lovely, but you would never, ever catch me paying $500 and upwards and SEWING OR GLUING someone else's hair in head!

all through that doc i was like WTF!!!!

I hear women worship india and china for their "natural" hair....

anyway.....i wish i had the naturally curly hair i see white and black adourn.....as for now i gots to call on Dr. Miracle for assistance.....other wise i would be a frizzy, inconsistently textured mess....

thanks white mom and black dad....

Shyra said:

SagsWay2low said:

I don't see many black Americans or Europeans here in Thailand. I only see black African women here, and they are few and far between.

Non of them wear their hair natural. They are all relaxed, etc. I've seen several with 'good hair' as well.

But, I'm confused as to wear they're getting their hair did. It's not like you can walk into any salon in Thailand and get black hair worked on. Add a layer of racism on top of that, I'd I applaud any African woman here who manages to do herself up.

I think more African role models and figures should go natural though. Not because I don't think black women should have the option to relax their hair, but just because I don't think black girls should feel pressured to do so or to think they're lesser for not having 'good hair'.

Being here and watching Asians have surgery to remove their epicanthic eye-folds makes me realize just how dangerous the fashion industry and media can be.

Dear heart. Work on taking that expression out of your vocabulary. There is no such thing as "good hair." If you need to differentiate, use "straight hair." I am a black woman with straight hair, but it irks me to hear people say "good" because it connotes an opposite, such as "bad" hair.

There is a such thing as "good hair'......if u are delusional.

Shyra said:

SagsWay2low said:

I don't see many black Americans or Europeans here in Thailand. I only see black African women here, and they are few and far between.

Non of them wear their hair natural. They are all relaxed, etc. I've seen several with 'good hair' as well.

But, I'm confused as to wear they're getting their hair did. It's not like you can walk into any salon in Thailand and get black hair worked on. Add a layer of racism on top of that, I'd I applaud any African woman here who manages to do herself up.

I think more African role models and figures should go natural though. Not because I don't think black women should have the option to relax their hair, but just because I don't think black girls should feel pressured to do so or to think they're lesser for not having 'good hair'.

Being here and watching Asians have surgery to remove their epicanthic eye-folds makes me realize just how dangerous the fashion industry and media can be.

Dear heart. Work on taking that expression out of your vocabulary. There is no such thing as "good hair." If you need to differentiate, use "straight hair." I am a black woman with straight hair, but it irks me to hear people say "good" because it connotes an opposite, such as "bad" hair.

This is not just a term used when describing natural black hair...anyone with curly or even wavy super thick hair (like mine) is told that straight is "good hair" and everything else is unruly or frizy. I've never had a hairdresser NOT want to straighten the shit out of my hair when I get it done.

erin....why are you on this thread...

good hair aint straight hair, who dont know that.

JustErin said:

Shyra said:

Dear heart. Work on taking that expression out of your vocabulary. There is no such thing as "good hair." If you need to differentiate, use "straight hair." I am a black woman with straight hair, but it irks me to hear people say "good" because it connotes an opposite, such as "bad" hair.

This is not just a term used when describing natural black hair...anyone with curly or even wavy super thick hair (like mine) is told that straight is "good hair" and everything else is unruly or frizy. I've never had a hairdresser NOT want to straighten the shit out of my hair when I get it done.

I sure wish I had curly thick hair .

myfavorite said:

erin....why are you on this thread...

good hair aint straight hair, who dont know that.

Um...that was exactly my point.

And I'm in this thread because I want to be.

formallypickles said:

i wear my all natural and it is alot of work

You think so?

I think all of that chemical and artificial stuff takes more maintenance and a long breath(not to mention, a loaded purse), at least from my experience.

JustErin said:

myfavorite said:

erin....why are you on this thread...

good hair aint straight hair, who dont know that.

Um...that was exactly my point.

And I'm in this thread because I want to be.

Graycap23 said:

Shyra said:

Dear heart. Work on taking that expression out of your vocabulary. There is no such thing as "good hair." If you need to differentiate, use "straight hair." I am a black woman with straight hair, but it irks me to hear people say "good" because it connotes an opposite, such as "bad" hair.

There is a such thing as "good hair'......if u are delusional.

Absolutely. That nonsense about "good hair" stems from the pre-1964 era. Black women all over whether it is the Caribbean, U.S., Africa, Latin American countries, or African women in Europe or Arab countries, etc., no matter where they are from, wear their hair either natural or like any other woman, can choose to wear a wig, weave/hair extension, permed, etc. No big deal really. Not to mention there's various textures to their "natural" hair, from wavy, kinky/tight-curled, partially wavy, curly, partially straight/wavy.

Secondly, there are various textures to Black hair, so there is absolutely no "standard" texture for Black hair, because it varies among us, and I believe that's what many who have no knowledge of this get "confused" by.

I saw someone mention they mostly see men on a particular Caribbean island having "long hair" well, it's those who choose to wear dreads, just like many Black women do, and then you have those who choose to wear their hair long (dreadless) or short, regardless of hair texture. What they choose to do with their hair is "personal choice" not so much pressured today to wear the hair straight like it was before the late 60s. During the 70s, many Black women were wearing their hair natural or preferred wearing hairpieces closer to their natural hair textures. If you watch an old Soul Train clip from the 70s, you can see them wearing more natural hairdos or some choosing to hot comb their hair, but no chemicals (like perms).

[Edited 4/8/11 13:31pm]

2elijah said:

Graycap23 said:

There is a such thing as "good hair'......if u are delusional.

Absolutely. That nonsense about "good hair" stems from the pre-1964 era. Black women all over whether it is the Caribbean, U.S., Africa, Latin American countries, or African women in Europe or Arab countries, etc., no matter where they are from, wear their hair either natural or like any other woman, can choose to wear a wig, weave/har extension. No big deal really. Not to mention there's so various textures to "natural" which is basically hair that is not processed with chemi

Secondly, there are various textures to Black hair, so there is absolutely no "standard" texture for Black hair, because it varies among us, and I believe that's what many who have no knowledge of this get "confused" by.

I saw someone mention they mostly see men on a particular Caribbean island having "long hair" well, it's those who choose to wear dreads, just like many Black women do, and then you have those who choose to wear it long or short, regardless of hair texture.

Yeah that was me and yeah I was referring to dreads . It just surprised me that so many more men than women wear dreads overthere. I saw so few women wearing dreads and such a high number of men.

Serious said:

2elijah said:

Absolutely. That nonsense about "good hair" stems from the pre-1964 era. Black women all over whether it is the Caribbean, U.S., Africa, Latin American countries, or African women in Europe or Arab countries, etc., no matter where they are from, wear their hair either natural or like any other woman, can choose to wear a wig, weave/har extension. No big deal really. Not to mention there's so various textures to "natural" which is basically hair that is not processed with chemi

Secondly, there are various textures to Black hair, so there is absolutely no "standard" texture for Black hair, because it varies among us, and I believe that's what many who have no knowledge of this get "confused" by.

I saw someone mention they mostly see men on a particular Caribbean island having "long hair" well, it's those who choose to wear dreads, just like many Black women do, and then you have those who choose to wear it long or short, regardless of hair texture.

Yeah that was me and yeah I was referring to dreads . It just surprised me that so many more men than women wear dreads overthere. I saw so few women wearing dreads and such a high number of men.

It's from that whole "Rhasta" thing from back in the 70s (?) in the Caribbean. Some are actually Rhasta's (sp), but some do it for the fashion. My brother-in-law just cut his off when he married my sister in 2009. They were down to his ass. He said it was time for a change so he cut it. A lot of Black women in NYC wear their hair in natural form, and wear dreads. Since it seems women are more into "fashion" it doesn't surprise me that many choose to go non-natural. Now in 2010, many are actually cutting their hair short, and loving and embracing the short look, whereas one time in many black communities back in the day, many black women weren't so embracing about the "short look" because of the often ignorant, stigma attached to Black women's hair by others. Today, it's all by choice, not by societal stresses, like in pre-1980, many did wear their hair straight due to some racial prejudices some experienced, i.e., when looking for employment, and many felt pressured in giving in to society's "standard of beauty" so-to-speak, and chose to wear chemically-treated hair, moreso than the natural look.

My sister experienced some of that during the 1980s when she was working at an insurance company , and braids were the fashion thing for Black women at that time. Some employees on the job would make racist statements referencing her hair, and stating it was some anti-white thing, which was so stupid.

I'm glad most people are way past that type of mentality now, and I see the younger generation wearing dreads/braids/twists, etc., at corporate jobs, but worn neatly. When I saw that finally being accepted by many within society, I knew we've come a long way. I guess it takes time for people to learn about the cultures of various groups and not connect how they dress/wear their hair with some form of assumed millitancy.

Speaking of men with long hair, my Uncle who was born in the Caribbean, but now living here, well, his dreads are past his knees and he's in his late 70s. I have a couple of male cousins that wear their hair the same way.

[Edited 4/8/11 20:59pm]

I've basically almost done it all when it comes to my hair.

My natural hair used to be super thick and long and I carried it natural through most of my teen years before I succumed to a relaxer because it was just a pain...I would literally cry when getting my hair done. It just got thicker and more resistant as I got older.

There are so many types of hair textures in the black community so people should do whatever works best....my sister has super long and thick hair also but very soft so she uses natural products and has never relaxed her hair. She can wash and go sometimes...which gives her a cute and extremely defined curly fro or she can flat iron straight for a sleek look and it just reverts back to it's natural form when washed. My hair would never do that. I tried.

So for the most part I wear my hair without extensions but relaxed yes. But yes of course I love extensions. I cut it recently to about chin length so if I feel like going longer yes I would add extensions.

Ace said:

How many of you wear your hair "au naturel" (i.e. no weaving, lace-fronts-or-other wigs or straightening)?

I ask because, from what I read, it seems like black women who don't do any of these things are in the vast minority. Is this accurate?

It seems like so much work! I get tired just thinking about it!

Here in the UK most black girls have natural hair up to the age of about 12. After that the weaves or relaxers or perms become another styling option.

I went from a natural to curly perm (very early teens) to relaxer (late teens) then back to natural in my 20's. Flip flopping between braids, weaves, cornrows, afro puffs and bantu knots for YEARS! got bored with constantly styling my hair, so decided at 30 that I would try to grow dreadlocks and 10 years down the line I still rock dreads.. love em.

One day I just woke up and just admitted to myself that my hair isnt supposed to look straight and glossy. Some girls can rock those styles, but my body hated the chemicals that was when I was 20. I've been natural ever since.

What I remember most about being natural (non dreadlocked) was the love hate relationship with water.

Constantly trying to make my hair look kinda smooth took a lot of work. Our hair needs tons of care and once you have a style in place its easily destroyed by humidity, rain, sweat etc..

Ace said:

Serious said:

dreads for example are not much work.

I've heard that they're unhealthy for the hair?

Serious

You tell the TRUTH

Ace

Dont know where you got that info? with dreadlocks you wash, condition and go! I wash my hair daily and its in the best condition it has ever been in.

I guess it depends on the person and how they choose to care for their hair