I hope I am not sounding insulting, really. This fro just doesn't become you and it takes something away from you. Now from the standpoint of you just wearing your hair "natural", that's cool, I'm not knocking that. Just shape it up a little differently, whoever did it did not do a good job for you and the shape of your face. I know it sounds a bit juvenile and some may say it's none of my business, but sometimes people around you may not want to tell you, but if I were your friend or family member, I'd tell you. I wore a fro for years and love it, but they just did not do a good job shaping yours to your face this time. Hope I'm not offending anyone. I jus love ya, I will accept you any way you want to be, just thought if no one ever told you, you should just have someone else shape your fro differently.

Love ya (as a performer of course) and see you in Chicago!!

Prince has a reply for you... in chinese!

I think I've seen this in a comedy sketch somewhere. Where someone is generally concerned but it comes off hilarious.

What if you got this note from Prince?

To Fan: Please change your hair for the concerts

I hope I am not sounding insulting, really. This [however your hair is] just doesn't become you and it takes something away from you. Now from the standpoint of you just wearing your hair [whatever way you want] that's cool, I'm not knocking that. Just [insert change] a little differently, whoever did it did not do a good job for you and the shape of your face.

I know it sounds a bit juvenile and some may say it's none of my business, but sometimes people around you may not want to tell you, but if I were your friend or family member, I'd tell you.

I wore [your style] for years and love it, but they just did not do a good job shaping yours to your face this time. Hope I'm not offending anyone. I jus love ya, I will accept you any way you want to be. In fact, I hope you are not wearing it to the concert, just thought if no one ever told you, I should let you know before you come to the United Center looking like that.

Love ya (as a fan of course) and see you when I get to Chicago.

Get my point?

sharonbell said:

I hope I am not sounding insulting, really. This fro just doesn't become you and it takes something away from you. Now from the standpoint of you just wearing your hair "natural", that's cool, I'm not knocking that. Just shape it up a little differently, whoever did it did not do a good job for you and the shape of your face. I know it sounds a bit juvenile and some may say it's none of my business, but sometimes people around you may not want to tell you, but if I were your friend or family member, I'd tell you. I wore a fro for years and love it, but they just did not do a good job shaping yours to your face this time. Hope I'm not offending anyone. I jus love ya, I will accept you any way you want to be, just thought if no one ever told you, you should just have someone else shape your fro differently.

Love ya (as a performer of course) and see you in Chicago!!

I couldn't agree more. This will be my sister's first Prince show and I'm a little concerned that she won't get the whole Prince package. I know it's primarily about the music, but it's nice to look up and see someone sexy playing the music. The fro can work if shaped better. I need to see Prince look fly. He's been perfection on stage for 30-some-odd-years. I just pray he doesn't break this trend in Chicago.

Let me also add that wanting a performer to look good is not at all shallow. Record companies spend millions on music artists to improve their image so that the masses can receive them easier. The truth is that whether we like to admit it or not, we are all drawn to a pleasing aesthetic. Thus, having palatable appearance does make that song sound just a little better. Prince always understood this and that's why he's always been intentional with his look.

chocolate1 said:

What if you got this note from Prince?

To Fan: Please change your hair for the concerts

I hope I am not sounding insulting, really. This [however your hair is] just doesn't become you and it takes something away from you. Now from the standpoint of you just wearing your hair [whatever way you want] that's cool, I'm not knocking that. Just [insert change] a little differently, whoever did it did not do a good job for you and the shape of your face.

I know it sounds a bit juvenile and some may say it's none of my business, but sometimes people around you may not want to tell you, but if I were your friend or family member, I'd tell you.

I wore [your style] for years and love it, but they just did not do a good job shaping yours to your face this time. Hope I'm not offending anyone. I jus love ya, I will accept you any way you want to be. In fact, I hope you are not wearing it to the concert, just thought if no one ever told you, I should let you know before you come to the United Center looking like that.

Love ya (as a fan of course) and see you when I get to Chicago.

Get my point?

PurpleChi said:

Let me also add that wanting a performer to look good is not at all shallow. Record companies spend millions on music artists to improve their image so that the masses can receive them easier. The truth is that whether we like to admit it or not, we are all drawn to a pleasing aesthetic. Thus, having palatable appearance does make that song sound just a little better. Prince always understood this and that's why he's always been intentional with his look.

Yes, but come on...hair doesn't write music, neither does it perform on stage by itself. How many musicians/artists you see on stage performing worried about if a strand of their hair is out of place? Ridiculous. I mean if Jimi Hendrix, stopped playing in the middle of a song, to say "Let me check my hair y'all" I don't think he'd would have ever finish playing his song. I'm sure this won't be the first time your sister has seen a man with his natural grain of hair worn the way he likes, whether it is the way she likes it or not.

Just go and have fun and enjoy the music and let the man rock his 'fro, if that's what he wants to do. Prince changes up all the time anyway, so whether he's wearing his hair in one style one day, and decides to change up the next, his hair won't take anything away from his 30-year plus music history, because today and the next day, he'll still be Prince. There's just so much more in this world to be concerned and focus on in the world, than to worry about how someone chooses to wear their hair. Hope you and your sis enjoy the show.

[Edited 9/18/12 19:57pm]

chocolate1 said:

What if you got this note from Prince?

To Fan: Please change your hair for the concerts

I hope I am not sounding insulting, really. This [however your hair is] just doesn't become you and it takes something away from you. Now from the standpoint of you just wearing your hair [whatever way you want] that's cool, I'm not knocking that. Just [insert change] a little differently, whoever did it did not do a good job for you and the shape of your face.

I know it sounds a bit juvenile and some may say it's none of my business, but sometimes people around you may not want to tell you, but if I were your friend or family member, I'd tell you.

I wore [your style] for years and love it, but they just did not do a good job shaping yours to your face this time. Hope I'm not offending anyone. I jus love ya, I will accept you any way you want to be. In fact, I hope you are not wearing it to the concert, just thought if no one ever told you, I should let you know before you come to the United Center looking like that.

Love ya (as a fan of course) and see you when I get to Chicago.

Get my point?

Yup!!!!

2elijah said:

PurpleChi said:

Let me also add that wanting a performer to look good is not at all shallow. Record companies spend millions on music artists to improve their image so that the masses can receive them easier. The truth is that whether we like to admit it or not, we are all drawn to a pleasing aesthetic. Thus, having palatable appearance does make that song sound just a little better. Prince always understood this and that's why he's always been intentional with his look.

Yes, but come on...hair doesn't write music, neither does it perform on stage by itself. How many musicians/artists you see on stage performing worried about if a strand of their hair is out of place? Ridiculous. I'm sure this won't be the first time your sister has seen a man with his natural grain of hair, whether it is the way she likes it or not. Just go and have fun and enjoy the music.

[Edited 9/18/12 19:31pm]

Oh, I don't think I'm going to have a bad time in any way. I'm looking forward to it regardless of how he looks. But it will be different to see him not look physically appealing. That's all. But I also think you may be missing my and the OP's point about his hair. There is nothing wrong with rocking your natural hair. I am a black woman currently transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, so I totally embrace this concept. However, you can look fly and rock your natural hair. Prince doesn't look fly. His fro is misshappen. Since he'll be in Chicago, he needs to take a trip to AJ's Salon and get hooked up with a look that compliments the shape of his face.

PurpleChi said:

2elijah said:

Yes, but come on...hair doesn't write music, neither does it perform on stage by itself. How many musicians/artists you see on stage performing worried about if a strand of their hair is out of place? Ridiculous. I'm sure this won't be the first time your sister has seen a man with his natural grain of hair, whether it is the way she likes it or not. Just go and have fun and enjoy the music.

[Edited 9/18/12 19:31pm]

Oh, I don't think I'm going to have a bad time in any way. I'm looking forward to it regardless of how he looks. But it will be different to see him not look physically appealing. That's all. But I also think you may be missing my and the OP's point about his hair. There is nothing wrong with rocking your natural hair. I am a black woman currently transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, so I totally embrace this concept. However, you can look fly and rock your natural hair. Prince doesn't look fly. His fro is misshappen. Since he'll be in Chicago, he needs to take a trip to AJ's Salon and get hooked up with a look that compliments the shape of his face.

(Bolded part)That's like saying the only way he looks appealing is if he perms/straightens his hair. Kind of like the same line many Black women have heard for years from others believing if they straighten their hair, they would be accepted or look more 'appealing' vs wearing their natural hair. When your own does it to their own, they add to that problem and promote and keep that belief alive.

Truth be told regardless if he chooses to wear his hair natural, there will still be another fan that will find something else to complain about that has nothing to do with his creative skills as a musician. That's just how some fans are unfortunately, and it is sad that someone felt the need to make a thread about his hair, when the hair has nothing to do with his skills as a musician. Have fun at the show. No hard feelings and nothing personal towards you. Just found your comments interesting.

[Edited 9/18/12 20:16pm]

I think some posters on this thread and others are missing the point of people who have shared their opinions about Prince's hair. For example, PurpleChi has stated twice that there is nothing wrong with Prince rocking his natural hair. I didn't see Sharonbell or PurpleChi calling for Prince to straighten his hair. They just want to see him with a style that complements his features. I agree. The Musicology fro was better suited to his features. This fro doesn't complement him, especially not with those glasses.

I do not think that there is anything wrong with people giving their two cents about Prince's style, which includes his hair. He is a performer in addition to being an amazing musician. Let's not fool ourselves. Prince's look has always been a big part of his persona and appeal. He knows it as well as the next person. That is why he is always changing it and making statements with it. Prince is known for being polished from head to toe. He prides himself on it. If you don't think Prince is aware of his appearance while performing, think again. I have seen him on multiple occaisions fix something gone awry. Just look at the Superbowl performance. Notice how he got rid of that headscarf when it wasn't cooperating? Notice him slick his hair down after tossing the scarf? I remember being glad he did because the wind had messed up his look. He was aware of it as well. He is certainly that dude who is aware of himself at all times. Nothing wrong with folks trying to keep a brotha on point.

I get it. I went natural four years ago. In the process I found what works for my hair texture and features. I have a professional stylist who has given advice on what will and won't work for my hair in terms of my features and texture. Now I have my rotation of go-to styles and I am good to go. Of course, some may not like them. However, I get compliments regularly, so I'm cool with what I am doing. If I can afford a bomb natural hair stylist, I know Prince can find someone to get his fro tight.

Hairstyles are like clothing. Everything does not fit everyone. As far as Prince goes, I am in agreement that the natural hair is fine. However, the style is not. He needs a natural hair specialist to hook it up for him. He could really rock some nice natural styles. Maybe it is early in his transition and he is discovering his hair and will eventually find what works. I know when I look at some of my earlier transition pics, I am like WTF? However, like some of the other posters, I hope he finds what works or a better stylist before he hits the stage in Chicago. Just keeping it 100.

At the end of the day, he will do what he wants. Those of us going to the shows will have a great time, and we will all be on to the next topic of discussion.

Fans buy the music, not the person that made it.

bashraka said:

Fans buy the music, not the person that made it.

I dont mind the afro & to be honest I would see Prince live dressed as a clown - it is his performance & music that I love, the outfits are just extras.

sharonbell said:

I hope I am not sounding insulting, really. This fro just doesn't become you and it takes something away from you. Now from the standpoint of you just wearing your hair "natural", that's cool, I'm not knocking that. Just shape it up a little differently, whoever did it did not do a good job for you and the shape of your face. I know it sounds a bit juvenile and some may say it's none of my business, but sometimes people around you may not want to tell you, but if I were your friend or family member, I'd tell you. I wore a fro for years and love it, but they just did not do a good job shaping yours to your face this time. Hope I'm not offending anyone. I jus love ya, I will accept you any way you want to be, just thought if no one ever told you, you should just have someone else shape your fro differently.

Love ya (as a performer of course) and see you in Chicago!!

you got that right

If Prince saw your hair and didn't like it, would you change it for him?

I can be one of Prince's harshest critics but damn, some of y'all just go too far.

.

[Edited 9/26/12 5:25am]

2elijah said:

Bella you know I have the highest respect for you and I get what you are saying, and his image has always been polished, most of the time, but in his early days, when he was performing his hair wasn't always picture perfect, and no one really focused on that, they focused on his talent/creativity and skills as a performer, and I'm sure a few strands of hair out of place or the hairstyle he chooses to wear, won't spoil the show, change his talent or music, and who knows he may wear it differently at the concerts, but even if he doesn't, hopefully some folks don't turn this into the same thing that happened to Gaby the olympic gold medalist who unfortunately, had to deal with folks complaining and making ridiculous comments about a few strands of her hair out of place, when she won her gold medals, rather than embracing/focusing on her talents as a gymnast and her achievements. Anyway, hope all who are going enjoy the show. [Edited 9/19/12 6:31am]

Hey 2elijah, I have mad respect for you as well. Don’t get me wrong. I definitely get what you are saying with regard to Gabby and the reactions that some people have to blacks with natural hair. Although, I wouldn't compare Gabby to Prince because Prince’s appearance is a deliberate part of his act, thus I think it is open to criticism like the Williams sisters and the tennis outfits they chose to wear on the court. They intentionally put their image up for scrutiny.

That Gabby situation, on the other hand, was appalling because she was not an entertainer seeking attention through her image. As inappropriate as the Twitter comments about her hair were, I was more outraged at the fact that the national media made a story out of a handful of people on Twitter criticizing an Olympic history-making 16-year-old girl. I also don't like that some media outlets are focusing more on Prince's fro than his partnership with Rebuild the Dream. His appearance is one aspect of who he is as a performer, and I think it is fine for fans of his to talk about that along with everything else on fan sites or comment sections. However, what legitimate news editor makes a decision to run a story on it? That is also deliberate, but I won’t get into that. I think that is a convo for P&R.

I think even in the early days Prince was image-focused. The more money he made, the more he could improve it. However, even we he had his fro back in the day, it was on point for the fros of that time. He was always tight when in public even back then. When he straightened it for the Prince album, there wasn't a hair out of place. It was parted, straightened and flipped to perfection. Even the somewhat messy rude boy look of the Dirty Mind/Controversy era was very intentional. By 1999/Purple Rain the curls were always perfect. He had moved into a more expensive put together look because he had more money, and since then it has been off to the races as far as his look. So, I think it has always been polished and deliberate.

Believe me, I know about the natural hair. I have had endless conversations with people about embracing black people's hair in all of its natural textures. I have some people who only like my hair when it is straightened because it is long. Those people hate when I wear twists or twist outs. Then I have people who hate it when it is straight and only like the twists and twist outs. So, I know all about the people who imprison blacks with Eurocentric images of beauty as well as those who hold blacks hostage to Afrocentric images of beauty. There is room for both as long as we value them equally.

I just want Prince to be on point with whichever one he chooses to rock. As a fellow Gemini, I know how important appearance is and how much effort we put into it. Even at my job, I am known for always being on point no matter how I wear my hair. So on a day when I dress down for any reason, I hear it from folks. I expect it because of the standard that I have set for myself. Prince is on a whole 'nother level than me so, whether right or wrong, he and his fans should expect to hear it if he gets off course with his look, too. Like with those awful symbol Starter jackets in the 1990s. (Sorry, had a terrible flashback.)

I don't like the new style, but that doesn't change how I feel about his music. I am going to all three shows in Chicago if that is any indication. So, whatever look he gives will always take a backseat to my love for him as a musician and performer. Thanks, I will certainly have a great time at the shows.

Dag, can’t believe I typed this much about Prince’s hair.

I hear you loud and clear Bella, and much respect to you, and I get all your points. I guess I just found it silly that many made that tv appearance more about his hair, and less about the discussion and his connnection with 'Rebuild the Dream', as well as some donations from his upcoming concerts going to that organization. Although I never said no one had a right to have an opinion on his hair, I guess I just have to accept that in today's society, for some it's more important to focus their attention on how many strands of hair is out of place on a person's head, rather than focus their attention on a person's character, morals/values and achievements. It is what it is I guess. Good to hear from you by the way, and I'm sure you will have a great time at the concert!

2elijah said:

PurpleChi said:

Oh, I don't think I'm going to have a bad time in any way. I'm looking forward to it regardless of how he looks. But it will be different to see him not look physically appealing. That's all. But I also think you may be missing my and the OP's point about his hair. There is nothing wrong with rocking your natural hair. I am a black woman currently transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, so I totally embrace this concept. However, you can look fly and rock your natural hair. Prince doesn't look fly. His fro is misshappen. Since he'll be in Chicago, he needs to take a trip to AJ's Salon and get hooked up with a look that compliments the shape of his face.

(Bolded part)That's like saying the only way he looks appealing is if he perms/straightens his hair. Kind of like the same line many Black women have heard for years from others believing if they straighten their hair, they would be accepted or look more 'appealing' vs wearing their natural hair. When your own does it to their own, they add to that problem and promote and keep that belief alive.

Truth be told regardless if he chooses to wear his hair natural, there will still be another fan that will find something else to complain about that has nothing to do with his creative skills as a musician. That's just how some fans are unfortunately, and it is sad that someone felt the need to make a thread about his hair, when the hair has nothing to do with his skills as a musician. Have fun at the show. No hard feelings and nothing personal towards you. Just found your comments interesting.

[Edited 9/18/12 20:16pm]

I appreciate the repectful tone of your comments (that is quite rare here), but I would also appreciate if you would read my entire post before bolding one sentence and commenting. I specifically said that I had no problem at all with his wearing his natural hair. The problem is not that he is wearing a fro; it is that the fro is misshapen and it does not currently look good on him. I know many men and women who look absolutely fabulous wearing their natural hair. My only suggestion is that Prince find a stylist that can shape it better and preserve his sexiness. That is all.

I think the issue here is not that folks are wrong for being honest if they truly don't like the way Prince wore his afro.

I guess its the very nature of this thread. Maybe the way it was written, like a public service announment or open letter or some kind of intervention, not over someone's problem with alchohol, or drugs or a reckless lifestyle, its over his hair.

And the fact that he went natural, ofcourse us in our own community know how folks react to that.

I'm a natural sister myself, since January and its been a crazy journey. Prince of all people, I would have never thought, would take that plunge.

I do understand too that folks don't necessarily have a problem with natural but I also get the feeling like folks feel their concert experience will be ruined over his hairstyle, and I think that's a bit much. idk.

I like Prince's hair. I hope he stays natural too.

[Edited 9/19/12 10:09am]

On a more general note, I think that erroneous to assume that because a person posts in a thread that is dedicated to a particular Prince topic, they don't value other aspects of Prince. The reason I am posting in this thread is because I have an opinion on this topic. That's as deep as it gets folks. I also have an opion on other factors of Prince's brand like his music, his philanthropic efforts, his business practices, his protegees, etc. and I also post in threads dedicated to those specific topics. All of the self-righteous comments on this site are sometimes just a bit too much to take. Everything someone says is not a value judgment; sometimes it's just an opinion. Prince is still a phenomenal artist--the best there is as far as I'm concerned.

[Edited 9/19/12 17:08pm]

PurpleChi said:

2elijah said:

(Bolded part)That's like saying the only way he looks appealing is if he perms/straightens his hair. Kind of like the same line many Black women have heard for years from others believing if they straighten their hair, they would be accepted or look more 'appealing' vs wearing their natural hair. When your own does it to their own, they add to that problem and promote and keep that belief alive.

Truth be told regardless if he chooses to wear his hair natural, there will still be another fan that will find something else to complain about that has nothing to do with his creative skills as a musician. That's just how some fans are unfortunately, and it is sad that someone felt the need to make a thread about his hair, when the hair has nothing to do with his skills as a musician. Have fun at the show. No hard feelings and nothing personal towards you. Just found your comments interesting.

[Edited 9/18/12 20:16pm]

I appreciate the repectful tone of your comments (that is quite rare here), but I would also appreciate if you would read my entire post before bolding one sentence and commenting. I specifically said that I had no problem at all with his wearing his natural hair. The problem is not that he is wearing a fro; it is that the fro is misshapen and it does not currently look good on him. I know many men and women who look absolutely fabulous wearing their natural hair. My only suggestion is that Prince find a stylist that can shape it better and preserve his sexiness. That is all.

No hard feelings PurpleChi, and yes I read your entire post. We can agree to respectfully disagree. Have fun at the show.

[Edited 9/19/12 16:48pm]

Pleae leave the man's hair alone people.

You know you would run your fingers thru it, if he let you.

Emancipation89 said:

No offense but this is a sad thread.

I disagree, I don't think it's a sad thread at all. I am not a public persona so I doubt Prince would care how I wore my hair. Prince's hair has ALWAYS been a part of his whole package, every CD had a different hair style, different clothing, different look, that's also what I love about him. He made his hair a part of the package that goes with his music. He's had tons of hairstyles, this is the only one I've ever made any comment on openly. Why is this thread sad when so so many others have taken notice to his hairstyle. He's always been so creative, I am so used to him being ahead of the game with his hair styles, I was surprised he was not to a lot of people this time. And it wasn't because of the fact he's wearing a fro, the person who did it just didn't do a good job, that's all. I doubt if anyone close to him would tell him that. As I said when I started the thread, sometimes it takes someone to tell you something you otherwise wouldn't know. As I said, I love his music and his performances no matter what, even if he was bald, but I guess I was used to seeing his big, rockin fro when he was younger, it was shaped to the 9's!!

I like the Florida Evans look.

[Edited 9/19/12 23:09pm]