My snapshot post is about protective styling fortural hair. As a black woman, I identify with the culture of black women and the natural hair culture. The natural hair movement has become more and more prevalent amongst black women in the past decade and for many reasons. One of the main reasons why natural hair has become so popular was because it promotes hair growth. A lot of black women recognized how bad chemical straighteners were for their hair and because of that they started to embrace their own texture. I am a proud member of the natural hair community and, like any other culture, I have learned the specific practices that come along with being in the natural hair community. A very important tradition that is practiced by all naturalists is protective styling. Protective styles are hairstyles that promote hair growth and are achieved without heat. My favorite protective style is crochet braids, also known as latch hook braids. Some other protective styles are cornrows, braids, twists, dreads, and many others; all of which are easy to achieve and stylish at the same time.
I like how you are promoting your natural self and are providing an example for anyone to take from. People need to identify with who they are naturally and sometimes feel uncomfortable because they don’t see others doing it. They tend to go with the flow and do what the majority is doing. I think by doing what you are doing, you will show that people can really enjoy their natural hair and not conform to what the majority of society is doing.
I had to comment on this post, I was a naturalista for 4 years until I recently put a texturizer in my hair. I regret so much that I went from being natural to processed because you can definitely notice the difference and the strain it puts on your hair. I am now back on my natural journey after doing a “big chop” cutting all my chemically treated hair off last week. I am definitely going to be wearing some protective styles as my hair grows. I have always loved crochets and braids and those are usually my go-to styles.
Very few things in this country are as socially regulated as a black woman’s hair. The fact that courts have deemed dreadlocks as an allowable discrimination in the hiring process shows just how far we have to go. I can’t imagine having the keratin that grows from my head be frowned upon in its natural state. I think that it is amazing how many women are joining the natural movement. The creative and artistic expression amazes me.
I appreciate your hair journey and you embracing your natural hair. I’ve just always though it was ridiculous how hair texture was seen as unprofessional and it was upsetting to know that people had to alter the natural state of their hair to fit into corporate America.