A Hairy Topic May Seem Too Thick to Comb Through

The diaspora of black women in America exemplifies a body of women with different coils, styles and shades of hair. It is in the black women's culture to often embrace their opportunity to creative self-expression of who they are by the ways they styles of their hair. When it comes to a black woman’s hair, there are many ways it can be styled. Whether it’s natural, relaxed or weaved.

I found it very fascinating when my former roommate, of a different race, questioned my sew-in when I returned back to school from Winter Break. With the most puzzling look on her face she uttered, “…but is it sewed on your scalp? That must hurt.” To my dismay, I was saddened that she would even think such a crazy thing. Nonetheless, I was more than excited to break it down to her the process of a sew in. I explained that a sew-in basically consisted of tracks of hair that was sewed onto my braided hair. 


Sherly Denis

In the past school year, my friend Sherly Denis has had almost ten different hairstyles. You name it, and she has done it. The short golden brown bob, the deep brown Brazilian hair to what she has in now, box plats. For a young woman whose culture is not properly represented at our university, she seems to always get the infamous question along with the bewildering stare, “Oooh you cut your hair?” Or check this one out, “Oh wow, how does your hair grow so fast?”

Nonetheless, exploring the strands that black women spend endless hours cultivating into masterpieces is ultimately defines why black women take pride in their hair. In early Africa, your hair represented your social status and stratification. It is inevitable in the African American culture to have not have good-looking hair. That is exactly what many pressing combs, flat irons, relaxers, curling gels amongst other hair products achieve for black women.

For many women, the creativity of styling their hair may define who they are and what they believing as well. Some naturalistas may say rocking their natural hair is rooted from them wanting to embrace their culture and the skin they are in. Other naturalistas may say they are just natural because their hair was damaged or they love the natural look. Black woman with relaxed hair may say they relax their hair because it is more acceptable to the society we live in or it is just right plain more manageable. I believe whatever your reasons for wearing natural or relaxed hair, just remember you are not your hair. Your hair is just a minor addition to who you are. Let your personality, pride and character define who you are rather than how you look.

Below is one of my favorite songs by India Arie, I hope you enjoy and embrace who you are because you are more than your hair.