When I was in college, I made the decision to go natural. Although I'd only had a perm for about five years by then, I missed being able to do little things like go out in the rain and work out without having a major freak-out about my hair getting messed up. Naturally, this invited a lot of skepticism from my friends and strangers. I know they aren't always said with the purpose of being rude but these are just a few of the things that us women with natural hair are tired of hearing. Naturalistas, check off the ones that you encounter the most!
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1. How Often do You Wash Your Hair?
Unless you are offering to wash it for me, I'll just pass on this question.
2. Can You Even Comb or Brush Your Hair?
Here's the thing. Even though my hair is pretty soft, it is also really thick and relatively long. I also have a very defined curl pattern. There are days where I can just wake up and go, and other times I'm not as lucky. Regardless, nothing feels good about being asked this on an almost daily basis.
Frequently asked questions
3. You Would Look so Good with Your Hair Straightened!
If you understood the connotations behind this (or just how long this process takes), you'd get why I'm refraining from eye-rolling myself into the next dimension.
4. Is All of It Real?
*Winks* You'll never know.
5. How do You Get It to Look like That?
I'm not really sure what you mean. Why is my afro short, long, curly or straight? This all depends on what I'm in the mood for or what I've done to my hair the night before.
6. Can I Touch It? I Just Really Need to Feel It
Nope. Not a petting zoo, sorry.
7. Are You Seriously Wearing It like That for Your Interview?
There's a difference between hair that is unkempt and wearing protective styles. Despite popular belief, the words unprofessional and natural are not mutually exclusive. So in short, yes, yes I am.
8. Are You Seriously Wearing It like That to Work?
See above.
9. Are You Seriously Wearing It like That for Your Date?
Again, see above.
10. Are You Seriously Going out like That?
*Spontaneously combusts*
11. *on Getting Highlights* Aren't You Afraid That Your Hair Will Fall out?
Let me worry about my potential baldness.
12. OMG, Did You Get a Haircut?
Girl, bye.
Ladies, what are some other things that you're tired of hearing?
Comments
Ari: @Monica they mean natural as in not weave or extension, not relaxed or permed. Just the hair in its regular state.
CupcakesNLipstick: I hate being asked, "What made you GO Natural"? WTF does that even mean?
Sofia: Just add water
Monica: Everyone has "natural" hair since it naturally grows from your natural scalp
Msnevia: I love my hair 🌹🌹🌹
Crystal: I love having natural hair ☺️
Cheyenne: I love being natural 💛
April: I'm glad I read this article. I'm guilty of wanting to touch. Its just so beautiful. But now I won't be rude like that anymore.
Burkeleigh: They try to touch my hair too and I'm like. Bro chill
Allison: When people freak out when i get a hair cut. Its just like "it's hair! It WILL grow back!"
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