Embracing Natural Hair Analysis

African American women's health, hair politics, and physical activities. Studies show that African American women tend to pay more attention to their hair instead of their health issues. Researches came up with a theoretical argument to figure out why hair matter for some women. They discover that hair presents a barrier to exercise in that the time and economic restrictions involved in maintaining a hairstyle post exercise for physical activity as prohibitive. This study provides some perception about the relationship between hair and health for African American women and suggests that extra attention is justified to address views about beauty ideals and hairstyles as a barrier to exercise (Versey, 2014, p. 2015)

Are you transitioning from relaxed to natural hair? Do your locs need help? If so, you'll need stylist with specialized knowledge and skills. Traditional hair salons often lack the skills to work with natural hair. Fortunately, salons catering to natural hair are springing up everywhere and Loc'n Twist is Florida's newest. Loc'n Twist's founder, Davis Vaught, compared pricing for natural hair services in the region. He then realized that his community did not have easy access to the grooming services and that service fees were high. By opening Loc'n Twist, Vaught brings grooming that projects pride, dedication and a self-knowledge that opens doors to opportunities to the community. The shop serves men and women with complete barber and hair care services.

There has been a notable amount of conversation on the internet on the rebirth of the natural hair movement. Cherise Luter (2014) states that despite afros and the natural hair movement not being a new concept (i.e. the Black Power Movement), it has gone under what she calls a “refreshing change”. Furthermore, what used to be “I’m black and I’m proud”, has been replaced with “I’m me and I’m proud” (Luter 2016). So, what is the natural hair movement? It is defined as a movement where black women decide to not conform to the social norms of chemically altering their hair and wearing it in its natural, kinky, or curled state (Joignot 2015). The movement could also be considered as an outlet for black women to display their racial and cultural pride or to articulate their “political position (Brown 2014:297). However, simply the terminology “movement” is something that should be shocking to many. There is a great amount of historical context behind the continuous influence Eurocentric beauty ideals have had on black women for centuries. According to Nadia Brown (2014), Black natural hair throughout history has proven to be recognized as “either unintended or intended personal and political statements” (298). the beauty standard in Western society which praises European hair textures, has influenced many black women to be critical of other black women who choose to chemically straighten their hair, accusing them of being subservient to the dominant and pervasive racist

This whole movement for Natural hair may seem a little extreme to some, especially to those who aren’t Black women. Hair is just hair, right? It’s ridiculous that how your hair naturally grows out of your head effects how society looks at you. There is no way that wearing your hair naturally could prevent you from getting a job or could get you kicked out of your classroom while you’re trying to get your education right? Well it’s 2016 and that’s exactly what happens to Black girls all over the globe.

The Mintel market intelligence agency has some thought provoking research on the Natural hair movement and sale changes over the years. From the years 2008 to 2013 hair relaxer sales have declined 26%. From the years 2013 to 2015 hair relaxer sales have dropped 18.6%. These reports really show how natural hair is really changing. This also leads down the road or how prevalent relaxed hair is. Yes, Garrett Augustus Morgan did create the relaxer on accident almost, but why did it take off and become almost the social norm amongst African

Many African American women have finally embraced their natural hair and are no longer perming, straightening or altering their hair. However, it has become difficult to obtain the necessary hair care products and learn the ins and outs about caring for their hair, but with the help of social media, they are obtainable. Ever since African American woman decided that they are going to embrace their natural hair, perm sales have decreased. More than 26% of perm sales have decreased since 2008 (Opie & Phillis, 2015), while perms are declining, natural hair care products are increasing. While natural hair care products are increasing, it is no thinks to big brand stores or beauty salons in near hometown. It has to do with buying

African American culture has grown tremendously and has become more popular among all of the races. Not only has it become popular but it has also stirred up a lot of controversy. One aspect of African American culture that has become popular and is very controversial is Black women wearing their hair natural. Black women are really starting to embrace their natural hair and love the skin they are in but there are also a lot of people in society tearing them down. A lot of Black women and men have very curly natural hair and when the women do not feel like managing their hair they wear protective styles like braids or faux locks. Because of these styles, African Americans have been denied jobs and opportunities to prosper in society (Williams, 2015). It is offensive to tell Blacks how to wear their hair and that it is not acceptable. It is basically like telling her that she is unacceptable. There has been a great flow in the popularity of natural hair. In the early 1900’s since Black women were teased for their natural hair, straightened hair had become widely favored in the African-American community, but it lost its popularity to the Afro, which was seen as a symbol of black pride during the 1960s. Later on, Black women and even men returned to using chemical straightening treatments known as relaxers that loosened their naturally curly hair. Experts say that this method was often used as a means of meeting the white standard of beauty. The number of women using relaxers

In the late 1960s, the Afro hairstyles became a political statement, announcing, “I am black and proud” and challenged white aesthetics. This movement asked Black people to show their natural beauty without shame, spreading to the world that black is beautiful (BlackHistory.com). However, two decades later, this statement has slowly faded away and has been replaced by fake hair weaves and hair straightening chemical creams. Today, African Americans spend over half a trillion dollars on hair care and weaves, more than any other racial group. Majority of African American women do not feel the need to wear their hair naturally, and choose to chemically straighten their hair (Johnson & Bankhead, 2014).

Hair modification is a century old tradition for all ethnicities. The focus of this research paper will be the benefits of natural hair versus relaxed hair within the African American hair community. My position on this issue is that the natural state of hair is inherently better than the processed relaxed state of hair, even though African American women continue to relax their hair the outcome may be extreme.

African American culture is quite distinct in America, especially when the people embrace the aspects they were born with. One of the features that highlights the African American culture is their hair in its natural state, that is hair which has not been treated by chemicals or heat. An African American's natural hair is thick, most often tight and curly and often times considered to be less attractive do to its nappy, tangled or matted appearance it could have. A vast majority of African Americans assimilate by changing their natural hair to straight, smoother hair which appeals more to the European culture. According to statistics, it was estimated that “75% of African American women chemically straightened or “perm”

Natural hair is stealing the show and taking over with the African American population. Having big natural curls has been the most popular style in the last couple years. But, not everyone wants to be natural nor do they have to be because relaxed hair is still winning votes as well. Before the 21 century African Americans cried for relaxers so that their hair could be straight, flowing, and silky smooth. Being in love with you natural hair wasn’t an option way back then. Now we have options, several options. No one is trapped in a stereotypical box, everyone is learning themselves and which is best for them, natural or relaxer. There has been a long time controversy between natural hair and relaxer hair, pertaining

Natural hair does grow healthier than natural hair because you do not use chemicals to harm your hair. Black women discover their natural kinky hair. Natural hair is thicker because your hair follicles are textured. Yes I can say when you wash your hair and try to detangle it, it’s a challenge to do. Natural hair is healthier because it doesn’t stripped away your hair. With natural hair keep your scalp moisturized. Natural hair curl pattern is very pretty. I think going natural gives your hair a better chance to grow since it isn’t being damaged by chemicals. Relaxed hair is bad because some people flat iron they hair every two weeks, that’s not good because heat can break your hair off.

Sitting at my desk, I turn to a popular R&B station. On the air is the host talking to the owner of a wig shop. The owner is describing different types of popular weaves worn by African American women. Weaves are extensions women use to lengthen or add volume to their own hair. The majority of the human and synthetic weaves are long, straight, and curly. The owner continues to describe how many women exert confidence women while wearing them. As a woman, I don’t disagree; there is nothing more powerful than a woman who feels beautiful. However, as an African American woman, I know the trend is natural hair. Natural hair is hairs which has not been permed or straighten –like the weaves described earlier. The

Traditional shampoos are on the list of products to avoid if you are trying to grow and maintain healthy natural hair. Traditional shampoos use sulfates to cleanse hair and sulfates are extremely drying to natural hair. Since the health of natural hair depends largely on how moisturized it is, the types of cleansers are avoided by many naturals. There are many alternate cleansers including mud washes, co-washes and sulfate free shampoos.

After flipping off the switch to my cheap, red Revlon hair dryer, I took one glance in the mirror and noticed my hair looked exactly as expected: terrible. My dark brown curls were separated, flattened, and all the volume had been suctioned out. My once-voluptuous locks were now dry and brittle noodles. I have never had great experiences with hair dryers. Honestly, how could I? I have fine, curly hair that frizzes at the very touch of my fingers. Some days it looks like a rat’s nest, other days it looks like five rat’s nests all got into a fight over whose nest could look the dirtiest. So let me explain to you the extent of a mess in which I deal with on the daily.