CNN had a feature a while back, ‘Can I Touch It?’ The Fascination with Natural, African-American Hair’ and I’ve heard from many naturals and it seems to be a recurring topic. Some ask…what exactly is natural hair? By definition “natural hair” for black women is, non-processed or non-chemically altered hair. I call it relaxer-free. Today, so many women are ditching the perms and learning to love and embrace their natural hair all over again. For most of us, we thought a perm was the way to go. Easier to manage, straight was great, and with the first sign of new growth it was nothin’ to slap that creamy crack in our head.
Keneesha Hudson, owner of Urbanbella Salon, explains what it means for women to “go natural” with their hair.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnWCcfPwR7w]
For those of you that don’t know…I am the Queen of protective styling, but in between deep conditions, new styles, etc. I’ll rock my bantu knots, fro, wash-n-go…whatever! I’ve also noticed there have been more and more instances where someone (especially non-black men and women), would compliment and/or even ask to touch my hair! I laugh and smile, but only because they are genuinely intrigued. To be honest, I even get the same reaction when I wear natural-inspired styles (i.e., Marley braids, twists, etc.). Some women find it offensive to touch their hair, while others don’t care one way or the other. I’m not saying it’s ok for a random stranger to touch your hair without permission, but what I am saying is that people do find our hair very “fascinating”! But don’t get me wrong — if they are not respecting your personal space, let em’ know…”hey, you really shouldn’t do that without asking first”. I’ve said it before, we are the only ethnic group to “truly” have a diversity of hair textures, styles, etc. and they are ALL beautiful! From kinky, curly, wavy, coiled, twisted, loc’d, relaxed, fro’d out — just to name a few!
In 2008, Renee Martin, expressed her thoughts about “touching natural hair” from a different perspective in her blog Womanist Musings titled, “Can I Touch Your Hair? Black Women and The Petting Zoo”. She stated:
Today I have the confidence to loudly proclaim no you may not touch my hair. I am not an animal at a petting zoo. I will not be your path to the exotic. Even worse than the ones that ask, are those that assume that they have right to touch me without permission.
In a 2009 Essence article featuring Allison Keyes, she shared her experience through her opinion piece “Keep Your Hand’s Off’. Read it here. In a more recent article: “Is It Okay for Strangers to Touch Your Natural Hair?” Nicole Marie Melton wrote:
The reality is that historically, Black women haven’t sported natural hair en masse, so it’s only natural (no pun intended) for people to be a bit curious about my fluffy fro. I actually welcome people to feel my hair and talk openly about their curiosity.
How do you feel about people touching your hair? Have you experienced getting more attention because your hair is natural? Share your thoughts.
I just had this happen Sunday…it doesn’t really bother me.
That’s good. I’m sure with your profession you will get that a lot, especially coming in contact with so many people from all walks of life. I’m glad you don’t be givin’ em’ the BIZAHNESS, because that would be PURE HILARITY!!!!
I feel the same way you do Art…It doesn’t bother me as long as it’s done in a respectful way. What does piss me off if people trying to run their hands through my hair WITHOUT asking. Strangely enough, I have had several brothers that I DON’T know from adam do this when out! Its like they think the rules dont apply anymore since I’m natural…but since I work to wear defined curls..it still matters to me. Just ask..
I was just saying this! Why you gotta be all up in my scalp though? lol That happens to my friend a lot! Random guys will think it’s ok to run their hands through her hair. smh And we don’t play about those defined curls! I remember being out and this white guy had beautiful curly, hair and this girl ran over to him and ran her hands through his hair — He was livid! So I guess the same rules apply for “some” guys too!
Now thats VERY interesting! Great Blog Art…good job ;)
Thank you Bernice!!! =)
Great post Artney! I hear more and more women everyday saying they are “going natural”. I think we have finally wised up to the fact that we don’t NEED chemicals to make our hair do what we want it to do. But more patience, practice and love!! Yes, folks ask to touch my hair all the time, & really the only time it bothers me is when folks act so shocked that a black woman can have lenghy hair grown from her scalp. That’s what irritates me. I feel like I have pretty hair, but it HAS been a battle. But accepting what God has blessed you with is always the first step.
Pinkie Winkie, I totally agree with you. I’ve had random women walk up to me and ask what type of hair I’m wearing (yaki, remi, etc.) like I can’t grow hair from my scalp.. True, the hormones from these babies and vitamins are helping my growth process along, but my hair has always been very long and thick. I choose to keep it cut short for MY convenience and comfort. But I’ll let people touch my hair, if they ask first. But if they just go to reaching and petting, I’m liable to smack somebody! This is my space and you must respect it.