...Should I Leave The Natural Hair Community?
- Posted on 30 August, 2022
- Short Hair
- By Anonymous
I just don't know what I should do. What do you think of the natural hair community?
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Hi, i'm danielle. I do too much. I like hair, talking, cosplay, music, art and stuff. I had to try it at least once hold on. Let me try it again wait. I never thought i would have to make this video. Ah, i need my emotional support. Fluff. This is sam. This is my dog she's, extremely cute she's, the real star puppy. That'S all you need to know. Anywhosel i've been seeing this going on in in all areas of the natural hair community lately and like for the last couple of years. A lot of people are fed up with the community and it's not just the kinky textured people, which is surprising. I don't really go over to to the three and two sides of things, but yeah yeah you're, a dog we get it. I try to keep things really positive around these parts, um, because that's just kind of how i live my life. I try to focus on the positive, but you know there are some things i've been seeing going around and when i do engage in those videos of like why i'm leaving the natural hair community or like things i hate about the natural hair community, you know some Of those points, i'm like yeah, don't look at me, you can't go outside. I'M filming here are some of my gripes, my gripes one thing that drove me crazy, um and has stopped driving me crazy about the natural hair community as a whole like, like. I was saying it's not just the four, the four girls, it's the it's, the three girls, it's the two girls and there's even a uh who is it like one, one, one c or something like a little bit of a wave like the definition. Obsession is crazy. I don't know i no i i have many theories, but i think what really got me riled up about it is that it was widespread across the entire um natural hair community and it's uh, it's real difficult for the kinky girls to do that definition. So i was like mad twofold like: why is this affecting all areas of this, because us texture care girls, i'm i'm a girl, so i'm gon na speak on that um have been told most of our entire lives, um, that our hair is wrong for being anything, But straight so, when we were like hey, my natural hair is not straight it's just not now we have like this free reign in like free range to redefine what our hair, in its most beautiful and camped state is, and oh, no all the ills all the Ills came right on with us in oh, it was so sad which brings me to my next gripe. You knew it was coming. It'S texturism, okay. So before i started filming i was like okay. Let me do a little more research on what other people are saying too, to see if these ills are strictly a four situation, because i stick to type four people on all my platforms. I think it's what's most helpful for me and um, it's what's most interesting for me because i'm like, oh that i could do that or like oh. I didn't even consider using that technique, but um yeah, i kind of broadened my uh my net on this one and texturism isn't just a chocolate thing. I had no idea so like i was watching this one girl talking about with her wavy hair, how the curly girls are always coming down on her saying, like your hair, isn't curly, i'm like yeah it is there there's a girl right there and she's like yeah. I know my hair is wavy, but it's still beautiful, i'm just like when i am shocked. I smile and laugh nervously. So don't take this the wrong way, but i was like i came to understand that there is a hierarchy of curls outside of the four girls. I didn't know, i thought it was an us problem. Did you think it was an us problem because i thought it was an us problem because history, you know texturism is such an ugly thing to feel i i just. I don't understand it and it's so much more widespread than i knew and i i only really came to understand what it was in the natural hair community, which is so sad, a place where we were supposed to embrace and learn to love our hair. We brought in issues pre-existing issues. Oh that's, so sad, i'm disappointed i'm disappointed in that. Another thing i jus i cannot stand is the styling obsession. I think this is partially definition obsession, but this is a little different because now returning fully to the natural hair community, what threw me the heck off with the styling obsession - and i fully fell into this - you can go back on my channel the obsession with redefining What our hair looked like and by our i mean 4c, i'm gon na i'm going to sit squarely in my lane uh and speak about my personal experience. I do not i, whereas what i perceived as the rest of the natural and curly hair hair community was learning to define what the keratin bonds within their hair naturally creates. The 4c girls over here, especially in the early days, were very pressured very fervently pursuing a complete redesign like we were shutting it down and then redefining everything remember curlformers as helpful as they can be, especially for stretching one's hair. I recognize that yeah espec, even in the way i was using them. It was because i didn't want to have afro hair at that time, and i've said this before and i think it's a very honest and sad part of my journey is that yeah, my styling obsession was trying was me me talking about me was me trying to Escape my own hair and what it really looked like, which is kind of the whole opposite of the point, so that was very painful to remember and be in with my hindsight yeah i'm like that sucked. Oh lord, i told you i was gon na be venting. Okay, so something else that i was like what was that i don't like that was how strict we were with our regimens, how how how strange was it that we felt the need to just completely cut out whole parts of our our regimen? That was working for us, like, i know, um. Quite a few other um natural hair youtubers still on the platform still going strong um are, like guess, who's back to using sulfate. It'S me and i'm like do whatever works, do whatever works if it works for you, that's all that matters like with the oh, lord, remember the um, the heated debate of the lco and the loc method. I think i have a video about that. Should i watch my old videos, i haven't watched them anyway, i'm pretty sure i have one of like liquid cream oil, but then sometimes people were like it's not creamy, it's conditioner, and then we had to figure out what cream meant, which is insane like. Why weren't we taught this stuff like what it was really frustrating part of the journey, and then oil and then people were like remember that one time people were like don't use oil in your hair at all. I was like, but it works for me, it's like how dare you you come into my home and you cuss me out. You cussed me out like this under my own roof that i ranked just it was it felt very much so, like everybody telling everybody what to do, there is a huge difference between offering information that you ascertained within your own, like bubble within your own experimentation. What works for your hair and like like being mean to people and telling them what to do like if you're doing this, then your hair is about to fall out in three two. Oh okay, remember this! I think, okay, i okay. I can see why people make these videos - okay, i'm seeing it i'm seeing it do. Y'All. Remember rice, water, like before we ever like, really knew about like the moisture protein balance for real, didn't somebody's like hair, actually like snap off, because i think what happened was. She did the thing and then she sprayed the rice water on her hair, which is supposed to be like some kind of protein treatment because rice protein, i don't know, but it wouldn't come off her hair because she wasn't using sulfates and like harsh shampoos to remove It from her hairs, so it literally like snapped her hair off. I think i remember watching that series and just hoping she would figure it out, and i was just like i'm not using rice water. I was already on the fence because i made it now me making a prison sake in my cupboard. Oh god it smelled. So bad! Oh, do you all remember the um, the specialty cream people were using on their scalps to get the hairs to grow. Never did that one either. That'S what i was like. Okay. I think i need to be a little more discerning. I can't just hop on every trend. However, that is not the end of this video, because the only reasons i haven't turned tail. I haven't turned my tail and ran in another direction. Completely is because there are things i love very much so about the natural hair community, and that is what has made this channel sustainable, even despite sometimes my lack of creative energy, my lack of regular energy, my lack of having someone to bounce off of they're just Things i genuinely just treasure about not only the natural hair community, but my community with you yeah, you first and foremost, 4c came to the light, even though we had to do it. We had to add to the texture chart, which was very rude. Um words are powerful and growing up with nappy, hair, bad hair and nappy having a negative connotation to it. It um it hurt a lot and having a short sweet, accurate neutral at worst and positive at best word: 4c term 4c. It opened a world of possibility. It opened my mind personally to redefine what my hair meant to me and that's just not an opportunity. I'Ve been given before and i'll always be grateful about that. I also appreciate in a weird kind of uno, reverse way. Um, i didn't know what it was, but i knew when people said good hair. They weren't talking about me and i know when people said. Oh, you have sick hair. When i was a little girl, they didn't mean in a good way um unless they did. But more often than not, they said it with a certain texture to it like a slimy texture of like oh, you have thick hair huh, okay, i'm nine, but i'm picking up on something and so having these words to describe underlying issues in the community at large. Texturism, it's a very useful word. It'S like you, don't think, i'm pretty, because my hair curls a lot. That'S dumb, you're, dumb helpful. Having these terms have helped me come to i'm on a roll, i'm on a roller, also within this community, for all the crazy experiments and the weird trends. I also found some incredibly value information, just the value like first of all, porosity the moisture protein balance protein. I think, like i know, the anatomy of a hair now hello. I understand what i need to do. I feel my hair and i i know what to do, and that's only from trial and error, and that trial and error was based on a knowledge of hair and my knowledge of hair came from the natural our community, like even the difference between having sick hair And having coarse hair clarifying versus cleansing shampoos, sulfates surfactants, these things are very valuable to know. I now know how to use roughly 50 oils, and then you guys comment it's just. It feels so good. It feels so good to learn to experiment, to perfect something for myself share it with several grains of salt and then for people to come back and tell me that it's working like i get personal emails about this stuff, it's so sweet. I don't think that that could exist outside of this particular community and how it happened. How i joined it, how i interact with it, how i exist in it? It'S special. I don't really take that for granted. My hair is the longest, the strongest, the shiniest, the healthiest, the softest and the nicest general term nice. It has ever been in my entire life, and there are only three factors me, my mom in the natural hair community, hi mom. I kind of grew out of like doing the heavy styling and things, and i think a lot of you have grown with me in that regard too, like i, it really. It really makes me feel so happy to see just so much encouragement from you guys. Y'All are what's really keeping me going. You know just the fact that we can hang out and like compare notes and that i can bring a smile to your day like even like a like that kind of laugh like sometimes all you need is a to get through the last couple of hours of Work, that's you know that, and this platform was primarily built on the natural hair community, and i will be forever grateful for that. I i can't hate it. I love it. Oh i wish it could have been the place it ended up being for me for everybody. It makes me so sad to know that so many people have been hurt by trying to try and trying to participate in this community it that's it's also another big factor of why i continue it's, because i want everyone to have a good time, because i've largely Had a great time, yeah something's got to change. I hope i hope i can be part of that change. What do i do help? I want everyone to have a good time, sensitive bra, what the heck kind of hair content should i make. Maybe i need to just bounce some ideas off of you. This has been me: danielle you resident weirdo and sam okay, uh, star puppy and star puppy, signing out, say it with us now star, puppy away what a cutie cute dog don't forget to like share subscribe. If you enjoyed the video
Comments
Chocolate Angel: Believe it or not.... YOU helped me to embraced my beautiful "DANDELION" natural 4c thin hair. Yes I even named her after starting to follow you. I will forever love ❤️ you for that.
Renee: One of my main concerns was that the community was OBSESSED with length (and still is). All those special regimes and products were touted with the focus of getting more length, more definition, more shine, etc. At some point, it wasn’t even about embracing what you actually had on your head in a manageable, realistic way.
SOULar Lioness ELITE: Yes. Leave. You don't NEED to be part of any kind of community just to do ya thang with YOUR hair. Leave. I left back in the beginning of the trend. I don't think I ever really considered myself part of the "community" because there has been cattiness and weirdness from the very beginning.
SOULar Lioness ELITE: And...this goes BEYOND hair. We as Black people still need to heal INDIVIDUALLLY and COLLECTIVELY all the damage that that racism has done to us!
DecisiveOrigin Cetriya: Not everything needs to be a community. A collection of resources, yes but no need to be in a community. Also, if one wants to straighten their hair, then go for it. I'm not thinking of your hair. I'm just thinking of mine
stayfly3000: Any "community" within this society is going to be subject to the constructs. Forget about the community as a whole and do you! Find your people, your products, your routine...datz it! Much ❤ you are wonderful and beautiful as is every woman who dares to go against the grain in this sea of pressure and expectations!
Erica Hunter: I honestly left the natural hair community years ago cause no one wanted their own hair they wanted what was on someone else's head and it became strange and cult like instead of loving and embracing one's self and the culture.
Brittni Scott: Just the saddest thing. We were supposed to just support one another in letting go of the chemicals, but no, we couldn’t even manage that.
K. S.: Some of us have natural hair and aren't part of any community. Please keep making your videos and know your message reaches farther than you think
Fin: When the “ no oils” crew came I knew we were doomed. Ppl can’t ever just speak on themselves and what works for them gotta tell everyone else what they should do..
Moon Beam: There's a natural hair community on Reddit. The very first and only post I read there was a girl asking for advice on how to love her hair. She made the mistake of saying she envied "mixed girl hair" for the bigger, looser curls. I took her using "mixed girl curls" to simply aid in generic imagery for the audience...but she was bombarded with "you're anti black, colorist, self hating, etc". A dramatic assumption imo, but let's pretend it's true. I feel like her asking for help should've clearly implied that she's pretty self aware of her problem, but I feel like the community got hyper focused on her using "mixed girl curls" and completely missed the point of the post and focused more on criticism and correcting than the advice she came for. She ended up deleting the post. I could only imagine her leaving that interaction with her head hung lower than when she came. Not saying the natural hair community on Reddit is all bad or anything. Not even saying valid concerns weren't brought up, but (to me) saying "hey, read this book on colorism and it's origins" doesn't tell a person how to love their hair.
LadyKane7: You should do what brings you peace and happiness. As a person who has Trich and has gone through so many ups and downs in relation to my hair I just do whatever works for me. I chopped my hair of 5 years ago and have kept it short since because that is what works for me.
Brett: My problem with the natural hair community is if you don’t your hair in a particular way then it’s not good enough. I’ve been judged for wearing twist outs instead of doing wash and gos. My hair and wash and go’s don’t mesh well! It shouldn’t matter how you do your hair. Plus wash and go’s takes to long to dry
SOULar Lioness ELITE: Okay, here's the thing. It's a problem on both sides and it's so EXTREME. First, we got the classic racism of hair hand-in-hand with our physical appearances: texturism, featurism, and colorism. If the hair is too kinky, it's ugly, it's hideous, it's unkempt, not "TRULY NATURAL." Like how the whole world tried to shame Mayowa of Mayowa's World for HER free-form locks (and dark skin). Now. On the OTHER end of the spectrum is the attempted gatekeepers of the "natural hair movement." All the looser curl patterns and "pretty light-skinned/racially-ambigous women and folks" were put at the forefront as the FACE of the natural hair movement once said movement started picking up steam and going mainstream. And a LOT of folks who fit this "favorable" desciption took FULL ADVANTAGE of these opportunities, limelight, clout, etc. This FURTHER marginalized Black people with the kinkier textures of hair and the more obvious, unambiguous Black features. SOOOOO, in an attempt to keep our movement OURS and reclaim it from racist capitalism and such, there ARE folks in the Natural Hair community who will grill and attack ANYBODY with a looser curl pattern, and/or lighter skin and racially-ambiguous features (See: "NOT BLACK ENOUGH" or "LIGHT SKIN PRIVILEGE/BI-RACIAL PRIVILEGE/WHITE PRIVILEGE" types of discussions across the Internet). Issa mess on both ends, it's ALWAYS been a mess, it'll probably forever BE a mess, so YES...LEAVE. Love on your own hair. You don't need to be associated with the "community" to make natural hair content. Truly.
Maame: honestly, for the last few years, the “natural hair community” has just been useless trend after trend and mob mentality. i understand that with social media, it’s easy to be influenced to fall into these trends and have a skewed perception of what your hair is “supposed” to look like, but y’all gotta stand up figure out what works for YOUR hair, learn to love YOUR hair, and stop caring so much about what others think of YOUR hair. and i say this from experience because when i was a new natural, as i was in the process of understanding my hair, i was trying ALL the trends and ALL the products, hoping my 4c hair would look like the youtubers i was watching. stepping away from the online natural hair community and doing my own research/ trial and error is what ultimately helped me to fully embrace my 4z hair. undefined kinks and coils and all
Ajian: The fact that you're so loving & unproblematic is the only reason I gravitated towards your channel. I haven't been into natural hair content for most of my journey just because I picked up early on that so much of it was negativity and people trying to make you conform to doing things a specific way. Most of the advice I was given the first few years really only worked if you had a texture or porosity that I didn't have. I also got annoyed with people talking about how good or bad their texture was compared to mine, the obsession with definition, the "laying down baby hairs" trend, the product pushing, and the general conformity to this idea that natural has to look a certain way.
Passionwriter19: If it's stressing you out this much. It's not worth it hun
Cece _: Do whatever makes you happy and is good for you’re mentally and physically health love! I am here for any and all content that you make
Bronze Fox: I left the "community" 8 years ago. It was too much. They dogged on each other all the time. There was no atmosphere of love, understanding, or open-mindedness. It was hateful women that were just hateful and spiteful for no reason. How hard is it to be nice?
Marylander37: I have locs and was shocked when I discovered the natural hair community didn't include me lmaoooo. I've just been a casual observer since then but I can't say I'm surprised with how things turned out.
Dyskorrd: I cannot agree with you more with a lot of the points you made about the natural hair community. Leave or stay continue to do what makes you happy. Love watching your videos!❤❤❤
AR: You have consistently brought joy whether talking about hair or cosplay grwm. You have kept the light in the natural hair community!
NEFERTITI323: THIS IS WHY WE NEED YOU. Freedom from the Definition and Texture centric vloggers. It is your niche. You really give us the real for us kinky girls. Don't worry about the rest. You are refreshing.
Deborah Bonner: The things that got me about the nature hair community, is that no one was getting a nice clean professional and unique shape. Everyone was into the same look and wanted length. I just wanted thick healthy hair. I do it for the non chemical natural factors and to understand my hair.
ShinyNachos: Protect your mental space! People can like something and still be critical about elements that need to change. Enjoying your hair but, not liking the chaos of the community that’s 100% valid.
Creton Kennedy: The reason why I dont care about this community anymore is that the number one reason it first existed was to help people with textured hair love their hair, but also SIMPLIFIED they hair care! Wich is actually the opposite that we see in this community now. .
TwoInchVerticalLeap: As someone who loves all types of hair it’s become really toxic in the curly hair community. It’s always been this way but it feels more prevalent lately. I just want to love my hair the way it naturally is.
Yve Win: Don’t worry about the community and just do your thing. Anyone who doesn’t like it knows where the door is. Has anyone else named their mane?
TwoBlocks: I love making rice water with grapefruit peels it works and doesn’t smell bad. Natural hair community got super weird whenever people started disregarding personal experiences. No one can be the authority on someone else’s hair that’s crazy but it was really hair bullies telling people everything they knew was wrong. Theres a way to get information across without trying to dominate the narrative & as a person watching the various content created around natural hair rules it got to a point where I had to just disconnect & do me. I have enjoyed watching your journey tho. It’s cool to have seen you get to know your hair inside & out. That’s the process that leads to results not necessarily following a certain set of rules.
A: I gave up with the natural hair community when they said air drying your hair would make it break. I’ve never had a problem with air drying my hair but it just got to overwhelming.
Nelva: Hi!!!!! I think you should just do you hun! As long as you’re having fun doing what you do the rest doesn’t matter. The natural hair moment was a trend like all things are and I don’t think it’s ver but people are fickle. I’m remaining natural because I’m so much better of md health wise but I didn’t care if someone is relaxed or whatever.
Be Blessed: Well I’m from South Africa and every time I wear my untamed 4c hair, the elders always ask me to ‘do’ my hair and now I actually can’t love it in it’s natural state
Chloe Franklin: I don't really watch anymore videos about natural hair. I'm only interested in products. Even with the products I have gone back to using products I had when I was a kid. That stuff still works and is way cheaper than all these other new age products. I say leave the community but keep the natural hair. LOL Just don't engage in the BS.
Monique Ngcobo: You forgot the "heat training" trend . Oh honey we've been through a lot. My hair is relaxed 4C, and I've always felt welcome here on your channel. I guess you can say I've lived my best "natural" life vicariously through you. Your positive attitude, bright smile and realistic views are so uplifting, more than any "grow 30 inches overnight" videos on the internet. I remember the "no oils" trend, and I was like "yeeeeah, no. I'll skip. Thank you very much" .
Ivy Merritt: You made some excellent points! I wish there was less prejudice in the natural hair community, but I'm not surprised that it exists here, either. Prejudice rears it's ugly head in EVERY community, so why should we be any different? Frankly I think we'll have less prejudice in our community ONLY when it's reduced in the larger society.
nancykerrigan: I wasn't that invested while I have been natural for a long time. I couldn't get into the trends and it products at the time because I wasn't about to go broke and possibly damaging my hair getting and using all these products. I'm also lazy so the DIYs weren't for me. You said it best; Do what's best for you. ETA: And Sam sticking the tongue out is so cuuute!
Genell Jasper: What a light you are to this community. Someone close to me taught me to hate my hair, which developed into some serious self esteem issues. Watching you love and care for your hair and being honest about products and styles and the ways your hair is unique taught me how to love my hair (and myself) again. I so appreciate your content! ❤️
LaLa C🛸: just do what feels right for you. period. we will support u regardless.
Jaelyn Hood: Danielle you are such an inspiring roll model. You have made me feel great about my 4c/4b natural hair. Your content always makes me laugh and have a great time. You always put a smile on my face. Thank you so much for your caring and funny personality. Keep doing what you do girl. You are “ on a roller”!
ForbsieLaLa: Early in the natural hair community break out, I have been natural for 16yrs I realized that many of the trends were not for me. I have eczema and sulphur 8 has kept that under control for over 5 yrs , when there was a DON'T USE phase, Wash and goes were never feasible for me and the only protective style for me is braids and not 2weeks styles. I work with my hair and just look at videos for fun. Sure taking care of my hair is a task but that os why I go to a trained professional who has worked with black hair mostly all her career and listens when I tell her what I have noticed. It is important to do you and not just follow trends and what's in.
Dani: One of many reasons why I love this channel, you always have me laughing. I gave up on the natural hair community once the hair typing shenanigans were going on. Channels like yours and Green Beauty are the reasons why I love on my hair more and know how to keep it healthy
Mara Jones: It’s so hard to watch every video with this headline when I’m just recently gone natural cuz I big chopped five months ago. I feel kinda scared cuz I’m actually enjoying my natural hair and it’s been so freeing and it’s so healthy but everywhere I look it’s all “leaving the natural hair community” and it makes me so sad. The love came when I stopped trying to make my hair fit some standard, it’s not always gonna look like 4a/4b, I have a whole mix of patterns on my head all 4 types. The hardest part is being a teacher and seeing how all this trickles down to the kids. I have students who wear hoods to hide their natural hair or freak out if their edges aren’t laid or are sad they can’t get the braids, etc. That’s why any time I see a child wearing their hair natural, I celebrate them, I make them feel beautiful because the representation is leaving in masses. As sad as I feel being natural when it’s no longer “a trend” or no longer popular, I’m gonna just keep being the representation these kids need. Cuz one day, I hope that we can feel beautiful with our natural hair and focus on the health and integrity vs “defined curls”. I love you so much Danielle and I hope you just do what’s best for you. I also have trich and I understand the struggle. Just know, you don’t owe us anything, just do you and we will love and support you unconditionally ❤️
RubyLovesRocket: You just have to do what YOU want to do, in the way YOU want to do it. Alliances, Communities, Labels be damned. It only leads to elitism, segmentation, and gate keeping. Being connected to a community, being able to streamline your "brand" or extend your reach with particular hashtags, can make things a lot easier in some ways...but way more inconvenient in many others.
[T://Grey_shift.]#.mp3: You are a blessing. Always remember that passion is what makes the community, not necessarily self identifying with the community. You can be for hair, and be for helping others hair wise, yet not identify with it. You can respect it. But it has always and will always be to choice to say “I am with the community”. And the best part is, you can always come back by saying “I am apart of it.”
ajc 123: I lowkey was also trying to escape and more clearly define my 4c natural hair to w different state. My hair just said no ma'am. So, it won the war. I'm still learning to embrace my natural hair but I'm not really trying to change it anymore. Rather just make it more manageable for me to play around with.
Britney's World: I used to be in this natural hair group on FB at the beginning of my journey (2015) and it started off very educational. Then I noticed the group started to show looser curl patterns and people's comments started to come off rude and just plain evil if you didn't have a certain hair type. Then the group started telling people how to do their own hair and whatever you used wasn't right. It got bad and I left that toxic group so fast because although I don't have 4c hair. The hate for that hair type was horrible and people was ok with talking about this hair type like it it wasn't apart of the group. There is more but the natural hair community started off great, but then went bad really quick.
Sachelah Ondeng’: You are the primary reason I’m having a good time with my natural 4C hair. Keep doing you, we appreciate you so much!
Savvi Vixen: As someone else mentioned in the comments: do what brings YOU peace. There's a few ways this could go, and here's a couple... You can stay in the community as an adorable little lighthouse in the midst of the unsavory storm. You contribute to the community in hopes of attracting lovelies like yourself that simply want to be at peace existing in their natural, unbothered [natural] state. You can leave the community, and do whatever you want, because who's gonna tell you "no?" You can make video essays on movies, share your top 20 favorite songs, stream a digital artpiece you made, vent in skit-form, throw in a random haircare video [cuz it's still your hair, ergo, part of your experience to draw upon], and no one can say anything to you, because it's YOUR channel. I've watched enough of your videos to figure I'd vibe with just about any content you make. I stuck around because I enjoy listening to you and bask in your personality: the hair subject was merely a catalyst. Good luck to you, and cheers!
Asia Marie: I have 3c/4a hair and I forever struggled with trying to do perfect definition and volume. Would spend so much time manipulating it but still never being able to make it look like the "photogenic/acceptable" versions. Started my loc journey and honestly best decision I ever made, I feel so much more free and accepting of my hair and just letting it do what it naturally wants to do
ZyaHero: Do what makes you happy. You don't need validation from that community or even us as you subbies.
Atomaticbill T: Alot of girls in the 2 category get that way because when bw started the natural hair movement and noticed how curly their hair is, alot of yt women wanted to be like them and would compare their waves to type 3 and 4 curl/coils. So enstead of bw trying to prove how good or straight their hair is, now it's yt and non Blk women trying to prove how curly their hair is. The Blk beauty standard is publicly on the rise.
Hope N Dream: I've gone back to relaxing my hair and I'm happy with that. At the end of the day it's about loving your hair and doing what makes you happy. Being relaxed or natural never takes away from your blackness. Will always love your videos though. God bless
Dawn Desu: Just continue doing what you do. You showed me to stop being so serious about my hair. Relax and enjoy. I didn't enjoy my hair when it was permed because of the negativity behind others doing it and the fact that it was so stiff. We are going back to our old products because we want it to be simple, again. Our hair was doing fine with our initial products and we only changed because someone was telling us we were wrong.
Brown Skin Beauty: I would love for you and Glow in Peace to collab sometime. Being the quirky natural black girl in the community is a whole issue within itself. I say do what's best for you, you don't have to be a part of the community in order to provide tips and videos.
Lisa Bee: As many people have stated before …..the “community” doesn’t matter. Thank of looking at the natural hair community as a springboard for helping an individual accept their natural hair…..But it comes a time when people evolve, and when that happens….Things that were once useful for you may not be anymore. Your hair is your own journey, but just know that you don’t have to be a part of “ The Natural Hair Community”to embrace your beautifully natural self …. The majority of black women are have discovered that most communities have dysfunction and corruption, we now are charging our own path and are personalizing our own journeys . I’m pretty sure most of the people here support you. Make your own community and share your own journey and help others like you embrace themselves like you’ve been doing. Keep doing great work✌
Naomi P: With regards to the phenomenon you've identified as a styling obsession I've read somewhere before that this is deeply tied to African standards of beauty. The concept of natural beauty is a very European ideal where somebody is beautiful just as they are. Whereas in many African cultures, beauty is not a thing you are but a thing you do to yourself whether that be adorning yourself in jewellery or intricate hair styling. I think there might be something to this.
Alisia Williams: I was done with slicking down (baby hair) years ago. I never had hair until I was 3 years old. I looked like the Golden Child. I have edges and sideburns, but I'm still challenged with little hairs. Some peoples baby hairs look like bangs on steriods. LOL Stay true to your game Star Puppy !!!! Do not worry about these people.
msgigglesbaby: That's why I left the "community" a few years ago- it got real bad... I just start doing me. I mostly let my fro do its thang... moisturize, fluff, and go! I know it's gotten extremely bad and quite *disturbing* in recent years when I now get recommendations of naturals going back to relaxers, videos about people not liking their curly/afro hair compilations, more Black owned brands selling out, and Black hair stylist charging almost $1000 for box braids, twist, etc... because they don't know how to style their own peoples hair without heat♀☹ *insert imma head out spongebob meme here*
Ron: You're so right. I'm so tired of trying so many different costly products and methods. I'm tired. I've been leaving it alone. And my hair seems to be better off.
Demi: Was glad to have the natural hair community during my natural hair transition after relaxing my hair for many many moons. There is something & someone representing every hair texture, you take what you need & figure it out with what your working with. Still work in progress but so much better then I was....thankful for the natural hair community.
Olisa Rachele: You are so beautiful and I've enjoyed watching your journey. I think it's imperative that women see a reflection of themselves. I hate the colorisim and texturism behind our hair. I may be 3c but it's always been my wish that we all could just love the hair that Naturally comes from our hair despite its label. We all have a tumultuous relationship with our hair because of white supremacy. It has made us hate ourselves and envy one another. You loving your hair as it is... is all you need to do. Love your Fluff Nugget!
Chandra's Corner: I’m natural and love my hair. I feel like that’s enough acceptance for me. If I want a twist out, Afro, curls, or hot combs/ straight iron my hair straight then so be it. I’m not going by all these crazy regimens. Still if that works for someone else then cool. Everyone should just do them and be happy.
Danai Kagwa: I don't understand why it has to be one or the other? I feel it's up to every individual what they wanna do with their hair. Wanna go natural go for it, reached a time when u wanna perm again or whatever go for it. U don't own anyone anything. Vent all u want we here for it
Keylayla Blackman: I think being a part of the natural hair community can feel counterintuitive. Though honestly, I think you should stay in it (but with boundaries like its a toxic relationship lol). I've been subscribed to you for a while and you've100% made me feel like I wasn't alone in my journey to love my hair. I've had trich since I was 7 y/o (22 now) and when you made your video about it, I was so happy that you had the courage to speak about the topic on your platform. I think my take away from the natural hair community is to just do what works for you. The community should have never began with inclusivity to a certain set of curl textures or disregard everyones separate experiences currently, but like you said, speaking up created a space for us 4c girls. I love your channel and I hope you keep creating content about fluffnugget, but do what works best for you!
Tambari: The natural hair journey has been particularly hard for me because I have two textures on my head. Majority of it is kinky type 4 but the back is type 3... It looks weird in it's natural state. But because of your enthusiasm, you encourage me to experiment with my hair and finding what works FOR ME. Keep it going sis!
Jada Robinson: I am a professional beautician. More that 90% of my clientele wants straight hair. It’s not just a “4” girl issue.
Rainbow Brite : Everything you said was spot on. I went through all of these phases. But let’s be honest, there is a serious problem with texturism in this community. I feel as black women we still don’t accept our hair. Becoming product junkies for “definition” and slicked edges. Also, many 4Cs wished the products will make their hair like the 3s and that not realistic. This is why the Mixed/ biracial have hijacked the “Natural” hair movement and their channels are supported mainly by black women who are delusional thinking their hair will look like theirs. That is where the hierarchy comes in. We need to embrace our texture and move on!
Heather Johnson: I’ve been natural since 2007, way before it was a trend and way before there was a “community”. It felt more like a study group back then. We had a few hair forums and youtube videos showing some diy products and that was it. We all worked together, bounced ideas off of each other and shared our experiences. Once it went mainstream, I focused on those that could teach me something. I fell into the different hairstyles for a while. I own every hair curler ever made. Now I don’t even have the energy to put those things in my head. From all of these years, this is what I’ve learned: 1. Our hair is growing no matter what we put on it. Eat healthy, drink water, exercise and you’re hair will grow at least 6 inches every year. No oil or scalp serum is needed. 2. If I wash and condition (regular or deep) every 7-10 days my hair stays moisturized and my scalp is happy. 3. My hair doesn’t like heat or brushes. I’ll probably never silk press again and my hair loves me for it. She’s in charge and always will be. 4. My hair and hair stylists don’t agree. The pandemic has forced me to see that if I want to keep my hair on my head I have to do it myself. 5. Lastly, I always have to wash my hair in sections. We all used to in the beginning, but I see more and more naturals stepping away from this technique. For me, it’s a must and cuts my wash and detangle time down significantly. These have been the keys for happy hair and a better mental state. I’m confident in my hair and love her for what she is. The natural hair community helped some, but ultimately I had to achieve this on my own. It’s an individual journey. Everyone’s road will be a little different. I say all that to say, do you and don’t worry about the “community”. Come visit if you need something (advice for a problem, etc.) but don’t stay too long. It’s like going to the club. You have fun for a few hours but eventually you have to go home.
Nicole Allan: As a 3B hair girl with a mother who is a 4a who only taught me how to straighten my hair your channel has been such a healing place x x
Fee theawkward: Some people refer to my hair as curly, while others refer to it as wavy. The curly girl gatekeepers are at an all time high on TikTok and everywhere else. It gets confusing. I think you should just do what makes you happy.
sheabutterbre: Yeah I definitely started looking at my journey with my hair differently when I realized all twistouts do is make my 4c look like a different curl pattern. I felt like this was the opposite of what I’m trying to do with my hair. And the amount of upkeep I had to do to maintain the style out weighed the outcome success for the style. It just wasn’t worth it. One of the reasons I started my Locs. I couldn’t enjoy the styles I did with my hair because of either the environment and weather and/or the up keep for such a temporary result
Acts2:38: Star Puppy I love your bubbly energy. Keep doing you and be blessed in Jesus name. ♀
Autumn432hz: Rice water sitting on the hair is a recipe for disaster. Also Fenugreek herbs in the hair. Both will shed your hair out 50% within a year. That's why i watch Cyn Doll videos religiously because she knows the science behind all of that stuff.
Mel C: Man, this video was so reminiscent, thank you! I left the natural hair community a long time ago clearly because I forgot all these. I was a LCO girl, swore by it, threw away my petroleum mineral oils too (which worked for my hair) and my sulphates and oil! (I still don't oil my scalp bcos itchy! but deffo my hair strands!). I'm a keratin girl, yes, GIVE ME THE FORMALDEHYDE!!! I want ease in my life without the scalp burns.
TaylorNikii: Personally, I think the natural hair community ended up becoming too broad. What was originally for black women to embrace and move away from chemical processing of the hair ended up having a multitude of different definitions. It no longer because a movement for black women. I go into the store now and I see "natural hair care" but it's never targeted towards black women. Just safer ingredients. Most of these naturals on youtube are using the wrong verbiage when it comes to showing others how they take care of their hair. Using the term "How to grow your hair.." creates unidealistic expectations rather than using words like " how to retain length....". Natural hair has become more of a marketing tactic than anything. Today I went and bought grease because at this point I've tried every method of getting my hair to retain length. Now that I have, I realized that the problem was coming from the scalp. My hair is starting to thicken again. The breakage is now shed hair and I'm a happy camper. But from experimenting in so many ways and noticing the changes in my hair. I don't think science has everything right about black hair texture. There are some things that raise a question for me.
Alexus: The toxicity I have witnessed and experienced in the natural hair community is shocking! The gate keeping is what really gets me. Some people are so militant and so quick to point out and go off on anyone who they THINK aren’t sticking inside the box they feel everyone should stay in. So few people actually offer information. Instead, so many people want to accuse and just manage how you do your hair, or how it’s supposed to look like. I had to stop watching and unsubscribe from so many natural hair channels because of this. And it wasn’t even the YouTubers themselves most times, it was the comments from others. It just got to the point where I didn’t even enjoy watching hair videos anymore.
Washambi Swimp: I'm white and have like wavy/curly hair and while obviously the texturism is nowhere near as bad for us as it is for type 4 girls but. yeah it exists. The curly hair subreddit, which states in the rules and description that it's for all textured hair, no texture shaming, etc. you'll still see people undermine wavy hair as not being curly. The one that I saw that stuck out to me was a man with curly hair explaining how he didn't know his hair was curly (common concept) and in the comments he explained his wife has wavy hair and someone said "she probably has curly hair too and doesn't know it" like HUH?? maybe her hair is curlier than she knows but waves are still curls there just stretched out curls, like coils are really really tight curls, it's the same concept.
Jay V: I just like to watch people wash and style their hair. Simple.
THE MAD MILLIONAIRE: I never get tired of the basics. Styling is really good for a one off event but not every to be obsessed about. Love your channel and you Sis
Amanda Ford: Eh. I never saw any community from this. I don't see why everything *needs* to be a "community" but that's just because of my own history (and I admit: I've always held some latent resentment/distrust toward people when it comes to my hair that's kept me from directly engaging on the matter - and I'm only commenting on here because I've followed this channel pre-hair centric content when she had a cute hamster ). To be totally honest I think most of the drama generated among natural hair gurus is from content fatigue. You can only give the same set of advice and the same wash and go tutorial so many times - even if it legit works. It's part of the reason why I don't religiously follow beauty/lifestyle channels. I look up tutorials if I want to learn a new hair style or technique but that's about it.
Kim McMillian: Personally, I think you should do whats best for you. Seeking validation from others causes way too much confusion. I never seek anyones approval for my life. I see no problem in switching it up especially if your a full time working woman. Life is too short to focus on trying to be high maintenance with hair. Easier styles that will work for you when you get up in the morning are usually the best because you dont have to waste time on your hair. But again, do whats best for you.
Miss lav20: My best advice is just keep making content that you enjoy making, it doest have to just be hair things. I've been natural for over 10 years now and I still struggle with my hair. What I feel like I see in your videos is someone caring for your hair not for keeping up with trends that can cause damage. You foster a much needed healthy prospective that I think many ppl need. You radiate positivity and that's all we really need at times, representation of 4C hair and positivity towards it. When I went natural back in college so many ppl didn't think I would continue to but it's been something I've never thought about changing and it's thanks to people like you. Keep making the content that vibes with you, that's what many of us are here for.
Your Black Therapist: I love how you gave your mom a shout out! At the end of the day, we are all different. When we respect & honor that, we build a healthier community ❤️.
Reena BINA: People are hard to please. Do what makes you happy
akosua: The entire idea of the "natural hair community" was stunning and perplexing to me. I've been natural my whole life (I'm very Black, my hair is quite nappy, thank you). And upon finding these "natural hair gurus" on YouTube (yes I'm late, I'm old) I was really not sure ANY of them actually loved (or even liked) their hair. Ya know, I'd have to say, this isn't rocket science its your hair. And if you just do the basics (wash, comb if you like) you'll be fine. A hundred and one products, y'all, it's just not that hard or deep. But if you insist on your hair looking and being something it's not, well that's fighting yourself. And when you do that you lose either way. So, love yourself y'all, all of yourself! ❤❤❤
LototheFlo: I especially love the segment on 4c terminology!! People have been pushing back against hair typing whilst forgetting that without this terminology they would still be calling our hair nappy and bad. Thank you for putting my feelings into words because I’ve only recently been hearing that pushback and couldn’t explain why I hated it.
★Jazzy★Bell★: This whole video is a vibe. As a 4c girl, I literally agreed with everything you said, especially the end last about how even people would discover or hair as "thick" and knowing even as a kid that they didn't mean it in a good way. I've only recently had people start telling me that my hair is beautiful.
FunSizedOreoGirl: "And you've grown with me too" made me happy cry!!! I've been struggling with loving my hair in it's shrunken state and moisturizing it every off day. It took me years to be comfortable but I'm definitely moving forward to letting it just do it's thing. I'm happy how I feel about my natural hair. Although the negative connotations of the community have affected me as well I was able to find creators like you! I'll always be grateful to natural hair content creators who have helped guide me through my journey, thank you. Do what makes you at peace, we'll support your decision no matter what
Esther T. Jones: The conversation around afro hair is undergoing a reset right now, and I'm here for it!
Window4503: The extent of my involvement in the natural hair community is giving and receiving compliments irl at random events and shops. That’s it. At the end of the day, it’s just dead strands of keratin on your head.
OneSoloPlayer: I'm so happy I found your channel early in my decision to start my natural hair journey because your videos weren't just about how to take care of my hair. You made sure that emphasize that having 4c does not mean I have "bad hair". Your videos have always been encouraging and help me not just feel comfortable with my hair, but ultimately with my blackness as well. Whether its within the Natural Hair community, or your own, your voice and perspective is much needed and loved when it comes to learning how to love your hair!
Just Me, Kennie!: You are helping more than you know sis. Thank you for making this video. I've have learned so much , not only from you and your videos but from the natural hair community. As for all the negativity that is out there it has allowed me to see where my thinking was wrong and how I needed to change. Because my fine 4abc, high porosity hair is what God gave me and to hate it or see it only in a Negative light is disrespectful to God and myself. Because like my eye and skin color, it is what I was born with and not only is it enough but it is perfect for me! And when I starting thinking like this, I cut down if not out.... on store bought hair products that were trying to sell me on certain factors like "curl enhancing", "elongating" "defining"..etc. and focused on moisture, strength and retention and left my hair alone. And "my" natural hair has never been so healthy, "Mong" arm pit length, shiny, full and as you said "NICE" ....in my entire life. So keep making this content...because it it very beneficial and we love it. Much love and hugs. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Apara: I've been natural for almost 2 years (after being relaxed my entire adulthood...and heat damage natural my whole childhood). I realize the natural hair community on social media was toxic within the first couple of months and left: 1. So much misinformation. All the information shared was based on trends and not on science and research. These influencers were going to have you all bald!!! 2. The obsession on making our hair look type 3 by using 1million products. When you have to use a leave in, oil, a mousse, a gel, a butter to make your hair stay curly and lay down...girl...that isn't your real hair type!!!! 3. The obsession with stretching your hair to make it have "hang time." You have an afro!!! Just deal with it. Anyways...I know what my hair needs, so I don't follow trends. And I just wear my hair in an afro (like a type 4 is suppose to look like) with minimum product. I just add a leave in, maybe an oil after washing and conditioning ♀️.
Renee: Also I really love your cosplay and web comic content. I found you through your hair content but stayed for your uniqueness and personality! I'll tune in for whatever content you do ❤️
Brain Dead: I distanced myself from the community when I realised that I’d fit into it a lot better if I were mixed race or had type 3 hair. The hairstyles, the products, the whole natural aesthetic was in favour of type 3 hair. My hair didn’t slick down with a little gel, nor did my curls bounce with some cantu. None of the things they were telling me to do would work on my hair, so while they definitely helped me transition to doing my own hair (I was around 13 so my mum used to wash and style it all for me) and I still come back to them time again, I had to distance from it in order to learn what actually worked for my hair.
Jocelyn Watson: I went natural because I always wanted my hair to be naturally curly and it helped me learn my hair. I believe a lot of these so-called natural hair “gurus” gained a little bit of knowledge, gained power, & ran with it. The thing that was something we all bonded over at one point has become what divides us and that shouldn’t be.
Prisla Em: Continue doing what you're doing, which is what's working for you. I love your hair videos...I loved watching you discover what makes your hair comfortable. How it has changed and thrived (and continue to thrive) from the love, patience and dedication you have directed toward it. You don't have to be a part of the "community" if it is causing you distress, you can care for your natural hair your way. With everything you've learned about the glorious fluff puff that sits regaly atop your head, you can create content that will draw others to the joyous side of natural hair care (even if that joy is sometimes stressful).
Jay P: I was natural 4z before there was a natural hair community and I intend to stay this way! My body is a dictatorship, not a democracy! You can't force someone to do or be anything. I hope you stay a natural hair cosplay content creator but that's your choice. Do what makes you happy and don't worry about everyone else! Love your channel Danielle and the content! ❤ ✌
Vennette Gloud: Thank you for your levity in all this. I don’t know if I ever saw myself as joining a community when I first started watching these videos….I was more like doing research and I’ve never been a good “joiner” or “follower”. All I knew was that my hair never grew longer in all my life tan 5-6 inches until I started watching the videos and taking suggestions. Now I have hair growing down my back when I flatiron it. My hair is, I guess somewhere between 3c.5 and 4b…it’s very dry by nature and very porous.. ever since I was a kid, so I was already in tough shape. It wouldn’t grow, it wouldn’t move, and it wouldn’t shine because it was very light. Now it does all three.
Jessica : I'm mostly a 3c mixed curl girl and I watch your videos because I love the personality you bring to your content. I never really felt like the toxic parts of the community was on your channel which is why I started watching you in the first place. If you're happy with the community you built up then you can become the beacon for the change you want to see. You don't have to leave if you don't want to.