Can White Women Be In The Natural Hair Movement? | Black Hair Is...

cayla sunshine: I am white with curly hair, I dont need to be included in the movement, its not about me. But I have to say that watching all these beautiful queens embrace there natural hair gave me the confidence to embrace my natural hair aswell

Sophia :O: I’m white and have curly hair but I would never ever in a million years want to be part of this movement. I have struggles with my hair and have to learn to accept it too bc it’s not the typical white girl hair. I have people who ask me if it’s natural and touch it without asking. Just bc my experience wasn’t as bad doesn’t mean it’s not something I can’t complain about or isn’t valid. But, this movement is way deeper than hair. It’s about reclaiming their African roots and any white woman cannot relate to that. It’s about connecting with their culture and heritage that was taken away from and used to make them seem disgusting and gross. Let black woman have this for themselves.

CASPER DEETZ: I’m a white woman with curly hair, but black women should feel empowered by themselves, without us intruding. i see the comments talking about how we also feel the pressure to straighten our hair (which is true, my hair is still finding its curl pattern from many years of straightening lol) but there’s no way us white women could understand what black women have had to go through for centuries. they get the hate wayyy deeper than we could ever understand

Jess: It’s about the unruly, coily hair, the girls with Afros, the girls with braids. It’s not about tame curls or white girl curls. It’s about the fact that black women were told their hair was no appropriate for work or other. Yes, I’m white, and I have wild curly hair, but I have yet to be told that my hair is inappropriate for school or work. This movement is about oppression. Women of color are who this movement is for.

Nae West: They already have been a part of the natural hair community in every commercial, magazine cover, and all sorts of media. I just want a broader spectrum of hair types promoted for all women not just them

Jackie Smith: I am white and have naturally curly hair. I’ve been told by multiple people that having curly hair is unprofessional. Every time I’ve straightened my hair people tell me, “you look so pretty with straight hair. Why don’t you get it permanently straightened?” I have complete strangers come up to me and ask to touch my hair or touch my hair without asking. People are constantly asking if my curly hair is natural if I made them that way, because it seems unbelievable that a white girl would have such curly hair naturally? So with that I could see myself having a place in this movement. But at the same time I know that what I’ve experienced having curly hair is nothing compared to what a woman of colour will have experienced in her life. And so I also understand the movement not having a place for me.

The Powe Show: You know you're a trendsetter when folks are begging to be in YOUR movement!

Lauren Kaita: I'm appreciative of what the natural hair movement does for all women. But I recognize that it's a privilege to benefit from it without having been marginalized because of it. I would not ever claim to know the same type of struggles as women of colour have experienced. I will always, whole heartedly, support women of colour finding freedom in their hair, in whatever way they see fit.

Tatiana Harder: I am a white woman. I just want to say that because of this movement I finally learned to love my naturally curly hair. I spend my 20's straightening my hair becuause no one else i knew had hair like mine. Black women are beautiful with beautiful hair. Thank you for your courgage.

Alba V. B.: They are two completely different things: the discrimination of the curly hair in general, and the racism against the afro hair in particular. One is "just" esthetic, which could be very offensive, but the other is racism. They just need two different names, and calling the racism by his name. The word "natural" is very ambiguous for anything.

Aleena Prasannan: I'm an Indian with jet black straight hair and every hairdresser I go to suggest colouring my hair. I prefer not to, but that doesn't mean I have anything to do with 'natural hair' movement as such. I was never subjected to prejudice because of how my natural hair was, so regardless of my decision to keep my hair natural, I don't think I'm in anyway significant in this. Ofcourse I can support them, but we need to understand that certain things are centric towards other people. I wouldn't poke my nose into it. It would be similar to mansplaining pregnancy, when men don't get the worst part of it. I don't think that any white or red haired person was ever kicked out of class for their hair.

V Davis: This is why the distinction between the terms “POC” and “Black” needs to be used carefully.

Mary Elizabeth: I'm white and I don't see the natural hair movement as for me. I've always seen it as reclaiming black hair in the context of history and colonialism etc. trying to assimilate black people and erase black identity. Sure, I can embrace my curls, but I see that as very different from the natural hair movement. It's something I support and love, but it's not mine. Black people have enough spaces that they have to share with white people but, to me, this is obviously a movement that should be by and for black people. Also, I don't get any shit for embracing my curls, whereas black people are continually told they are less professional, presentable, educated etc etc etc for embracing their own curls.

emmie russo: white women embracing their curls is an embracement movement, black women embracing their hair is a movement that is a reflection of how society can start change to embrace and empower culture, on surface level they seem similar, but they are truly very different. it’s not about saying white people cant love their natural hair, it’s about recognising the difference, and that that difference is okay.

Veronica Watson: For myself, the movement was to create love for women of color and the challenges they faced with the perception of their natural hair. This stemmed from racism more than difficulty styling or wish for straight hair in a fashionable way. You can't claim the same cultural perception of curly hair with light skinned and dark skinned women. I think we should embrace that movement for what it set out to do. As a curly girl, I support that initiative. I am apart of the movement but it isn't about me. I am happy for the knowledge shared for my hairs sake but it's obviously more than that. It's a political and moral movement, not just a beauty one. That's less the issue.

Berliner7654321: Must be an American thing. My mother has extremely straight hair, and during my entire childhood, she waged a proper chemical war against her hair, trying to get curls (unsuccessfully). She was friends with a black woman and a readhead, both of which had naturally curly hair and envied them badly. Best regards from Berlin

Ema Tique: I'm mixed and my hair is 3A. Growing up though it feels like curly hair wasn't really accepted here in Australia. I feel like curly hair is more embraced in America than it is here. I wear my hair natural now and still growing out my relaxer. I can recognise how it's different for someone with a 4 type hair texture.

Tubbkin: I don't even have close to the texture of the hair they have, I can't even imagine the struggle I have thick hair and I can barely brush it. I fully support this movement even if I may not truly understand what it's like to have their hair texture.

Lindsey Costa: Naturally curly white girl here. My personal experience is that while we did get bullying and the, "your hair isn't professional" talks, it isn't the same what a black woman faces. The bullying and workplace issues are rooted in racism, that doesn't mean someone was racist against me, it means someone tried to use racism to get me to change something about myself in hopes that I was racist enough to be ashamed. I support the natural hair movement because it is bringing awareness to one aspect of racism. I'm not a part of the natural hair movement because I am white and don't face the discrimination that the movement is fighting. A white woman can find a job, curly hair or no, far easier than a black woman can.

Janelle Callia: The phrase "natural hair" has such a heavy and emotional historical context in the black community. Everyone should love their natural hair and can say they are apart of the movement but the truth is the US shame on black hair is so heinous, that many who will disagree cannot understand. You can disagree and argue, but please start arguing with me when you acquire black skin and live through the shameful history that black hair has in the US. The natural hair movement is not equivalent for all races.

A: The natural hair movement is about more than just hair, it's about the disrespect women of colour have received. They are perceived to be "dirty" or "unprofessional" because of their natural hair or their cultural hair styles, and thus have been presented with more challenges than white women. Women of colour have always had to change their look to fit western beauty standards just so they can receive HALF the respect of a white person, and the purpose of this movement isn't just about liking your curly hair, it's about demanding respect and justice! I'm a white woman with curly hair, but I have never tried to fit myself into this movement because regardless of whether or not I (or anyone else) likes my hair, this movement is more about racial inequality than it is about hair.

Ladessa Marie: They had laws made to keep us from wearing our natural hair, we had to wear wraps or even have or heads shaved. The Natural hair movement is a space created by black people for black people (and that does includes mix raced black people too) due to the hate we received for our hair, the focus goes deeper than just having curly hair. So no white women should not be allowed in the natural hair movement it wasn't meant for them and they were one of the main reasons we created it.

Over The Bridge: I think there should be a beautiful movement where anyone can wear their natural hair out, no matter what texture and love it like the natural hair movement❤️

xkanyewestfan09x: We were having this conversation years ago when the NHM first started gaining widespread traction. Now, look what happened! Like people didn't warn y'all

Niara Wilson: No absolutely not.. I love what one of the ladies said.. the whole point of the natural hair movement is too reject the notion that white women hair is the only acceptable hair that we as black women can only be accepted if we have to straight weave or the perm.. @me

Jamei Cary: The natural hair movement isnt just hair its about being empowered and learning about ourselves as black women.....no they arent included because its not just about hair troubles being similar its about years of oppression about our hair and our beauty and everyone saying its unacceptable to be this way and forcing change upon us to regulate to their standards...LET US HAVE SOMETHING OF OUR OWN we're the only group of people thats always pressured into including other races into everything. For years noone has included us and this one time i unapologetically say no! Its not another trend to steal

Savanna P: I am white and I deeply support this movement. The history of natural hair is very personal to people and I completely understand and agree with the idea of wanting the movement to be for black women only. Even white women with natural hair that have been teased for their hair have not gone through the deep seeded hatred/racism that black women have over their hair. White people will never understand the pain completely, but I know many who are willing to try and are disheartened by the racism. It's also important to note that I am not saying that white women with natural hair do not have hurt over their hair and should not be validated for their struggle, I am just saying it's on a different level. I love the open conversation and willingness to talk about this topic. Side note: the ladies in this video are gorgeous

Agl Duvier: I fully support that movement, I've always found natural hair beautiful when it comes to afros or curls, and I also think, as a white woman, that we still do not belong to it. I've got curly hair as well, but of course I do not have any cultural issue behind them, so I don't think it's my place to be in this movement. However, I cannot do but support white women to also embrace their natural texture, as well as Asian women. Every hair worths it. And you go girls, be proud of your afros, these are a gift from nature <3

Sarah Lou: I’ve got to ask myself why white women feel the need to be apart of this movement. I understand that women of nationalities have curly hair I’m not denying that. I also understand that having curly hair is a struggle for all women especially in the washing process but I think what people are forgetting is that black women since the dawn of time have found ways to style there hair for practical reasons and this for some unknown logic by a man more than likely turned into black women having to make sure their hair was pleasing to the eyes of the people that we worked for. We also had products that in straightening took all the strength from our hair. Please do not get me wrong I am not attacking anyone but the daily struggle I go through to make my hair presentable to my white employers is ridiculous and though my white colleagues have hair that looks bad my hair will be the topic of conversation. So why would white women in there right minds and with their multiple privileges want to be apart of a movement that is supposed to abolish one of the many oppressions we as black women face ? A genuine question.

Kindal Ellis: After reading a lot of the comments on this video, I felt this needed to be said. My ancestors were discriminated against in the past. They were called stupid. When children spoke our language in schools, they were beaten and told that only English was allowed in America. My grandparents never taught us how to speak our language. It was considered idiotic and undesirable. People look at us like a joke and think we can’t possibly amount to anything. My culture is dying out now. We were smothered and I don’t know if our culture will be able to survive. My hair is curly (3b/3c) texture. As a kid, I hated my hair. I straightened it often, and even got it chemically treated to make it smooth like the other girls. Even then I never could live up to my friend’s perfect shiny soft hair, and I was doomed with a frizzy mop. People told me my hair looked like a carpet, or that it looked better when it was straight. I believed I was ugly for most of my middle school and high school career and most days my hair stayed up in a tight bun. Thinking about my hair made me upset and feel inadequate. The natural hair movement has given me confidence. It has showed me that I can be beautiful and that having curly hair isn’t a curse. Oh yeah, I also forgot to mention that I am Cajun. A white ethnic group in southern Louisiana (Also a legal minority, look it up if you don’t believe me). I consider MYSELF a part of the natural hair movement and I don’t need anyone to tell me whether or not I belong. Because this has changed my life, and given me confidence I never had. I finally know how to take care of my hair. I finally see that it can be beautiful. It makes me sad to see that I may not be accepted in this wonderful movement. We are all humans and we can all go through hardships no matter our race. And while I know a lot of people won’t agree with me, I will continue to support the natural hair movement, I will count myself in their number even if others won’t.

Bolsheviki: I'm mixed (more than just biracial) and finding out ways to tame my hair was a nightmare, especially growing up. But because I pass as white and don't feel that I face the same struggles these women would, say, at a workplace, if I wear my hair naturally curly, I don't believe that I should be looking to them for support. There are tons of resources for white women and their hair (r/curly is my go to) I could get dropped off in any tiny American town and still have my hair cut, maybe not a Deva curl as I prefer, but they would be able to manage my type of curls. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for black women (imagine a black woman trying to get professional hair help in a random somewhere like Delaware or West Virginia, probably unlikely.) Let them have their safe community, because it really is *so much more than just being about 'hair'*

V: This is why you have you be even specific. 'Type 4 black women natural hair movement' is what I would call it

Reg rose: The Natural Hair movement started with Black Women who had a naturally KINKY or NAPPY texture and stopped getting Harmful chemical Perms to refrain from conforming to the white standard of beauty (I have this texture of Hair so I’m using the term Nappy for Clarity). Honestly, it’s bad enough that Mixed People have included themselves into this community because Most mixed people with loose curly hair textures didn’t have to get perms because when they wet their hair, it’s hangs down like most white women or whatever. White supremacy is such a strong system that we have people trying to include all races and ethnic backgrounds with Natural Hair, like some women in this video tried to perpetuate. Tbh, Black People were not aware that white women got Keratin Straightening! That truth didn’t come out until AFTER the Natural Hair movement, before that, Keratin Straightening was a big white girl secret. Don’t try to make a narrative that we all go through the same “Hair Hate” when it’s clearly not the same at all. Having Kinky/Nappy Hair that has little to no definition IS NOT the same as White and Mixed girls with Loose Curly Hair that hangs down your back when wet or whatever.... some of y’all are confused af and need to get a clue

Jacklyn Ann: Don't tell me as a curly haired white women that I cannot embrace my hair. I am not claiming similarity in cultures or heritage or racial struggles. Im talking strictly a struggle with hair related self acceptance. Thats it. I grew up in a white straight haired society too. Not the same level of curl but a curl all the same.

kira: I have straight or a bit wavy hair, so of course I am not a part of the movement. I fully support it tho

HollyMoon: I spent my whole childhood straightening and frying my hair and my family have been brushing out their waves since Victorian times. As a woman with a significant lack of melanin, I want to stand up with my brothers and sister of color because I have seen a part of the oppression they have to go through eve day as I learned I had curly hair and how to take care of it, from my black sisters. Divided, we are weak, but together we can fight to end the systemic bullshit that has oppressed our brothers, sisters, and ourselves since the beginning of our civilization. I hope some day we will all be allowed to join hands and fight the good fight.

why chooose a user name ?: I'm mixed Indian and European, my hair is straight, thick and oily, but I just love the positivity I've seen on the internet with the natural hair movement. It's not my experience, but I can feel connected in a supportive way and learn more about different styles even if I'm not getting them done.

Jessica Pandino: This came up on my suggestions and I was intrigued. I am mostly Caucasian (1/4 Asian) and I had straight hair until puberty, when it started to get curly in the early-mid 2000's. Long, straight hair was "in" and I hadn't lived long enough to realize that trends go through cycles. I remember feeling so ugly, like only skinny blondes with blue eyes and stick-straight hair were pretty. With my dark, curly brown hair, dark eyes, and short legs I was obviously the "ugly stepsister" of the world. HOWEVER!! I have not ever considered myself part of the natural hair movement. I've always seen that as something deeper than just embracing one's own hair texture. Even the term "Natural Hair" to me, refers to Black hair. I refuse to use the term for my own hair. My curls are absolutely part of my *personal* identity, but there aren't centuries of oppressive history attached. And, haven't ever risked losing a job or opportunity just because of my hair texture. There is a huge difference. That said, I do not hesitate to watch or follow Black hair YouTubers and Instagrammers. I learn a ton about how to care for my own hair! And honestly I learn a lot about racism there too. I eventually came to embrace and love my curls, and I'm so happy that there are now more curly hair products and information available. I also recognize that Black women have played a massive role in that!

Sofia Rosas: From my prespective as a white woman who tries to understand black women's struggles, the natural hair movement started not only because of the presure of looking glamorised and preped a certain way because you're a woman but also because of the pressure to look white. Therefore, I can easily understand why it's not our place as white women to equate our struggle to theirs, even if we do struglewith the pressures of "looking like a lady", we're not ever asked to look like another race.

Nikki D: As a white woman with curly hair I've never seen a reason to try to be in this movement. Black women should have a group to feel empowered by their hair. I dont see a reason why white women need to be involved in that.

miss.arachne: I'm irish and have very curly strawberry blonde hair and I use natural hair products and I even wrap my hair. My hair is ridiculous and I started taking better care of my hair cause my hair use to be course and dry but then I got hypothyroidism and realized even more how other races struggle with there curly texture and other problems they have

Dewi Lew: No. It can be damaging. Do what you want, but call it something else.

Becky Bryan: I had this epically long comment all written. When I read it back, I was just saying everything these beautiful women already said. As a white person, I am learning to just shut up and let POC share their experiences and thoughts from their own perspectives and be ok with that. I want to be a supportive ally. Especially to women. And that means listening without having to comment. Just be there in that conversation and have them be heard. Sorry. This was just kind of an epiphany for me and need to write it down.

Charlotte Gratton: Thank you so much Nikia, Lelia and Alecia to understand the struggle. I was bullied all my life for my hair, pressured to straightened them (I was so ashamed I shaved them for years) people always want to touch without my permission. They would make fun of it or throw things at me. People are hateful toward curly hair and they are so ignorant about how we need to take care of it. I learned how to take care of mine I was 20 years old. It doesn't make sense. It's sad.

Sheherazahde: This video came up as an ad on a video I was watching. I didn't seek it out. I am a white woman. And I have very very curly hair. My hair is only about 4 inches long right now and I can't run my fingers through it because it ties itself in knots. I can only brush it when it is still wet from the shower. When I was young I wanted to have straight hair because I thought that was so much cooler. But I discovered that women with straight hair wanted to have curly hair so I learned to accept my hair. I embrace my natural hair. But I don't feel the need to intrude into the "Natural Hair Movement" because that is not really about hair. It is about the history African American racial oppression. Yes I have hair and body issues. But they are not racial bias hair and body issues. Love who you are. Do what you need to do. Bond with a community who shares your experiences. Go you!

Audrey Hudson: as someone who has had crazy curly hair their whole life, i do not feel like white people should be included in this movement. yes, i think everyone regardless of their race should embrace their natural hair. it took me a while to embrace my own, as i was constantly told my teachers and employers that my crazy curly hair was too distracting and should be better “tamed” (had several teacher call my parents even lol). HOWEVER, as a white woman i do not understand the black experience nor do i know what it is like to constantly be told that you need to emulate another race. EMBRACE THIS MOVEMENT LADIES AND LOVE YOUR CURLSSSS. @ all the white women up in arms about “not being included in this movement”... this doesn’t mean that all natural hair isn’t beautiful. this is celebrating black women rocking their natural hair without being told that white hair is better. PLEASEEEE quit #alllivesmatter-ing this shit ;)

Katie B.: I support it. I'm vocal about it. (And many other things.) That's how I'm part of it. I have crazy, unruly, thick as hell hair. But the term 'Natural hair,' in this instance, and generally speaking, is obviously referring to black people's hair.

Seeking Him daily: To be more inclusive with our white counterpart, I would recommend that there be a separate group called the “Chemical-Free Hair” Movement because my 4C hair is not closely identified with non-women of color. ‍♀️

Hazel Davis: No, because the Natural Hair movement isn't only about hair. It's about teaching self-love, passing it between people who share a history. It's the care found at a grandmama's knee when you watch her do her hair. She talks about how beautiful her hair is, you see the care she takes with it and you think to your little self 'maybe my hair is beautiful too'. It's about creating a special place for that to happen. It's intimate and not meant to be all inclusive.

LollingLizard 13: As a white 17 year old who as 3c textured hair. I completely understand the reasons for black women to have their own space and community and I love that in every aspect. I always correct people if they say that I have an afro. I tell them no. I educated myself on the cultural significance of the word afro and movements such as this. I would also like to say that I have been on a lengthy hair journey and I am still on that road from hair loss, straightening, physical bullying and self-love. When I found the natural hair community it not only saved my hair but my life and self-worth for me also it was somewhere I could go and feel excepted. I was told growing up "Your white, you should;t have that hair!". Even if I don't deserve or be allowed a place within this community I would just like to say a massive thank you and I will support this even from the outside.

Perverted Reflection: It really depends on what is meant by being part of a movement. If we're just talking about sharing hair tips with people who have a similar hair type and are trying to learn how to wear it naturally, which seems like the kind of experience most of us are likely to have in real life, why not?

Ruqhell: as a white latino woman with natural hair i maybe wouldn’t put myself in the same category as black women who have dealt with this on a deeper level. it’s not only about hair and i know that. yes i have my struggles with wanting straight hair when i was younger and still learning how to style it and all the highs and lows of having this kind of hair but i could never understand what black women go through everyday with just their hair alone. most of my life i was complimented for my hair because i was a white latino with curly frizzy hair and many people thought it was pretty and exotic but i can imagine it wasn’t the same for them growing up. so no i don’t think we should be apart of this movement. i think it’s okay to still acknowledge that yes non black women have this hair and we can help each other out and give each other tips on how to deal with this hair but this is something deeper for them than we can relate to.

Pixie Stix: as a white spaghetti straight haired woman i can only be there support. much love yo all ❤

Sofia Domingos: I'm a white woman and let me tell you, no of course not. White women have never really been shamed and judged and suffered from racism because of our hair . I'm proud of anyone of any race that embraces their natural hair and loves their hair and themselves buuuuttt the NHM is for black women , not white . We can't even beging to understand the prejudice WOC go through because of their hair.

Angharad Lerryn: I have relatively curly (3a/3b) curls and while I definitely faced my own share of insecurities, teasing and bullying because of it, I've personally never thought that the natural hair movement was ever anything meant to include me. I'm not from America so I'm not as knowledgeable on the struggles and hardships that African American (and POC in general) have faced, but even I am aware of how people have "looked down" upon black women and men for letting their hair do what it naturally does and wearing styles with centuries of cultural significance to them. The natural hair movement empowers those people to take back control and gain pride in their hair and its intrinsic beauty, despite living in a culture and a society that is constantly telling them that it's wrong. I've never viewed the natural hair movement as something to include people like me, and that's okay, because at the end of the day, the movement isn't _just_ about hair. We can all share knowledge and experience about our hair with one another, but there's a certain point where we (as white curlies) need to take a step back and see where the boundary is. I will say though, that literally (and I mean _literally_ ) everything I know about my hair now when it comes to care for it properly, has come from black women who saw the state of my hair and went "sweetheart no" and actually taught me how to look after it and I'll always be thankful for that! This comment is already way too long and I don't know if I was able to get my opinion across in a coherent way, but hopefully you understand where I'm coming from lol

Hannah Bee: So I'm totally white, I'm not denying that. And I honestly think the answer is no. I remember seeing my black friends in elementary and middle school with their natural hair out and proud, and they would get picked on like crazyyy. Yet the white girls with bouncy, curly, natural hair were loved. "I wish I had your hair" kids would say to the white girl. Yet, that was never said to any of the black girls. They were looked as "gross" if I remember correctly. I wish I stood up for them back in the day, because they were so beautiful.

hj kn: I think for most white women, our role should be as allies, and promoting respect for each woman (especially black women and girls) to choose what is right for her without backlash, and to explore the social biases associated with natural hair.. we need to listen and support... and work to not contribute to the mistreatment..

Eliza Cerda: White women can embrace their natural texture, and support the natural hair movement, but can’t be in the natural hair movement. I am half white and half Latina with 2b hair, and I haven’t faced any discrimination for having the slight texture in my hair that I do. The movement is meant for black women to come together and say that their hair is beautiful just the way it is, and white women can use their privilege to be a supportive ally.

Mollie Myers: Thank you for this video! I'm a white woman, in a white family, and the only one with curly hair. I grew up with parents who called my hair nappy and would force me to chemically straighten it until high school and still make me put a flat iron to it for things like family photos so as to be more "presentable". That all being said, I've always felt unsure to what extent I can be a part of the natural hair movement. I appreciate knowing that not everyone is comfortable with it because even though I may have the same or similar texture, and even some shared traumatic memories, it will never be to the same extent because I don't have the added cultural oppression that comes with it.

Sarah Kendall: I loooove this video!! I've been really trying to understand the perspective of not wanting white women in the NHM. Love the women on here who think they CAN be.

BOOTLEG CAR STUDIO : As a black man i LOVE natural hair on a sista! Most men (of all races) don't like weave...i think this should be freaking Holiday.

Alex F: Idk. I see their point. But I was bullied for my hair to the point where my classmates set it on fire so I'd say if nothing else, people with curly hair in general need to get together and encourage each other as well.

gmcmim1: Can white women be included in the natural hair movement? I am going to say this in the most nicest and honest way possible. Everything is not for everyone. Sure there are white women who had struggles embracing their natural hair texture. But is it really the same as black women and our Afro textured hair? Not really. I do believe that they need a space for their concerns but to come over to the natural hair movement of black women and say they are the same is a little intrusive. Cause with black women it is deeper than hair. I know we talk about hair but it goes beyond that. It is also about facial features, skin tone, etc, and lack of beauty representation.

Tara G: I say this as a black woman who believes in inclusion: absolutely...NOT! Their hair is not our hair. Even if they have curly or tightly curly hair, our hair is STILL different than theirs. Black women are the only women who have to deal with type 4 hair. Yeah, we are all human and all that beneath all the races, I get it. But there are a few things about us and white people that are too different to pretend that it doesn't matter, and hair is one of them. Our hair is different, even from the white women who have curly hair. We have kinkier textures hair, and the natural hair movement allows us to have products formulated and distributed for sale just for us. When you have non black women with looser texture hair in, then all that attention that we need for our hair is gone. Now these hair companies that were only making hair products for 4 type hair will want to change their formula for more loose textured hair, rendering the product almost ineffective, even damaging, for our hair type. I am sorry white women, but you can't have this. I know that some things as women we go through similar struggles, but our hair textures and struggles are too different for us to embrace everyone. We need the natural hair movement because we are the only race that deals with natural, kinky, 4 type hair. If we commonly had similar hair, I'd be like yeah, ok. But we don't. I am sorry white girls with curls, but please get your own thing. On a related note, I want to mention that if you are a white women who buys black hair care products for your hair and then complain (grease, for example) in reviews, please STOP. Our hair care products are not formulated for 1 and 2 type hair, which many of you have. I have seen white people leaving bad reviews on line after trying a black hair care products because it left their hair feeling too oily, weighed down, or some other issue. THOSE PRODUCTS ARE NOT MADE FOR YOUR HAIR. I don't care what the seller says. All they care about is making a sell. If the product looks ethnic, and you see reviews from a bunch of black people, then the product was NOT made with your hair type in mind.

thobbit: as a woman with naturally curly hair, i understand both sides. I want to embrace my natural hair. and i want to support women in the movement. hair is a genetic trait with both races and it’s a way we can relate to one another. not with oppression but it’s just a nice way we can understand one another. and it’s nice for women of all races to support one another and show that oppression is in the past and things have changed. Being supportive is different than being intrusive. and i think when it comes to different hairstyles like laying edges could be shared. everyone has baby hairs/ some have curly hair etc, and it’s not to poke fun or to mock but to understand we have SOME of the same issues.

Arianna Silva: I don't know about being in it myself but you can still help. Encouraging friends who go natural and maybe even buying those products for celebrations. Even listening to those with natural hair talk about the struggles and solutions.

BTSxARMYlife: I have used products made for natural black hair (and I love them) but no, I don't think white women should be part of the movement because while we can understand the stress of having hair that doesn't conform to the norm of what is percieved as beautiful, we CANNOT undestand the political and cultural implications of having Afro-textured hair.

Mary Carr: The natural hair movement is not just about hair, it's so much deeper than that. As black women, we are looked down on by society. We created this movement so we could all feel empowered and embrace our culture together, so we could teach our daughters that black is beautiful. This movement should be exclusive to black women, I'm sorry that I'm not sorry.

mlegummybears: I was also bullied because my hair was frizzy to the extreme and everyone hated it to the point they deemed me "craziest hair" and I was dumb and actually posed for that photo in the yearbook. It's encouraging to see all different kinds of people, including those from the natural hair movement, embracing their hair and finding ways to take care of it without damaging it. Am I part of that movement? No, and I'm okay with that. but I am encouraged by the movement and I hope more young girls of every race learn that no matter what your hair texture it is beautiful and you are worthy!

Mimble: I'm not white or black but here's my unpopular opinion that y'all are free to ignore: No. I don't think white women should be included in the natural hair movement. I mean, if the natural hair movement is inspiring them to love their curly/coily hair, then that's awesome, but this is about black women and all the years of self-hate that was imposed upon them by the beauty standards of white people in the first place. Being told that their hair is ugly, tangled, dirty, ghetto, ratchet, nappy, like pubic hair, smelly, or gross was a direct insult upon their ethnicity for not having the smooth and shiny hair that many white women have; white women who were seen as superior. This movement is about black women learning how to rise above the stigma society has enforced upon their natural beauty and to love their blackness. White ladies, this is not to say y'all are racist or the problem or anything like that, so don't misunderstand me. But this movement is for our black sisters. Let them have this.

nicole moore: “Black women need to have a safe space for themselves” I know I might get disagreements but to me, that is just magnifying our racial separation. “Love on ourselves and just not include white women at this time” what time will we be included? I’ve struggled with my curly hair all my life. I became fascinated with African hair styles and products because they actually work on me. For the first time in my life, I figured out how to help my hair be the best it can. And that is purely due to African hair videos and friends that share with me their long known tips and tricks. I don’t understand the perspective of separation due to color, culture or race. I was born n raised in Long Beach and LB has ALL races n cultures, it’s a mosh pit. It has never showed me the other perspective of black women/people having a disagreement about who should do or wear what. I have watched ssooo many videos of people explaining why we are “not allowed” and “shouldn’t” style out hair a certain way...but I’ve never even looked at a hairstyle n thought it was “meant” for one race. To me, it’s just hair. Please be kind if you reply, I only mean love and good ♥️

savanana: I'm a white woman with very curly hair. I think we _could_ be part of it, but we must realize that we aren't oppressed for our hair.

madisyn: i’m white and i support the movement because people of color have been fired from jobs for wearing there natural hair. i don’t understand why white people want to be apart of it white people dont get fired because of there hair being “unprofessional”. there’s a deep history behind it that i dont think us white people will never understand. with that being said that doesn’t mean that we can’t support it because we can and i will.

Amanda: As a white woman with super curly hair, I spent about 10 years of my life (late elementary through high school) hating my hair and being super insecure because of it. I straightened my hair for years to the point where it had fried off about 8 inches (without even cutting it), and when I wore it natural it looked sort of.. bird nest(ish?) due to the heat damage. It took five years for my hair to look healthy again, even though it still isn't. It's sad to say I was ashamed of my natural hair. But I have had plenty of people, white and black, tell me that my hair can't be white and say I must be part black, and even not believe that my relatives are all white. Just a couple weeks ago, I was at work and a black woman who I was helping touched my hair and told me that "my hair is not white." She went as far as asking about my family history and their hair and the whole thing was really uncomfortable and aggravating.

yikes: Part of the community; yes Part of the actual movement; no

Kelsey Murphy: I have struggled with my hair forever... I always thought I just had frizzy “bad hair”. I had a hair dresser say my hair was “horrible”. I flat ironed my hair a lot throughout college and always had it pulled back because any moisture made it misbehave. I HATED my hair. It wasn’t until I saw black women discussing the natural hair movement and then discussing their hair struggles that I realized my hair was actually naturally curly. My pattern ranges from a 2b to 3a. The less I’ve done to my hair the more tight the curl pattern has become. I still don’t know how to style it, I struggle with knowing what products to use and I am still frustrated with my hair texture as no one in my family has the same curls as me. I know the natural hair stigma associated with black women is not the same for us whites women but we also struggle especially us girls who grew up in the 90’s where perfectly straight long hair was the peak of perfection. All I want is help so I know what to do with my hair so I don’t look “a mess” all the time.

TravelingMama: I see this as a texture issue rather than a race issue. I think the natural hair community was truly meant to acknowledge that 3c-4c hair was beautiful and that you didn't need to conform. It just so happens that most of the folks with 3c-4c hair are Black but there are non Blacks with that hair texture and there are Black people with 3a hair and I think they need to take a seat too.

Cristina Maria: This video is amazing! I am hispanic but get mistaken as caucasian all the time. Cubans come in all different colors and my texture is 2b hair and when I went to buy shea moisture and cantu the hate and looks I was getting was ridiculous! All types of people are welcomed to embrace what grows out of there hair!

Heather Stubbs: Awwww! I'm disappointed! I was like, look, we ARE trying to find common ground! Then I was like, naw, guess not. I have one daughter with straight hair and one daughter with coily hair and I'm in between. Our home is a hair house divided too!

Sava: Regardless of hair type or curl type every person has wished for different hair at some point. To accept those things they cannot change is a normal part of our existence. However the long oppression of naturally Kinky hair is down right ridiculous. Anyone can and everyone should support the movement. You can do this by keeping the love foremost in mind and complimenting those who do wear their hair in their natural state. Support other women, give that positive reenforcement and genuine respect. You never know what a simple kind word can do for someone. Be that kind of person. Celebrate our differences and embrace them.

ESP Daniella: This kinda reminds me of the "me too" movement... The movement started originally by a BLACK WOMAN FOR BLACK WOMEN. However today the main face of the movement have been WHITE women. (Note: not trying to devalue the experience of any woman who experienced sexual assualt, just drawing a parallel comparison) We are not trying to have our natural hair movement whitewashed ATM. We are not trying to "all lives matter" this movement either.

Eds17 806: I am with Nikia. She put it beautifully. We need black women to embrace their natural hair and we need allies and people who can emphasize, even on a minor level.

Purple Cow Movement: That girl in white is a non-hater very humble beautiful soul

Lucy Wallis: I've got curly hair I'm white and I was bullied for it as a child but I never stopped loving my hair. I do believe that people need to love themselves, but I also think black women have faced more hate towards this and it should be theirs; I really like that the lady in white was saying but I don't think that we should be grouped with these women who from what I've researched and seen they have gone through much more then what I have.

Lucy Doherty: No. As a white women who has curly hair I don’t feel like I belong in the natural hair movement. This is because I’ve never been discriminated against because of my hair texture. Black womens hair is often perceived as “unmanageable” or “wild” and inappropriate in work and school settings. They have been oppressed and forced to change themselves for something they cannot control. Yes, I have felt pressured to have straight hair. Hell, I straightened my hair daily for 4 years. I thought about chemically straightening it. But I never was told that my curls were out of control and inappropriate. Therefore I don’t believe I belong in the natural hair movement.

Emily Em: As a white girl who was teased growing up for having "frizzy" curly hair, I think it's really insulting for white women to claim to be a part of the natural hair movement. Sure, we curly-haired white women can learn to embrace our curls, but we should leave it at that. We were never pressured to wear wigs, weave, or perm our hair to have jobs. Black women (and men) have had so much pressure to straighten or hide their hair for centuries. Learning to love themselves as they are naturally and embrace the beauty that comes with their race is what the movement is about. It's more than just hair; it's reclaiming something that was taken away from them. It's a beautiful movement that even the curliest haired white women need to stay out of and respect.

Kim Wright: They wear their hair in its natural state for the most part.This to me is one of those dumb questions we ask because of our need to not appear to be non-inclusive.Most of us with kinky hair are the ones that find our hair more of a challenge.Some of us in the black community have chosen to use the word “curly” to describe our hair because we don’t like the words kinky or nappy.There are some of us that do have curly hair but not the majority of us.Black women tend to be the ones that crave versatility with our hair,I wonder why? Most women of other cultures deal with there natural textures.

kelley taylor: i’ve always struggled with loving my waves/curls. no matter what i did it always went frizzy and didn’t look good at all. all i wanted was for it to be straight. it’s possible for someone of a different race to have the same hair as someone of another race.

Ashley Moore: I have a question for you beautiful black ladies (I'm looking for lots of opinions here so don't hold back) How would you feel about a Caucasian woman styling ethnic hair professionally? I ask because I'm Caucasian and I love all the different textures and variations of natural black hair. Say I wanted to learn to care for and style black hair. What kind of reception would I get? If you walked into your favorite salon and saw me braiding another black woman's hair, how would that make you feel? Would you be willing to sit in my chair and give me a chance? Why or why not? Idon't mean to come off as condescending or disrespectful (if I do, I sincerely apologize) I'm just curious.

MR. Kíngわ: I'm believing in all equity and that everyone should come together but this movement is for black people and it is there choice to keep this Community for themself or allow others to come in it and respect this community

Leyla loulou: When I let go of my afro, it's like a joke to the world for all these centuries of contempt, it's a tribute to all the black women who were martyred because of their hair texture. It is an immense honor and pride. It's more than a hair business. It is an everyday struggle, a struggle for the affirmation of our identity so often trampled and belittled. a white woman will never understand that. They who subjected us to the tyranny of the white standard of beauty. They must accept that for once everything does not revolve around them alone. Treat me racist if you want, but be clear: It's OUR space. it is necessary that at a moment the whites stop a little to weave the affairs of the blacks.

Addie: At first while watching this I honestly felt a little offended by some of the women saying no, but I finished watching and read some of the comments and can say that I can agree with these women who believe it is a no. While I love this movement, realizing that it is not just about the hair, but a deeper cultural connection helped me understand. If it was just about the hair I would love to be a part of this. I have gone through hair hate and have just started to get through this. I’ve had treatments to make my hair less curly, but now understand it’s important to love. I would like a movement or community for all races and curly hair patterns to be involved with. I wish I had a deeper cultural connection and community to belong with instead of a mix of races from all over Europe, but I do not. Since I do not have this, I cannot fit in with these beautiful women portrayed in this video.

Lisa13245: my answer: no. the movement isn't about 'hair hate' as if it is separate from race and history...i think to consider how and why the movement started in the first place would be helpful.

Alana Greene: Hello random soul looking through the comment section, I hope you know that you have the potential and the power to change the world <3 you're beautiful, you're strong, and YOU MATTER. don't ever forget it. <3

Desiree Carter: I'm curious to know how the black community feels about mixed women like me in this conversation. I was raised by a white mom in a white community that had no idea what to do with my hair even though its not even tight curls. So I was taught at a young age that I was prettier if I straightened it. I'm finally starting to go natural now. No perms. No irons. Is it fair for me, with light skin and 3a curls to say I'm apart of this movement? I would love honest feedback from black women.

Deja Hatchett: My thing is, yes taking a stand and saying "my natural hair is beautiful and im proud" is always a good thing. But what makes the natural hair movement so important and empowering for African American women is the fact that our hair wasnt celebrated. It was shamed, shaved and whitewashed. Now we are coming out, being raw.

Effeffia Gonalick: Well I've never heard of a white girl being sent home from school/work and being forced to change her hair because it was "distracting" so I'm gonna vote no.

Kav Kav: I love their natural hair. I would love to see it more.

Cyberforce2175: This was super informative as a white women with natural hair I'm very new to adapting to being natural and of course gravitated towards the natural hair movement. Obviously I dont really have a say but I think it's important to have black women and mens hair at the forefront end of the day I wear my hair natural I'm not going to be called unprofessional am I. Theres a place for anyone i think but we (white people) need to understand that it's not just about being naturally curly it's a lot deeper than that. I hope I worded that all ok!

Paige: I know the natural hair movement is for the cultured haired women but, like one of the beautiful young ladies said, we all go through “hair hate” and as us women with different types of hair should ALL embrace our natural hair.