A Closer Look At The Odd Question “Is Natural Hair For You?"

Believe it or not, there was a time when natural hair as we know it today, was not as prevalent as it has become. Black women had options for hair care that did not include wearing their hair in its natural state. And even if they did force that option into the equation, it often meant an unmoisturized TWA, wearing a fade, or locs.

Thankfully, over the past few years, the natural hair movement took off. It went from what seemed like a passing fad, to a full-blown lifestyle. Products improved, information was easily disseminated thanks to social media platforms, styling options increased drastically and pride in the newfound acceptance of black natural hair took over.

It’s an amazing thing to have witnessed. I cut all my hair off and stopped relaxing my hair back in 2008. At the time, the natural hair community was definitely growing, but it was nowhere near as strong as it is today. The term ‘big chop’ was not even one I was familiar with when I buzzed all my hair off my head.

Natural hair is great, but as we have now had some time to reflect and assess, it’s not for everybody. Along the path of its growth, the natural hair movement collected a few staunch proponents that some have named Natural Hair Nazi’s. That’s a bit harsh, but there are the subtle undertones of disapproval that come from those who have a dream for every black person to wear their hair without adding any chemicals.

That dream is fine to have, but you don’t have to wear your hair natural if you don’t want to. Natural hair just may not be for you. Let’s look at what goes into deciding if natural hair is really for you.

Lifestyle

One of the most important factors in deciding on a hairstyle or a haircut is your lifestyle. What do you do on a daily basis? Where are you required to be? How much time do you have to devote to the maintenance of your hair? And, how does the hairstyle you choose play into all of it?

These questions will yield answers that differ for every single person who asks them. Your chosen profession, how many children you have, the part of the world you live in and the elements you’re exposed to…all those things matter.

Think about whether natural hair is practical when it comes to how you live your life.

Time

Natural hair is all fine and good when it’s super short. There is not much to do to it aside from washing, conditioning and moisturizing. Those things are extremely easy to do with three inches of hair. Things like detangling and protective styling are non-factors.

However, if you plan to grow your natural hair and wear it at a length beyond the classic TWA length, you will quickly find that the amount of time required for haircare, is a real concern.

A mother of three small children who also works and has household and community commitments, will not likely have two or three free hours on a Saturday morning to devote to washing, deep conditioning*, detangling and twisting her hair.

How much time you reasonable have to spend on hair may determining the length your wear your hair or it may be the one factor that tips the scale from yes all the way to no, when weighing whether you want to wear your natural hair or not.

Skill level

Another real-life consideration is your skill level.  I know people who cannot part their hair. Most naturals care for their hair at home, without salon intervention.

Now, if you don’t know how to part your hair, you may struggle a bit with natural hair. Some people are just not inclined to do hair, or to learn, for that matter. If you are one of those people, then natural hair may not be for you.

If you have time and a lifestyle that permits you to visit a salon to have your hair styled and maintained, then natural hair may still be a viable option. However, if you don’t have the time, money or lifestyle that will allow for you to be in the salon regularly AND if you aren’t naturally inclined yourself, you may wanna look at other ways to wear your hair.

If you’re considering natural hair, think about all that goes into before you take the leap. Pictures of amazing natural hair can inspire you and they should. Natural hair can be absolutely beautiful. It’s the best choice for many women, so when you see it on one of those women, admire it and then think about it. Don’t go home after running into the perfect set of curls, and take the clippers to your locks of hair before you sit down and honestly think it through.