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Does Undefined Curls Equals Unkempt Hair
I have been trying hard not to comment on the whole Solange Hair Saga. However, in light of my recent quest for ’perfect curl definition’, I feel a few questions arising .
My recent natural hair experiment on trying to get curl definition was inspired by several discussions I had seen on the online natural hair community, where curl definition seems to be the MUST-HAVE. I have noticed a lot people perpetually chasing after this or that wonder product that is meant to give them perfectly spiralled ringlets, regardless of their hair types. It seems like your hair is not ‘done’ if you don’t have curl definition going on
I have never been one that particularly cared about getting perfectly defined curls because I know:
- My hair type will never give me type 3 curls
- As long my hair is healthy & moisturised it will achieve its own definition, which does not look like ringlets.
- My hair can & DOES look good, with or without curl definition.
The picture below of my hair was taken last summer whilst on holiday in Cyprus. This was how my hair looked like after several days of swimming, both in salty sea water & chlorinated pool water. I didn’t use any products to get this look – this look was very natural, very organic and my coils were quite random. I got more compliments on my hair in this state then when I wear twist-outs, coil-outs etc.
I have personally found the recent attacks on Solange & her curls rather disgusting. I have always admired the fact that she chooses not to coax her hair into perfect curls, only achievable via the use of products. Like me, she focuses on keeping her hair healthy and her hair does look great for it!
Yet, she met a barrage of insults from several ‘curlies’ who branded her hair ‘unkempt’, ‘dry’ and akin to ‘the look of a homeless person’ All this, simply because she lets her natural hair texture do its own thing, rather than coaxing it into perfectly defined curls.
In fact, in the article above from the Daily Mail, one of the many nasty comments said: Thandie Newton’s hair is gorgeous! That is the correct way to wear “natural” hair. Solange’s hair is just nappy! She should borrow one of Beyonce’s weaves
My last blog post (which was rather tongue-in-cheek) highlighted the ridiculousness of the eternal search for curl definition & the lengths some people would go to get those ringlets. I kid you not, there are lots of people who are taking the Coca Cola hair treatment seriously and using it on a regular basis!
Why can’t people just embrace and work with their own natural hair texture, instead of trying to make it do what it can’t naturally do on its own?
Why is it that someone who chooses not to have defined curls is branded dirty, unkempt, homeless hobo?
Does undefined curls equals ‘undone’ hair? Is the hair only ‘done’ when it is perfectly curled?
The 10 Weave Commandments - For Those Rare Occasions When You Decide To Wear A Weave
1. Thou shall blend. There’s nothing worse than a weave with conflicting textures. If you’re unable to manipulate your true texture to mimic that of your weave, then you should get a weave that replicates your true strands.
2. Thou shall not let thy tracks be visible. You might as well leave the house with a pack of Remy 1B 14-inch in your hand. If you’re unable to properly conceal your weave, just skip it all together.
3. Thou shall have thy tracks sewn on securely. Over time, tracks will loosen as you style your weave. But there’s no reason for them to be hanging on for dear life by a single strand of weaving thread after one week of wear.
4. Thou shall not leave the salon in discomfort. I’ve witnessed too many women leaving the salon with a headache because their tracks were sewn on too tight. Not only is it painful, but it also puts you at risk of traction alopecia.
5. Thou shall not wear a shiny weave. A quality weave will have a natural luster to it. There is no need to weigh it down with tons of product. This will only make it look fake. The more lightness and bounce your weave has, the more authentic it will look and feel.
6. Thou shall use the proper products for maintenance. Each weave has different needs. A curly weave might require a leave-in conditioner to reduce frizz, while a straight one might call for a lightweight moisturizer, or nothing at all. It varies, so do your research.
7. Thou shall care for thy weave as if it were thy real hair. Maximize the life of your weave by properly protecting it at night, avoiding over-processing with heat, and cleansing it regularly. Consult your hairstylist about how often you should shampoo and condition your extensions.
8. Thou shall protect thy edges and scalp. We’ve all seen the photos of Naomi floating around the web. Ladies, this doesn’t have to be your fate! Massage an oil, such as olive or jojoba oil, infused with a stimulating herb, like rosemary, along your edges, nape, and scalp, to prevent breakage.
9. Thou shall not wear a weave beyond its expiration date. It’s recommended that you keep your extensions in for 6 to 8 weeks. Any longer than that can lead to matting (of your actual hair) and result in hair loss.
10. Thou shall not become attached to thy weave. We’re not talking about having a styling preference. We’re talking about feeling that you need a weave to be attractive. At the end of the day, beauty exudes from the inside. Your weave should be an accessory not a mask for your insecurity.
(via blackfashion)
Ooooh the extensions are COMING OFF - Barbie ditches her weave
