Beauty

What’s So Bad About Going Natural?

Monday Jul 27, 2009 – By Alaina L. Lewis

solange_402 Beauty comes in a million forms, but every true work of art starts with a clear palette. To me, the footprints of beauty are about transcending from dust or even capitalizing on your inherited elegance. For some the resolve is in enhancing a sheer element, be it by adding or expanding to a once pure platform, or for the natural girl the answer relies in embracing the root of the situation.

As we all know, the endless hair war began with a simple question, natural or relaxed? It is a battle that can never be won by a single snip, or the solution found embedded in a natural curl pattern atop the mane of many a hair testimonies. There is no right or wrong style because personal preference allows room for a multitude of diverse answers.

But yet in still, the battle continues.

With a million dilemmas impacting the face of Black America, we seem to always find time to strike up another hair war with our peers. Like any other week in the world, this has been one filled to the brim with transition. Although I’d like to steady you with a myriad of enterprising headlines, it appears that the hottest topic as of late in the cyber community, isn’t just the situation that occurred with the black professor at Harvard, but in fact it’s a density that lies at the helm of a few simple snips.

I guess it’s all in a haircut, or so the critics of the world seem to think. In case it’s news to you, allow me to be the breeze of enlightenment coasting through your hair. While Michelle Obama was opting for an adoring little pixie cut, Beyonce’s little sister, Solange Knowles, was braving through the after effects of completing the Big Chop.

In my opinion, more power to the girl for opting to go natural. It’s not an easy hair conclusion for most and one that is afforded solely to a brave individual or those who are ready to cling to the beauty of their roots. Although other celebrities are steadily cutting off the drama, the backlash toward Solange Knowles has been an ugly sight to see.

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So what is the problem with going natural anyway?

Is there anywhere in the beauty handbook that states we must conform to a relaxed style or are we as women still allowed to express ourselves fitting to our own predilection?

Either style fits the bill for me, as I have tried both, quite like most of you, but at times it seems that women get more criticism for opting to chop rather then chemically enhancing their look. It makes me wonder if the media’s definition of beauty weighs heavily under a bias for a manufactured look. Well, maybe I already know the answer to that question.

But really, it goes further than just women relaxing their hair, that’s as normal as going natural in my opinion. What I’m solely referring to is the media’s love for over the top extensions and extravagant colors versus a quiet, yet clear vision of beauty that comes from the softening touch of being au natural. It really isn’t just the media that takes issue with a silent attractiveness either, it’s some of us too that forget beauty has no single identity.

So what, Solange cut her hair off. Is it because she went natural that we find this choice a problem?

solange So what, Solange cut her hair off. Is it because she went natural that we find this choice a problem? I’m sure it wouldn’t even be a topic of discussion had she dyed her hair 3 different colors. I’m sure we wouldn’t be spewing negative responses in her direction had she opted for a look like Michelle Obama’s, which I also find lovely, but I guess when you break apart from the masses there is always an issue with change.

Before we sign up to give our opinions, we have to remember what side of the scale we’re standing on. Maybe, the natural hair world will embrace the look and praise Solange for opting to make the transition or those that aren’t natural may take issue with her new look, because it’s easier to shout from across the ocean, then respect the beauty of the tide between us. Whatever the argument, I think we all need to remember one thing before we embark upon the journey to impose our will and opinions on someone’s personal hair decision; when you look in the mirror it’s not me you should aim to please, but rather the only one who matters, self.

Genuinely, there is nothing wrong with going natural or choosing to relax your hair. It’s a circular argument that should be washed away by the only solution; do whatever it is that works best for you without knocking others for opting to do the opposite. I personally believe beauty is best projected through the spirit, so as long as you feel good about your look, no matter what the world thinks of it, what is naturally there wont get lost with any transition.

STREET ETIQUETTE says:

July 27, 2009 at 2:47 am

At least she is real with “herself” because frankly she is the only one who should be concerned considering she wakes up every morning with the haircut, not anyone else. From a guys point of view it isn’t the most polished taken down haircut, but as long as she comfortable with her self I wouldn’t care lol.

↑ Reply

lee says:

July 27, 2009 at 9:05 am

i agree with street. there are a lot of men that are turned off by my short hair but who really cares. i don’t wear my hair/clothes or anything else for anyone but me.

on a side note… what’s up with solange using a period after every word? lol she’s channeling that kid in the wheelchair from malcolm in the middle.

Laquita says:

July 27, 2009 at 10:08 am

As usual, another great article ;o) – I also agree that “beauty is best projected through the spirit.”

Breezy, 17 says:

July 27, 2009 at 1:39 pm

Lewis, I completely agree. There is nothing wrong with stripping down to the bare essentials and flaunting that natural beauty that we all should believe we posses within ourselves. Her beauty is her truth just as mine is my truth. Why criticize the woman for believing enough in her beauty, in her truth, to be liberated from the confines of what society hopes we conform to?

Sasha says:

July 27, 2009 at 2:48 pm

I don’t get Bow wow’s take on it when half the dudes in the industry act like women.

I think Solange can be a bit catty, but I admire her confidence and need to not impress anyone. I don’t wear my hair for dudes. If I did I would be a lost little soul. I have been there before and it is ALOT of work. I admire her need to be different!

Furaha says:

July 27, 2009 at 6:15 pm

I think the author may have missed the mark with this article. I don’t think Bow Wow has a problem with her hair being natural. I think he’s talking about how Rihanna, La La, Cassie, and now Solange have shaved parts or all of their heads. The real question is not a matter of how good or bad natural hair is, but how feminine short hair can be.

Personally, I, like Solange, went bald at 16 and men loved me most like that. So…basically bald is just not for the faint-hearted. It’s not long, flowy locks but it can still be sexy. And Street, I feel you about the polished part, I used to make sure my shape up was tighter than most mens’. ;)

Camille says:

July 27, 2009 at 8:54 pm

I think it is beautiful….not attention seeking at all. You have to have a lot of courage to cut all your hair off.

Much Love and Respect Solange!

July 27, 2009 at 8:56 pm

Takes a lot of courage.

Much love and respect Solange!
Camille

Rhue b says:

July 27, 2009 at 8:57 pm

I don’t think there is anything wrong with perm or natural hair either. But i do think there is something wrong with not loving your hair for what it is. That said I don’t think that anyone was upset with Solange’s natural hair, it is the length that is suprising. Most of the comments were made in regard to the length not texture. Besides her hair looked like this at her babyshower several years back…. this is not new or a attention seeking case b/c she did this b4!

Raf says:

July 27, 2009 at 9:54 pm

I think the hilarious part about Bow Wow’s ignant ass statement is that probably half the women out there aren’t cutting jack except hair that wasn’t theirs to start with. Agreed its not for everyone, but for those who can rock it – go right ahead, you’re still gonna look fine.

Joy says:

July 27, 2009 at 10:11 pm

Why do we keep talking about how everyone hates on natural hair?? It seems like 1 out of 4 black women I see have natural hair . . . and I’m in Nashville, not NYC! I acknowledge the women who are experiencing backlash, but come on a whole lot of them are (like I was when I was natural) getting nothing but compliments.
(And who cares what dudes think . . . just worry about what your dude thinks, and if you don’t like what he thinks tell him to keep it to himself, LOL.)

MizVia says:

July 28, 2009 at 12:49 am

Wow I am so impressed with Solange! She is definitely original and can clearly care less about fitting into the mainstream. She has just won a fan in me. Its a shame the amount of dollars and time and energy we spend trying to look like the barbie doll we will never be. I am now even more inspired to chop it all off!! Its refreshing to see that even a person of her status with all the money…she can afford her own person hairstylist…is human afterall and can get tired of this image of beauty we are trying to achieve. In my opinion men should have NO say at all in the way black women wear their hair. They are not the ones that have to go through what we do day in and day out to keep it “looking on point”

Lilia says:

July 28, 2009 at 6:12 am

I see Latavia is still bitter about that DC split! lol!

LITA says:

July 28, 2009 at 11:02 am

I AM A NATURAL NEWBIE..I JUST CUT MY HAIR DOWN TO 2 1/2 INCHES LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO..IT WAS SO REFRESHING! IT MIGHT TAKE A LONG TIME TO GET MY HAIR BACK TO WHERE MY RELAXED HAIR WAS BUT..ITS HAIR, IT WILL GROW back.. SOLANGE-GO GIRL! BOW WOW- WHO ARE YOU AGAIN? OH OK… LATAVIA- YOU KINDA MADE ME THINK YOU AREN’T AS SMART AS YOU MIGHT’VE BEEN..YOU HAVE TO BE ENLIGHTENED AND NOT THINK SO MUCH ABOUT YOURSELF WHEN MAKING JUDGEMENTS ABOUT OTHER PPL..THERE IS NOT ONE TYPE OF BEAUTY..AND HEARING SOMETHING LIKE THAT COME FROM A BLACK WOMAN ABOUT A BLACK WOMAN MADE ME “NOT LIKE HER A LITTLE”

Loquacious_D says:

July 28, 2009 at 1:50 pm

I agree with you @ Lilia. The “tranny” comment was not necessary. Did anyone see the KGB commercial with the black women getting a natural weave sewn in? You can view it on NecoleBitchie.com. Honestly, we, black women, are attacked regarding our hair from the entertainment industry, private businesses and our own people. If a woman wants to rock her hair straight or natural in the form of a twa (which is what Solange has-she is not bald), then let her do her. Support her and stop aiding people that don’t have our hair texture dismantle her. Repeat after me, Willie Lynch Letter.

Bow Wow, Soulja Boy, that former DC girl or any other black person should be ashamed of themselves for their negative comments. But, maybe they don’t realize that their disgust for Solange’s hair is really self-hatred for themselves. Yeah, I said it.

Melissa says:

July 28, 2009 at 6:01 pm

I don’t have any problem with her cutting her hair off or going natural…I have cut my hair off several times and been natural for about 9 years now…wearing everything from a Caesar to locs and everything in between. But being natural doesn’t mean looking unkempt. She needs to get it shaped up, or cut it a bit lower so that it looks neat…being natural is just as beautiful if not more so than most other hairstyle options for Black women but we shouldn’t take it as a license to be sloppy.

maria says:

July 29, 2009 at 2:28 am

I have natural hair and I don’t have a problem with her cutting her hair down t a TWA. I just think that between the scary dress and 1980′s sunglasses she doesn’t exactly look polished. I’ve seen some cute twa’s, but she looks like she rolled out of bed in that picture. It’ll be cool to see it as it grows out.

Crystal says:

July 30, 2009 at 1:44 am

I just went natural July 1, 2009 by shaving my head and I love it. I’m growing out my natural hair. Perm hair is okay but I do not care for the chemicals, the flat irons. I’m tired of beauticians damaging my hair and then my hair only growing to a certain length. It’s not to get attention. I have never been one to care about what the other person think. I don’t know what’s so wrong with girls having short hair. Let’s not mention some men they have long hair, wear earrings in both ears and some even get fake hair and I don’t see women complaining about them wanting to be girls. Me as a woman I’m very turned off by that. But hay to each it’s own I just date what I prefer. I think the author did justice on this piece. I like to give a shout out to all the black beauty women that are natural. I tell you one thing it helps me to get to work on time lol. Peace and love to everyone.

Leslie Jones says:

July 31, 2009 at 3:21 am

Since my hair has been in a short natural style for over a decade, I had to comment on this aricle. I have never loved a hairstyle more than this. Aside from the ease involved, the time saved every morning and the money saved from not having to go to the salon every 10 days, I think I look fabulous! My husband loves it, and I get a LOT of compliments from men. It’s certainly not for everybody, but if as the saying goes, ‘A woman’s hair is her glory’ then she should wear it in whatever style best glorifies her.

Besides, in the words of India.Arie-”it’s not what’s on your head, it’s what’s underneath…”

And did Bow Wow think he looked like a girl when he had braids?

dena says:

July 31, 2009 at 2:12 pm

I don’t think one would really need to question if short hair is feminine, I mean look at Rhianna, Halle, Nia and a host of other women who look like ladies with short cuts.

As another poster said, I have had shoulder length natural hair, relaxed bobs, twa’s and short cuts, when I rocked the short hair,the positive responses by men and women far outweighed anything when I had longer hair.

We may not be accustomed to short natural hair in the industry by an artist who is the sibiling of the supposedly one of the ‘most beautiful,standard of beauty, black woman in the world’.

I love how she took the opposite role. At the end of the day, do what makes you feel good and it’s only hair!

wildflowernoris says:

August 2, 2009 at 1:02 am

I’m 47 and have been natural since I turned 18. The natural state of my hair is what is important. Sadly I believe of a good majority of black americans (because abroad this is a non-issue)we still need to feel that we have to “keep up” with white america (i.e. weaves and perms). I’ve shaved my head and had more dates during that time than I could imagine. We are a beautiful people and need to know that our natural hair is so lovely. The comments on looking “masculine” are from people who have security issues with gender. Shaped up twa??? Enough people, stop micro-managing….

August 2, 2009 at 2:41 am

…on a lighter note (I’ll get off my soap box) perhaps by Solange going natural this will create more diaglogue on natural hair and more acceptance.

MishMash says:

August 3, 2009 at 2:30 pm

It is about time (black)women get rid of the stranglehold of “the industry” whether enternainment biz or hair-care biz. They do everything to make you doubt yourself, and tonnes of dumb a$$ males go along.. So you spend..spend.. spend and in the end, it starts raining and your hair will still go “pouf!” forcing you to buy more expensive gunk, breaking more ends ad infinitum ,ad nauseum…(“get weaves” they say, yeah, suure, I love me some more splitting headaches tss. A ‘fro will do fine, thank You…)

I really appreciate it that “natural” is starting to get mainstream!! reminds me of “black power” in the early 70′s when huuge afro’s were the rigeur, even white women wore them…

Anonymiss says:

August 9, 2009 at 12:45 pm

I never understood why everyone made such a huge fuss over her hair && I applaud her for not caring and keeping it real.

gregorie says:

August 12, 2009 at 11:22 pm

Natural beauty is one thing, but as a fellow-short haired sister (currently relaxed, but at one point natural), I learned quickly that aside from having a clean, sexy cut, my face needs to always be on point.

Since Solange no longer has the tresses to hide behind, she’d better keep her pursed stocked with blush, mascara and lipgloss.

bglad says:

August 22, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Ladies, all I can say is “do you”! In September I will be celebrating my first anniversary since going natural. I was inspired by my daughter who cut bra strapped length hair all the way down to a twa in high school (she’s a junior in college now and she looks beautiful). In addition, her older sister went natural and my 10 year old begged me to let her do the same. It’s what works for us…But on another note, if you check out a lot of TV commercials, the naturals as well as the relaxed sisters represent. The choice is yours.

Trudat says:

August 27, 2009 at 1:14 pm

It doesnt have to be REAL just because you choose to wear your natural hair its who you are that represents your style: my god!!!

Exactly it’s attention seeking: when it comes to a point to where it is a trend: something cool to dothats when : I have a problem with ” Shaving off their hair or getting a extremly low cut do

women started going natural to get the sexy “african” look or men starting growing their hair JUST to make a “frohawk: fro: because their black

It’s ludicrous: mark my words once corporate america finally understands that they cannot box any “race” in one superfical box, they’ll start to make product “just for” “nappy” hair. Pantene already started..

Its only a matter of time: african americans: africans have always been consider either intriguing or a enigma: some kind of creature no one know who or what we are but US!

Solonge shave her hed purely because: shes fiesty solonge! give me a break. Sure be yourself but people stating: shes being real and giving her BIG UP’s for her making a STATEMENT that natural hair is just a fashion statement and make it a rebel cause: its just irritating

rocking natural hair is either being: real or a rebel: why cant it EVER be about what it is: being who you are

There are so many women with loc, braids, afros: who are the fake mofo’s around