Why do some black women keep their hair natural? How are the ones with Eurocentric hair perceived by other black/white people?

[Jack9949]

I’ve heard natural hair is more prone to breakage. Its also more time consuming and difficult to manage and its also generally viewed as less attractive by the rest of society.

I just don’t understand why any black women would opt for that decision.

I’m not looking to shame anyone for the choices they make because obviously my personal preferences towards women and their hair should be irrelevant.

But regardless I do tend to hold the same views that permeate with the rest of society.

The reason I mention this is because many black women will complain about dating and desirability but its as if they are unable to realize its a direct consequence of the decision they made.

I’m not trying to hurt anybody’s feelings here but the world is a very cruel place.

You are judged for your actions.

I still fully support people in their right to individualism and being happy with themselves but it seems that for a lot of black women they seem to UNKNOWINGLY let the rest of society affect their self image.

Its sad to see but I’m feeling pretty guilty of this myself as of late.

I just had this great interaction with a black woman but if she had first appeared to me any other way I wouldnt’ve given her a chance even though she would’ve still been the same person.

But surprisingly enough that very same woman told me she still experiences racism.

She was from Louisiana so I felt the need to ask because there’s obviously a fair bit of rumors where I’m from. But I was still surprised by her answer.

Through my conversation with that woman I was able to conclude that she didn’t match any of the other perceived characteristics that I associate with black women.

And yet she still somehow experiences racism from white people?

It don’t make any sense.

[DrunkAss]

I am a bit confused about this post. It seems a bit all over the place. Maybe it's because I'm drunk. But I see like hair, finding someone who doesn't fit a stereotype, people complaining. I don't really understand what the underlying desire or message is. I got confused somewhere in the middle.

[Jack9949]

The underlying message is that white people like myself have a certain stereotype of black women in our minds which some of them continue to satisfy despite the repercussions they face unknowingly.

[DrunkAss]

I see. Well, lotsa Asians here also color their hair. I tend to wonder if it's Caucasian influence or anime influence (which originates back to Disney). It's hard to tell me how much it is conformity to Western culture or just an enjoyment of technology which allows people to style and color things like their hair in a myriad of ways... after all, even white girls are going all alien now with purple and green hair and whatnot. From my Japanese perspective, it almost looks like they're trying to look like Japanese manga/anime character.

[modelUN242]

Personally, I think black hair looks hard to manage and I'm sure most opt for weaves, wigs, or braids. I think natural hair should be embraced more since those things can put a strain in the scalp (like pulling too much) and the glue can cause skin to come off. Also, hair products can have chemicals (e. g. relaxers).

Confidence is sexy so when I see a black girl embrace her natural hair, it's cool.

[Cherokeehp]

You could just stop making assumptions about black women based off stereotypes and their hair. Back women can wear their hair anyway they like.

[Jack9949]

That’s literally what I just said lmao. Did you even bother reading?

[Cherokeehp]

Just wanted to hammer that message into your brain. Don’t be racist.

[Jack9949]

Its not like I can “choose” the way I think. Its engrained into me.

[Cherokeehp]

Yes you can literally choose the way you think.

[Jack9949]

I’m sorry for being racist then. Box braids look alright in most cases but I find afros a bit over the top.

[Jack9949]

Its not like I can subsequently turn a light switch on and off.

[Jack9949]

In my mind that is

[Cherokeehp]

Why is wearing our hair as it grows out of our head a bit over the top? Every other race can wear that hair naturally and nobody bats an eye.

[Jack9949]

Yes but it just looks really messy when black women leave it untouched.

[Jack9949]

And you yourself aren’t wearing your hair naturally. Box braids are a form of styling.

[Cherokeehp]

Everyone’s hair looks messy if left unkept. Hair needs to be washed, combed, brushed, and even styles like afros take care

[Jack9949]

Well I guess its the style itself that I don’t like then

[Jack9949]

I thought black people’s hair is naturally curly and grows upwards. Afros are the unkept look for most black women

[Cherokeehp]

Afros require lots of work.

[Jack9949]

So why put that much work into something so ugly then?

[Jack9949]

It don’t make any sense

[Jack9949]

Like your hairstyle actually looks decent its just yo face I don’t like

[Cherokeehp]

Well it’s all subjective. There are tons of people who don’t like my hairstyle, and there are tons that do. There are tons of people that like Afros and some who don’t. Certain styles look good on some people and not others. Some people look great in an afro and others don’t.

[Anonymous]

Because they want to and that's their hair. They probably didn't think your opinion was important

[Jack9949]

That is fair. But some of them still act like my opinion’s important. They want to feel LOVED by everybody in extreme cases

[Opinion Owner]

Well if your opinion is important to them, they will change their hair

[Jack9949]

They must just be full of drama then lol