Lately, I’ve been binge watching on a bunch of naturals relaxing their hair. Not that I would ever do this, but seeing them relax their accumulated length after five years of being natural is pretty amazing. However, I always notice a bunch of women, usually the natural nazis, in the comment section expressing their disgust. I couldn’t help but blog about the controversy surrounding relaxed hair.
History on Relaxers
Since the 19th century, many black women wanted to assimilate into white culture. Reasons for assimilation include higher class and social approval. It wasn’t until 1913, Garrett Morgan, yes the traffic guy, realized that the chemicals used to repair his sewing machines can also straighten natural hair.
After testing it on his dogs, the product was indeed a miracle. Although originally marketed towards men and women, black women eventually became the face for relaxers. So we can all blame our childhood tears from the rough parting through our “tender-headed” hair on this man.
“YOU HATE YOUR BLACKNESS”
This is the main argument I hear against women who have relaxed hair. Relaxed hair is seen as acceptable in the eyes of society. The straighter your hair is, the more it aligns to the typical “good hair” category. Furthermore, relaxers are permanent and therefore there’s no chance for you to ever embrace your natural curls again.
When people use this quote on someone who has relaxed hair, they are referring to someone who basically can’t accept what is naturally theirs. They are also saying that you just gave in to the societal pressure of thinking that kinky curly hair can’t be beautiful and only straight hair can.
My Actual Opinion: NO?
Although I do see that statement being true in many experiences, I don’t always see having relaxed hair as being a product of self-hatred. Many women simply don’t know how to handle nor have time for their natural hair. Having relaxed hair can be a huge convenience for others and I personally believe that we shouldn’t try to dictate what a person does with their hair.
Regardless, some women simply want a change. They may have tried a natural life and simply want to go back to a relaxer. Even though I wouldn’t do this, people have their reasonings. It’s their hair, their decision, and if that gives them confidence then who are we to judge.
I Do Have A Problem When…
As I said self-hatred is real. People will swear that natural hair is the ugliest thing ever. Unfortunately, I was raised in that environment. I got a perm when I was 11 and every time I tried to transition, I was given the ugliest stares and was forced into the salon the next day.
I remember my cousin even asking me, “Do you know how your hair will look natural?” The myths are real. The media doesn’t help either with creating the notion that natural hair can be beautiful.
So, I do have a problem when people force their kids into relaxers especially when the kids are not in the position to oppose. A lot aren’t educated on doing their kids hair nor like curls. That’s another future blog to rant about.
I also have a problem with relaxed girls talking ill of natural hair girls and their hair. This goes both ways of course. I truly understand and the self-hate argument, and agree to an extent. I feel like there are cases in which people relax their hair for lighter reasons.