I’m sure many of you read an article I posted a while back in response to a post on Afrobella wherein a “professional” hair stylist was supposedly debunking all the misinformation on hair blogs. I had to respond to that nonsense because most of the erroneous information I’ve heard over the years in regard to our hair came from so-called professionals. Case in point this person, who I’m told is prominently featured on a national television show, actually said, “Natural hair isn’t for everybody.” Now, let that marinate for a moment. This person, whose own personal appearance is questionable at best actually has the audacity to tell black women that there is something defective about the hair that grows out of our heads. Every other group in the world has the right to believe that the hair that grows out of their head is attractive and lovely, but not us. If we don’t pour Drano on our heads and weave in hundred pounds of some peasant’s hair then we are not presentable to the public. I am so glad, ecstatic actually that black women are finally rejecting this bullshit and this person can have several seats. I will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever return to a beauty salon and it’s because of assholes like this one. People who hate black women and aren’t satisfied until we’re hating ourselves. Sorry old boy, that ship has sailed. We are no longer putting our money in the pockets of those who despise us. Yeah, that’s gonna leave a mark. In other words, Derek J. and every other so-called hair care professional can fuck off. We, and our hair, are enough.
A to the mickey ficky men!!! I am a recovering addict from the creamy crack and I have been natural for 15 years now! My hair is beautiful and healthy. My curl pattern is awesome and it’s silky smooth and full whenever I do take the time to blow dry and flat iron my lovely mane(which ain’t often) I also have my mother sister and nieces in their natural state as well. Having said that I agree that Derek J is a total asshole and he should be using his platform to promote the beauty of all Black women natural hair or otherwise and if you choose not to then kindly shut the hell up!!
Please and thank you! Q
it’s really hard for me to comment on this specific person’s statement, since i haven’t seen the show and don’t know the exact context in which derek j made the statement. speaking purely hypothetically, is it possible that he was using the broad “natural hair” term incorrectly? perhaps he meant to say something more along the lines of “afros are not for everyone,” or “not everyone knows proper natural hair care or styling,” or something like that.
at the end of the day, some people are all about natural hair and others prefer to stick to perming or extensions, weaves and wigs. it’s really a personal choice. there is no right or wrong choice. so in that context, derek j is right… i guess…
i would be interested to know, other than this sweeping generalization, what he had to say about the so-called misinformation that is floating around the blogasphere about natural hair care.
Not sure why anyone would have difficulty understanding what he said. I linked back to the original article.
And for me it’s not an issue of how folks choose to wear their hair. I’m all about choice, but when a so called professional has the temerity to claim that natural hair isn’t for everyone I say bite me, bitch.
I’d like to know when the black woman became the punching bag for every black man with a gripe? Especially in recent times, with this hair issue.
Our hair is what it is no matter how many chemicals we slop on it. I’ve had exactly two relaxers, perms, whatever you want to call it, in my life. At 13 and 19. I was trying to give them a shot, but after the last one, which ruined my hair, I came to the conclusion that they weren’t for me. I’m old school; I still wash it, plat it, and let it dry until the next day that way. As a result, every stylist I’v ever had has always said that my hair was the healthiest they’ve ever had their hands in. That “virgin” hair. And my hair is that really thick stuff. However, some of those same stylists want to put chemicals in it because its a lot to deal with. I’ve always told them all no, said my peace on the matter, and said that if they felt like they couldn’t deal, I’d go elsewhere. No hard feelings. I can always take my money to someone who CAN deal with it. Funny enough, when their other customers come in and see my hair while waiting, they want to know if I have a relaxer; because it IS so healthy and looks it. I end up talking about right in the chair with my stylist doing it and telling them that its all chemical free. And that I haven’t had chemicals in my hair in years! They, in turn, end up telling me that they’re tired of the chemicals and have been thinking about going back to natural again. And I mean, EVERYTIME!! So I don’t know what this dipshit is talking about. It takes a little more time and effort, but its worth it in the end.
Not knocking those who love the chemical life, but I’m certainly not less than because I don’t!