Black Women and their Hair
The history of black hair goes way back, to the Madam CJ Walker days. She is known for popularizing the invention of the straighter, but her success goes far beyond this.What many people don't know is Walker actually created a line of shampoos and conditioners to heal scalps. Everyone believes her goal was to turn straightening hair but, her main goal was to maintain hygiene and grooming of African Americans. Now hundreds of years later this is the main point of nearly half the population, because PRESENTATION is everything. =)
Growing up, many women of color are pressured to be more like society, so they take their naturally curly hair and abuse with a bunch of harsh chemicals. I know when I was a child my mom would always take me to get perms, that would burn my head. When I would complain about this torture my mother would always say "you want to look pretty don't you?" But, why does straight mean pretty? I have yet to find this answer 10 years later. However, I have made some changes to how I treat my hair now. I refuse to perm my hair anymore, due to the result of the cruel punishment, if I wish to have straight hair I will blow dry and flat iron it myself. Althought, I do enjoy wearing my natural curls sometime, it gives me a sense of control.
Why do people have to torture themselves for the sake of looking presentable. For whom are they trying to look pretty? What's wrong with curly/nappy?
ReplyDeleteWhy do some people get weaves to tight that it tortures them for days, pulling their hairline all out of whack?