No one cared about my hair until everyone went natural!

corkscrewcurls88 · 04-06-2011, 08:19 AM

Ok guys...I've been natural for 10 years now and during that time I NEVER got questions about my hair, my routine, nada until recent.

Yes it's good we are all learning and embracing our natural hair but dang what started this craze?!

Pros: I do admit it is so much more fun now because you can chat with other naturals and share tips...it's truly a hobby! And the products are endless! My hair looked like crap for years with the available products back then.

Cons: I can't go anywhere without someone asking me 100 questions about my hair. I use to be unique...I mean now I see several girls a day that look just like me! I'm like HEY go away! LOL

Any vets out there feel the same?

EllyEllyOxenFree · 04-06-2011, 08:28 AM

More women are going natural because there is more information out there about caring for natural hair. Previously, a lot of people thought that in order to be natural you had to a) have locs, b) have braids, or c) have a picked out afro.

I am not a vet, but women ask me about my hair all the time...if I don't feel like talking to someone that day I look down and avoid eye contact.

Also, even if other women are natural, they still do not look like me, because my hair is unique, as is everyone else's...so that doesn't bother me any.

nubiana30 · 04-06-2011, 09:07 AM

People now see being natural as a viable option. There is so much more information out there now about how to take care of your hair in its natural state, so many more of us are taking advantage of saying no to the lye! This is my second time going natural. My first try was back in 1999 as a college sophomore when I was natural for about 2 or 3 years but had no idea what to do with my hair so I wore braids most of the time and eventually re-permed. Now that I know how to take care of my hair and with the plethora of products available, I feel like I can be natural forever! I live in an area where there are tons of natural sistas but I still feel unique because with the multiplicity of textures, hair types and hairstyles no two naturals look exactly alike.

Nappy_curly_crown · 04-06-2011, 09:21 AM

If all you had/have to make you feel special was your hair maybe you need to evaluate some things....

I've been natural for the last 7 almost 8 years but I was previously natural from birth to 18 so I've been natural for a good chunk of my life (so I guess in a way that makes me a vet). Sometimes its annoying when people bombard you with questions when you're in the grocery store checking the eggs for cracks...but I take it as a compliment and I try to be gracious and answer. As far as no longer feeling unique...I've never felt that way...even when I was just another chick with straight hair. You are you and I'm me. Even if we dressed like the bobsy twins, my swag is always going to make me unique. Find your unique swag and stop pinning it to your hair.

greenandchic · 04-06-2011, 09:38 AM

Questions generally doesn't bother me. As long as they are not those ignorant a$$ questions or people on a "good hair" kick, I'm cool with it.

I don't need natural hair to feel special. Heck, I'm glad more women are seeing the beauty of their hair for what it is. The less chewed up relaxers, the better.

I've been natural for almost 9 years (never relaxed but didn't consider myself natural because I constantly pressed) and I feel the more information and products that's out there, the better. Also, I'm glad to have the variety of products we have and basic information on how to care for our hair. I had no clue when I wanted to stop pressing my hair and grow out my heat damage. As Elle stated, I only thought natural hair meant locks or a '70s fro.

Acceptance in the workforce, mainstream America in general,and the entertainment and advertising industry is a welcomed bi-product of more women going natural.

Though I've always enjoyed standing out, but its nice to see that the way my hair grows out of my scalp is the norm and not this out-of-the-box exception.

lashawnb · 04-06-2011, 09:39 AM

WOW!

It's GREAT to know that, as a newbie, other naturals are thinking I should 'go away' because I might admire and simply comment or ask about another natural's hair. Forgive this newbie for wanting to care for my own hair and add to my already-unique self.

itsKelCeeEee · 04-06-2011, 09:41 AM

Sooooooo...you mad.

Cerendipity · 04-06-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsKelCeeEee

Sooooooo...you mad.

itsKelCeeEee · 04-06-2011, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnyblazes

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsKelCeeEee

Sooooooo...you mad.

I'm not even trying to be a jerk. It just reminds me of "I listened to Wiz Khalifa before he was mainstream" or "I liked Rent before everyone else watched it!" type deals. Like, why would you be mad that someone else is listening to good music that doesn't involve Lil' Wayne's stupid self? Or how come it's so terrible that someone's into the same musical as you? When something's accepted at a greater level that makes it easier to find and enjoy. Just like hair. Natural hair's becoming more accepted/dare I say normal, and in return there's more products for us to enjoy and use to make sure our hair health is at its full potential. Complaining about the lack of attention one got for "doing something before everyone else" seems counterproductive to me, as well as a big waste of time. That's basically what I meant.

Naturalfinally · 04-06-2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnyblazes

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsKelCeeEee

Sooooooo...you mad.

You come up with the best .gifs! ROFL! It never fails!
Anywho! I like sharing information that I have about MY hair with anyone that is curious and legit. I love being natural but it's not that critical.

projectdanielle · 04-06-2011, 10:13 AM

Let me preface this by saying I'm not attacking you but I'm a bit confused.

You have a website offering information on how to care for naturally curly hair based on your years of being a natural but it bothers you when people ask questions about curly hair care?

I would think you would use it as an opportunity to hand out a business card with the link to your website and promote your Amazon affiliate links.

itsKelCeeEee · 04-06-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectdanielle

Let me preface this by saying I'm not attacking you but I'm a bit confused.

You have a website offering information on how to care for naturally curly hair based on your years of being a natural but it bothers you when people ask questions about curly hair care?

I would think you would use it as an opportunity to hand out a business card with the link to your website and promote your Amazon affiliate links.

+100

Nappy_curly_crown · 04-06-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectdanielle

Let me preface this by saying I'm not attacking you but I'm a bit confused.

You have a website offering information on how to care for naturally curly hair based on your years of being a natural but it bothers you when people ask questions about curly hair care?

I would think you would use it as an opportunity to hand out a business card with the link to your website and promote your Amazon affiliate links.

Word?!?!?

Ninjarette · 04-06-2011, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectdanielle

Let me preface this by saying I'm not attacking you but I'm a bit confused.

You have a website offering information on how to care for naturally curly hair based on your years of being a natural but it bothers you when people ask questions about curly hair care?

I would think you would use it as an opportunity to hand out a business card with the link to your website and promote your Amazon affiliate links.

Now, I was gonna leave this thread alone, but you got too far up in my head. Lol!

Gretchen · 04-06-2011, 10:37 AM

Just making a gentle request that we be careful with this thread.... I know no one wants it to disintegrate!

EllyEllyOxenFree · 04-06-2011, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gretchen

Just making a gentle request that we be careful with this thread.... I know no one wants it to disintegrate!

Hey Gretchen!! We'll be good.

greenandchic · 04-06-2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EllyEllyOxenFree

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gretchen

Just making a gentle request that we be careful with this thread.... I know no one wants it to disintegrate!

Hey Gretchen!! We'll be good.

You're too cute!

LolaKinkz · 04-06-2011, 11:13 AM

As most of the posters said since there is more info available about natural hair more people are empowered to wear their hair natural.

Now If you, OP, don't want to talk with any one about hair, you know you don't have to right. Its not like their holding a gun to your head making u tell them your regi.

I'm a newbie and I truly value what other more experienced naturals have to say. Now I don't go up to random ppl and ask them for advice but I will pay a compliment if there is eye contact and if a convo starts from there then hey so be it.

corkscrewcurls88 · 04-06-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectdanielle

Let me preface this by saying I'm not attacking you but I'm a bit confused.

You have a website offering information on how to care for naturally curly hair based on your years of being a natural but it bothers you when people ask questions about curly hair care?

I would think you would use it as an opportunity to hand out a business card with the link to your website and promote your Amazon affiliate links.

Wow didn't think this thread was gonna take this turn...but I guess everyone has a different sense of humor...

It's all for fun guys! Of course I don't need my hair to make me feel unique.

And I definitely don't mind answering newbies questions, I'm the first person to stop and explain lots of things (which is why I created my site).
The 100 questions comment that I put as a "con" doesn't refer to the newbie haircare questions. As we all know we do get lots of random sometimes inappropriate people asking 100 questions. So that should have been a pro and a con.

afrosheenqueen · 04-06-2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectdanielle

Let me preface this by saying I'm not attacking you but I'm a bit confused.

You have a website offering information on how to care for naturally curly hair based on your years of being a natural but it bothers you when people ask questions about curly hair care?

I would think you would use it as an opportunity to hand out a business card with the link to your website and promote your Amazon affiliate links.

Right?