For centuries, black women have been subjected to the oppressive forces of Eurocentric beauty standards that dictate how they should wear their hair.
I was once interviewed by Parents Latina magazine, where we delved into my curly hair journey, including the products I prefer, my hair care routine, and the stories of my Afro-Latina hair. During the interview, I found myself reflecting on my natural hair journey and how it hasn’t always been an easy one. There was a time when I couldn’t figure out how to do natural Black hair styles, but through this journey, I have learned to embrace and love it. As a mother of two sons with equally wild and beautiful hair, I often receive inquiries from friends and other mothers about my hair journey, and it’s made me realize that there were many things I wish I had done differently and known sooner. Nonetheless, this experience has been one of self-love, and I have grown to appreciate the journey that led me to where I am today.
So today, we’re going to dive deep into something really close to my heart: the versatility of natural Black hair. From the sassy afro to micro braids and the high ponytail, my natural hair journey is so much more than a style choice—it’s an ode to my cultural history and a personal rite of passage. So grab a cup of tea or your favorite snack, because I’m about to get personal.
The Struggle of Accepting Our Natural Hair
One vivid memory that sticks out to me is the lack of representation of people with hair like mine. Not even my own mother had similar hair. During that time, the trend was long, straight hair on celebrities, and that’s what I desired. To achieve that look, I invested a significant amount of time and money into hair extensions, convinced that it was the only way to make my hair appear attractive. I believed that straight hair equaled beauty. Recently, I spoke to a mother whose daughter questioned if anyone else had hair like hers. The mother assured her that there were others and even showed her pictures on the internet. This emphasizes the importance of seeing individuals who look like us.
For many black women, the struggle to accept and embrace our natural hair texture is all too real. Growing up, we are bombarded with images of straight, silky hair as the epitome of beauty. Society constantly tells us that our natural curls and kinks are not good enough, that they are unkempt or unprofessional. These Eurocentric beauty standards can have a damaging impact on our self-esteem and make it difficult to truly love and appreciate our natural hair.
One of the biggest challenges in accepting our natural hair is learning how to care for it properly. Our hair type is unique and requires a different level of care compared to other hair types. It can be overwhelming to figure out which products and techniques work best for us. Many of us have gone through countless trials and errors, trying various products and methods before finding what works for our specific hair type.
The Importance of Knowing Your Hair Type
The variety of natural hair types cannot be overlooked, with two to four main categories, each further broken down into sub-classifications based on factors like porosity and density. Understanding your hair type is essential to proper care and maintenance. Although it can take some time to identify – it wasn’t until my late 20s that I figured out a healthy hair routine. Unfortunately, growing up, I was often told that I had “good hair,” a phrase that seemed complimentary but ultimately left me feeling self-conscious and insecure about being different. In reality, I just wanted to fit in and have hair that looked like everyone else’s.
The journey to understanding what products my hair loves has been nothing short of a wild ride! Growing up, my mom would lather our hair with S-Curl hair gel, aiming for those loose curls. But little did we know, S-Curl was designed for Jheri curls, y’all! Remember that scene from Coming to America where the family with the Soul Glow leaves the stain on the couch? That was us, LOL. We were basically the laughingstock of the schoolyard.
For years, I was that girl in the shampoo aisle, cluelessly filling my cart with anything cheap. I didn’t know anything about hair products and I figured why would I spend money on something that all worked the same? And conditioning my hair? That was optional. Instead, I’d slap on heaps of mousse, like it was some magical elixir.
Now I know better, and trust me, the knowledge is a game-changer. Knowing what your hair needs? It’s like giving your locks a VIP ticket to the good life.
Society’s Influence on How We View Our Hair
Another struggle we face is the pressure to conform to societal expectations. We are often told that our natural hair is unprofessional or unkempt, forcing us to resort to harmful heat treatments and chemical relaxers. These damaging practices not only harm our hair but also perpetuate the idea that our natural hair is somehow inferior.
Growing up, I struggled to embrace my natural hair due to the societal expectations that were ingrained in my mind. I believed that my hair needed to be tamed and straightened to fit in or be considered beautiful. I spent countless hours and money trying to achieve the perfect straight hairstyle, using damaging heat treatments and chemical relaxers that left my hair brittle and damaged.
It wasn’t until I started educating myself and surrounding myself with positive influences that I began to question these societal norms. I discovered a community of black women who were embracing their natural hair and celebrating their unique beauty. They shared their personal stories, hair care tips, and gorgeous photos of their natural hairstyles. Seeing these women embrace their roots inspired me to do the same.
natural Black hair styles
I started experimenting with different ways to style and care for my natural hair. It was a great way to learn about protective hairstyles like braids, twists, and updos that not only showcased the beauty of my curls but also protected them from damage. I invested in quality hair products specifically formulated for my hair type, and I discovered the wonders of hair accessories like bobby pins and hair ties that allowed me to create a variety of stunning hairstyles for different occasions, from special events to everyday wear.
As I continued on my journey, I realized that society’s influence on how we view our hair is just that – an influence, not an absolute truth. It is up to us to challenge and redefine beauty standards. Our natural hair is beautiful, versatile, and a representation of our unique identity. By embracing our natural hair, we are reclaiming our power and breaking free from the limitations imposed by society.
The Importance of Representation in Media and Fashion
Representation in media and fashion plays a crucial role in shaping societal beauty standards and perceptions. For far too long, Black women and their natural hair have been underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media and fashion industries. This lack of representation has perpetuated the idea that Eurocentric beauty standards are the norm and that anything outside of that is not beautiful or desirable.
However, in recent years, there has been a significant push for more diversity and inclusivity in media and fashion. We are finally seeing more black women with natural hairstyles being celebrated and represented in a positive light. This shift in representation is important for several reasons.
Firstly, representation in media and fashion validates the beauty and worth of black women with natural hair. Seeing women who look like us in the media helps to counteract the damaging messages that society has fed us for years. It lets us know that our Afro-textured hair is beautiful and that we are deserving of representation and respect.
Cute Natural Black Hair Styles Means Representation
Representation also provides inspiration and empowers black women to embrace their natural hair. When we see women with short cute natural hairstyles rocking the red carpet or long-haired beauties on magazine covers, it sends a powerful message that our hair is versatile and can be styled in many different ways. It encourages us to experiment with our hair and find the styles that make us feel confident and beautiful.
Moreover, representation in media and fashion challenges societal norms and redefines what is considered beautiful. It breaks down the narrow beauty standards that have been imposed upon us for far too long and showcases the diversity of black hair. Whether it’s short natural hairstyles or longer hair, representation shows that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of beauty. It encourages us to embrace our individuality and celebrate the unique beauty of our natural hair.
Ultimately, representation in media and fashion is essential for promoting inclusivity, diversity, and self-acceptance. When black women see themselves represented and celebrated, it sends a message that our natural hair is not just acceptable, but something to be proud of. It challenges the notion that we need to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards to be considered beautiful. Representation in media and fashion allows us to take pride in our natural hair and encourages others to do the same.
The Power of Community
My favorite thing about this journey is that it also connected me to a beautiful community. Whether it’s hair care tips or words of encouragement, the natural hair community is a wellspring of support and love. It’s heartwarming to see sisters and brothers celebrating each other, normalizing Black beauty in all its forms.
As black women, it is essential that we continue to uplift and support each other in our journey to love and embrace our natural hair. We can do this by sharing our experiences, recommending products and techniques, and celebrating the beauty of our diverse hair textures.
natural Black hair styles
What Are Some Natural Black Hair Styles?
Afro
A classic and bold statement, the Afro celebrates natural hair in its full glory. As far as hairstyles go, it doesn’t get much blacker than the Afro.
Twist-Out
The twist-out is a versatile natural style that’s as customizable as you are. Whether you’re aiming for tight ringlets, voluminous curls, or free-spirited waves, the process is straightforward but impactful. Start with clean, freshly-washed hair and add a styling product. Once your twists are crafted, patience is your best friend—let them sit and work their magic. When it’s finally time to unleash those curls, take it slow while unraveling to reveal your twist-out masterpiece.
Bantu Knots
These are small, coiled buns secured against the side of the head. They can also be unraveled for a curly ‘Bantu knot-out’ look.
Cornrows
These are braids that lay flat against the scalp, often designed in geometric patterns.
Box Braids
These braids are divided into small, square-shaped hair parts. They can be long or short, thin or thick.
natural Black hair styles
Flat Twists
Similar to cornrows, but instead of braiding, you twist the hair flat against the scalp.
Wash-and-Go
This involves defining your natural curl pattern, usually with the help of some curling products, and letting it air dry.
TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)
This is a shorter version of an Afro, typically rocked after a ‘big chop’. TWA is a short natural hairstyle with a hair length of 2 inches max.
Locs
Starting locs involves various methods—be it coiling, braiding, twisting, or palm-rolling your mane. While it takes a few months for your locs to fully form and mature, the journey is worth the wait. The best part? The styling options are virtually endless. From vibrant color experiments to braided designs, roller sets, and chic updos, locs offer an incredible canvas for self-expression. Plus, you can level up your look even further by adding whimsical hair jewelry or shells. It’s not just a hairstyle; it’s an art form.
cute natural Black hair styles
Faux Locs
Faux locs are a temporary protective style where your extensions are loc’d—not your real hair. Which means you don’t have to worry about any of the damage you’d potentially get with real locs. Natural locs can take months to years to fully mature, while faux locs take just hours to create from start to finish. They are for people who want the look of locs without any long-term commitment.
Puff
This is a fuller, more voluminous version of a ponytail, perfect for shorter lengths of natural hair.
Havana Twists
These are similar to Marley Twists but use different types of braiding hair for a chunkier look.
High Bun
A chic and simple style where the natural hair is pulled into a bun on top of the head.
Finger Coils
Small sections of hair are twirled around the finger to create defined curls.
cute natural Black hair styles
Loving Natural Black Hair Styles – An Ongoing Journey
Let me be clear: this journey isn’t just about rejecting relaxers or letting your afro flourish; it’s about reclaiming a part of yourself that society often overlooks. It’s about feeling connected to a lineage of incredible people who show us that our coils are not a “problem” to be solved but a heritage to be proud of.
My journey towards embracing my natural hair has been a complex one, and I did not opt for a significant chop as others have done. Adjusting to it took time, and most of my struggles stemmed from my lack of knowledge. Now, for the first time, I feel confident, beautiful, and competent in styling my hair. It’s unfortunate that society often labels natural hair as not “good” or beautiful hair, especially for black women. Nevertheless, I’ve learned to embrace and appreciate my hair, which is an act of self-love. Growing up, I never learned how to love my hair, but now, by wearing Black natural hairstyles, I hope to teach my sons this crucial lesson and inspire them as well. My journey has been an incredibly liberating experience.
So, whether you’re starting your natural hair journey or you’ve been on this path for years, I hope you find empowerment and connection in every kink, curl, and coil. Until next time!
[…] has honestly taken me my entire life to learn how to style and care for my natural hair. I didn’t know what products were good for my hair. I didn’t know anything about hair […]