by
Black Girl With Long Hair
I think we can safely say that “celebrities showing pictures of natural hair under weave” is officially a trend. Angela Simmons’ stylist Nikk Nelson took to Instagram a few days ago to show a picture of her client’s natural hair straightened and hitting waist length.
(By the way, for the skeptics, we know for a fact that Angela Simmons is natural. She spoke to us about it a couple years back.)
Her stylist included the caption:
OK so people and the blogs are really going in on my client #angelasimmons real hair pic that I took today! The one we posted was pressed out…this is one of it just blown out no heat. Please black women can have long hair without weave. She wears a weave to protect her natural hair. We keep it natural and healthy! #getpressed #getaweave #wegrowhair
This is the pressed out pic her stylist was referring to:
While we can appreciate, to a degree, what the stylist is saying, she must realize that having a stylist who can apply and manage a non-cheap looking weave, while gently caring for the hair underneath is a luxury that most black women just cannot afford. And, while Angela seems to have been blessed with very strong hair, the fragility of many black women’s hair (including mine!) prevents them from attempting weaves without causing significant damage to edges and ends.
The bigger question (for us, anyway) is if Angela Simmons, and the many celebrities who are flaunting their real hair these days, have such strong and long natural hair, why natural styles are never an option?
We appreciate and applaud that celebrities (from Toya Carter to Keke Palmer to Lil Mama to Christina Milian) are revealing healthy natural hair beneath their weaves, but we also wonder why it’s only good enough for a quick Instagram photo here or there, and not to rock on the red carpet like our girl Teyonah Parris:
#banger
What do you think ladies?
196 Responses
not all black women have the desire to rock natural hairstyles. not or they under any obligation to do so. i have natural hair, & in the military, most of the time i choose protective styles such as weaves (which can be properly installed without causes damaged by anyone who actually knows what they are doing) simply for convenience reasons, plus i like the option of not always wearing my hair out & manipulating it daily.
Her hair looks sparse but that’s impressive length. Models and actresses often need to change their hair often to satisfy their roles, as far as outside of jobs I wish they would wear their natural textures more often (as we’re starting to see).
I have to believe that most women in the entertainment industry wear weaves because of the media. Although we have come a long way, most producer/directors have not. They will probably hire a woman with long, straight hair before they hire one with natural curls and coils.
I know that I don’t always wear my natural hair out, and that’s because I like to change my hairstyles often. It doesn’t mean that she’s ashamed to wear her natural hair, but that’s how she keeps it healthy and able to grow it waist-length, by protective styling. There’s no shame in what she’s doing. I see nothing wrong with it.
I have long hair but wear a weave because my hair is thin.
That actually is her hair. I went to school with her and her hair was armpit length then.
No women wants or should have to explain her style choices. Angela Simmons, as well as any other woman who chooses to not wear her natural hair out, is an adult capable of making choices that are best for them. The CHOICE to go natural is NOT a movement it is a personal decision. I believe it is Angela in the pic. Her hair is gorgeous and so is she. Stop going in on the girl. ‘Do’ you and let her ‘do’ her.
i feel like the picture is her, but not sure, which celebs would show a mirror shot or hold a mirror so we can see the length plus the face. Otherwise, if your hair is that long, wouldn’t a weave feel like wearing a hat? So much hair to braid up just to sew some on top. Why?
Independent movie producers are proving the major studios no more are the exclusive judges of the things the populace want. If you happen to add to that distribution internet and, news reports, sites, from chat to entire videos. This is a completely new environment. A lot of it very good, some not.
yes he cute!i found his site ; I think he s from New york
http://www.concha-brice.book.fr
she very pretty ..her new boyfriend concha brice is hot!!!! i wan to go back in paris !!!! now
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Why wear weaves all the time if you have nice healthy hair? What’s the point of growing it out if you’re not going to enjoy it? Never understood that.smh
I always wondered the same thing! its like see look i have nice, thick, long hair ok put my weave back in! I did wear weaves for a long time & once my hair was where I wanted it to be, I started rocking it. However its a personal decision & I respect their right to do as they please!
I think it is about protecting your real hair. Celebrities are constantly in the spotlight and maintain an image. I don’t know about you but I can look like a completely different person when I have a weave versus my real hair.
picture, sorry
That is not Angela Simmons in that picuture
I don’t think it’s anything wrong with celebrities wearing weave & their natural hair is “long & strong”. It’s their choice, their preference. Natural hair styles aren’t for everyone. Yes, most people don’t get relaxers anymore. But that doesn’t mean they want wear their natural curl pattern all the time. I’m natural & have been that way way before it was a trend & don’t like the natural look on me. On others it’s beautiful, but it’s doesnt give me much life on myself.
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Sallie comment was my train of thought. People spend too much time worrying, judging, gossiping, demeaning, putting down others and just mindless gossip. Focus on yourself not others and you will be in a much better person.
I’m natural because I want to be. It’s healthier for me to go natural. It’s also cheaper, but being natural does take more time than if I wore relaxed hair. When I see my black sisters with Perms and weaves, braids and twists, bald and TWA’s, dreads and afros, I say “whatever floats your boat” and I keep it moving.
I dont make any judgments about why my black black sisters do what they do with their hair. Celeb or lady on the street, it matters not to me. I don’t do nitpicking. I do no analyzing ‘why she did this’ and ‘why she did that’ because truth be told, it isn’t my business.
I don’t see why it’s even a question? It’s her hair and I find it funny that the natural hair community seems to always want to hair shame people who don’t choose to show or wear their hair natural. I did the natural hair thing in my early twenties and didn’t get the hype. Give it a break, let people wear their hair anyway they chose…I mean really calm down, it’s just hair.
I think that many of the comments about this picture reflect just how much we (black America, women in particular) misunderstand our hair (amongst other things)! No, “weave” is not a combination of many different hairs from many different heads…what a misinformed comment! How many people would it take for one manufacturer of “weave” to compile the many bags of the stuff you find in stores on every street corner? We’d all be contributing strands! Do you know anyone who is? The stuff is not “human hair”, it is a combination of manmade fibers, and many of the packages say so. I am a black woman, natural by choice, don’t know what “type” my hair is, and don’t care. I stray away from relaxers due to allergies. I am very sensitive to chemicals and even the “weave” when used causes dermatitis (which supports the notion that the stuff ain’t real). Why does natural hair need to be a fad, or about making a statement? It’s choice. Who cares if a celebrity wears a weave or her own hair? I understand the point posed about why not do photo shoots, etc. in the natural hair…let’s not be so ignorant as to overlook the fact that there are celebrities who wear their natural hair, most of the time! Again, it’s choice. Let’s use the opportunity to discuss natural hair as a means of encouraging and motivating and thus leading to increased knowledge and an appreciation of hair, regardless of how we choose to wear it.
Celebrities wear weaves because in this society(white america) they wouldn’t get booked wearing natural hair and thats just the truth. A very sad truth. She has very gorgeous hair though!
If they want to wear weaves let them wear weaves. If they want to be natural let them be natural. The real problem with the world today is that everyone is concerned with what everyone else is doing instead of focusing on themselves. If we paid more attention to ourselves I’m sure that luxury of a great stylist is just an arms reach away.
Well to each his own. I don’t go natural because I’m lazy, I like an easy wash and comb through period. I grew up wearing my hair natural and I may go back there again one day, but it doesn’t matter to me what or how someone where’s their hair. Black people put too much stress on each other always thinking everything we do needs to represent the entire black race. What I find embarrasing is that we have youths killing each other everyday over senseless things and territory.
It is getting exhausting reading about “we need to be black and proud and wear our hair natural.” Please stop trying to make other women feel guilty because you feel the need to make a statement with your “natural hair.” Mind you, I’ve been natural for a couple of years now, and my hair just doesn’t grow, point blank! period! Whether you’re white, black, blue or green, some people just happen to have hair that hardly grows past a certain length. So on the day when I feel like having some length, I’ll be wearing a weave, a wig or whatever the hell I want to wear. And if Angela Simmons or any other celeb feel the need to wear full, shiny hair, they also have that option and there’s no valid reason for criticizing them. This whole natural hair movement is not a political statement, NOBODY gives a hoot how you wear your hair. Trust me, I know. I’m presently wearing a short fro that I haven’t hade time to “cowash” or “detangle” in a minute, and nobody has looked at me funny yet. When they do, I’ll be sure to flash them a smile and say hello to them in a tone that makes them understand that I’m equal to, if not better than they are. In the words of Indie Arie “I am not my hair!”
We shouldnt bash people just because what we are doing with our hair they dont do with theirs. Everyone is different and We MUST accept that. Natural hair is natural hair. Let her rock. Sheesh
what’s with obsession with hair length black women. This behavior is so disgusting. No wonder black people can’t get ahead.
What’s wrong with wanting long hair naturally? people joke around that our hair could only be long if we wore weave or that our hair is short because of all that relaxing and the worst part is that it came from our OWN COMMUNITY.
More and more black women are trying to find out what works for their hair to be long, healthy and natural. They ARE going ahead because those women break the cycle of ‘ you only look good with weave’ and teach their children how to work and LOVE their hair instead of relaxing it all the time so that society accepts us… The one who is being held back is you for not seeing that sisters finally are accepting their texture.
Yes I wear a weave because the weather is not gonna ruin my progress, but bet your life that when summer arrives my kinky hair will be at my waist.
This is corporate america she is working for, and worse yet, the entertainment industry. Until more African Americans work and control the film production and thus industry, i’m guessing the hairstyles she wears are going to reflect their views, ideas and tastes. And natural black hair just wouldn’t be one of them.
I think they don’t wear their hair because as we all know very well natural hair can be unpredictable. You style it one way and hit the door and it looks completely different. If I were a celebrity and wanted to wear my hair in a certain style that the weather might or or might not permit my natural hair to hold I’d wear a weave too. Just for the security and to prevent the drama of the paparazzi catching me looking silly.
On the other hand maybe they just prefer the weaves to their own hair…which is unfortunate but still their business.
Who cares. Why are people so obsessed with hair, just be thankful that you have a healthy head of hair regardless of length. On the picture, why does her hair look flat and why does it look kind of oily. Maybe she needs to get a new hairdresser because it does not look like a professional did her hair, this is only my opinion.
waste of 18 mins ill never get back, this is why black women are the less likely to get married! stop weaves and perms, your putting more Asian kids in college then your own!
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No one is chastising her for straightening her hair. Many naturals straighten their hair. We celebrate the versatility of natural hair. Many naturals wear weaves for protection. There is no right or wrong way to wear your hair – it’s totally an expression of yourself at that time. But it’s more about why MOSt celebrities don’t feel it’s acceptable to EVER wear their natural hair out. It’s more of a trend just showing it on Instagram, etc. I think Teyonnah Paris & Viola Davis are fearless for going against mainstream!!!
So true thumbs up @ treasure 0806!
people shouldnt be so critical of the woman wearing weaves all the time. If you were to manipulate natural hair to the extent that celebs have their manipulated and on that frequency, it would be broken off in no time flat. It makes perfectly good sense to use hair that isn’t your own, given the purpose.
and for the record, her hair looks pretty healthy. It’s well cared for (aka preserved).
Goyta,I don’t know if I agree with you. I believe for most music artists and actors it is not mandate for them to call their stylists to do a “hot press” or over manipulating your hair for every red carpet, premiere, or fundraiser event that’s on a weekly basis. Many times actors like Sandra Bullock, Amy Adams, Erika Badu, Lauren Hill and Ezperanza Spalding, and Lupita N’Onyngo do their hair themselves and keep it simple with low maintenance. I mentioned these names just right off the top of my head, because all of these woman above mentioned do not wear weaves. Their hair continues to be healthy and grow very long, regardless of their hair type. A believe a lot of women in the industry truly believe if they don’t wear weaves or wigs to protect their natural hair that their hair will be destroyed. This is the biggest Myth. If more actors and musicians would know how to manage their natural hair with creativity, low maintenance, and time and patience there would be no need to spend $ Thousands of dollars on expensive weaves.
Lupita’s stylist has discussed in detail his styling choices for her hair. Actresses regularly utilize stylists for red carpet events to look their absolute best. I’m not sure where you get your information from, but you might want to check again.
I think you missed the point that I was trying to make. I never said that Lupita never works with a stylist. Have you ever seen Lupita wear wigs or any unnecessary weaves since she’s arrived on scene? Of course not. The point being is that very few Actors like Lupita do not allow their stylists to over bear their better personal judgement concerning their hair. Unlike other celebrities Lupita and her stylist have a co-relationship. It’s obvious her stylist does not force her to compromise or throw anything into the mix making her look a hot mess. In truth it is a blessing to work with a hair dresser like that, because God knows there’s a lot of bad ones out in the industry who lie to their clients every single week. They promise them the world of Fabolous beautiful natural waist length hair and those goals are never achieved due to the fact that these stylists are being paid large amounts of money. They care far much more how deep their pocket is vs if their “favorite” client’s hair has broken off into pieces.
One thing I like about the natural hair community is we came this far largely without the help of the ubiquitous celebrity endorsement. When this thing was gaining ground only a handful of ppl in the spot light rocked it, but even they have been reluctant to really take ownership. This has probably been mentioned, but why exactly are we paying attention to them now? Especially ones that only rep us in the Instagram ghettos. I love seeing beautiful women rock their beautiful hair proudly.
True! They can do whatever they want to their hair. IDC! What is wrong with our hair??? Why just send a quick picture and say see I’m natural when we don’t see them wearing it out more in role, interview. And that lovely Red Carpet? What is wrong with our real hair?!
honestly, the weave she wears is pretty although maybe not really healthy for her hair. the weave looks better than her long straight hair, because the weave is thick, has shine and kind of clumps together in soft waves along the end. id rather see her in the weave than in her natural straightened hair. it just looks too thin compared to her weave.
most black women’s hair, especially when straightened frequently, will never look like the weave they wear. that’s just the reality. weave hair is drawn up from many different heads of hair to give it that thickness, and it’s then processed for shine. It would never be realistic to expect one’s natural hair to look like it, because if it were attainable to that degree, no one would buy weaves.
Wow! This is why we can’t get anywhere. We are such haters. Is it really a crime for Angela to wear a weave and not wear her real hair out? She is not an advocate for natural hair. I think we need to see natural hair in all forms. While some of us are cool with rocking fro’s, twists, and curls some of us may not. It shouldn’t be an issue. Those that choose to straighten their hair shouldn’t be chastised for it. The beauty of black hair is it’s versatility. Stop knocking people’s choices just because you choose to do things differently.
I don’t think anyone is hating on Angela Simmons or any other celebrity who chooses to wear weaves. The question posed is why is the natural hair only good enough for an quickie Instagram photo and not for the world to see. Angela’s hair, style, and face are beautiful either way she chooses to wear them! We all have the absolute right to wear our hair any way we choose and to be free of judgement from others. However, black women should feel just as comfortable as other women wearing their own hair versus weave. Society still looks at black women’s natural hair in a negative light. It is slowly changing though thanks to sites like this one and more celebrities wearing their natural hair in public.
Each woman has a different “comfort” level. It’s unfair to say that “black women should feel just as comfortable as other women wearing their own hair versus weave.” It’s not up for ANYONE to dictate how someone else “should” feel.
@ Kellie really don’t care what they do with there hair! It is when we ONLY get a quckie picture and they saying how natural they are…ok great! Why not wear it out more especially on the Red Carpet??? Spare me the details why! It is a choice. I get that! Again, I ask what’s is wrong with our hair?! Why DON’T we feel or most feel comfortable wearing our hair out? What is wrong with our hair vice other races?
How are people going to get accustomed to natural hair and accept Black women with hair sans weave – just as people of other ethnic group’s natural is accepted – if Black female celebrities with naturals always cover their natural hair?
Black men no longer straighten their hair with chemicals in droves and they don’t wear wigs, why should Black women?
There’s nothing wrong with a weave. It can be a great tool for helping to retain length, they’re fun to wear, and can be easier to manage while your natural hair rests but I personally think they are worn too often in our community. A weave can be a blessing or a crutch. Yes, I know that women of other ethnic groups wear weaves and extensions but statistically Black women wear them more than any other ethnic group on the planet. Anyone who doubts me can look this up. Some of us wear weaves non-stop because we don’t feel our natural hair is acceptable. Our natural hair is just as acceptable as a White woman’s, Hispanic woman’s or Asian woman’s hair. As soon as we realize that, more people in the industry will get on board and stop suggesting or demanding that Black female entertainers hide their hair to get work.
@ Lorraine Your comment is one of best ones yet and it is so very true. Most black women weave, wig, relax and braid it 90% of the time. When it is in its natural star, im seen as a freak, werid,rude Or otherwise. Like today my hair is in a week old twist out. I got stared at like a zoo animal…some offhanded smiles and stay hellos….they looked straight at my hair and not at me. Now if I was another race with my natural hair out, they wouldn’t have looked at me like a monkey in a cage at a zoo! I’ve been there with the: Remy weaves…relaxers…braids…and wigs too. It is a choice…respect the choice . I get it and then some because that is her hair her choice and she has to deal with it and wear it everyday. it has taken me a loooong time to get to this point and reprogram my mind about myself and my HHJ but don’t laugh, tease, call me ugly or a nappy-headed fool, or a monster just because I’m wearing my natural hair out. Just like them I’m doing this for me and not just natural hair but watching the food and drink that enters the body too! Water is our friend! Again I ask what is wrong with our real hair being out and WHY don’t we feel comfortable wearing it out?
I’m just sort of sick of the whole “waist length” “ooh look my hair is long” crap. To me this whole obsession with hair length seems counter to what rocking natural hair and being mindful of keeping hair healthy is all about. I enjoy a lot of the info and beautiful pics on this site, but to be honest, the very name of this site is annoying “Black Girl with Long Hair”….(eyeroll)…when will the obsession end?
I don’t think it’s anything wrong with her protecting her own hair. On the flip side of healthy hair remember the pics of Naomi Campbell’s hair line. I say good for her that she’s able to maintain her length.
exactly. not everybody with money is taking good care of the natural hair under a wig or weave.
Her hair is long and gorgeous.
I’ll get alot of negative votes for this, but Why can’t we just take care of our on hair and mind our business? Who cares how she decides to wear her’s? It’s her damn business. Unnecessary conflict over personal decisions. We’re always on the look out for people not “natural enough”. Having to walk around on broken glass over our decisions. Thumbs down away.
well I think because its a natural hair site….no one is on the look out. it was posted on a forum. Again I doubt many natural sisters go LOOKING to point out who is wearing a weave etc but on a site that is about embracing what God gave its kinda like the site admin knows what will get comments.
I follow Angela on Instagram and she does wear her hair natural from time to time although she also wears her natural hair straight. But my thing is, why do others care so much? When did being natural mean having rules to affirm your membership to an imaginary club? Angela’s journey is HERS. it doesn’t make her no less natural because she wears weaves or wears it straight. IT’S NOR THAT SERIOUS. her hair doesn’t affect the price if chicken or the interest on my student loans so I could care less. Natural Hair Drill Seargants should give it a rest.
Thank you! Not everyone decides to wear their natural hair out because they want to be free and liberated from conforming to the European standard of beauty… some do it because they’re tired of straight hair and want a change… does that make them less ‘natural’ than me? That’s why women hesitate going natural. The natural hair community is more like a country club, checking everyone out to see if they really belong…
I wear sew ins as and my natural hair is doing amazing, it’s growing long and it’s back to its original thickness (before the relaxers and Egyptian blow outs lol). I think Angela’s hair is gorgeous and healthy. I hope my hair will be just as long within the next 1 to 2 years. Weaves can be a great protective style when done properly and her stylist appears to take great care of her hair.
How did she straighten her hair without heat?
I respect a woman right to choose but I also think its HIGHLY ANNOYING when celebs don’t change it up…never seen some of these undercover naturals at an event but they want to jump on natural hair sites acting as if they actively embrace their hair. Ask them for specifics on how they care for their natural hair and they’d have 2 ask their STYLISTS what they do! Its like saying you love being a mom yet the nanny has your kids 2o hrs out of every day! Sure you gave birth to them but if ur not really doing the hard work FOR YOURSELF and no one has ever really SEEN YOU with your kids…try showing up at a mommy & me event or volunteering to post for a mommy blog…they’d ask what the heck you know abt really being a mom except that you had the kids! sure they’re NATURALLY your offspring but what do u really know? Why hasn’t anyone really seen you out & abt with your kids doing the hard work,taking the criticsm,making mistakes? Hope that made sense to someone!lol!
I could not agree more with the article!!! Yes, its very cute that you instagram pics of your natural hair, but you NEVER WEAR IT OUT, so who the hell cares that its natural under pounds of weave?
Much money and access to hair care as a lot of these ladies have, they could wear natural styles. They don’t because they probably don’t think they’re attractive and they’re too plugged in to the status quo. So, save me with the natural pics.
I love Ms. Parris! LOVE THAT SHE’S SHOWING HER NATURAL HAIR AND HOW BEAUTIFUL IT CAN BE!
Members of the natural hair community spend too much time policing what goes on with other people’s scalps. That’s my final answer.
I honestly don’t think women of the natural community police, not the majority though, but when you bring articles like this to a natural forum with women learning to accept and love their own hair you are not going to get cheerlearders for the ‘coverup’. I think most naturals could careless about anyone elses hair UNTIL they come with the I’m natural, or Instagram photos etc. I understand that some people get a little too militant but to many, especially myself, learning to accept my hair has been a challenge and somehow we manged to get to a point of love that is way over do so if these celebs are going to try to jump on the bandwagon have a seat don’t do it for the show
Then hold the blogs accountable for constantly flashing the stories, if many of the readers feel that the individual celebrities are “down for the cause.” These comments won’t change the celebrity, it only may change how the readers view her.
Maybe it’s her preference to wear weaves/straightened hair. She doesn’t have to leave her natural hair out if she doesn’t want to. Is her ‘naturalness’ negated because she chooses to wear weaves?
@ lee in London : yes it DOES negate her naturalness. We never see it her rockin her curls so how does she say she is aligned with us. We see her rocking asian hair. She is in a position of power. She has the ability to have little girls look up to her.
they see her with her asian weave and wish for it too. Little girls continue to put tshirts on their hair pretending it is long.
Alright now LilKunta! Now you comin’ with it. Our little girls can have that t-shirt length hair by the time their 6/7 if the moms would jus take care of it.
you are right!
Lol! You just reminded me ! I had a flashback! I did that!!
Who is “us”? This is a grown adult who leads a different lifestyle than me and you and this is her CHOICE. of all the positive things she does like give to charity, being a young entrepreneur and having a successful empire at a young, and we focus on hair? I feel like if you look at her and you focus on her weave then your perception is wrong. I don’t understand people who become or who are natural feel this sense of hierchy over others. Let her live n worry bout her own scalp.
Thank you very much. That’s why I have really retreated from natural hair forums and blogs (I visit once a month), hair is important I agree when it comes to personal identity, but in the larger spectrum of this young woman’s life, I could care less about her weave or hair. She is not the average person, so don’t expect average person behavior (and by average I mean financial access and network); are paparazzi following anyone of us around every time we step out? Doubt it! I appreciate what she has accomplished, and her part in debunking the myth that Black women don’t have hair under their weaves. She has made a name for herself and leads a health lifestyle that incorporates great eating and exercise, and she is an entrepreneur … her hair what?
@lilkunta, damn! you are right about the little girls with the t-shirts flipping it wishing long hair..I forgot all about that! remember Whoopi Goldberg stand-up? was it 30 years ago she did that sketch…Lord, nothing has changed…little black girls STILL pretending with the t-shirts…I’m going to cry
What’s up with this role model nonsense? Angela is a young girl let her be. Little girls can look up to her her for other reasons, why hair? My hair is waist long and has been long since I was about 9 years old. My mom has been relaxed since she was 22. Me and my 3 sisters have always been natural. I learned from my mom how to care for my natural hair even though she was relaxed, I followed her not celebrities. I have no problem with weaves, relaxers or anything else. My eldest sister has a weave and her natural hair is long because she is doing a play and doesn’t like the daily styling with the heat to make her hair straight. If you just saw her you wouldn’t know she has always been natural. Let people make their own choices. Teach your girls to make their own choices and not be a follower.
I agree, we must teach our girls to not be followers. You don’t idolize people because of their hair. You can find inspiration in the [positive] things they do but it’s not a celebrity’s job to be a role model for your kids. It’s a parent’s job to be role model’s and positive reinforcements for their children. Celebrities are people like everyone else, they are, they just make a lot more money.
+100 easily the best and most reasonable comment on here. Teach your girls to make their own choices and not be a follower!
“they see her with her asian weave and wish for it too.” of course its all angelas fault *sarcasm* it is so easy to blame other people. if you dont teach your kids right then its your fault not angelas. angela has nothing to do with your kids or the kids you will have, if you make your parenting right. its not angelas job to raise your kids. its pathetic to blame her for things that already happened way before her time. she is a victim of false beauty-marketing, like we all are/were.
I don’t understand why people always bringing negativity here. Please let’s just celebrate the hair. I do agree that celebrities should rock their natural hair more, but tbh, their hair would be put under so much stress by stylists on the regular, it probably is better to have the weave suffer the treatment instead.
@ lulu : the negativity is due to angela and stylist nikk(apparently a man). Angela gave an interview a few years back talking about her natural hair only bc she wanted us to buy her cheaply made in chine over priced pastry shoes/clothes. Angela didnt go natural to be free of the stress of relaxers, she did it bc her stylist said there is no need to relax. Angela didnt transition or BC, she just braided her hair and sewed in a weave. Angela doesnt wash, seal, hot oil treat her hair, her stylist does. So I found it insulting she was on her saying she was one of us when she has no tips or experience.
and NO WE WONT BUY PASTRY. She herself doesnt wear it. Why should we buy your stuff so you can then use thse profits to buy
manolas, ysl, jimmy choo, etc.
GTFOOH wtbull.
girl please. why all this anger? angela doesnt know you. why you take it so personal, that she is wearing a weave??? you should not feel so offended by her. she is living her live/hair the way she wants it. and we all can see that she/her stylist takes good care of her hair. if i had the money i would take a stylist too. and not every rich person does take care of the hair like that. or did we all forget the wig-slip of naomi campbell.
The stylist says she blew out Angela’s hair with no heat. How the heck do you get hair straight with a cold blow-dry?
I wanna know too!!!! So we can say no to heat damage!
Exactly. How the heck do you blow out hair without heat?
#somebodydontknowwhattheyretalkingabout
I had the same thought! When he says no heat does he mean no flat iron?
Cause I need a seasoned stylist to confirm for me that u can get hair bone straight with NO HEAT! i’m thinking he used a blowdryer with heat and a metal roundbrush?
I think it’s possible. I have managed to get my natural hair with no heat or blowdryer..and I do not have a stylist. It’s how I stretch my hair and other methods I use.
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_20130215_101826.jpg[/img]
***I meant to say I have managed to get my natural hair straight with no heat or blow dryer. It takes a couple of days but it’s worth it 🙂 and I do not have A stylist lol should I make a video ?..let me know if u ladies think I should.
Hi rubi lee!! I’m a recent subbie to your channel and I think that would be great. 🙂
i’m also interested in a tutorial. let us know if you do one
Straight with no “bump” in the middle from pulling it tightly into a pony or something like that? lol
I can stretch mine but it always has that stupid hump in it unless I use heat.
I have noticed at the salon I go to to get my trims that when the stylist blow dries my hair that the air is not hot. Better tools , better tech, I think its more about the force of the air and the downward angle that they use, it addition to the paddle brush that snaps the hair follicles closed giving the smooth and straight results.
@ Mel I agree! I was there once with the BEST Remy weave at the stylist request. Every two month I had to get it redo over and that was a cool $170 easily…I just couldn’t afford it anymore and my stylist skipped town and the shopped closed:( What is a girl to do?! I started learning and still learning about my hair and not HIDING it under a wig or weaves or braids. At some point, I wanted to wear my real hair. For those who want to be natural all the way, why hide the hair? Sure, some do it because it is convenient and I bget that …cool….but for other like me display the hair…learn your learn type what it likes and mainly what it doesn’t like!
Stars have more access to serious funds fun and more resources than the average black natural woman. I don’t know know about you, but the weaves and braids were burning a hole in my pocket! I couldn’t keep this hair lifestyle up! Yes, my hair was slowly thining around the edges and nape of my neck! I didn’t care put the weave in…put the weave in…make me beautiful! I was truly addicted…then I decided to try to do MY OWN hair and stop spending hours and $$$ at the beauty shop $60+ that’s what they charged me to do my natural hair! Heck, I can used that money for something else! I am solely responsible for my hair and hair grown NOT someone else! Keep at it! #aimingforBSLorpassmyknees<3
After reading this whole article the best part was seeing Teyonah Paris’ GORGEOUS hair!
I agree with what you have written. I think that people with money have access to top stylists, techniques, multiple visits…that the avaerage person does not.
I have natural hair that is no more or less fragile than the average Black woman. I wore braid and weaves for a time. However, I did have an experience where the weave was pulled out of my hair hastily in an attempt to keep on schedule and lost significant length to breakage. I used the best hair and took the best care of the hair underneath as possible. However, I did not have the money for a private stylist to come to my home weekly to tend to the weave, to keep it tightened and the hair beneath it strong.
It is similar to the celebs who appear four weeks post childbirth sporting a slim figure and flat abs. They aren’t magical, they just have access to things most don’t.
I do feel sad sometimes about the number of Black celebs who hide their hair 90% of the time under wigs or weaves. If you’ve got all that beautiful hair and luscious texture, let it show! But they have to be prepared to be talked about by the mainstream gossips. Black celebs with fros have been called “monsters”, “scary” and everything else. It is most likely the ones who have looser curls and waves who are accepted. Those with hair that doesn’t grow downward get criticized. What a shame!
@ Mel I agree with you! So what is wrong with our hair????
excuse my ignorance, but I know nothing about this woman. Is she a singer or actress? Thanks.
She is Rev. Runs (of Run DMC) daughter.
shuuuuuuut up. let them live. that is all
Question, why is it ok for someone who is not in the limelight like you and me to put up an instagram or twitter picture of our beautiful natural hair (relaxed/natural) but it is not ok for someone who is famous? Plenty of people post up progress pictures of their hair, why can’t a famous person do that as well? Why do she NEED to prove to you guys and wear her natural hair out every now and again or on the red carpet just to make YOU happy? That sounds kinda selfish. It is her hair! That’s like my grandmother(though I love her dearly) telling me not to listen to heavy metal/industrial music because our kind is not supposed to listen to it and not to watch scary movies because she doesn’t like it eventhough I love it. These pictures could be for attention and they could also just be a picture for fun.
You have to remember, these entertainers are normal people with a lot of money and extra attention. Now as far as it goes for entertainers wearing weaves all of the time, I understand why. I myself am an independent entertainer, just getting into it but I have been exposed to it for 18 of the 20 years that I’ve been living, thanks to my uncle, and there is a lot of traveling and work, interviews, photoshoots, practicing for hours and random times where I have to suddenly perform, like literally the day or night that I find out. I have to always look presentable at all times of the day, I mean I can’t be having a bunch of braids on my head trying to take them out while I get to where I have to go and have a hit or miss hairstyle because I didn’t have enough time,…so the easiest way is to wear a weave(I wear wigs because I can take it off and take care of my hair easier that way). Sometimes I cannot take 45 minutes to an hour along with 30 minutes to do my makeup to get ready and can only afford 10 minutes for makeup, brush my hair and go. I was not born with thick lush hair, neither was my mom or grandmother, but I still I love my naturally thin and fine hair(I say thin and fine because people think that thin and fine hair is not beautiful, but I’d like to think that mine is), I even do hairstyles that enhance its thinness(or see-throughness as some say). I wear it out in its curly state whenever I don’t have anything to do and have time to myself, but I do that for me, not because I want other people to love my hair too.
We all know that doing twist/braid outs, wet sets/rollers, etc. takes time to do and put together, as well as to dry. We also have those bad hair days where it’s not looking how you thought it would look because it frizzed up from humidity, you might have a curl that’s too big/small or too long while the rest is shrunken and curly or you take your twists out too early before it’s dry and you have no definition after 5 minutes of taking them out. For the people who wear afros, there have been times where your afro or afro puffs have been lopsided or not perfectly round.
I understand your frustration with beauty being of the European standards but again you have to remember that they are entertainers in the European limelight, and no it’s not fair. Yes an afro can be and is sexy, you know this and I know this, but they are meant to look a certain way which is the total opposite of the average joe for entertainment purposes, but once they go home and take off their costumes and makeup they are just like us. Why judge so harshly, how would you feel if you were proud of your hair and put a picture of it up and have people tearing you down because you don’t show it off enough? I’ve seen her hair curly and straight and I think her hair is beautiful and looks similar to mine when I decide to straighten it except I’m only at bra-strap length when straightened. We need to bring people up not put them down. Just because they have money and fame does not mean that they are happy, and sometimes all that they need is something to make them smile. This picture could have been her reason to smile! Be more positive and open-minded!
People often question the photos because the face is not visible, just the hair. If they posted a full face photo along with the hair, people would be more likely to believe the hair is real.
Gia – Kudos to you for trying to make strides in “the industry”.
But tell me this, what does “look presentable” mean to you?
And “they are entertainers in the European limelight, and no it’s not fair” – our point exactly (those who are pro-being the way God mad you).
We came into this world, this world system, these standards but once you understand something isn’t right, why just roll over and take it? So what if your curls are not congruent throughout your head? So what if your hair is thinner than someone else? Why are “we” always the ones to so easily just roll over and take it? Why? That is what people on the board are saying. We are not attacking Ms. Simmons. The problem is bigger than her; far bigger. We came into this world and saw things were not right, same as white female suffragettes, same as gay people fighting for equal rights, majority white people who protest the IMF, same as African-Americans who fought for civil rights, same as the so-called founders of the United States Of America itself, who separated from the British empire, feeling, believing to their core that how things were structured politically was also not right. So WHY, for the love of all things sane, in this day and age with so much apparent knowledge are we the ones who are still just rolling over and taking it? What do you think will happen if tomorrow, relaxers, weaves, wigs or braids or bleaching creams didn’t exist? Would we all up and die? Likely not. Would we be banished and further economically marginalized because we just looked too unsightly for the majority white to see and because so many of us in our natural form would frighten them and when they’re frightened, they might revert to some old ways of doing things? I don’t exactly know the real answer to that but I’d like to think it’s no.
That is all we are saying. This is truly bigger than all of us and that I know could be scary to some. It is a non-violent protest whether we’d like to believe it or not. Not because we see it that way exactly but because that is how some others might view it (black, white, Asian, etc). But sometimes when we face a fear and get to the other side, we realize that the fear wasn’t even really that big in the first place. I have hunch that if the whole world went natural tomorrow, (Jewish, Asian and Latino women included – some Jewish women have hair just like ours)–if we all went natural tomorrow, the world would have one day of shock and then it would be business as usual, seeing that that was now the ONLY option. Until then….the struggle continues.
what does angela do? Is she in movies, is she a singer, actress what??? All I ever see from her is at events or beach photos.
I think her blown out hair is gorgeous. if she chooses to wig it or weave it 99% of the time I guess that is the ultimate protective styling. I couldn’t do it and wouldn’t want to do it. I just can’t look at myself in hair that is not mine all the time (well any of the time even when my hair was crappy I worked it till it wasn’t)
I agree with GodMadeMePerfect-if we don’t start changing or challenging the ‘norm’ or what someone else said is acceptable to us who will. We should be proud of our hair our skin and all that makes us different. There is no one standard and we should get away from that belief that there is
What entertainment business is Angela Simmons in apart from reality tv – if that can be considered entertainment?
Biased a little? How presumptuous of you to say black women with hair that’s not fragile never wear natural styles, they do they just have more versatility to wear varying styles, Don’t be a hater, hating’s bad.
It’s her hair, she can do whatever she pleases with it, and I think it’s kind of interesting how people define natural hair. Twist outs, braid outs, etc. are examples of manipulating the hair into a different curl pattern other than one’s own. Such styles have been accepted, but it seems like the aversion here is to her straight do. Would a straw set make people happier? I’m not saying people don’t have a right to have an opinion, but it would be worthwhile for all of us to take a closer look at what we have created as acceptable in the natural hair community…maybe it’s time to broaden our horizons.
@ neochasez the aversion is that her stylist says ‘pressed hair get a weaeve we grow hair” as if that is the sole way to growhair.
what grows hair is care: no sulfates, condition, oil and seal, and protect.
Angela Simmons keeps her hair in weave due to her lifestyle and profession like most celebrities. I’m not one to police another woman’s hair. If she wants to wear her natural hair on red carpets and at events, she will. If she doesn’t, that’s her prerogative. We’ve got to stop trying to police each other, appreciate her healthy hair and keep it moving!
what is her profession ? run’s house is cancelled.
aint nobody buying pastry.
she isnt a model ?
jaida , angela just needs to admit that it is easier for .
and that is FINE.
the problem we have is that she is professing
to be 1 of us and SHE IS NOT.
she doesnt relax her hair but she isnt natural.
Here we go again…Why are some people expecting damn near demanding some of these celebrities to rock their natural hair all the time, it’s really ridiculous and pathetic. It’s their hair, it’s their choice how they choose to wear it, they don’t need to explain anything to anyone.
No one should put their confidence in a celebrity (or anyone else) in order to feel good about their hair, body, life etc… If someone truly wants to wear their natural hair (as they see fit) they should only do it for themselves not anyone else.
As for as Angela’s hair, I think it looks fine and healthy, a 3 inch cut wouldn’t hurt but overall it doesn’t look terrible to me.
In an ideal world; yes what a celeb (or anyone else) does shouldn’t affect others, but the reality is that it does. Otherwise we wouldn’t even have posted this story and no one would be commenting. We cannot deny that how a group is presented to the media, influences how others see that group and how those within that group, see themselves.
In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have had slavery, they’d be no colour spectrum = level of attractiveness, they’d be no hair spectrum. But there is. This means that (unfortunately) how a black woman wears her hair in the public eye IS a big deal (I’m not saying that it should or shouldn’t be, I’m just stating how it is). This is why, given our history, when it comes to celebs & natural hair, people are so protective and sensitive about it, and it does (for some) affect how they see themselves.
They don’t wear their natural hair out because it is unacceptable in many people’s eyes still today.
true
People so quick to shout “Let them do what they want! who cares what they do with their hair!! Well they obviously do, which is why they stay instagraming and twittering their hair! If they didn’t make their hair choices such a big deal, maybe others wouldn’t! And this is a HAIR blog – a place where people comment on how people do and wear their hair! Hello people!!
Anyways, these celebs are so keen so shout how great their real hair is, yet don’t even wear it out. If they’re not bothered about wearing their real hair, and want to stay ‘protected’ all the time, why bother going the extra mile to show us this one pic then??
My point exactly!!!
Why does there have to be an explanation from them? Why do people post pics of their food? Why do people post pics of where they go? Why do people post pics of their outfits? Why do people post pics in the gym? People just do. It is an era of exposure. Social media has allowed for everyone to show a side of themselves that people may not see. I feel like to ask why they do it is like asking why non-celebrities use facebook or twitter. People just do..even when no one cares about what you are posting. People want validation, compliments, to show off, to present themselves…it is a show…and everyone does it. It isn’t just limited to Angela or any other celeb.
i agree with your comment and that is why i am not part of the exposure culture (twitter or facebook).it shows how insecure socierty is.
i say “so what?” brown-girls-with-long-hair come a dime a dozen.what new?
I don’t know about all the other stuff; I just think her hair looks very nice.
Y’all some haters! Here hair looks good. It is healthy. If it wasn’t it wouldn’t grow to that length at all. Here ends may need a trim but she doesn’t where her hair like that most of the time so it isn’t surprising that this is the case. Some of y’all just became natural like 2 seconds ago after rocking a relaxer for most of your life and now you want to come for other people. Angela is not the ambassador of all that is natural hair. If she wants to show her hair then great. If she doesn’t but it is healthy and growing then that is her business too. She can also show it off whenever she wants as well. I don’t understand why woman like to dissect other women like this. We all raved about Willow’s song “I am not my hair” yet we hold people to a certain standard wearing their hair the way they want. It’s crap. I say rock on Angela. Your hair looks nice. Weaves aren’t for me but if they work for you then keep it up.
I think you meant India Arie not 12 year old Willow who sings “Whip my hair”
You right Dani. Really either one of the songs would apply to this (India Arie or Willow). They seem to be anthems for the natural hair movement yet people are always ready to go in on somebody based on what they do with there hair. It just seems to defeat the purpose of accepting yourself for who you are and what you like.
Teyonah made a conscious decision the same way Angela has, who are we to critique? What happened to individual autonomy? since when and for why do we have an expectation of celebrities to act/make decisions in a manner that pleases or speaks on behalf of the remainder of the population.
I’m a natural, I will wear a braid out today and if I want a 16 inch weave the next that is MY decision. Must they rock Afro’s to satisfy the public and let you know that they love their hair? We lament about the versatility of natural hair so lets get off our sisters cases and let them be.
I could care less about how long her hair is in between weave appointments. Can she rock it healthily out of a weave? I found that my hair grows well in weaves, but I had no clue how to maintain it once I took it down. Regular visits to the hairdresser didn’t help much either. After many weave in and weave out experiences and ending up with damaged hair, I finally decided to learn how to maintain my OWN hair without them. For me, going natural gave me the freedom and the know-how I wouldn’t have gain otherwise.
nikki SHUTUP. you got hate bc of your bad attitude. Saying “get pressed get a weave we grow hair” hashtags is not nice. We are normal people, we are not the daughter of run dmc so we cant get $200 $300 weaves every other week.
I get that weaves and wigs protect hait.
Now you have long natural hair angela, why
dont you ever wear it out ? wearing it out once
a week isnt going to make your hair fall out.
Two things: Angela’s stylist is a man.
And
I don’t understand why we need to constantly police and critique what other people do to their hair.
Thanks for that correction Jamila
Maybe she stays weaved up because she sells weaves/has her own line of extensions. Maybe her stylist tweeting that photo is to generate business for herself and draw attention to her business (you know, for the ladies that like to get weaves and want to grow their hair using them). Maybe celebrities tweet photos because they like attention. Maybe they show their “real hair” to feel more connected with other women…maybe even naturalistas…. Just like many of you don’t understand their motivations, they may not understand the cattiness and judgement that comes from people that say they have embraced themselves–or at least their hair. Have a good weekend y’all.
It’s nice and long. It’s pretty. Would be cool to see it in a fro, while she’s out at an event but at the end of the day it’s her hair. It’s just gorgeous! So is Teyonah Parris’! That’s a nice, thick and big fro. Angela’s fro is that size or a little bigger. I don’t like the fact that a lot of people think black women can’t grow their hair long.
I like that celebrities are showing off their natural hair. I DO want to see them rocking it on the red carpet though but this allows me to know that you can still press your hair and it can be healthy.
Pubic hair is not generally coarser than scalp hair( mine is not).
y’all bringing up PUBIC HAIR…LMBO! this site and comments crack me up sometimes…it really does
I’m trying to figure out how “generally” she would know what other people’s public hair looks like. My goodness, has she conducted a study? LOL!
@ eva; maybe your pubes are 1a but mine are 5z
I don’t think that the coarseness of hair has anything to do with how long it gets. Look at pubic hair. It’s usually coarser than scalp hair and yet scalp hair(unless you cut it) is always longer.
This is because of terminal length; a predetermined length for the hairs on our body. If we didnt have terminal length our pubic hair, under arm hair, eyebrows and eye lash would be at our knees lol
I think some people may be missing the point and automatically assuming people are “hating” on her. Her hair looks great! But too bad this is the first and only time we’ll ever see her this way. Like others may have said, it’s not impressive when you feel your natural hair is only good enough for a twitter or Instagram pic, just to show how long it is, but in the public eye you stay weaved up 100% of the time. Not everyone is really trying to protect their hair. Sometimes it’s just the fact that they haven’t accepted their hair in it’s natural texture.
I think there is a difference between a black woman who doesn’t have a relaxer and a “natural”. And I think these celebs just don’t have relaxers. To me being a natural means I take pride in the way my hair grows out of my head. I care for it on a daily basis and am very comfortable with people (meaning besides a hair stylist) seeing my hair. A true natural takes pride in their particular Afro-textured hair (whether its type 2,3,4) and has it on display more than not. It’s ok to wear weaves and what not, but I think a natural wears it as an accessory or to get past a certain stage or to give the hair a rest. Our hair does not have to be straightened or hidden to be acceptable. I know it’s their hair and they have the right to do as they like, but it would be nice if they would show their fans that natural is also a great option. We need all warriors on deck….this is a revolution!!!! 🙂 🙂
@ Antrelise amen Amen AMEN !
so nice so I am reposting :
Antrelise
March 29, 2013 at 5:07 pm
I think there is a difference between a black woman who doesn’t have a relaxer and a “natural”. And I think these celebs just don’t have relaxers. To me being a natural means I take pride in the way my hair grows out of my head. I care for it on a daily basis and am very comfortable with people (meaning besides a hair stylist) seeing my hair. A true natural takes pride in their particular Afro-textured hair (whether its type 2,3,4) and has it on display more than not. It’s ok to wear weaves and what not, but I think a natural wears it as an accessory or to get past a certain stage or to give the hair a rest. Our hair does not have to be straightened or hidden to be acceptable. I know it’s their hair and they have the right to do as they like, but it would be nice if they would show their fans that natural is also a great option. We need all warriors on deck….this is a revolution!!!! 🙂 🙂
Thank you, Andie for articulating my exact sentiment. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with instagramming your length, but I would be more wowed if I saw them on the red carpet rocking that natural hair. That’s why I can appreciate Viola Davis at the Oscars or Solange’s versatility; both will wear their wigs, but also wear their natural hair just the same. At the same time, I can appreciate Beyonce wearing her wigs/weaves because that’s her brand, but these instagram pictures feel like a tease.
I’m no Angela Simmons but I know I keep my natural hair under-wraps (pun intended) because I wouldn’t be too responsible with my natural hair. At least when it is in a weave or braids I know it is not going through too much matting and drying up into a frizz ball ..Too much of everything has its consequences but I think every TRUE naturalista knows its really what works for you and not necessarily fretting over what others are doing with theirs.
xo
Maggie A
@ maggie, when your hair is in a weave isnt tyour acutal hair braided ? so unless you unsew the weave how do you keep your hair from being matted? do you wash condition oil seal hot oil your actual hair ?
bc i thought once a weaveis sewn in it stays for 2 months.
I hate this article! Reminds me of the one on Melanie Fiona. Well, Just leave them girls alone! I think they should be free to wear their hair as they wish the same you’re pride of wearing your hair like this or like that or whatever! Damn it!
Not everybody is the same, we don’t all care about showing off length or whatever!
Myself my hair grows very fast and is very strong, well I guess because of genetics (I’m mixed Indian(from India) + Caribbean) but I’m the kind who so don’t care about length or show off how curly and long it can be. I wear my hair mostly shoulder length, last December it was finally waist length and I decided to do a Halle Berry cut. People tink I big chopped. Well, no!! I just like it like that, I just have a new hair style, I just do WHATEVER I want wit my hair!! I’m so pissed off
You were making a decent argument…until you let your ignorance slip in with the “I’m mixed Indian (from India) + Caribbean)” comment.
Your comment perpetuates the myth that Afro-textured hair is inherently flawed. It’s rooted in the sad practice of uplifting the European standard of beauty, asserting that black hair grows slow and is weak. Hair growth rate and strength vary for all women, across all races and genetic backgrounds.
Please understand that some of our reactions to Angela Simmons (and other celebrities) is not about wanting them to show off their length. It’s about wanting to overturn the idea that Afro-textured hair is the least desirable hair type and should be hidden. These “peek-a-boo” hair games some celebrities like to play are not about healthy hair. They’re about staying relevant by jumping on a trend.
Nothing wrong with weaves, hair extensions, hair cuts, hair dye, etc. We’re free to enjoy our hair how ever we want. As a community though, with HUNDREDS of years of physical, mental, spiritual, and cultural oppression under our beats, is it THAT wrong for us wanting to see women of color, especially celebrities, accept and enjoy their hair in their natural state?
I’d like to quote Chime Edwards, a fab black girl with long hair:
“GOD CREATED EVERY RACE TO BE DIFFERENT. NO ONE SHOULD EVER BE ASHAMED OF WHAT WAS GIVEN TO THEM AT BIRTH OR FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD CHANGE IT THROUGH CHEMICAL MEANS OR SURGERY. EVERY RACE FEELS THE PRESSURE OF FITTING INTO THE EUROPEAN STANDARD OF BEAUTY. WE MUST STAY FULLY AWARE OF THIS AND NOT SUCCUMB TO THE PRESSURE THAT SOCIETY PLACES ON US. EVERYONE MUST REDEFINE BEAUTY FOR THEMSELVES. WE’RE BLACK, SO OUR HAIR, BODIES AND FACIAL FEATURES ARE DIFFERENT AND PRETTY BOMB IF I SAY SO MYSELF.”
http://chimeedwards.com/2013/02/11/natural-hair-aint-for-everybody-huh/
http://chimeedwards.com/2013/01/20/you-asked-you-must-not-be-fully-black/
I was not trying to uplift the European standard of beauty. I have myself curly and big hair, which is not and doesn’t look at all at all european or indian.
Plus my skin is dark, I’m into the european beauty blabla BS!! I’m not making any difference like this is great or better or I’m lucky or whatever…
I was only trying to illustrate the fact that not everybody like enght even some naturalistas who have have lenght without many efforts and short time. It is a fact not a way to feel superior nor a way to aim at afro-textured etc…
well I’m so tired of this BS, people always getting offended by nothing… What is wrong w/ u guys???????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I meant “I’m NOT into the european beauty blabla BS!!” of course!
i know there are people who continue to link their hair with mixed heritage but on this hair site the link between mixed heritage and long hair (the speed to which hair grows and/or the strengh of one’s hair) has been discussed several times and this myth has been busted several times.
diana was just adressing this in your first post and she said you had some good points apart from your mixed comment. i don’t think she was offended. she was just stating her opinion. if you don’t stand discussion (and controversy) i suggest you to leave this site because you’ll see that often.
and you’re right you absolutely do what you want with your hair. if you want to rock it short feel free. the site is called black girl long hair of course people will discuss that. seems like you feel the need to defend your choices for nothing.
*slowly claps hands*
Very beautifully put lady!
C+C
@diana, : nothing is wrong w shay’s comment.
Her truth is she is mixed with indian.
all indians from india have long hair
bc their hair type us straight/wavy silky.
and that’s why shay laters said that her hair wasn’t straight nor wavy and looked nothing like indian hair lol
It’s not the fact that she is mixed. Hell everyone is mixed with a lil something here and there. However, she is making it seem like her mixed roots is why her hair is so strong and grows fast. As if, it wasn’t for her mixed heritage, her hair would be weak and have a growth rate. Being mixed with this and that has nothing to do with the strength and growth rate of hair. That’s one of the reasons behind the Natural Hair movement and this site. To prove the negative stereotypes about black hair, wrong
LOVE THE POINT BEING MADE ABOUT ONLY SHOWING THEIR HAIR OFF FOR AN INSTAGRAM PIC. THAT MEANS NOTHING TO ME MORE LIKE PUTTING ON A FRONT. BLACK WOMEN DO NOT NEED WEAVES, CHEMICALS, OR FAKE HAIR. WE ARE BEAUTIFUL THE WAY GOD MADE US IF YOU WANT TO BELIEVE IT OR NOT. NOT IMPRESSED WITH THIS HAIR AT ALL. STRAIGHT THIN AND BORING. LETS CONTINUE TO HIGHLIGHT NATURALS ON THE RED CARPET AND EVERY DAY PEOPLE THAT DON’T NEED A STYLIST AND FAKE HAIR AS A CRUTCH
What’s with all the hate? If the girl prefers weaves then it’s up to her. I wear wigs to grow my hair but with her length I would wear it out. Why are we so judgemental?
Her natural hair looks great! It’s common for black women with natural hair that’s long, not to wear it blown out and flat ironed often. Lisa Raye and Christina Milian are two good examples. I am natural and have waist length hair. I’m not rich, just educated myself on how to grow my hair out and did it. Constant heat will jack up your hair, causing split ends and damage. Meaning, if I wore my waist length hair blown out and flat ironed all the time, I would have no hair. I wear a half wig most of the time with my real hair in plaits underneath. That’s my protective style. That’s how I continue to grow my hair out. Deep Conditioning and moisturizing is also key, I believe.
Where your natural hair how you like to wear it. If you like natural styles, where natural styles. If you like weave, where weave. The picture of her real hair shows people black women can grow long hair. I look at that as a positive.
I am sorry, I was trying to click on the thumbs up, but it shows a thumbs down. I totally agree with you. I am working with my
Mobile phone and it is too sensitive.
@robin : lisa raye is NOT an example. her real hair is shoulder length.
christina milian is spanish(yes afro cuban) but she has always had long hair. look @ her sistes, the same thing.
Not every critic is hater . Nobody is saying that one can’t do w/their hair as they please and I do think her hair is really pretty but I really don’t get just showing pics on instagram and never being photographed publicly. Is it to say I wear weaves but I’m not bald headed? Aren’t we beyond that? If you were really proud of being natural you would wear it out once in awhile.
Although some won’t admit it and they’ll preach ’till the cows come home that they keep it hidden 27/7, 365 to “protect” it, many black women, even naturals, STILL think our natural hair is ugly or that nothing “can be done” with it besides straightening/weaves/braids/extensions. I’ve been “natural” for about 3 years now but I didn’t know how to style my hair until recently and thought it never looked good without braids.
Thankfully, with some effort and the help of YouTube I learned how to style my hair and have it looking nice…without braids/weaves. I embraced my hair texture and length and now I feel way more confident. I will still braid as a protective style. I’m even thinking about trying a weave for a while but never again will I be DEPENDENT on extensions. I will never feel dread,shame or discomfort in leaving the house with my natural hair texture. And I think no matter what your hair care practices are I think that’s the most important thing. I don’t care if you weave up every day of the year, once you’re being HONEST with yourself about how you feel about your hair and why you’re making that decision, I’m happy. I think that’s most important. Not what you do with your hair, but how you truly ~feel~ about it.
I’m not judging anyone. I know it’s hard. We live in a society that tells us from all corners that our hair is just not good enough the way it is. I’m not afraid to admit the deep down, underneath all the denial I felt that way too. It was rooted in me from childhood and was very hard to break out of. I still struggle with it at times.I’m just saying you’re not alone and it’s possible to feel great about your natural hair. If all the weaves, braids, wigs and flat irons vanished from this world I know I’m still going to look cute. It’s possible.
*applause* THANK YOU for saying this.
I truly understand the basic rationale behind celebrities’ wearing weave but I guess I don’t understand the point of these real hair “reveal” photos. Contrary to what some have said above, protective styles, including weave, do NOT grow hair…they just keep you (or your stylist) from doing whatever it is you (or your stylist) are doing to keep it from retaining length. Assuming they can afford to have good weaves put in, it would seem to make sense that they can also afford to have their own hair taken care of properly or pay someone to teach them how to take care of their own hair properly.
Which begs the question asked in this blog post: Why do they not show their own hair in a “professional” setting as opposed to within a salon via a picture taken by a stylist or friend? Are they perhaps experiencing the same fear as someone who worries about wearing a natural hairstyle in a conservative workplace? That fear is something that a LOT of black women, regardless of their celebrity, deal with.
This isn’t to say that every black female celebrity, by virtue of their visibility, needs to be a role model for natural hair…but I’m saying this as someone who doesn’t need outside validation to stay natural. For those who do need that validation, though…I wonder what kinds of messages they’re receiving when a celebrity only feels safe having someone else take a picture of what looks like perfectly healthy natural hair in a mostly-private setting.
(Or maybe it’s not that serious: Maybe every time one of these photos goes up the weave industry gets a bump in sales, and the celebrity gets a cut. Does anyone know if the makers of weave hair actually list “faster hair growth” as a marketing point, considering how even in 2013 so many black women still don’t understand the difference between growth and retention?)
@ l bell: weaves dont make hair grow, weaves are a protective
style. what makes the hair grow is that it is washed conditioned oiled sealed and protected from sun rain wind etc bc it is under a net and asian hair.
@lilkunta: Hair growth is an INTERNAL BIOLOGICAL PROCESS that starts from within the scalp. Unless you’re in really bad physical shape, your hair will grow even if you never wash, condition, oil, seal, or protect it from the elements using nets, Asian hair (???) or anything else.
Human hair has been around as long as HUMANS have been around. And both humans and their hair came before shampoo, conditioner, oil, etc.
Finally! The first comment that has some real truth to it.
“I will never feel dread,shame or discomfort in leaving the house with my natural hair texture.”
and
“I’m not afraid to admit the deep down, underneath all the denial I felt that way too. It was rooted in me from childhood and was very hard to break out of. I still struggle with it at times.”
If all BLACK/AFRICAN/BROWN/MOCHA and other women (Indian, Native Australian & Jewish women included) could just admit this, the world would change. All these women who are so pro-weave on this site (who I suspect are mostly Nigerian or from the Caribbean or other heavily colonial minded country) need to admit that deep down, what she wrote above is the truth. If the thought of walking out of the house with the natural hair that GOD the CREATOR gave you makes you cringe in disgust or shudder for fear of being ridiculed or ostracized, then you are not wearing weaves or wigs or braids to protect your natural hair ROUND THE CLOCK, you do it because you think your hair is ugly. Period. If you did it once in a while, braids or weave that was the natural texture of your own hair, a la what a LOT of White/Asian/Latina celebrities do, then ok….but that weave they put in their hair is NOT the texture of your hair. They can admit they wear extensions but it looks like their hair, affirming that though they may not have much hair, they think the hair texture GOD gave them is FINE.
I’ll bet all these “I need to protect my hair” women on this blog would not be protecting their hair if they naturally rolled out of bed in the morning with the same texture of hair as little 8yr old Latino, Asian or White girl. They would likely be totally fine with not protecting their hair or learning how to style it. In fact they would be happy, gleeful if the natural hair that came out of their head was the same texture as a Native American. Protect my hair my butt! It’s a bunch of nonsense.
I wonder why such intelligent human beings (Black/African/Brown women) on this board who are so pro-weave just can’t admit that the origins of this sick self-dislike is due to European colonialism and imperialism?? Wake up people. So what if you love yourself just the way God made you? Why not say SO WHAT to that? Help change the world and not keep it the same. Don’t you want your great grand kids to be as psychologically free to physically be themselves in 2070? Or will this continue for another 50yrs??
@GodMadeMePerfect
shutup. most of this sites viewers are in the USA.
for you to say that those who are pro weave are mostly nigerian and carribbean shows your stupidity.
please change your name bc god definitely did not make you perfect.
the god you serves is alright with you posting this bullsht and thinking as you do.
Wow! That’s mean and hateful. You need to beef up your vocab. Now I’m almost CERTAIN you’re Nigerian. The second sentence gave you away. Nigerians do live in America you know. Yeah, you know – 9ja girl. lol
And God made all of us perfect. He doesn’t make mistakes. That’s where the “perfect” comes from. So if you’re calling anyone stupid for how I/we physically came to be, it’s HIM.
Sigh, you guys realize that performers must go through several different hairstyles and events in a given week right? All that manipulation is TRAGIC on the ends. It’s not so much hiding as it is a versatility measure. And remember not all stylists know how to handle natural hair…
Truth is, no one has to explain their hair choices. Maybe she has to protect her hair from herself. I know I do because when I’m stressed I pull. No one knows what she’s doing from day to day. For someone who works out a lot, like myself, I feel the need to do the same be it braids, tucked away, weaves, etc. We all have choices. get over it. Geez. Shut the blood clot crying. Folks don’t need to sign a permission slip to live and do them.
I truly understand why black women wear weaves and braids. Black hair is not easy to maintain. Whether you wear it natural, chemically relaxed, pressed, braided, it takes a lot to maintain. Weaves if done properly, should grow your natural hair underneath the weave, but remember this hair is use to being left alone. That is why it grows so easily. It is hard to maintain once you start trying to wear it and start messing with it. Everyone does not want to rock a twist out, afros, or locs. We don’t have to either. People have their right to wear their hair the way they want without other people judging them. Black hair is beautiful and diverse and unique and it makes us absolutely beautiful no matter what our choice of style is.
Oh ok, in her past interviews she says that its too much with traveling and work to deal with her natural hair so she just weaves it up and goes to a stylist all the time. A lot of naturals now are more hands on with their hair even if they wear weaves most people take breaks and flaunt their progress from time to time. But she stays weaved up and has someone else manage her hair. Thats cool good for her that she found a regimen that allows for retention. Personally, my hair would not go for being braided up with a sew-in all the time but some people’s hair really thrives from from it.
Her hair looks beautiful! Not just long but looks healthy, for the person that says that her hair looks thin, it just looks flat ironed bone straight, not everyone’s hair straightens thick, I know mine doesn’t and it is very healthy I just have find strands. Angela does lots of modeling, appearances, etc. and if she wants to wear it straight it makes more sense to wear weaves. All that heat would destroy her hair. Of course she could do natural styles but I think she wants a guaranteed look everyday and although I love my hair some days it looks a bit off (didn’t let it dry, product experimentation, etc.) but for my life that works, I am an attorney at a non-profit and no one is taking pics or commenting on my hair. Not so much for Angela.
I almost think these post about celebrities are a bad idea because it brings such sad negativity.
@ marci : is this angela ?
she dont model ot appear for ish.
Run’s House was her claim to fame.
pastry was hot for a minute.
angela fans the flames by doing these tweets.
she wasnt the attn /press .
but to be honest, if you can have your hair looking as good as possible everyday of the week, why not? you make reference to what angela simmons does to protect her hair, most women can’t afford.. but if we could have someone constantly helping with our hair, lord knows we would! i honestly think its safer to just bring the hair out for special occasions, if it’s looking that good. i dont personally wear weave but, i understand why people rely on it. you only have one head of hair and why should these celebrities risk damaging it when there’s a better alternative? but of course, every woman for themselves..
How about showing some love for the girl (Angela Simmons)? I thought it was okay for a person to wear their hair in any way that they desire. True, she COULD wear her natural hair out more often, but then people would have something to say about that as well. Ms. Simmons, just like the rest of us, wears her hair the way she wants to wear it–not to please other people. I applaud the fact that she has long, beautiful hair. I love that it’s being taken care of–whether by her or her stylist. Too much time is being spent on negative aspects, instead of supporting….not just with her but with other black celebrities and their hair choices.
some folks will never have THICK hair anyway so I love both pictures and their are some folks with waist hair and THICK hair that do press /flat iron once or twice a year, learn what works for YOU and don’t worry about what works for OTHERS or how they want to wear THEIR hair
I love this article and the naturalistas who rock their curls on the red carpet!!
i wonder the same thing! if it’s so long and strong and gorgeous why do you continue to hide it! show the world that your REAL hair is just as fierce (and in my opinion fierecer) than somebody’s discarded and chemically treated hair?!?!? to each his/her own but flaunting being natural while you rock someone ele’s hair is …. you fill in the blank.
I had a weave my Junior year of High School and I HATED IT! It just wasn’t for me. Unfortunately I am just too much of a Tom-Boy for the maintenance, so I kept it for a month and never did it again. But love some cornrows though. It is a lot simpilar for celebrities to do these weaves when they have the cash for it, but I’m not going to hate on the fact that they got bank and I don’t. To each its own about why they don’t wear their natural hair out and its not for me to judge, but it is nice to see their hair when it is out. Angela has very nice hair. Kudos
you all seem kinda bitter… whether she straightens her hair or not, it looks great. And I wear weaves and braids all the time because 1.) I like change, and 2.) it DOES help my hair grow. Not everyone wants to “rock the natural” all the time, and that’s their choice. And…. her hair isn’t even see-through.
isn’t it wonderful to see other black women tare someone down for THEIR hair choices LOL that you for posting something with some common sense….bitter and catty smh
We are really hard on eachother and never really understood why?
It’s called being American. The land of the hypercritical and hypocritical.
Willy Lynch did an excellent JOB on blacks smh I’m about 3 inches from waist length and I wear it any way I want some years no weave other years weave and wigs, sometimes straight sometimes just in twists I do what I want with MY hair,
thank you ambi. its hair, if you want to grow it down to your toe,, and wear it in a knot on top of your head for 30 years thats your prerogative, IT’S YOUR HAIR.
yes! Comments on these sites tend to get really negative really quickly. Aren’t natural hair sites supposed to be a source of support and positivity?
If someone was negative & catty before going natural, they’ll still be the same without the perm. I realized some people may not have chemically treated hair, but their mind is!
As far as Angela Simmons, if she wants to wear a weave, big deal. I think that yes, it would be great if since she’s in the public eye, she’d show her true self, but ultimately its her choice. We, not just as Black women, but women in general need to stop hating on the next & just focus on improving ourselves.
What’s the point of growing hair that’s never seen? Plus since they’re in the public eye it would set a good example to show their hair for younger girls coming up who think you have to have “good hair” for your hair to grow.
I agree. It’s almost like what’s the point in showing it off if that’s prob the only time it gets seen. Lol. I agree that it would be nice if more black women in the public eye would rock their natural hair more often, rather than just randomly posting a quick pic of it on Instagram or Twitter. However, I do feel that everyone does have the right to wear their hair as they please. It would just be nice.
u dnt go natural for other people. u do it for yourself. she dosent have to show her hair to anyone if she doesnt want to, its her hair.
What on earth is Angela Simmons doing that would require her to “protect” her hair so often? Not like she’s performing under bright lights or doing intensive sports….why not just rock the natural??
Excellent point!
All natural haired girls need to think about protective styles. Hair is protected from constant styling with a comb and brush, blow drying, relaxing, texturizing and whatevr “fad” seems to be out at any given time that would cause the hair to break.
Even as it grows pas the shoulders, (african american) hair has to be treated differently. if you try to comb it or brush it from the roots, you will probably get a knt at the end where the only solution is to cut it. I’m so surprised you’re even asking a question like this.
Unless Angela should wear Bantu knots or braids, what other alternative does she have. Don’t fault her for wearing a weave for protective purposes. In another article, I was very critical of weave wearers for different reasons but, she is in the public eye and if she rocked her waist length hair naturally every day, without an “Andre” like Oprah, her hair wouldn’t stay “waist-length” very long.
Currently, my hair (after 4 years is past shoulder length (while curly) and I am truly in uncharted territory. Each phase of growth has to be treated differently. My next step may just be… no, I can’t see getting a weave, but maybe another wig – who knows?
You’re making a lot of generalizations. First of all not “all natural haired girls” need protective styling. It depends on that person’s head of hair; everyone is different. Some people need protective styling, others don’t. Personally, I am able to wear braid outs, twist outs, and flexi rod sets most of the time. Also, I made it to WL without an Andre or any other stylist for that matter, and my hair is stilling growing and I have only a few more months til my ultimate goal of HL. I and many other naturals learned everything we needed to take care of my hair from blogs, forums, and youtube.
#getpressed…#see-through-hair…#notimpressed.
Lmao same thing i said!
IMHO it just looks like she needs a trim. Everyone doesn’t have thick hair, I know I don’t 🙂
if i had thin hair, the last thing i would be doing is blow drying it and flat ironing it. id rather have it shoulder length with as much fluff and volume as i could muster, than long without any volume. her hair looks long but flat and unhealthy (and oily). these girls so attached to length do not understand that length without volume is not pretty. no bueno.
@shelikes, that what YOU would do. I do agree she needs a cut maybe a style but I don’t think her hair looks unhealthy.
That hair is on HER head, not yours. I do like the thickness in the first pic but the second is not bad. “Length without volume is not pretty?” Some of her hair is darker than other parts, you probably can’t see all of it but it’s there. It looks great.
that…#get pressed… #see through hair… #not impressed has me rolling. too too funny.
LOL. It WAAAY looked better in the pic before it was flat ironed.