by
Christina Patrice
I mean no shade or disrespect by what I’m about to say. I know this type of post is off the beaten path for me, but the idea has been bouncing around in the back of my mind for some time now. And this won’t be long, because I’m not one to put tons of energy and effort into these things. I just have one main point, and I’m gonna drop the mic.
Let me go ahead and say it: I’m not impressed by celebrity selfies and glimpses into their natural hair.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s cool and all that underneath the pounds of weave and wig that you wear, that you have more than two strands of hair. But what I don’t understand is the purpose beyond some sort of validation-seeking effort to convince followers and fans that you wear weaves not as a necessity, but as an option or to “protect” your hair.
Miss me with that.
Often times when celebrities “reveal” their hair, I’m not impressed. Not because most of their hair tends to look damaged, thin, and generally uncared for, but because of the underlying thirst for inclusion within the natural hair community. Basically…
Natural women are chilling, minding their own business like:
And then the celebrity “between-weaves-natural-hair-validation” selfie pops up on Instagram like:
I’m just not feeling it. The natural hair community is about embracing what God gave you, and being comfortable in your own skin. The BWNHV selfies (see above for acronym breakdown) in my opinion, completely undermine said notion and promote the idea that natural hair is a thing to do and thereby reduced to a hashtag for likes, as opposed to a statement embracing one’s true self. It’s opportunistic, disingenuous, and a little sad.
It kinda reminds me of relaxer lines that are popping up with natural hair products.
Bottom line: I’m not here for it.
What do you think???
288 Responses
While I generally agree with you I think the point isn’t to mock weave but to point out that celebrities use the natural hair movement to be relevant. Like they see the movement as just a tool to show off when in reality if they were really about the movement they’d be out there rocking their natural hair and not just taking pictures to be down.
I am not one to comment but I have to. I have been natural for 9 years and I love my hair I majority of the time wear it in my natural state but I do enjoy changing it up with weaves and the like. I didn’t care for your commentary. It’s no ones business how the next woman wears their hair. Why create a divide in this way. we need to do better as women and stop speaking on topics as trivial as how the next woman carries her hair. It’s silly
I put braids in between as protective styling,and the girl who does my hair she was like,I am natural also ,I was surprised because I never see her wear her hair out,and then she proceeded to say that she doesn’t wear it out because she hates the way it looks,like honey what’s the point of telling me you are natural you aren’t relatable with me,I actually love my hair,so I agree and don’t agree with her post,who gives a crap about those celebrities,but they are not in the same club as us who wear our hair out.
I feel the exact same it’s like they are doing it for a trend no wonder people feel all natural hair black woman are going natural for a trend a movement that will only last a little while smh . Natural is my life now . I’m natural for life and it’s all me .
Completely agree! I feel the same
The problem to me is that they do not embrace the look (the article notes that when they do reveal hair looks unhealthy) so saying weave is for protection is a lie, Hollywood seems to still have a hold of the definition of beauty. As you can see these women only feel comfy to share their true selves on social media but not have their natural curls grace the big screen. Either the film makers and cast directors do not call for women of color with natural locks or most are still assimilating to land roles.Let your hair journey be your own, realize when you are letting outside forces dictate your style, as to what is accepted or not in the professional settings or by mainstream culture.
I understand where you are coming from, however, I am irritated by the whole “hair community” to begin with. The fact that the shirt in the photograph says “I love my hair!” with the picture of a brown-skinned woman with natural hair is slightly offensive. That suggests that I who choose to be chemically altered does not?! GOH! I am not a slave to it, I could go natural, I just don’t like the way I… emphasis I!… look like that. Its a lot of work, and I prefer to texlax. But I digress. We are not our hair! The hair posts aren’t that bad, the captions are the irritating part. You can love your weave, wig, naturally curly, chemically colored/straight hair. If its healthy its awesome in my opinion. The separation that comes from some natural elitist, to me is no different than complexionism. Just yet another form of separation between us blacks yet again. Smh…
I don’t think they’re trying to say that you can’t love your hair chemically altered, but more so it’s best to love your hair the way it naturally grows, because a relaxer doesn’t just damage your hair scalp, the chemicals in it can do a lot of damage to your overall health. In fact many doctors now suggest that women who are pregnant should not relax their hair because it can harm the fetus in utero. So you can love your relaxed hair all you want, but make sure you love all that is involved with it. You stated that you don’t like how you look with natural hair and the high maintenance. That’s perfectly fine. In my opinion for health reasons, you would probably be better off heat training your hair though I’m not a fan of heat damaged hair. But do whatever is best for you, I don’t believe this is causing separatism, or saying that you can’t love your hair in various forms. I think what the author is really trying to say is most naturals embrace their hair as is, and if someone wants to show off their natural hair every blue moon, then are they really embracing it as is?
People will ALWAYS find a way to “break away” and build a community about something. Any topic. Hair? Reality – It really isn’t that big of a deal. It is not just within the African American community it is global. A lot of women change their hair, alter their look by cutting, dying, weaving, braiding or whatever. I embrace the idea of being different. To me? Wearing a weave is no different than wearing makeup. Or; women who wear fake nails, eyelashes, draw on their eye brows, wear clothes that “define” your curves. You can perm it, dye, fry it, multiple it, cut, sow it or donate it. In the end? It does not define you. Celebrities that show off their hair? That is not different than those who post selfies with a bare face to show how smooth their skin in. Or; how about when you cook a meal and you show off how good it looks? It is all about sharing… I completely agree that while it is awesome to learn about your hair… a community that “embraces” hair sometimes can be viewed as those who are “bashing” people who are not with the “movement.”
The defensive questions or assumption of “does that mean i don’t love my relaxed hair?” when people praise their natural hair like in the photo above just baffles me. One, no one saying that. Second when that’s said it’s like if someone has a “cure cancer” shirt and you responed “so we don’t need to cure MS now?” Preferring one doesn’t put down the other.
If your hair is chemically straightened then it CANNOT be healthy. (I don’t care how shiny it looks.) Relaxer works to break the chemical bonds in your hair; the very process of straightening your hair is really just damage that looks “nice.”
I was just telling a friend how lovely the natural community is; how, I’m seeing black women boost each other up like never before. Then I read an article like this ): I’ve been natural most of my life and I’m so thankful to this community for extending my hair skills beyond weaving/braiding- to actual show/tell me what’s good for my hair so I could make informed choices. Because of the natural community, I discovered a talent for making products for my hair and skin. I used to be an androgynous model. In order to get regular work I had to keep a shaved head! When I discovered a sense of community I thought- F**k it and changed career so I could grow out my glorious mane 🙂 This post is bitchy. Not even childish- bitchy. Not even my kids would be so mean spirited about something like hair. Lets just show each other love. Relaxed, heat trained, dyed or ‘peek a boo’ natural. We’re all sisters.
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How I’ve been feeling lately!!! Took the words right out of my mouth
when they don’t have natural hair, you complain. now they show it, more complaints. we do the same thing looks at me i co-wash. ladies calm down.
Be happy that someone has been inspired by your lovely locks and wants to show them.
the amount of complaints from the natural community about black celebs NOT showing their hair. CHILL
I have been completely natural since 2009. That was my third attempt at chemical free. It is hard for me because of the job ( military) and sometimes the climates I have lived . I went natural cause of extreme breakage. My hair was so dried cause of my deployment and chemically treated water. I had no choice but to cut it off. I kept it under wigs, braids, or weaves. But I don’t have 1-2 hours each day to focus on my hair I got to get up and go. I wore braids growing up or a silky straight perm cause that was the norm. Even friends that had very long natural hair was still burden by straightening their hair. I don’t care too much for the selfies myself and at times still think they are faked naturals. Every celebrity has a nice rounded fro or healthy bushy length. It is their choice but it’s no different than reading any blog about natural hair and every already has or had shoulder link hair.
I for one, LOVE seeing celebrities! I am into celebrity gossip though. I kind of like looking at what they have on, and how they wear the hair? I even like the comments. This site would be dull without an occassional celeb thrown in. Please keep the celebs coming and the fashion. Why do I want to ONLY listen to a bunch of natural hair snobbery. ?..I mean we love the snobs too, because it’s interesting to get their feedback as well. I say we should welcome ALL personalities. An opinion is an opinion. But it’s not a terribly bad thing when folks disagree on some things.
This post seems to be one sided. I know girls who’ve been natural since day 1 and this doesn’t even bother them because they know its a fad. But they do encourage others to try it without downing relaxed hair. I’ve seen the selfies & I see no point of criticizing them when they’ve obviously been natural for a while. & when you say celebrities, does that exempt the afrocentric ones like Janelle Monae and Neosoul artists? Because I know Jill, Chrisette, and especially India have gone through some hairstyles. Do you think that they feel the same way as you? Its really the women who have recently choosen to enter into this lifestyle that are yelling “LOOK AT ME!”. I can’t began to count how many girls have done the big chop or finally transitioned just to buy more hair. What’s the point? Growing up, I saw a few girls with natural hair but we never questioned it. Obviously this is a trend for our generation because I’ve seen older women who choose to keep smaller afros, to grow locs, and some who grow their hair in the winter and cut it every summer. They probably sit back and laugh at the ignore we display by segregating ourselves. I believe that many women see it as way to finally gain long hair yet they don’t research the idea before executing. Relaxed or natural, black hair needs the proper care to grow. Essentially, I don’t know where the hype came from about being natural but I am happy to see more black women embrace their hair instead buying 50 ft. weaves.
So seriously THIS is what keeps you up at night? Why do you even bother or question these celebs motives? Seems like a pretty air headed, devisive, sophmoric, post, filled with assumptions about other (albeit high profile) black women’s choices and motives to me. And it’s a bit high schoolish too. I think this just wasted 4 minutes of my life, that I will never get back! Thanks!
I completely agree. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your natural hair and showing it off to the world. However, when you show it off to prove a point it comes off as fake and ignorant. A woman that is truly proud of her natural texture will show it off with confidence anywhere they go. Not saying you shouldn’t wear protective styles; but being truly proud of something is seen and not heard.
I agree 100% with you! What do these celebrities want?!? A hand clap and a lollipop!!!! I mean really! Now when they come out on the redcarpet with twists, braid outs, locs, or a big afro–all their own hair of course then you will be impressive and respected. This is life not just a fad so you can look cute. You demean yourself by throwing up these pics then turning around and slapping a wig or weave back on! Truly rediculous please go get your life. I like you always believe in the beauty and knowledge of our natural hair but these celebrities get the eye roll on this one.
hmm. it just seems like she’s trying to create even more division, which is already plaguing the “natural hair community” (NHC). There’s already ppl fighting about heat and dyes not qualifying as natural so now celebs cant be included in the NHC without it looking like desperation for attention? i thought the NHC was suppose to embrace the beauty of what was deemed ugly (our kinky hair)not determine who was allowed in the group and their motives.
I’m sorry but who has any authority to say what going natural is about? It means something different to everybody.
I have always been natural and haven’t had a relaxer or weave on my head in my entire life. Does that make me the Dalai Lama of natural hair? What if I wrote a post complaining about newly converted naturals saying that they have made what should be normal a fashion or fad? What if I said that they have ruined what being natural used to mean for those of us that have always been? I think you’d find me ridiculous and you’d be spot on. I wouldn’t write that because I think it’s great that people are finding happiness in going natural and I do what I can to encourage it by sharing tips with people that probably teased me about my hair half a decade ago.
The celebs playing pee-ka-boo are probably doing as you said, seeking validation. But did it occur to you that they are seeking validation to finally build up the courage to go fully natural? Preparing their fan base before the big finale? Why not adopt an attitude of encouragement the same way that others have done for you?
Well written. I have no idea where some folks get this superiority complex (my natural is better than your natural stuff) from. Or that you can’t join #teamnatural because you don’t do A B or C. They forgot about the how it was to want encouragement in their journey.
You took the words out of my mouth. It astounds me that the very women who have jumped on the natural bandwagon are so quick to criticize celebrities for having a “me too” attitude.
I’ve been natural over 20 years. A year and a half ago I shaved my head and have been wearing it short since. I might grow it back, but I do love the ease of it while I’m in grad school. But if I go too long without a hair cut the fro begins to emerge, and women constantly ask me such questions as, “are you transitioning?” “how long have you been natural?” “did you just do the big chop?” I personally am annoyed by these questions and when I say something “like 23 years” or “since I was a child,” I can tell from the looks they’re wondering where all my hair is.
Many of us were “natural” before it was a trend, before there were dedicated salons and Youtube videos, before the girls who ridiculed us in middle and high school were comfortable mimicking our style. These women should take a step back and realize the hypocrisy in criticizing celebrities for having a “me too” mindset. Many of these very women were quick to scream “me too” when it became the thing to do.
I think many of you should quit your whining and especially the #teamnaturalveterans should applaud yourself for making a way for the black community to embrace our selves even more, but seriously dont boast about being one of the first to turn natural because to me the real veterans are my sistahs in Africa who BC’d as kids while going to school (haha if u know what I mean)! And seriously though.. isn’t it a GOOD thing that black females are showing off their hair more then before now ??
I don’t think you are getting her point though. She isn’t trying to focus on the who did it first thing, but the fact that any person, whether females or males, or what ever gender association the person chooses, should not be judged , on the waythey wear theyre hair.
I Belive that Its the thing that most people want , a sence of belonging i dont think its sad to want to fit in i think that its more so … the best form of faltery is to mimic that of the person or thing that they want to be most like. not to down play anyones opinion.
Everyone with curly hair is not trying to reconnect with mother Africa. That might be your goal but sometimes females stop perming just to give their hair a break or to try something new. You’re opinion is yours and you’re entitled to it but I disagree. Be careful not to let your natural hair define you… Or prove your authenticity
So because they don’t embrace it, they aren’t apart of the natural community?? I have natural hair, but I find it easier to wear weaves.
This whole notion of natural community if a joke. The fact they have natural hair should be celebrated, even if it under a weave. Not condemned because they wear weaves..
The post was so unnecessary.
The information about hair care is really good, but there’s so much animosity on this site sometimes. Some ladies with looser hair textures or unorthodox opinions are often shut down instead of embraced and ultimately end up leaving the site all together.
And then some people get offended when they are referred to as ‘Natural Hair Nazis”
While I agree that there is a certain degree of animosity in this post, I do feel the writer is making an observation and she isn’t wrong in her opinion, seeing as it is her own. You do bring up a valid point on hair textures, but I do have to say that calling someone a name with the word nazi is never and should never be an acceptable thing.
I’m not here for that sort of thing, either. They can go away; they have their fan clubs.
I understand when actresses have to change their hair for roles. After all, their job is to become someone else. Actresses like Cameron Diaz and Natalie Portman lighten, darken, shorten, and lengthen their hair to suit the character all of the time. However when the camera is off, they do what they chose. Black actresses who weave it up all the time aren’t doing that. They are just wearing weaves.
But how do you know that these white or even hispanic actresses do what they choose? How do you know that whatever hairstyle you see them wearing isn’t for a casting call? You’re assuming. Plus, there are many roles out there for white women wearing their hair all sorts of ways and if they come in with a different hair color than is called for it has a lighter consequence than a black woman coming in with their natural hair. Like someone mentioned, actresses can and have been turned away for looking too “ethnic”. There are much, much fewer roles and types of roles out there for black women than for white women so it is that much more imperative for black women to wear their hair in a way that will help them land roles. These black actresses who weave it up all the time are likely doing it for a very good reason.
Interesting observation with the celebs showing off their natural hair pics, but its never bothered me? The way I see it is they are normal people “just like us” but their jobs are in the spot light. Some of them will them keep their hair weaved up to protect it from the on the set stylists who don’t have a clue how to care for their natural hair. Not to mention the daily manipulation some undergo. The way I see it is we don’t ever see them on the day to day. Outside of their public jobs. They could be wearing their natural hair out more than what we know? I don’t feel like they should be frowned upon for wanting to show off their natural hair.
I dont get the issue. If they have beautiful natural hair and want to show that evry once in a while, to me it shows they aren’t ashamed of it right? And well if they like to have a certain hair style, which is longer or another colour than their own hair and its possible and effordible for them WHY THE HELL NOT XD??
People its a free world what does i matter what anyone rocks the most? I think the most important thing other than carrying your hair right as a black woman is being confident and proud and know where you came from and that you are just as beautiful as anybody else. I know white girls who ‘ve been flat ironing their hair so much all they wear is extension or they will have to rock the new Miley haircut. You dont see them call each other out on real or fake hair on forums. Seriously why we black community always got to find something to feel so heavily better than each other =(
*affordable
*srry,this isnt my first language hihi
what’s your first language?
Dutchhh, i’m an afro-dutch
While I can understand the desire to encourage all to embrace what God gave us and be comfortable in our own skin, the manner in which it was expressed was not very positive or uplifting at all. Even if it was not meant to be, parts of this article came across as very derogatory (eg. “two strands of hair”) and judgemental ( eg. thirst for inclusion, BWNHV). This is a public platform that is being used to put down a whole segment of black women, namely celebrities, by stating opinions as fact: celebs post photos of their natural hair because they want attention and inclusion. Isn’t it a little hypocritical to encourage naturals not to compare their hair to others yet condemn these celebs for not showing their natural hair the way we see a few other natural celebs do? To prove their self love by rocking their natural hair on the red carpet or however else we think they should? Taken out of context, the author’s point is valid but in the context of the industry and lifetsyle that female celebrities are in, is it a fair one? Don’t natural hair celebrities have the same concerns, insecurities, and frustations as we do? If we are honest with ourselves, would we succumb to the ease of weaves rather than subject our tresses to the daily hot lights, impatient hairstylists, humid weather, etc on a movie set? Off screen, could it just be that many female celebrities need to be ready at a moments notice for a possible casting call? How many parts did they lose out on because they looked too ethnic -will we ever know? Or not want to be photographed coming from the gym with less than camera ready hair? Or having a bad hair day photographed and plastered all over the media? The point is, shouldn’t we give our sisters the benefit of the doubt before running them over with the very natural hair bandwagon they want to get on? Better yet, can’t we use this platform to SIMPLY. ASK. THEM? Didn’t Tempestt Bledsoe do a tv series where she wore her natural hair? Will Viola Davis wear a wig when her hair grows out of the TWA stage? Will she lose parts because if it? You get my point. Shouldn’t the real question in this article be “Why are you hiding your beautiful natural hair under that weave”? which encourages understanding and dialog instead of criticism? Isn’t that the purpose of these hair blogs?
I agree with the author.
Done
Exactly what i think !
Let’s not create yet another dividing factor among us! Trust me, we have created enough reasons to be divided. Look, the natural selfie may be a cry for freedom for celebrities. Hell it is hot under those wigs and weaves. Maybe they want to join us and wear natural hair daily but due to the job they have they can’t. Intense styling day in and day out will leave you bald, maybe they just want to share a moment of hair freedom because they can’t wear their natural hair daily!
Good food for thought, lets default to the positive on this one!
ITS NOT ABOUT DURING WORK. THEY NEVER WEAR THEIR NATURAL HAIR. I HAVE SEEN PICS OF CELEBS DURING OFF TIME AND NONE OF THEM ARE ROCKING THEIR NATURAL HAIR. ITS A PROBLEM. AND I AM SICK OF PEOPLE SAYING THAT NATURAL HAIR IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. ITS YOUR HAIR. NATURALLY. THAT GOD GAVE YOU. OF COURSE ITS FOR EVERYONE. WHATEVER YOU ARE BORN WITH, IT IS FOR YOU. PLEASE TELL ME WHY CAUCASIONS SEEM TO GET THAT.
This is a really good short, sweet and thought provoking post.
I’ve been on and off the fence with the whole celebrity naturals thing generally, but the BWNHV situation…I think I can see where you’re coming from. One thing is for sure, celebs definitely wana be associated with what the natural hair community is building/represents. Thanks for posting. @CrystalAfro xx
u cant get into another persons head so u dont know what celebs are thinking when they post. personally i think its best to be positive and embracing when it comes to natural hair. people dont start off thinking about it the way u do, but maybe if welcomed they might come back around to the way you think about it. some people do natural hair because its about creativity. others do it because its about embracing black culture. some do it and might not even know why. some do it because everybody else is doing it. celebs posting natural hair and showing up straight the next day is fine to me because they have their reasons for doing what they do and i have mine for doing what i do. i dont want them judging me so i am not going to judge them. just keep some healthy pretty hair on your head. that is all i ask.
AMEN!!
Also, WHYYY do we hate so hard when people “jump on a bandwagon” from out perspective? Why can’t we just embrace the newbies and be ok with letting them go if in fact they are just bandwagoners?
Why does it have to be an attention thing? Why can’t it be just a show of support? IMO it seems like they can’t win- wear wigs and weaves that are straight and they are caving to the pressures to look a certain way in mainstream. After natural hair starts to become more widely accepted by mainstream audiences (again) and they decide to show solidarity and they are just doing things for attention.
Honestly, it pisses me right off when people presume others’ reasoning to be nothing more than something as petty as wanting attention. You don’t know why they did it and I guess it takes a more positive and accepting person to at least leave it open that they are showing solidarity. Why write it off as something so trivial? It is belittling.
You forget- they are people too and their image is a part of their job. It goes beyond a simple “look at me!”. Wearing your natural texture has more implications in society whether we believe it or not. If they had “been brave” or whatever and showed off their natural texture before it was obviously widely accepted, it may not have been as well received and could have had consequences on the business end that they did not want to risk. Far be if from me to put that pressure on anyone before they are ready for it- the pressure to show parts of their true selves regardless of what their fans, sponsors, etc may think. And far be it from me to trivialize anyone’s decision to show off their natural hair.
HOW WILL NATURAL HAIR EVER BE ACCEPTED IN MAINSTREAM IF PEOPLE DONT START WEARING IT NATURAL? THINK ABOUT IT. IF THEY CONTINUE TO WORK WEAVES AND WIGS ALL THE TIME, THEN WHY WOULD MAINSTREAM EVER CHANGE IT? TRUST ME, THEY WONT. ITS BEEN HOW MANY YEARS, AND THEY HAVENT CHANGED IT YET.
But people *have* started wearing it natural. Us in the natural community. We have a huge effect on what is considered mainstream- hence this very topic of celebrities jumping on the bandwagon so to speak. This isn’t all in the celebrities’ hands. They have continued with their wigs and weaves and mainstream has already begun to change. The growth and visibility of the natural hair community has expanded such that you’re starting to see more product lines for women to wear their hair using their natural texture more than ever before. This is American history we’re seeing. Don’t you try to sit back and tell me that things won’t change when things have already begun to change. Sure it has taken years. It will likely take many more. It is still progress.
Plus these celebrities showing they’ve been natural (some longer than many of these people calling them band wagoners by the look of the length on their head) is proof that it is starting to be accepted in the mainstream. Otherwise, we wouldn’t even know about it. They’d continue to keep their curly ‘fros and straight ‘n’ natural styles to themselves.
The most depressing part about this article is that these celebrities showing off their hair shows a confidence and ability to reveal parts of themselves they haven’t before **because of the support they believe they have in the natural community and in allies of the natural community** and here comes a negative nancy tearing them down. This sort of attitude should seriously be discouraged as it is counteractive to the very change we want to occur in the mainstream.
Everyone is free to have an opinion but some opinions are wrong and based in the wrong attitude.
Hi Nicole, this is Nicole. Let’s hope when you and I comment on a article we will agree, because some people here will ‘attack’ you thinking it’s me or “attack” me thinking it’s you. LOL.
Lol! Ugh I should have known this wouldn’t be a unique ID! Oh well.. gotta think of another one when/if I decide to comment on another article.
I feel the same way tbh. If you’re so cool with your natural hair why is it always hidden under a weave with a texture that in no way resembles your own? It’s such a transparent attention stunt at this point from celebs anyway.
I am a not the hair police. I love my natural hair. I did the b/c February 2011.Until then I permed and weaved my hair for over forty years so who am I to tell somebody what to do with their hair. I don’t condemn anyone for their choice. Now when someone approaches me about my hair and someone asks me about my journey I try and be as helpful as possible. We have a choice how we choose to wear our hair and I know I would be offended if someone told me to straighten my hair. It is none of their business what I do with my hair and vice versa. We need to stop all this pettiness about hair and deal with real issues.
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But, no snark, then why are you commenting on a hair site? The stories on this site will always be in some way about hair. If you think it’s petty than why are you here?
Probably because it’s generally a haircare site and not a hair gossip site. Some of y’all care too much about things that don’t really impact your lives.
IM TIRED OF PEOPLE SAYING THAT HAIR IS NOT A REAL ISSUE. HAIR IS A REAL DEEP ISSUE THAT CAUSES A LOT OF SELF HATE FOR CHILDREN, MEN AND WOMEN IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. IT IS THE REASON THAT LOTS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS DONT KNOW HOW TO SWIM. OR WHY SOME PEOPLE PUT PERMS IN THEIR HAIR EVEN WHEN IT IS MAKING THEM GO BALD. ITS THE REASON WHY CHILDREN GET MADE FUN OF IN SCHOOL. PEOPLE ARENT EVEN USE TO SEEING OUR NATURAL HAIR. IT IS A REAL PROBLEM. ITS A PROBLEM THAT WE NEED TO FIX REAL, REAL QUICK! YOU BETTER RECOGNIZE!
I love Tracee Ellis, Solange, Janelle Monae, Jill Scott, Grace Jones, Asha, Nneka and many more but I understand what you mean by unhealthy hair like Tonya, Lil Waynes ex-wife/baby momma. How they want to carry their hair is their own struggle and they have busy schedules and I doubt they have the time to be have and up keep a regimen, so you do have to understand. Before you judge, put yourself in their shoes.
And, on second thought, it is protective. In the sense that it protects your career, your stardom. By hiding that hair you can continue to be palatable to the media.
Yes, it is true that you hair gets damaged, as you noted, if you are a celebrity or model, ect. But, the white actresses or celebrities have their hair damaged, too. I have yet to see one rocking a kinky (or kinkylike) weave to proctect their hair. I guess the point is beyond protective hairdo, afterall.
As an industry professional, If most of the celebs out there rocked their own natural hair, they wouldn’t have much if any left after a few years in the business. You hair is subject to tons of heat, and the stylist on set is more than likely not familiar with styling natural hair. If it’s an actress who is portraying a role and the director wants the hair to be a certain way, a weave is the best option so you’re not killing your hair with tons of heat every day.
Now a pop star on the other hand can create her own branding and could rock natural hair and hire the best natural hair stylists to work with if she choses.
Perhaps a happy medium is get afro textured hair and use that for their weave?
YES BUT THE ISSUE IS THAT CELEBRITIES NEVER, I MEAN NEVER ROCK THEIR NATURAL HAIR. EVEN DURING DOWN TIME. I CAN NAME ONLY A FEW LIKE VIOLA DAVIS OR YAYA WHO WORK THEIR NATURAL HAIR. PEOPLE LIKE NICKI MINAJ, GABRIEL UNION AND A FEW OTHERS NEVER EVER ROCK THEIR NATURAL HAIR. NOT TO MENTION BEYONCE WHO ALWAYS ROCKS BLONDE WIGS AND WEAVES. WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE ARE THEY SENDING TO WHITE AMERICA. THEY ALREADY THINK THAT WE DONT LOVE OURSELVES. SO ITS SAD. SOME OF YOU ARE MAKING UP EXCUSES FOR THESE CELEBS. YES I CAN UNDERSTAND WEARING A WEAVE FOR A CERTAIN ROLE BUT IF YOU ARE WEARING IT EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE THEN THERE IS A PROBLEM. I AM SICK OF PEOPLE TRYING TO ACT LIKE IT IS OK FOR THEM TO BE DOING THAT. THE MAJORITY OF CAUCASION WOMEN ROCK THEIR OWN NATURAL HAIR. YES SOME WEAR WEAVES BUT THE MAJORITY WEAR THEIR OWN DAILY. WE HAVE NO EXCUSE.
Wearing a weave doesnt neccesarily mean you dnt embrace yourself , and each and evry person has their own story concerning hair.
Natural or no natural people gone love or hate. If the whole black communty would decide to go natural today its not gonna make a big diffrence in how people look at us :S Fact is no matter what we do evry individual is going to receive and judge us diffrent way. The most important thing is just for us to do us and take care of our selves ( yess including hair). Gotta work with what God gave ya, and thats not only hair but also some brains to think for yourself what you want to do with it =) #choicesss. It’s nobodies business at the end of the day.
This is not about not letting celebrities showing their natural hair, nor is it about all the other arguments the previous commentators have advanced. Allow me to say that you have completely missed the point. Those of us who have decided to become natural have done so in the most obvious way. I think being natural should involved two steps: 1) making the conscious decision to be natural, and 2) not being afraid to show it to the world as your prime self. This peek-a-boo business is none sense. The underlying message is I will grow natural hair (just in case, since I don’t want to miss the boat, or to show some kindredship), BUT when it comes to representing myself, the weave does the best job. Really!
Thank you Miranda! This sums up the issue quite nicely.
Personally, I do not care what someone else does with their hair. It’s their business, I don’t judge you so don’t judge me (or call me names for wearing my own hair growing out of my head the way it grows out of my head).
Put the celeb selfies when I see them (usually on THIS site because I do not follow instagram and twitter) leave a bad taste in my mouth. It’s totally “look, look I’m one of you…but only in the dark.” Stop it, just stop it. To me, it makes the celeb look ridiculous. If you want to rock a weave, ROCK A WEAVE. If you want to rock a natural, ROCK YOUR NATURAL. But to play this peek-a-boo as Miranda put is just icky to me. It’s like you want the benefits of both sides: solidarity with the “sistahs” without rocking the boat. To ME, it says more about that person’s character than their hair.
And lots not pretend that (some of) these celebs have been growing their natural hair out of any love for natural hair. They’ve been growing it because they have the best stylists money can buy and theses stylists probably told them there is no need to relax your hair if you are going to completely cover it with a wig/weave anyway. Isn’t that how Nicole Ari Parker got started?
This head full of unprocessed hair is only a side effect of having weave for so long and they are showing it (some of them) just in time to jump on a bandwagon. Which, again, says more about their character than their hair.
And I may have posted this already, but if they were wearing weave/wigs “just to work” why don’t they take it off when they aren’t working? Teyonnah Paris anyone?
Like the perspective. I never even thought about the star “selfie” seeking some sort of validation. Definitely food for thought.
Why is it not ok for celebrities to show off their natural hair when the rest of the nappy heads do? Ppl who are not celebrities often have thin, brittle nasty looking hair they have no qualms about posting on the social media. They often wear weaves as “protective styling” too. Why attack celebrities? What makes you think they do anything to “impress” you? You mention celebrities wanting to validate they are down with the natural hair community by revealing their often weaved up natural locks. Realty is more often the ordinary person is looking to celebrities to validate their existence and their natural hair. It’s a shame celebrities are not afforded the same luxury extended to every unknown woman (or man) embracing their natural glory without being criticized for it. This double standard is really sad and I’m not here for it.
Ladies, why are we so concern with what the next chick is doing with her hair. And please stop using the line,” little black girls are looking up to these celebrities for a role model.” A role model starts at home, or your community. My daughters shouldn’t have to look up to celebrities for hair care or hair choices. It starts at home. I show my daughters that natural hair is beautiful as well as weaves, dreads, relaxers and whatever other choices that’s out there. I don’t force natural hair on them, it should be something that they want to do. They are individuals with their own views and perspectives. Ladies we are NOT our hair! We as “Black Women” look beautiful in whatever we rock, just rock it with confidence. I tell my daughter’s all the time that theres always gonna be someone hating or just simply disagreeing with what you do. So just do you boo! and be the best person you can be doing it, Whether it’s weaves,braids,dreads,
relaxers or bald, Love yourself and don’t let anybody make you feel different.
YES ROLE MODELS START AT HOME BUT HONEY, PSYCHOLOGY WILL EVEN TELL YOU THAT SOCIETY WILL HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON YOUR CHILD AND MAY EVEN HAVE MORE OF AN IMPACT ON THIER SELF ESTEEM THAN YOU DO. ITS JUST THE WAY IT IS. A PARENT CAN TELL THEIR CHILDREN ALL DAY THAT THEIR NATURAL HAIR IS BEAUTIFUL BUT WHEN THEY GO TO SCHOOL OR TURN ON THE TV AND SEE THAT ALL THE DISNEY CHARACTERS HAVE STRAIGHT HAIR OR THAT ALL THE BLACK CELEBRITIES HAVE STRAIGHT HAIR, THEN THEY WILL EVENTUALLY START TO NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE AND THEY MAY ACCEPT IT AND THEY MAY NOT.
Us non-celebrities set the trend. They think they have to straighten their hair to get roles. Hey! I know we weren’t the only ones who saw Chris Rock’s “Good Hair”. They had sight. I’m sure a lot of celebrity bw did too. I know not everyone did but those who did probably felt shocked and ashamed that other races could think we’re ashamed of our natural selves. I did, although the revelation was hardly the motivator to my journey to become completely self-loving. I was most embarrassed that God would’ve thought I didn’t appreciate he made me a black woman. Yes, I liked my silky straight hair. I got attention for it but I needed to feel I was accepting what God gave me. It was uplifting to me. These celebrities need our encouragement. They’re famous but they’re women like us. We need to stop leaving it to them to start and keep things going. Yes, they have a lot of influence but we can’t underestimate our power. We now have instagrams too. So many people are famous because of this. So many women became famous because of youtube vlogs. They see us embracing our natural-given features, they’re coming out in small instances, softly exclaiming their pride for their natural hair. It can grow, but us non-famous bw have to show it’s not going anywhere! It’s not a trend! It may have started out seeming that way but our hair will always naturally grow out of our scalps in teeny, tiny coils and looser ringlets. If they really want to prove a point the ones who truly want to accept how they were born to be can wear their non-chemically treated hair in huge numbers. Dislikers will have no choice, because believe it or not, they make money off of our black celebrities. They’ll have no choice but to cast black women with unaltered hair textures. We have to stop bashing these women like they aren’t just that. Women! We all have the power to make a move and natural hair movies aside, I think we’re the ones who got this train going.
Just because you are natural does not mean you have self love and just because you have a relaxer does not mean you have self hate. Wow, another way to separate black women. Can we for once COME TOGETHER and find some serious causes to fight about. So sad!!!
Unfortunately our hair is a cause of “division” amongst us. This is similar to the division that we have with light skin and dark skin. We must talk about it. We must confront it; and social media sites like this one is allowing us to do so. If it wasn’t for natural hair sites I probably would have gone back to relaxing my hair. And I’m not saying that having relaxed hair is wrong.
However, I do think that since the black race is the only race that has this unique hair texture that is shunned by everyone including ourselves, and it is the hair that we are actually born with, why oh why must we put a chemical in it to get it to look like hair that is considered acceptable by society? Why can’t I look like myself? Why can’t I grow this gorgeous hair out? Why? Because kinky hair is not considered beautiful? No. I refuse to accept that. I used to. Now I don’t.
I get it no one likes being condescended to
Thats how I feel when I see some celebs on the band wagon as opposed to the out and proud teyonnas, solanges an monaes
You can’t fake the obvious pride these women have in themselves and their hair/heritage
That refusal to hide inspires love in others and I personally find it really insulting when some celebs think their fans and general public won’t know the difference
The article isn’t about hate. Its about not turning a difficult subject in to another cheap way to make a dollar.
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This whole rant is absolutely ridiculous! Guess what? I’m not here for all the toxic hate. How do I unsubscribe? Deuces!
“It’s just the writer’s opinion”…all of this negativity because natural entertainers are not doing exactly what is expected of them 24/7 by others who claim they are natural 24/7 (or are they?). Put the writer, and those chiming in with the judgemental comments on the same red carpet and I guarantee you there would be a riot. This negative energy about what others are doing or not doing with their hair is not right, not good, Why doesn’t the “I’m natural, this is self-acceptance” hair community include no makeup as a part of who they are?
I really don’t care. I’ve been rockin’ my kinks for so many years now, I just do me and keep it movin’.
Live and let live.
ho-hum…
I agree with our author. At the foundation of this natural v. Your choice discussion, it goes without saying that we all believe whatever the heck you wanna do with your hair is your business, period point blank. With that being said, wouldn’t it be nice to see more celeb women wearing their natural hair all the time instead of taking peek pics behind the “safety” of a bathroom door? How awesome would it be to see Gabby Union with a twist out or fro in a feature film and have it seen as normal? I believe the point of the post is to express the need for women in the limelight, who represent us globally, to show pride in their natural beauty, when they have decided to be natural. That kind of decision can impact the world 🙂
Well said!
What difference does it make whether or not a celeb shows their natural only on social media or whatever? This is why I just need to stop hanging around some naturals. Their beautiful natural tresses may not be damaged, but their minds and mindsets are. I mean, did you climb into their brains and peep that that’s why they post natural pics? Or maybe you are their close confidants and they told you that’s why they do it, for the attention? Because im pretty certain that most people posting a picture on a social media outlets do so for the attention. I follow quite a few natural blogs that constantly post about their designer duds and in fashion and trendy finds that are not Eco friendly at all and then post pics boasting about some all natural recycled hemp bull crap and how we should save the earth. Should I be wary of that for the same reason? Inauthenticity? No. Everyone is entitled to variety and free choice. #ijs (yes she is entitled to her opinion but so are we) And I for one get so tired of some naturals being so high and mighty that they want to determine how everyone else should operate and what to do and how to wear their hair to be considered bona fide ‘naturals’. It’s so annoying. If natural is supposed to support self acceptance, why can’t I do that with a weave? Because it didn’t come from my scalp? Oh I guess God formed you in the womb with a Mac Cosmetics gift basket hanging off your mug so you could beat your face, naturally of course, right? Yes some people get weaves bc of insecurity. But some just plain like them. Different strokes for different folks.
Because a weave is NOT NATURAL or self-acceptance…ijs.
There was no claim that a weave is natural. You can accept yourself natural or in a weave. Ijs
Thank you! That line about makeup was particularly on pointe. Maybe it’s because I’ve worn my hair in my natural texture for most of my life but I’m not terribly impressed or offended by ANYONE, to include celebrities, rocking their hair in whatever style they chose whether that feature their natural hair texture or not. Still, I know that I’m just about through with the natural hair police. MY hair is not YOUR statement. It’s just my hair.
Natural hair is definitely ‘in’ right now. so of coarse celebrities are gonna be down with whats popular. to each his own.
Whether these celebs post pictures of their natural hair for likes or to offer their fans a glimpse of the real them, only they know. I could care less. Let one of them go to a major event/ red carpet and be filmed and photographed with their natural hair. That, to me, would be something to talk about.
Come on people, the natural hair community is not church. Just because we all have natural hair in common, doesn’t mean we have to hold hands and sing Kum ba yah…We are not all going to agree or like what the other has to say ALL THE TIME….and guess what!??…it’s perfectly OK. Frankly, I could care less either way about celebrity selfies. But this is the author’s opinion. How SHE feels. That is all. She’s not Jim Jones leading the rest of the natural hair “community” to drink the purple stuff. Some of the comments here that are accusing the author of “vile intentions” “and “natural naziism”(whatever that is)are almost comical. Let’s just calm down people. Damn.
I second that!
Going natural and being natural have be around since god knows when. Can we all just get along?
Who are these celebrities hurting by doing selfies of their natural hair: nobody. The author has appointed herself the chief of the hair police. I enjoy seeing how many African-American entertainers look without their weaves. For many of them its an act of courage to show their true selves. We should be encouraging to wear their natural hair more often and not criticizing them for just giving us a peek.
@sharonj , to answer your question, they are hurting little black girls who don’t have the long, flowing hair like on the shampoo commercials. By celebs hiding their real hair under weaves when they are on the red carpet dressed to the 9’s and on the big and small screen; and show sneak peeks of their natural hair while tucked away in a bathroom, it tells our little black girls that their natural hair is something not worthy of showcasing. It tells them that if you want to look pretty, you better cover up your nappy hair with this silky weave.
Good points. Thanks for the reply. I agree with you. Going natural is a process and doing these selfies is just a starting point for some. I rather they did the selfies than not.
@so far gone, I honestly don’t believe the writer is throwing shade or being hateful. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and she shared hers. I completely agree. I’ve been natural for a good 12 years now and I couldn’t be more happy. I transitioned to natural because I just couldn’t stand the thought of relaxers anymore. They were forced on me when I was a child and once I realized the damage it caused, I made the decision to go back to my natural. I realize that as actresses, some parts call for different looks, but when ur not in front of the camera there is no reason u can’t be who u are. Don’t jump on the bandwagon for a like then jump off, embrace ur natural all day everyday and love who u are.
I feel like the writer I could care less if you post a pic of your natural hair…do I project or a premier w your crown & glory then we can talk. If a person cannot recognize you without your weave/wig you need to work on that.
I am a life long natural with thick, curly, waist-length hair. I am not unique. Growing up there were plenty of little girls with long pony tails or long beaded-braided hair.I cannot for the life of me understand why someone would apply chemical straightener that dissolves hair onto their strands. Nor why they would wear synthetic hair or human hair harvested from others that have a European texture. Maybe its not for me to understand. I agree that its hair and sisters should allow it to be a point of contention or a cause of division between us. I imagine the way those of you who disagree with this post feel the way i feel when elder women with their european looking wigs tell me “child, you need a perm” or when someone says” what did you do? stick your finger in a light socket?’ Frankly, I’m not impressed, either, when a celeb decides to jump on a bandwagon to gain attention. Before natural was “popular” they wouldn’t dream of it. But I’m no one they need to impress. And its their hair. The writer of this article was expressing her personal feelings about the issue, which she is entitled to.
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* we should NOT allow it to be a point of contention or a cause of division between us.
I am NOT a big fan of the instagram quickie celebs, if they want to make a real statement, do it on the red carpet and movie rolls and interviews–which some bravely have. I said this all before too. Some do it for the trend others for health and for naturalist reasons.
Hi ladies, I’m a newbie naturalist. I use to like coming on here and seeing”Black Women” encourage and uplift each other. Lately, for the last couple of months I have seen nothing but hatred, sisters being judgmental and putting other sisters down. I no longer read the comments anymore because it saddens me that “Black Women” can’t come together on anything positive. I think we should embrace each other for being different in hair and fashion. Everyone has their own sense of style. If someone wants to wear their hair in weaves for a long period of time, and then decides to change it tomorrow, then Who are we to judge them. I think celebrities are very brave by putting thier businesses out there for people to see. At least we as “Black Women” should encourage and support them.
Amen to that!..,
i agree with you… this is just a hot mess! i may jut unsubcribe.
Pieces like this, written with such hatred, prejudice, discrimination, and jealousy, make me sick to my stomach. When I read the supportive comments with more of the same, it breaks my heart! It makes me wonder just how much of this comes from the hearts and mouths of God-fearing people. And to think, it’s all about hair. The devil must be so pleased. “Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Eph 4:29
Perhaps we read two different posts..? O_o
It’s absolutely not “all about hair”. In fact, it’s about self-acceptance and I am certain that God would want just that. After all, we were each handcrafted by the Master’s hands from the HAIR on our head to the soles of our feet.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully & wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14
Also, Christian to Christian..if you removed your nose from the air & “spoke” from a place of LOVE (God), then your message might have been received…
Peace & love to you
@Janae, no, we read the same post. I write that hatred, prejudice, discrimination and jealousy makes me sick, and that more of the same type of negative comments breaks my heart, and you say my nose is in the air??? I insulted no one. Can you really continue to support this negative energy… all in the name of Love ….and say it’s about self-acceptance?
Hi So far gone!,
If I didn’t have thicker skin, I would have believed that you were insulting me directly – by stating that the article was written with hatred, prejudice, discrimination, and jealousy. I embrace none of those attribues in this article, or in my daily life. This article is a personal observation and opinion at most, that just happened to be placed on this platform for discussion. Where you, and plenty of others find extreme disdain, “Natural Hair Nazi-ism/Policing”, and some sort of holier-than-thou complex radiating from my statements, I see a simple opinion/sentiment that can be agreed, or disagreed with. Although I may not agree with how some individuals have chosen to articulate themselves, I will defend their entitlement to their opinion. Much like you. I do not agree with what you said, but I respect your right to say it. I am moreso concerned that in the same breath that you verbally tore me down, you quoted scripture. I am having difficulty coming to terms with how God is glorified in that. Be blessed, and enjoy the rest of your day. Thank you for your feedback 🙂
I guess the problem here is that I did not feel any of the negative energy that you speak of. I honestly don’t think that was the author’s purpose in this article. Also, yes it is offensive to say that someone is spewing hatred, jealousy, discrimination & prejudice when they aren’t. Your comment just happened to be the first (and only) I read. I didn’t want to read anymore after that. Those are such strong words & to me, that is the negativity I saw.
so then…so much for dissenting viewpoints in your world.
Articles like this is why we have such titles as “natural hair Nazis”. Celebs & regular folk alike wanna be proud of their natural hair. But things like this make that seem wrong. Smh
I understand the points in the article, but I think we should embrace them too if this is really a ‘community’…prob showing a pic of their natural hair is just the first step…women embracing their natural selves is going to take time. I know it took me time…we have come a far way, but we still have so far to go
I 100% agree. It doesn’t add up. Celebrities have the rare opportunity to show America a different type of beauty. They need to wear it if they love it, and Stop playing peekaboo.
Well said Christina.
We all know celebs aren’t really interested in natural anything, even if they are they can’t do it. It doesn’t matter what they like, and if we’re all honest, to be mainstream you need to look a certain way, and unfortunately that isn’t natural. Sad, but true. When they do have an afro or something, it’s still not for the reasons we do it.
Look at all the celebs who just keep it real- none of them are as huge as the ladies who look more European.
This isn’t bashing white people or anything (half white myself) but quite a few of them still think like they thought back in the day- anything “too black” is ugly, and that includes natural hair.
If people want to make more money, they have to be liked by more than just the black community.
Let em keep their weaves lol, at least every skin colour can be mainstream these days… baby steps 🙂 it’ll happen
You can’t talk about naturalistas on the red carpet without mentioning Solange. Solange has been the target of ridicule ever since she big chopped and the reason is because she never really “styles” her hair. She rocks it in it’s most state and people give her a hard time for it all the time. I have endured the exact same ridicule about my hair ever since I BC’d a year ago. It’s not easy but and I get tired of peoples opinions, but the love I have for my hair far outweighs the negativity of the haters. I have never felt any type of way about celebs showing their hair on social media but now that it’s been brought to my attention I totally agree.If you want to support the natural hair movement, why not rock it in public once in a while?
I totally agree…nice article!
agreed and well-articulated.
Why are you all tripping off of what someone else does with their hair and their life? WHO CARES?? Yes, I’m a naturalista, but I get so tired of all the self righteous hair Nazis who always have something to say about what another woman does to her hair. Sounds a little hypocritical to me…You preach about loving yourself and embracing who you are, yet you are over here worrying about what Toya and Taraji are showing off. I give them props. You have to realize its hard being a woman of color in Hollywood. It’s not always their choice how they style their hair. If a role calls for non-natural hair, then that’s what they have to do to get the part…You know, kind of like your dress code at your job, not to mention the fact that with all the styling for movies, videos, photo shoots, and appearances, that would put a lot of wear and tear on their natural hair, so why wouldn’t they keep a protective style? Think before you judge and criticize…Lay off and ease up…It’s called SELF love
Calling people Nazis is just as judgemental.
I have to agree with you.
There are certain problems that I have with celeb attitudes towards natural hair and the one described in this article isn’t one of them. If they want to go on a pee-ka-boo natural hair trend then let them. Baby steps. Maybe they are building up the confidence to go fully natural.
I think that rants like these portray the natural movement as a superiority cult and perturbs prospective naturals.
Lets stop using the term Natural Nazis and use the term Natural EXTREMISTS. You are misusing the term Nazi for the wrong subject. No one is threatening anyone’s life for being a non-natural, etc. Plus there is a difference between suggestions, ideas and then plain insult. If a natural haired woman is giving ideas and suggestions that does not make her(OR ANYONE) a Natural Extremist. Just clarifying, not arguing with you or anything..
Wow…it’s a beautiful thing when somebody says allll the things you’ve been thinking… Those celeb natural selfies have been on my nerves but I could never articulate why and this is it
Due to the fact we have been hiding and maniuplating our hair for so long… it just isn’t worth it spending the time thinking about their selfie activities…. What makes me laugh though is how one minute ladies on here are bigging up celebs for being natural… but you will see that these same singers/actresses who were appearing natural at first will resort to other styles – because they are bored, they need to rock a protective style or they need to look different for work to get the part/job etc… We’ve all done it… and not always with curly or kinky hair but with straight hair too… We may not be celebs but we aren’t that different either… Janelle Monae is experimenting with a lot of different looks in her vids at the moment… wearing a lot of wigs…. Am I gonna judge her…no…
I agree. the model is pretty.
the model is gorgeous
This post made me laugh. I’m not going to look down or knock celebrities who are natural. That is the machine that they are in. Most try to uphold a kind of european look to get roles, money, etc.
That’s called a sell-out.
It’s called working.
Right, every time one pops up, i’m like…”oh, ok”
I agree 100%! I Just feel many celebs are trying to prove sonething. “Oh, I have hair under this wig too. IM not bald, LOOK!!!!” I myself will swich and wear wigs a few days and my natural hair out the next few days. Its one thing if you show people your hair and than wear wigs and weaves to try something different…and its anothef when you NEVER show your real hair and when all of a sudden someone says “I bet you she bald headed under that wig” the snach it off and say, ” who, me! NOT ME!!! Look, I have hair!”
I don’t really think it is that big of an issue. I don’t pay attention to it. Lots of sisters are embracing their natural hair, why can’t they? We non-celebs have blogs and webpages and facebook groups devoted to it. So why can’t they? I’ve noticed whenever a celebrity joins in on something (whether politics, a cause or whatever) people get all in a snit. Get over it.
Personally a wig or weave is not the issue or even being natural, I just find funny when celibrities decide to use them , they ALWAYS go for straight and long hair, if that is not a certain idea of beauty promoted, I don’t know what it is!? This is why I like celebs like Rihanna, Solange, Viola, Teyonna etc…. Because they show black hair can be very versatile regardless they are natural or not, have real hair or not.
Well said!!!! I couldn’t have said it better my self, succinct and to the point! No need to belabor the point, sistahs that are about this life (naturally beautiful all the time) don’t need to make a statement, and certainly don’t need to be superficial validation. Thanks for voicing it!
I have to agee 100% also because what is the point of showing your natural hair to us on the blog but not luxuriating in its beauty on the red carpet like Viola or showing up with it in all of its glory on a talk show?? To me that just shows me that you are not STRONG enough to work it!!!! You are still too ashamed of what god gave you to flaunt it like my girl Viola, who looked extremely stunning on the red carpet. Better that all the weaves I have seen in the past ten or so years!!!! And she also looked 20 years younger than she looked with her weave in that movie The Help. Wack weaves make women look older. All of them! Be proud of what you have and revel in its beauty!!!!!
Don’t forget Teyonah Parris and Janelle Monae! Teyonah never disappoints on the red carpet….
Agree 1000% 🙂
I’m just tired of celebrity ‘selfies’ period!
Put the phone DOWN! I don’t want to see your effin breakfast McMuffin! WTF is up with that?! Or another BS pic of your terrier! Or you in bed ‘without makeup’ (yeah right)!
As for the ‘I’m not my weave’ selfie pic – NOOOOOOOOBODY cares to quench your twitter thirs! Promote a charity, get a degree, find an unmarried man – just stop with the frickin’ fake no-filter, desperate gasps for approval.
I agree 100% with the article, I know I know it’s sooo hard for them to wear their hair etc.. miss me with that argument. When is someone going to just take a leap of faith? That is why I love Solange .. she just does not care about all of that and she is proving that it CAN be done. I think a lot of us just need some serious therapy, all of this worrying about what others think all of the time cannot be conducive to our well being, isn’t it tiresome? I probably wouldn’t understand anyways, I prefer to just BE, rather than try to create myself every day. However I do feel for those that feel like they HAVE to add something to themselves to be good enough, and for them I’m saying.. You are beautiful, no you do not.
Why does anyone care, it’s their hair and their instagram. Some naturals have really gone too far with who’s a legit natural. Just like with most of us, it takes time to really appreciate and embrace your hair, don’t judge b.c somebody’s not about doing wash and goes and twisting/braiding their hair every night.
so true
I totally agree! Celebs are only posting their natural hair because they want more shine than they already have. Maaannnn….paaaaleeezzze!! Celebs need to sit down and shut the hell up! I’m not sold and I damn sure ain’t buying! Peace.
I totally agree 100% with what she is saying. Celebrity or not if you are wearing weaves and covering up your natural hair 95% of the time then you’re not Natural. Maybe I’m wrong but I thought being natural meant embracing and wearing what is growing out of your scalp. Nobody cares if they are wearing weave b/c they’ve been doing it since the beginning of time. People keep saying “Oh, well it’s empowering to see them for a milli second with their natural hair out.” No, what’s empowering would be if they dropped the weave and showed the world that versatility is an awesome thing and we don’t all have to look alike or have long straight virgin hair from wherever to be considered beautiful or to make money.
I totally agree with this article all the way!!! I feel we as women should embrace what God has blessed us with. I dont want my future daughter or son to grow up and be ashamed to wear their hair the way it grows out of their head. I should not have to change myself to fit in with the crowd or another culture to be accepted.
But if they don’t show you their natural, girls see them as having self hate. Celebrities can’t win.
I see them as motivating other girls ,regardless if they cover their hair with weave. At the end of the day they don’t have a relaxer in their hair and are showing you it’s okay to have natural hair. I don’t get the whole ’embrace what god gave you’ because hair is just hair. Wether you embrace it or not your hair should be healthy. Nobody should be judge because they wear weave 24/7 because that’s what I did as my protective styling and I gained great length.
It’s annoying how some celebs will show their natural hair and instead of black females saying ‘I’m proud of you’ we say “it’s dry and looks damaged.”
so true
#Preach
THANK YOU FOR THIS FEATURE. I READ THIS ON YOUR BLOG A FEW WEEKS AGO AND KNEW I WOULD SEE IT HERE. I MUST SAY IT IS TIRED, I MEAN TIRED TO SEE THESE CELEBS WITH THEIR ONE PIC OF “NATURAL HAIR” EVERY ONCE IN A BLUE MOON. MOST OF THE TIME THEY ARE CONCEALING THEIR FACE OR CLAIMING LONG HAIR THAT WE’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. THESE CELEBS WEREN’T DOING THIS TILL THE MOVEMENT GOT BOOMING RIGHT?? I DON’T THINK IT’S FAIR TO US THAT EMBRACE OUR HAIR ALL THE TIME. WHY SHOULD I BE IMPRESSED BY THE HAIR YOU SHOW IN BETWEEN THE NEXT WEAVE INSTALLATION? AND YES THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ATTENTION WHY ELSE WOULD THEY POST THE PIC. ANGELA SIMMONS FOR ONE. BOASTING A BIG FRO BUT ALWAYS WEARING FAKE HAIR AND HAS A FAKE HAIR LINE???? AND STOP WITH THE WEAVE IS A PROTECTIVE STYLE. WHY IS THE WEAVE MAJORITY OF THE TIME STRAIGHT. NOT KINKY OR CURLY. AND IF IT’S A PROTECTIVE STYLE FOR WORK HOW COME THEY DON’T TAKE BREAKS AT HOME???. ENOUGH WITH THE LOOK AT ME PICS. I RATHER GIVE PROPS TO YOUTUBERS AND VLOGGERS WHO SHOW THEIR HAIR ALL THE TIME. THIS ISN’T ABOUT BE DIVISIVE, HATE, OR JEALOUSY. JUST AN ACCURATE OBSERVATION
Lol i meant to do a like i totally agreee with u all the way 😉
I completely understand because it gives off this idea that the celebrities are down with “the people” on Instagram, but they’re someone else they’ve created when they’re out in public. I do think they’re on somewhat of a different scale though. Your natural hair can get damaged if too many people who don’t know how to deal with it are styling it. Not every celebrity has a personal stylist they tote around with them. Also, natural hair can be quite sensitive to weather and other factors, which means you would need to keep touching it up if you have it styled a certain way. Also, looking at yourself when you take your sleek wig off can be rather shocking with natural hair and maybe its not something they’re ready to sport in public. There’s also the backlash they get from their own people as well as others. I know some hypocrites would be telling Beyonce to put her wig back on if she came out with natural hair. Listen, these can be seen as weak excuses but who knows. I’m no celebrity and I don’t have famous, Black, female friends. You can’t please everyone. And if I hear the word “selfie” one more time I might pop. Stop displaying your life and go live it.
Here’s the thing-celebs have an image to promote and that image involves the European ideal of what beauty is suppose to be-all others should ‘strive’ to achieve that ideal. If ever the definition of beauty should change-then celebs would get paid to promote that look.
I definitely agree that it seems to be for attention and leaves you saying, so what? But then again, their lives are different from ours and they are constantly changing looks for the sake of their art. It’s kind of sad in a way that they may not be able to express themselves or overcome the negative views of natural hair in the industry. We just have to take what we see and just keep moving forward in our individual natural journeys.
I question why the author is even bothered or concerned with celebrities posting “selfies” of their natural hair. Hence, it’s THEIR hair. Just because we have returned to our natural hair that doesn’t mean every other black woman will follow suit. Hair is personal. We should respect everyone’s choice.
I complete agree with article. Actually I had the same thought. People like Angela Simmons who I believed this site comment on how she is natural but she stated she will never wear her real hair out. It’s like really? I understand celebrities are busy and to protect their real hair they wear weaves but think about celebrities whose real hair we never see but they team natural. Natural means natural . Walking around with 15 pounds of Indian remi 24 7 all year isn’t impressive to me. But it’s just my “natural” opinion.
Divisive. This article is divisive point blank. I’m 23 years old, never had a perm, had 8 presses in my entire life, and I used to beg my mother for a perm back in the day. I was the one who got made fun of for having natural hair ALL THE TIME, and I desperately wanted to be included in THAT group. And today, it’s the opposite; women of color wanting to share what they have to others but there’s a “club” admission that they need to pay to get in to this “Natural Hair” club. Nope, not buying it. I could easily say that the “Real Naturals” are the ones who have never had perms EVER, kept their hair in braids, locs, and fros before there was no movement, and that the ones “transitioning” today are the REAL POSERS. But I won’t do that, because a lot of people’s feelings would get hurt. Bitterness and jealous will not make your hair grow FYI, so please, let us gather up our arms to dismantle this Natural Hair Nazi regime.
Sincerely,
“A natural born natural whose kept it natural when it wasn’t cool to be natural, and still is natural but prefers not to call herself natural.”
Okay, I personally have to get out of the “people who use the word nazi in relation to hair are idiots” frame of mind and ask, how is having a difference of opinion divisive? We are all entitled to agree/disagree/have our own opinions without worrying about it diving the mythical monolithic black community.
I don’t agree with this at all. At the end of the day they are women…black women at that. They have the same hang ups as the rest of us when they go home and take off the makeup and hang up their bras. I don’t think it’s thirst I think it’s women with insecurities who want to desperately hear someone say your hair is beautiful because odds are they are not getting that from their non black costars. A good chunk of us were afraid to display are kinks and curls at one point or another in this journey. We have to celebrate all displays of natural hair!
I agree with the article 100%.
I agree with this article and totally understand the author’s frustrations (or lack of). My ex hairdresser is the same way and get a little annoyed because she wears weave around the clock but then last week she posted a pic of her natural hair and it was stunning! The thing that got me was the fact that she goes on about bragging how she has “good hair” and is “#TeamNatural” but when I complimented her and asked why she doesn’t wear it out, her response was “NAAA… #HAIRWEAVEKILLA ALL DAY!!” -______- I really didn’t know how to respond to that so I just kept quiet lol it’s like showing off your closet with clothes you don’t wear but to each its own lol The only critique I have is that we should be more encouraging to these celebs because it’s a start. Many women cannot just head on submerge themselves into self acceptance of their hair as we have. We have to remember that this still the beginning stage of the natural hair revolution (whether you see it as a revolution or not) and many women are just not ready to embrace and fully love their natural hair for what it is just yet. Let me make that clear- NATURAL HAIR IS FOR EVERYONE; but, not everyone is ready for it just yet. Everyone’s journey is different and we can’t be upset when someone doesn’t want to embrace their natural hair right here right now when we say so. It’s a PROCESS! Even Keke Palmer just released her SECOND natural hair selfie which implies that she’s getting more comfortable with it especially with the positive feedback she receives. As sisters we should always uplift one another and encourage, not discourage, one another on her journey.
I agree 100%. The “Protecting your hair” thing, and we’ve never seen your hair before and you’ve been “Protecting” your hair for 20+ years…Please. Regardless I don’t look for or to celebs (fake in public people) for validation or to help me feel better in my skin. In all honesty I hold myself to higher standards than that, and when I at least come close to those standards I don’t feel the need to advertise. I’m not a celeb and I still don’t feel the need to take selfies of myself. I fight the natural urge to be vain and self centered on a daily basis, I don’t seek to celebrate or promote it, starting with myself, which means I don’t take an interest or seek out the selfies of other people, celebs or not.
But to the point, I too am not impressed by celebs selfies who rep “Team Natural” whose natural hair you never see. It doesn’t take much courage at all to stop relaxing your hair, it does take a great deal of courage to leave your house with nothing on top of your natural unrelaxed hair.
Part of me can understand where this article comes from but, then I think who the hell am I to judge someone else’s head and what they deem themselves to be?
As far this whole natural hair elitist attitude we are building we need to cut it out! Reminds me of crabs in a barrel.
On my last note I can remember BC’ing with less than a inch of hair to show, how terrified I was to show my hair to my neighbors and coworkers… I can only imagine how terrifying it could be having tens of thousands of people potentially judging you as a black women/celeb. I refuse to be apart of the few that like to create this terror.
Exactly. When people (especially naturals) are the source of someone else’s judgment, they speak up against how unfair it is to be judged. This article is setting us back. Plus, it’s not that serious!
Well said! For a long time, I’ve been “is it only me that’s fed up with the celebrity ‘me-too’ pictures?”. I so don’t care what’s under the wig/weave. If you’re claiming to be natural, be loud & proud!
Hey!!
I don’t usually keep up with celebrities…so this post was enlightening to me in many ways.
Based on your assessment of the situation, I am inclined to believe these BWNHV selfies are just background noise to the movement.
Nothing more.
Thanks for writing and sharing this!
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/HNSC2_KFD2012.png[/img]
Love you and your YT videos! So positive!
I don’t exactly feel this is a fair article… That’s like one of us putting up a picture of our hair straightened, and the white community or celebrities who don’t show their natural hair write an article claiming we’re doing it for attention. Honestly, those pictures don’t excite me either. I would probably be much more impressed if they wore their hair natural on the red carpet instead of the half blow-dried/I-just-took-out-my-sew-in “fros” on Instagram and Twitter; however I wouldn’t jump to conclusions about their desire to be accepted. Even if that is the case, we have all struggled with acceptance. Whether it be in the African American community ,the media, or even the work force. So knowing this familiar feeling of being unaccepted we should just continue to love and support each other.
~Your favorite 15 year old
God bless!
Well although I agree witg this post I understand how these celebrities feel. Let’s not forget that they are just humans like us and that the same feelings we went through when we went natural are the same added to the fact that they work in an industry where the norms are straight hair or else you are not getting the job. To rock fierce natural hairstyles as a celebrity you got to be bold, confident, mature with a lot of self-esteem and ready to face any consequences that might follow that choice. Yes we wish they were strong enough to wear their hair natural on the red carpet in between movies but this is our wish not theirs. Just like nobody will tell us how to wear our hair, we don’t have the right to tell them how to wear theirs. Yes because they are celebrities we look up to them to represent us black women with natural hair and be our role models but are they not only ready to do so but also willing to take that challenge. Even if playing peek-a-boo is just a way for them to seek attention at least it’s a start and we need to support them for them to find the strength and the courage to go farther and beyond. If we, naturals, bash them all the time, where are they going to find the strength to carry on? They will just duck back. So even if it’s not what we want and how we want it yet, let’s just be compassionate so the baby steps these celebs are making will turn out to giant steps one day.
Usually I’m mum but this is getting mean girls mean naturals. Why do we continue to put others down to make ourselves feel important? The issue may stem from celebrities… they have to keep up with the times to keep their status…but how do you think everyday ladies feel who actually wear wigs and weaves as a protective style? Are they less natural? What if it’s a curly koily kinky texture? As a whole we cannot forget that something had to happen to us to get to this vicissitude in our life. Encourage others to get to theirs because if we want to speak truth, God makes us pretty in our own time not by somebody else’s definition for us.
Even though a lot of celebrities do not wear their natural hair out, I still appreciate them showing a peak via Instagram. I feel that one day those lovely ladies will feel comfortable rocking their natural hair on the red carpet. It takes time, Viola Davis is a great example of that! It took me a while to be comfortable wearing my natural hair out. They will eventually come around and if they don’t atleast their natural underneath 🙂
RANDOM But HOW CUTE is Teyonah Parris!??? Yess
http://ammamama.wordpress.com
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo.JPG[/img]
I’m just in love with that dress! It’s great!
It’s Herve Ledger <3
Correction on the spelling of the last name: Leger. NOHATE.
I think Teyonnah and Viola throw all the “I’m protecting my hair” arguments out the window. They both wear wigs and weaves for work but when they are being themselves, out in the world, they wear their hair.
You’re so pretty!
I don’t care either way, honestly. It’s great that black women have more pride in showing and wearing our hair the way it naturally is but my feelings don’t get caught up in it one way or the other. I went natural for me, not for acceptance or because it’s “popular” now. Whatever black female celebrities’ intentions are is none of my business. They nor anyone else represents me and and what I stand for, only I can do that.
So let the selfies burn on. They don’t pay my bills or fix my problems, only I can do that I don’t look to them for anyting to be excited or disappointed over.
I agree with this article. I also don’t think she-the writer-is passing a judgment on anyone. That word tends to be overused sometimes. She’s reflecting on something that is quite obvious. Why do these celebrities feel the need to post selfies of themselves with natural hair with captions like “See, look, I have all this natural long hair underneath all this weave.” Hashtag “been natural all my life” Come on. Girls going natural is not a game to see who has been natural the longest-at least none that I know. Cause I know them.
Everyone that I know that decides to go natural does it because they want a change from the “norm” and the norm is not inherently who we are and we are tired of wanting to fit in. Plus our hair is so damn beautiful we have come to realize.
A great percentage of black women used to believe that natural hair could not grow-I did. Once girls started posting videos and pictures of themselves on social media websites with natural long hair, I was amazed. Most of us were. I read the comments on those videos. “That’s all your hair?” “What did you do to make it grow like that?” “My hair could never do that” “Wow, I didn’t know that.” I know I didn’t know a lot of facts about black hair.
How could we have not known this however, when some of us had naturally long hair as children? Well one reason was that our mothers slapped a perm in our hair from a very young age, and as time went on, we forgot about the hair that grew naturally from our heads-naturally.
Our mothers did not perm our hair because of the naturally long hair that we had. That wasn’t the problem. The “problem” was the knots, “the tough course hair,” the “hard to manage hair,” the “undesirable”- but in many cases long-hair. We forgot just like our mothers forget that our own hair was actually quite long and beautiful.
Since celebrities had all that beautiful naturally long healthy hair underneath their pounds of weave, why not tell us? The only problem I see us black women, now being women and not children, have with natural hair, is the idea that it seemed like it was always going to be short.
Like any other race of women, black women are no different in wanting long hair. Most women prefer long hair. So celebrities having these long natural hair would have been a plus for them when we the non-celebrity would have looked at them. We would have been in awe. We would have wanted to know their secret. “How do you get your hair to grow like that?” We would have read through Essence and Jet and Ebony and try every method the celebrity would have advised us to. But no, they kept the “secret.”
Some black female celebrities it seems, have always known that black hair can grow grow grow, and that they had all this lovely naturally long hair underneath their weaves because that is what you do in Hollywood. We would have understood. This world doesn’t favor us-well they kinda do. But that’s another topic. We would have looked to you, miss celebrity, instead of all the youtubers that came along apparently long after you knew the “secret.” The youtubers didn’t keep it a secret. We went on a journey with some of them: From the big chop to the waist length. From the 2-year transitioners who hid their hair because of fear to the “I love my twa and never want to leave this stage-ers” We saw them all. We saw the “How to decrease knots and tangles,” “How prevent breakage and have long hair.” We saw the protective styles of twist and braids and we even saw the protective styles of weaves and wigs. In fact, I’m wearing a weave right now as a protective style and because I got tired of the short Afro. My hairstylist told me that hair grows better when not being “fudged” with. This I know from experience when I had braids-my hair was permed-for three months at a time for one year. My hair grew from ear length to below my shoulders.
So, miss celebrity, if you knew all this, which you clearly did, because you could see the hair growing healthfully underneath all that weave that you wore for years, then why didn’t you make it known to the rest of us black girls who were oblivious about our hair and who would have really like to have known this fact? But now years later you want to show the world that “see, I had all this natural long hair from way back. I just didn’t show it” NOT.
If you want us to not give you the side eye, miss celebrity, when you post your selfies, don’t post with captions that read “look at me, look at me and my natural long hair that I’ve had in like forever, and only wear weaves to “protect” it.” Post with captions like “loving my natural hair and its length right now” or “Wow my hair grew” Or even, “Getting this weave done cause you know Hollyweird is weird but let’s see how long my hair will be after I take it out”-hashtag Longhairdontcare.
Yes, I think some celebrities are posting their natural hair selfies to get attention. This is what celebrities do. Shew, this is what humans do. We love attention. Some of us get the attention by “honest” means, and some just love it because. Some of these natural celebrities I think love it because. If they loved it the way they seem to love their natural hair selfies, then I think we would seen this throughout-maybe not on social media websites, but by the Paparazzi; you know they always get those shots. But no, it’s only now, this moment right here, where natural hair is being loved by us non-celebrities that have grown to love our hair through trial and error and want to show it to the world, that the rise of the natural hair celebrity has risen. NOT.
MAYBE I’M JUST WRONG THOUGH.
I don’t know if you’re wrong because that’s the only part I read,lol. I was just scrolling down and your post looked like it would never end. lol
LOL! I was ranting.
Not all black women want long natural hair, there are some who love their short natural hair and actually trim/cut it to keep it that way. It’s about loving your God given hair no matter the length.
true but i think it’s safe to say most black women either currently want long hair or had wanted it for a long time. if long dramatic weaves are any indication, i’d say it’s favored by most.
Thank you. Although I was speaking in general terms, clearly one knows that not all women want long hair. Again thank you, because it seems like some people cannot read an article or a reply to an article, without assuming that, that said article is not pointing a finger at them them them.
So the celebrity real hair selfies are either a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand they are showing there real hair no wigs or weave. They are showing fans they are down to earth which is a good thing for black women. On the other hand it seems that because they are showing their hair now doing the natural hair movement that they are only doing it got the social media likes. They would never leave the house with naked hair or go on the red carpet so why post up on Instagram? Most of the real hair selfie posting celebs are doing it to show they have long hair not natural or healthy hair.
Recently there was an article posted here about an actress who has natural hair. She mentioned the lengths she has to go to for the continuity of a shot to keep her hair looking the same despite sweating under hot lights. Lord knows, I can’t keep my hair looking the same from the bathroom to the car. It was also something that I noticed this last season on True Blood. There was one actress with natural hair and you could actually tell when scenes were shot out of order because her curls would be looking fresh and defined and then frizzy and then fresh and defined again. I also can’t imagine what it must be like, onset or backstage, to have a stylist, who may or may not know how to comb your hair, let alone style it. So I’m not saying that you HAVE to wear a weave to be an actress, but I would say, the industry probably isn’t supporting it just yet and I wouldn’t trust anyone who isn’t 100% supportive to touch my hair.
I do agree though with this article, that a lot of celebrities are not taking care of their hair underneath the weave. So while it’s technically being protected, it surely isn’t being loved.
Yea, I don’t think people understand the entertainment/acting process at all. Imagine the damage that we’ve all done to our hair-heat, color, etc.; now imagine someone doing that to your hair everyday, sometimes several times a day with touch ups and that could be for months at a time until your next role/job then you get to have it done all over, that’s if you have any hair left.
@Shatimae I couldn’t agree more, I get tired of seeing hearing about Solange and her hair, so does she.
How do you know that these celebs wouldn’t be wearing their natural hair if it wasn’t for work. I don’t remember any of them posting selfies with captions about including them on natural hair sites. I think celebs showing their hair is 1. their personal business & 2. good for black women in general. The more the world sees diversity in black women’s appearances the less stereotypes you’ll see (black women with blonde/ multicolored weaves). Just because we’re natural doesn’t mean we’re on some imaginary pedestal, we have to stop looking down on our sisters with different hairstyles and creating unnecessary division.
well said
Thank you Jordan. I’ve been mentioning that so much, I stopped visiting this website (and others) based on that, but out of curiosity today, decided to see what’s been happening. Seems like I haven’t missed anything. Naturals look down so hard and place judgment on everyone else to the point I’ve grown sick of the “natural hair community”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my natural hair, but it’s not all about natural hair. It’s all about what works best for a person individually. I’m so done!!!
Thank you! You hit the nail on the head with both the celebs and the hair care lines, I was looking at one the other day and thought they had some nerve when all they’ve been pushing for decades is chemicals that harm our hair now that natural hair is in the forefront they’re scared of losing money.
Good topic! I find hound women posting selfies strange PERIOD. why on earth are people taking so many dang pictures of themeseleves so often and posting for opinions? Any who I agree that we don’t know the motivation behind these selfies so it isn’t right to speculate too much but everyone has aright to an opinion. My opinion is that you will probably never see most of these celebs with their own texture because I’m sure someone on their team is feeding them the message that in order to get jobs you have to have a “look”.like it or not naps are not mainstream in Hollywood. In order for things to change one of these young women will have to buck the system and pave the way. It has nothing to do with protecting their hair by wearing a weave or wig but everything to do with the mind set of Hollywood and unfortunately the paying public.As culture changes and more black women go natural and STAY natural dispute everyone saying its a trend then we will see genuine change on the big screen. Until then it will be faux team natural selfies and black women who believe weaves and wigs are “protective”.
I totally get what she is saying here. She is not hating, be judgmental or complaining. She is just saying that she is not impressed with celebrities and their natural hair being out for a 30 sec Instagram photo opt. And I agree. I would, however, be impressed if more women wore their hair out on a red carpet like Viola Davis, Jill Scott, Chrisette Michele, etc. at least SOME times. If your going to wear weave that’s your choice and I have no problem with it. I wear it sometimes too. But don’t claim “but I’m natural!” when your hair is under a wig/weave 25 hrs a day, 8 days a week, 366 days a year!
Exactly. You got the gist of the article. The young woman wasn’t putting anyone down. Gosh black people. Come On!!
This is why I can’t rock with Solange Knowles. It’s like the girl gets more press for her natural hair than her music and I personally think her hair is alright. Nothing majorly dope just alright. People act like she’s the poster girl for fros and natural hair when It seems (IMO) she only went natural to separate herself from her older sister.
I see what you are saying but I think Solange went natural for herself. That’s why mama took a step back when there was all this focus and criticism on her hair. On a site like this, she is definitely going to get press for her hair cause that’s what we want to know about. At least she’s rocking it in the spotlight to show anyone who will look that our hair is not silky smooth and straight.
say what you will but I personally think that solange’s hair is killa.
i think it’s just like the “no makeup ” selfless, and at times can be annoying. But think about it, a few years ago we would never see black celebrities real hair ever. So idk it might be a good thing
there have always been some black celebrities who showed their real hair….
This article just seems so judgmental. Did you ever stop to think that for women in their profession the best thing for their hair is protective styles? Hence the weaves? Like another commenter said above, they could also be struggling with self acceptance. As a natural, that is something you should understand and support. Not throw shade about not feeling their “selfies.” Honestly who cares about those? To each her own.
I just love it when they say they are “protecting” their hair. How can you be ‘protecting’ something you have no intensions of ever showing? Unless they’re protecting it for umpteen years in the furture..? Uggghhhhhh. Oh well.
Woooo, I thought it was just me! Everyone I see I’m like “and?” It only makes sense that it isn’t relaxed since it’s never out, duh. Yes, being sustahs means we can be versitile BUT they ain’t versitile, they always the same with the weave and we get a glimpse only between Virgin brazillian installs. Some say it’s judging, but it ain’t judging it’s just stating that you don’t care and are hip to the “include me” foolishness. Ain’t nobody fooled by that peek-a-boo selfie when they make sure the “mainstream” never seems them nappy.
what a pretentious post. you ever think that maybe they’re going through a similar crisis with accepting and embracing their hair? maybe instead of seeing these selfies and thinking “what a fraud” you encourage them to take the plunge and embrace their hair. you sound like a hater.
Yeah, they might seem to be saying “look at me” but maybe they’re discovering themselves at the same speed as us. Why fault them for that? And if they can make other girls bolder and braver to be themselves by posting selfies online, then they’re doing their job of being a good example. They don’t speak for the stupid relaxer companies when they’re not hash tagging said company’s new “natural” line, so give the girls some support. Being under those hot lights and in hair and makeup every day would wear their hair out the same as ours. Of course they don’t need to wear straight weaves, but the selfies are a start.
http://vertmoot.blogspot.com
I think the one’s who are upset are the real bandwagoner’s here. Why do you feel that you need to approve a person’s natural?
I agree 1000 percent!! They never wear their natural hair, so what is the point of these instagram pics they love to post? I don’t care if you’ve got natural hair if you’re so ashamed of it, that you’re on the beach and in the pool with your wig on. GTFOOH!
I don’t get it. What makes your validation so important? I feel that by making this post you saying “Look at me for not caring for a celebrities pic” if you do not care then let it go.
Michaela, I think the piece some folks are missing is the fact that this is completely and totally my unadulterated opinion. I wrote it on my personal blog a few weeks ago, where I possess the complete agency to express exactly what I feel without regard for anyone else’s approval. It just so happens that the post was used by BGLH to spark a lively discussion, which it has 🙂
Ok here is my issue. ..
There is nothing new under the sun. Im natural, so what I also wear wigs and weaves. .. so what …
Go back to the 80s and watch “school daze” and see how much hatred we display to one another. The NATURAL MOVEMENT isnt new and it doesnt bring anyone closer to anything . We need to be WOMEN OF WISDOM and look at history and show ourselves love no matter what we look like .
Now this is one woman’s opinion. Those of you getting upset about it may have more issues than you’d care to admit. No one and I mean no one’s opinion can emotionally move me … gives control where it isnt warranted. WAKE UP
I agree. The natural hair movement isn’t new. In 95′ I moved to Brooklyn to attend LIU, and a large portion of the girls who attended had natural hair. My hair was even natural before I got there. I wonder, what did women do b4 relaxers?…… Women have been wearing natural hair since the beginning of time.
And the celeb issue doesn’t bother me. The only time I see their hair is on this sight, I don’t follow any celebrities.
Honestly who cares. No need to be so sensitive; you’re just over thinking the whole thing.
As long as they don’t publicly bad mouth natural hair ala Wendell Williams and Sheryl Underwood, I couldn’t care less.
The “trendy” aspect of natural hair will fade away eventually but it will still be a real option for black women like it always should have been. All this wealth of info we have amassed, the wonderful natural hair companies (that genuinely support natural hair) and hopefully the general matural hair community support are here to stay when the dust settles.
That’s all that maters to me. I just want/hope the next generation has access to and are taught to love and nurture our hair. This includes both boys and girls.
I totally agree with this. We have been put down, made fun of, bullied. and then when little girls wear it at school they get bullied and made fun of. I got made fun of by my dad and my mother when I went natural.
When people post pictures of them having natural hair and having it hidden under a weave, ESPECIALLY if they are in the public eye it makes the rest of the unnatural black community say, “wow she has alot of natural hair, she must be too ashamed to wear it with all that weave on her head”. And even if it were to protect, it sends negative messages to those out there who are on the fence. They will probably think that wearing natural hair isn’t professional and that they have to hide it in braids or weaves.
I see it like this. Are foregoers fought for us to be human. To work, to have property, to have rights, to be treated right, and the one other thing that makes a staple in who we are is causing us to be fired, looked down upon by our own people, and outcast. Yes this is important.
It is NOT about being better than someone because we have done it longer because I will be natural 2 years in Feb. This is about being proud of who you are and doing it no matter where you are in your life and career goals.
Our hair is more than hair when people at the weave shops don’t like it, when you get bullied and looked down upon your own race, when you become shameful at the thought of being natural, and when words like “nappy” were used to put your own people down by those outside of your race.
The way it is portrayed in celeb selfies is that “Hey Im apart of the natural hair trend too. I belong too!”
It is mind boggling to me why you care so much what these celebrities do.
If it bothers you so much then why not avoid these “celebrity selfies”. Apparently as unimpressed as you are with the “celebrity selfies”, you keep clicking the articles to see them.
Celebrities are not special the only reason people look up to them is because they have millions of dollars. So who cares what they do. Let them do them, and you do you.
Its crazy how women are the most critical and judgemental of each other. We seek out other women to dog just to make ourselves feel better. I don’t pay attention to celebrities, but who the hell tries to dictate what a person does in their own home to their own body. It ain’t hurting you. KIM.
This is what I was thinking the whole time I was reading this write-up. “Why look at their tweets or instagrams if you aren’t interested in their hair”. Come on ladies, let’s use our energy on something else.
This new thing of naturals deciding that they are going to pass judgement on everyone else that they feel does not fit into their criteria of what qualifies one as natural is absurd. So much judgement and segregation/separation all over one’s choice on how they choose to wear their hair. This to me is as bad as “light skin is better or more beautiful than darker skin”. I am appalled by the statements and judgements made by some naturals incl. this article. When will women stop drawing unnecessary lines of separation between us and start supporting each other.
Whatever your hair makes you no better than the next person.
Whatever your skin colour makes you no better than the next person.
Whether you went natural in 1992 or yesterday it doesn’t make a better person.
I think some of these naturals are just mad because now they are not the only naturals around. More black women are accepting their natural textures, so you got some of these naturals not feeling special anymore. Oh boo hoo I was natural before you were…..people won’t think I’m unique anymore.
If it was really about discovering and accepting oneself they would be happy about all these natural selfies popping up. Instead they are treating it like a fad. You can’t be natural unless you do…..
Natural hair community ran by dictators.
Am I missing something here? First you all hate when celebrities wear weaves, wigs, and lace fronts, and how their brainwash from the “white man”. Then when celebrities wear their natural hair, they’re jumping on the bandwagon????? I thought this natural hair movement was suppose to be positive. Well I guess not **shrugs**
But they’re not wearing their natural hair. They never wear their natural hair. They wear a ton of weave or lace front wigs, continuing to push that white lady hair ideal down the throats of black women and girl. And that on the red carpet and in the candid shots from their everyday life. So no, I’m not at all impressed when they take these instagram pics at the hair salon for the two seconds that their natural hair is exposed to fresh air for the first time in six months.
natural hair…relaxed hair…. the hair that grows from their scalp… who cares???? It’s hair! Celebrities are not the only ones who wears weave. I bet half of everybody who comments on this blog had worn a weave and a wig and probably wearing one right now. I’m not understanding what the problem is. It’s a woman’s choice on however she wants her hair to look like. Oh my God. Why does it matter? I didn’t know having natural hair was for someone to have approval to be natural.
I can’t judge on how a woman wears her hair that is relaxed and who constantly wears weave. Because I myself was like that. So is the majority of the people who comments on this blog. So why judge? It seems that most women who goes back being natural thinks their are above everybody. Remember this, most of us had dipped our hair in creamy crack and was ashamed of our natural hair.
why not focus on the positive… just as many if not more people are following these celebs on the social media outlets as are seeing them on the red carpet… dont ignore the impact of social media…. so if your concerned about the “impact” of them showing its just as impactful through social media…
what gets me is the assumption that everyone thinks that celebs only have their hair out once in a while… how do you know that they dont just wear weaves or wigs once in a while… we dont see any of these people on the daily
plus there is a convenience and versatility that comes along with wigs and weaves….
I don’t see what’s causing you such mass confusion. See, natural haired women are NOT a monolith so you can scratch that “you all” nonsense. The author shared HER veiwpoint which does not represent “US ALL”, get it? It’s really not that complicated, dear.
Okay well she does have a RIGHT to say what she wants. Guess what? I also have the RIGHT to say what I want to say too, DEAR. I’m not confused here.
What I’m saying here is that why is it everytime a celebrity shows out their hair it becomes a problem to SOME naturals. It’s always someone screaming it’s a “wig” or a “weave” or it’s not “natural”. Why does it matter? It’s HAIR. This whole “natural hair movement” suppose to be positive, and you’re suppose to follow your own journey not someone else, not someone on Youtube, and especially not a celebrity. If a celebrity wants to post pics of their hair then that’s them. It shouldn’t matter. Worry about your hair and stop worrying about someone who you don’t know personally and what they go through, dear.
BTW, “you all” is a generalization and obviously can’t be applied to a very diverse natural community or the diversity of opinions on this article. So, you probably are missing something.
She has a main point and I agree with her theory.
this post is as ignorant and hateful as they come… smh… why cant everyone just be happy for themselves without worrying about what others are doing???
Hi gapch, I’m not quite sure how you can come to the conclusion that this post is ignorant and hateful, but I respect your right to your opinion 🙂
ignorant as in mean spirited… not ignorant as in unknowing… i’ve read many of your articles and most are helpful and some are insightful but i find the tone on this one to be hateful and mean spirited…
its not saying that you are a bad person but the direction of the article including its tone and content is mean spirited…. take some time and reflect on it and let me know if you still disagree in a few days….
Wow, I guess people read things differently. I didn’t find Sash’s post mean-spirited, hateful or ignorant at all and I am willing to bet money that she wasn’t trying to be that way either. What was so mean about it?? Seriously curious to know…because I am having an extremely difficult time trying to find ANYTHING rude about this…??
@Sash – I agree with your post 100% and feel the same way.
Ahhh, I guess I wasn’t following the thread correctly…I think you were referring to the overall article is my guess and not Sash’s post? I got it 🙂
kim, the comment was in regards to the article not to @sash comment….
🙂 Thanks for agreeing Kim!
RME you think anyone with a differing opinion is a “hater” of hateful or OMG the dreaded “j” word, judging.
incorrect…. i was speaking on this particular case…. i respectfully disagree with other viewers on threads at times and don’t consider them haters or hateful… but this article had a mean spirited hateful tone….
this post is as ignorant and hateful as they come… smh… why cant everyone just be happy for themselves without worrying about what others are doing???
Natural hair is beautiful! I agree with this article because we, as a people, have been taken advantage of in every industry, the hair industry in particular.When I was younger I never saw black women with afros, healthy flat-ironed hair, etc. Now I see Natural women everywhere! Imagine the impact it will have on the younger generations. With that being stated, we SHOULD be a little on the defensive when brands that don’t care about our hair jump on the bandwagon or Celebrities,who have had long natural hair for years, just now decide to let the world know.Do they really care about embracing Natural hair? I highly doubt it!
I totally agree. Not impressed.
Celebrity shade. If an average woman you’d known to be weaved up forever decided to go natural and was excited about her natural hair, most of you would be supportive and helpful. Since this is a celeb though, they must have an ulterior motive other than just being excited about their natural hair like most of us! *eyeroll*.
well put.
I totally agree! If you can’t embrace it at a award show or in a music video then I don’t want to see your natural hair and your heat damaged leave out.
LOL at “and your heat damaged leave out”!!! I am crying over here. Way too funny, but really great article and post. Shows that there is a diversity of opinions within the natural hair community. All black women with natural hair dont ascribe to the same values nor do we have the same reasons for being natural and for that I think Christina Patrice did a great job with the article.
The “heat damaged leave out” slayed me because it’s true. They’ve all got that and it looks silly to me.
I find it condescending that some natural hair wearers think or feel they are better than others because they have been doing it longer or first or wear their hair “out” everyday and then post blogs like this. One of the best things about being a woman and being of color is our versatility. Celebrities posting their natural hair is a great thing and since they do have influence over many it can only help some who may be on the fence about whether or not to leave the relaxer alone. Let’s stop judging and start empowering. #DropsTheMic
Amen!! Plus it’s not that serious. Wearing your hair natural is not like belonging to an exclusive club!
Interesting POV… I hadn’t thought about it or perceived it in that way. I think for many of us wearing our natural hair has been a tough journey. Getting passed all the crap we were/are fed about the standards of beauty and alllllll the stuff that goes along with being natural. From being natural at work and what is acceptable, to what friends and family will say because so many still see it as not being attractive or not”good hair”. Maybe we actually gave them (celeberties)life.Just maybe seeing us regular everyday fabulous women rocking our natural and loving every minute of it gave them the courage to show theirs off. I didn’t really see it as them trying to just gain likes. I like to lead with the positive and believe that we helped to make it easier for them to feel comfortable about it. I know it wasn’t easy for me initially. I big chopped and then went right to braids because I had NO idea what to do next (lol). But thank God for the wonderful and BEAUTIFUL women on this site and others. I was able to let that go and rock my TWA. While I still do braids as a protective style, I also LOVE to wear it out and big and proudly ;-). So yes, maybe they are just inspired by the beauty we are radiating inside and out and wanted to share in that ;-).
Really love how you see this and how you presented your point of view. I agree! I know even for me, I love my natural hair but it’s not easy for everyone else to love. I work in the fashion industry and while others profess to love my hair, they don’t hire me but I get way more ooo’s and ahhh’s when I wear a weave or long wig. That doesn’t make me appreciate and love my hair less and I can understand a celebrities apprehension with showing their natural hair all the time. We don’t walk in their shoes, pay their bills nor deal with their stresses so, who are we to judge. I’m happy that their hair is healthy regardless of the style or picture they decide to post.
Think there’s an awful lot of mind-reading going on here–we don’t know what the motivation is behind these selfies any more than we know the motivation behind anything celebs do (beyond general self promotion). It’s become common for celebs (and the rest of us) to post all kinds of random “look what I’m doing right now” shots on social media. The growth of the natural hair movement may have made intra-weave/wig selfies less taboo, because there’s no longer that Oh God no one can ever see me like this attitude, but I don’t think those shots are necessarily more or less exhibitionist than showing me what you’re about to eat for brunch. To the extent they ARE looking for inclusion, I say the more the merrier, let me put you onto this new shea butter mixture I just discovered…
I’m not offended by celebrities and their selfies. In the end, all it means is that natural hair is winning. Reclaiming our natural black features was started by regular people like us and strengthened by sites like fotki, youtube, and BGLH. If those celebrities want to stand with us, fine. But I never pay too much attention to celebrities. I don’t look to them for guidance or inspiration. So I’m neither impressed nor angered by their actions.
‘There are natural women/men who are looking and searching for attention too.’
thank you.
Pfffft i think you need to calm down. It s not that serious, come on…
Whoever said celebs were trying to get attention…? You came to that conclusion and now you feel some type of way. I’m natural and have been for three years, I.wear my fro in all kinds of styles and I.Also wear braids and weaves and I look good regardless. I mean some of you natural hair girls take things to far frfr chill out and worry about yourself. I’m sure you wear makeup, so that automatically doesn’t make you full natural.
so true… people should worry about themselves
I didn’t know being natural meant I was part of a specific group. I am not natural because I’m embracing a darn thing. I’m natural because I like my hair that way and the different styling options. And that has even garnered me some disrespectful comments because “I’m not black enough” or “I don’t understand the meaning for natural hair.” I’ve done many things to my hair over the years because I like it and I want to. Not because I want to be a part of something. I’m not a fan of any celebrity doing something for ratings. But, I hate more the development of “hair groups” that further pass judgement and ostracize others because they have deemed their way the right way.
I’ve been natural for almost 2 years now (see my natural hair journey here http://swajero.wordpress.com/hair/my-hair-journey/) and, honestly, I understand “BWNHV selfies”. It does take time, knowledge and confidence to wear your natural hair on a day to day basis… I think we should be more understanding of this….
Well I have mixed feelings, honestly. If they were really aiming to support our cause they would drop the weave and sport their hair for bit….
I began my natural journey in 1993. I wore an all over “boy” cut, that was simply sexy & amazing. During this time, many women exclaimed how brave I was to do this, yet too, how beautiful it was. This was a choice I made. Not influenced by ANYONE. However, after wearing it for Almist 3years, I converted back to a perm… But, that didn’t lady long!!
From there, I transitioned to l
I think we all can assume accurately that most of these celebs doing the “BWNHV selfies” as you call it would most likely NEVER rock their natural hair majority of the time. I feel in a way that a lot black women that aren’t natural, at the very least, want the courage (or want to appear to have the courage) to rock it with true confidence. That, to me is the underlying reason a lot of them post these 5 minute natural hair do pics.
I feel that being natural is important as a black woman because it’s a way of taking back our natural beauty and pride that was (& still being) stripped from us. I feel like being natural is an act of true self love.
However, I try not to get my definition of what natural means to ME, confused in the way others view it for themselves. Whether they take it seriously or not, there will always be people like you and I who do. Some people don’t have the guts or confidence to be natural most of the time. And some people just don’t want to. Just be proud that many of us HAVE reached that part of our journey and we realize what it means to be a proud, natural black woman to the core.
Signed,
Your everyday Natural
Instead of being snobbish and condemning them for “hopping on the bandwagon” why not be proud of the fact that there is such a bandwagon to hop on to.This whole attitude of “you can’t sit with us” is ridiculous. Being natural is not about one thing or the other. i have been natural for two years not because i saw someone else do it or because i didn’t love myself while i was relaxed but because it was a necessity in my life and i will never go back. But before that i was quite happy to be relaxed not because i was ashamed of my natural hair but because it’s what i wanted to do at the time. I hate when people define what it means to be natural and what it means to not. No one gets to define every natural woman, every relaxed woman or every woman with weave. Some naturals are becoming this insane group that wags their fingers at others for not being like them. its not your place to condemn others for what they choose to do with their hair. It is unfair and unacceptable.
I couldn’t agree less! Iv been natural 7 years and have braided my real hair and wore a wig from time to time. Sometimes most of the year. I’m not a celebrity, but I understand why they do it. I’m so over someone else telling another person what their natural should be. It’s no different than someone thinking a real natural wears a fro. I’m glad these celebs are proud to show they gave up the creamy crack, they’ll help others do the same. Far as selfies go, im sure the celebs were doing them long before they went natural! This person is trying to make a issue were there is none, sit down! Who are u the natural police, stay in your own lane, and let ppl be their own natural, I think your jealous of how long their hair is, when they take the weave out. I’ve seen Nicki Minaj, Angela Simmons and Toya Wrights hair, and its all long and healthy to me. But haters see things non haters don’t. You know they’re are naturals who been natural for decades or their who life and they’re proud that more of us are coming back to it. I can’t believe this article, its so stupid, heaux sit down, ur not concerned, your jealous
agreed
Mey, I think you completely misunderstood me and made a few assumptions along the way.
1. I understand the natural hair community does not exist as a monolith, and everyone’s preferences, styling, and definitions of natural are very personal.
2. I have not the slightest reason to be jealous of any celebrity and the length of their hair – I’ve got quite long hair myself, thanks to sites like BGLH and natural hair bloggers who have helped me learn tons about how to best care for my hair.
3.That I’m a hater. I wasn’t aware that hater is defined as, “one who expresses a personal opinion contrary to that of someone else”.
The bottom line here is that this is an opinion, nothing more and nothing less. I’m not here to deride anyone for the choices they make with their hair. I’m simply stating my opinion, that everyone on this site is free to *respectfully* disagree with.
Everyone has a right to an opinion that’s why I stated mine. However, I stick by mine, I don’t back down like you’re trying to do now! Own it, you said it and you meant what you said. You need to realize that celebs live their lives in front of the camera, and they share everything not just their natural hair journey. How can you have a desire that everyone embrace their natural hair but yet condone the way people are showing, they are proud of their hair. These celebs can reach a audience that you and I aren’t able to now. You and me and other non-celebs can do all the selfies we want but celebs cant?! You don’t represent the majority, rather the minority of people that want to say, this is ours, now go away. How dare you!
Honestly Mey, I don’t understand why you’re so upset. I have an opinion, you have one too. The difference is, I choose to respect yours and not attempt to diminish you as a person in the process. Enjoy the rest of your day 🙂
Please, I’m not upset, I’m just matter of fact. You should be happy people are responding, but no you gotta make a issue of that to! I’m stressing a point when I use exclamation points! Im not diminishing your thoughts just because I have my own, no one has to agree with you. Some do, be happy about that!
Mey – you can express your opinion without name calling and telling people where to go. It really diminishes any value to your argument. Would you like it if someone called you a name for writing something that was on YOUR heart? You can’t cry “freedom of expression” without giving someone the right to do so and not bashing them in the process. I have seen several on here disagree with Christina, but do so in a respectful way. THAT’S how you communicate.
Awesome article by the way, Christina. Very interesting perspective and definitely echoes the sentiments of many other naturals. Thank you for sharing.
She also called you a totally made up word for a slang term derived from the word prostitute.
She’s a classy one that Mey.
I’m not bothered by celeb showing their natural hair at all. Having worked in the fashion industry I’ve seen some awful things happen to models & celeb hair because the stylist is trying to achieve a particular look for a photo shoot, fashion show, etc and they tryn to get it done quick. I’ve seen a models hair get melted off because the stylist had the heat on the curling iron so high. These stylist are not taking their time to do these styles, they are on a major time crunch. They gotta move fast and are not thinking of the overall health of the hair over time. They just need it to look good for those photos, tv shows, etc.
After all the damage I’ve witnessed before my eyes I’m happy some celebs have managed to keep hair on their head as well as grow it long.
playing devils advocate: some don’t wear their natural hair out (publicly anyway) AT ALL or almost never do. Maybe it’s really inconvenient but I’m guessing wearing their hair out between weaves can be done if they really wanted to. I’m no saying they HAVE to just presenting a counterpoint. There are many non-celeb women hooked on weaves so a celeb in a vacuum like Hollywood would probably be more susceptible to that habit.
Classic case of damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Girls with natural hair have established a sense of pride that goes with embracing ones self naturally and I love that. On the other hand, there seems to be an epidemic where they are snobbing the rest of us who either choose to relax our hair or wear weaves. I am currently trying to go natural but let me just say that this superiority attitude exhibited by SOME girls with natural hair is not an encouragement to other black sisters who may be considering it or have never considered it. Hollywood is a different mindset by itself, so I say, let’s give these sisters credit for promoting black hair in Hollywood. Baby steps.
Nooooooo! Lol. I think you totally misunderstood. She’s not bashing people for wearing weaves or wigs. Nobody cares. I loveeeeee Gabrielle Unions weave, she makes me want to cross over.
She’s criticizing women with no interest in their natural hair posting these odd natural hair pics before they get their new weave sewed in just for attention. Given it makes sense, the natural hair community is growing and has a lot of buying power…but it’s insulting.
I see what you are saying but I don’t think I misunderstood the superiority complex here. “Underneath all that pound of wig and weaves”. It’s something you infer. It is a real attitude, believe me. And it is widespread. I have friends like that, that just put down black females for choosing to wear wigs and weaves, etc because they on the other hand are natural. This is not cool. A lot of black girls are finally coming around to embracing their natural hair, because we have to admit, it’s has been a struggle on a group level. Some haven’t come around yet and some may never. Others may revert to the wigs and weaves lifestyle but as sisters we need to be more encouraging to one another. If these celebs want to post pics with their natural hair, I think that is cool. Girls with natural hair post pics of their hair because they are proud of it, celebs should be able to do just that too. They may actually cover it up later but pics last forever and can tell a thousand words. That pic might be encouragement to a sister to go natural.
great positive insight
good points…
The statement is beautiful and I get it. I just believe it goes back to the notion of thats why you are natural, not every natural person thinks the same or went natural for the same reason. Just like women who wear wigs or weaves, they have their reasons. There are natural women/men who are looking and searching for attention too. For me it truly is about embracing and loving who you are. If a celeb wants to show their natural hair( be it damaged or healthy) let them do it and when they are ready to fully join the party we will be there with our blogs and videos to help them. And if they never want to fully join the party thats ok too, its not changing our minds or our journey.
I personally love seeing pics of natural peeps and that includes celebs too.
I get where youre coming from 100%. I will say though at the very beginning before I discovered sites like this and urban bush babes, I was inspired by the celebs because it was nice to see that they actually have hair underneath the weaves and wigs. Fast forward a few months later and seeing these sites, I am not as impressed with the celebs as before but kudos to them for having hair I guess.
But seeing women like Solange, Teyonah and Viola rocking their natural hair a lot makes me wonder why the others don’t do so. They have access to the best products, hair stylists and diet experts. They can afford to rock their natural hair. And people say they need to achieve a certain look for certain projects etc. Well naturals here rock different looks with the same afro/curls/kinks for different days of the week.
And then you see naturals on sites like this who arent rich or balling, some are single mothers, others have crazy work schedules and are helping out in their communities etc but still manage to take the time out to look after their hair on a budget. and they are rocking some serious out of this world hair.
They are probably scared and/or don’t want to period. It’s futile to try to understand why they don’t go beyond that collectively or individually. I made sure to stop doing that to celebs and everyday people.
Hopefully seeing women like Viola (who is a high caliber actress and well respected) and Teyonah sporting their hair in diverse and fabulous ways will encourage other black famous folk to do the same.
The community blew up in large part because of inspiration and the encouragement that it gave to individuals. It is not by force. (not saying you were implying that).
I agree. But what im not here for is you straight women using gay lingo like “no shade”.
Awwwww you bishes mad? All tea all shade you fish cant use our lingo!
Mad? Oh no, you probably got down-voted because your comment was off topic and no one has any idea what you’re saying~ XD
I didn’t know that was gay lingo. Since when??? Everyone uses it.
1, never heard this as “gay lingo”, 2, on what basis do you assume everyone here is straight?
But….a lot of gays will tell you that “gay lingo” stems from ebonics so have several seats.
lol
Boy, bye.
Black gay lingo is derivative of what? If you come up with an answer that doesn’t include black women and how we speak (or how black gays think we speak) you need a clue.
are you high??? you read an entire post with excellent & valid points, and THIS is what you take from it? to the point of a brazen comment?? self-indulgent douche says what?
I have no problem with celebrity reveals or selfies. Is it so wrong to want to be included? To be a part of something? Especially something that is healthy and uplifting like embracing your natural hair? I think not.
Actually there is. It’s one thing to admire a subculture, it’s cool to even make adjustments to ones self because you strongly desire to be a part of a certain community (ie adopting corporate culture) but it’s a twinkle disturbing to pretend. These celebrities are not interested in being natural, they don’t have genuine interest in the natural hair community they’re interested in praise for being down. I find it sad.
I find it hard to believe that an individual would grow their hair out and get those permed strands clipped off for the sake of being “down”. They had to go through the same process as any other natural in order to become perm-free. No celebrity is that elite that someone can grow them a whole head of hair overnight. Should they wear their hair out? Sure. Most definitely. But they’re also human.
By making these stances, you yourself place them on a pedestal as if they are separate from the masses.
I think it’s them suddenly wanting to show off their hair but then again everyone is showing off everything in the instagram age. I’m not even go any further trying to figure out what their intentions are or are not. It’s just not that important to the natural hair “cause” or that serious IMO. As long as they aren’t spouting negativity or ignorance about our hair, it’s whatever.
It is no different than a black girl wanting to join a black sorority. What are her reasons? Everyone has a different reason, a different path that may just lead to the same destination. I did not want to be a part of the sorority community-inclusion into a particular group but I did not judge other women for wanting to belong or be included. So no, there is nothing wrong with celebrities wanting to be a part of-inclusion into the natural hair community.
This “natural community” thing is really starting to grind my gears…how is wearing your hair the way it grows, now a “subculture”? How are they being faulted for “admiring” their own hair?
I also thought this article was such a double standard. Just because celebs are in the limelight doesn’t make everything they do disingenuous…If it was some random girl posting pics of her hair or doing a length check after she took down her weave, nobody would be making a big deal. It’s not that deep…
I totally agree! Their thirst for attention diminishes what real women are doing with their hair. I hate when someone says to me, “oh, you’re natural, that’s the fad now” and “you’re doing it because it’s trendy”. Um…no! Celebrity selfies only promote the “fad”.
I don’t know about that. Most of the celebs I have seen. Like Brandy, Angela Simmons, Keke Palmer… You can tell by their pics that this was not just some over night thing and not about a fad for them. You dont get the length some of these women have over night. so that to me makes it clear that they have been natural for some time. Especially Brandy because we know she was always rocking her braids. And most of them do not need any extra attention because they are doing their thing regardless. Just my opinion…
WOW I SO AGREE. A FRIEND SAID TO ME IT’S THE IN THING NOW. IT REALLY BOTHERED ME BC THAT IS NOT WHY I AM NATURAL