by
Black Girl With Long Hair
So in a recent interview with Lurve Magazine, Solange Knowles revealed that she is out as a Carol’s Daughter spokesperson, in part because of disagreements with the company’s messaging:
I’m actually no longer a part of Carol’s Daughter, but throughout my entire time working with them, I was constantly fighting for the right message to be heard. The message that, the way we wear our hair is a personal choice, there’s no right or wrong way; one way doesn’t make us more intelligent, or more superficial, and every one makes that choice for very different reasons.
It’s interesting, though, since one of Carol’s Daughter’s other celebrity spokeswomen — Selita Ebanks — does wear her hair straightened and in the past several years the company has distanced itself from its original branding as natural hair only.
Still, Solange was definitely the face of the ‘natural hair arm’ of Carol’s Daughter’s marketing, with her image used to promote the company’s transitioning products and website.
But apparently she was not prepared for the intensity/scrutiny that came along with being a natural hair icon, and didn’t know until recently that a hair typing system even existed. Some of these frustrations were the cause for her recent rant on Twitter:
I made some comments on Twitter recently about an article someone sent me that a young writer wrote about how much energy we are putting into other people’s natural hair. I thought it was really interesting, and in a lot of ways true. That is until I came across the part of the article that mentioned how certain commenters were debating on the texture of my hair in its natural state.
I really, truly was not even aware that there was a natural hair system in place to measure the texture of your hair. At that point I thought to myself, ‘This is really crazy. That these people know more about my hair than the human that even carries it!’ I went to my Twitter and sort of impulsively expressed that. I don’t regret it one bit, but sometimes trying to put how you feel in an one-hundred forty character structure is not really successful. […] I’m actually really trying to navigate my feelings on the entire hair issue and it’s tough doing that publicly.
Some have suggested that Solange’s frustration is her own fault, since she came out the gate speaking about her big chop on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009, and followed up with a Carol’s Daughter endorsement deal. But the singer insists that she didn’t know that her hair would come to define her public image.
On one hand, I can’t ignore the fact that I have done things that have put attention on my hair with going on Oprah and being apart of Carol’s Daughter.
I was asked to go on Oprah on an episode that was dedicated to Black Hair, and to speak about why I cut my hair. I honestly thought, “Number one, it’s Oprah, and who wouldn’t want to go on Oprah and meet her?!?! She’s amazing! But also, I thought if I addressed it then, then maybe I wouldn’t have to on that level again.
I spoke about how I felt like my hair was holding me back in some ways from fully utilizing my life, in terms of the time, energy and money I was spending. I also remember very clearly saying that this was the phase I am in at the time and that if I wanted to wear a weave down to my calves–when and if that time came–I very much so would. I still feel that way now. I realize for some people that this was a big turning point in terms of how they saw me.
Interesting. Ladies, what are your thoughts on all this?
134 Responses
You know, when I saw her hair cut all I said was, “Oh she cut her hair, looks nice”. I don’t see why people are making such a big deal ou tof how she or anyone where’s their hair. It boggles my mind. Mary J and Jada pinket have been on CD adds and they aren’t natural all the time, so what’s the problem? I have used carols daughter, but sometimes they have so many different products get product happy adn then I don’t know what to get. The relationship between Solange and Carol’s Daughter has run its course its time for a new chapter and a new face.
The Knowles sisters are opportunists. Period. They use whom they need and how they need until they get what they need and move on. And they don’t give back to any community much less the black one.
With that being said, Solange as the sudden “spokeswoman” for natural kinda pissed me off from the beginning. I am not a hater, and I will admit that neither she nor Beyonce are my favorite (personal opinion). However, how and WHY would SOLANGE be a spokesperson for natural hair when she herself only JUST became natural. There are so many more beautiful natural ‘famous’ women who are better qualified and have longevity in natural hair care, IMHO.
Plus, I find more encouragement and awesome tips and techniques from wonderful natural ladies like Leila and the other writers of this website, CurlyNikki, rachelcpr, MahoganyCurls, Naptural85, MyNaturalSistas, and so many other naturals with blogs and YouTube channels who share their experiences, knowledge, and routines WITHOUT ENDORSEMENTS, DEALS, OR BIG-TIME CHECKS. Companies like Carols Daughter get MUCH more attention and endorsements from we regular-ole naturals than Jada or Solange. I, myself, am much more encouraged by those ladied with whom I can identify, and who are real and have real stories to share. Who do their hair themselves without the help of a high-cost stylist, and who may not always be able to afford expensive product-lines.
So no, I don’t care whether Solange endorses Carol’s Daughter, or whether she slaps a weave back on just like she used to, just like Beyonce. It is her hair and she should feel free to do with it as she pleases! Just my not-so-valuable two-cents!
i think solange was unaware abt how deep this natural hair care thing goes.And its true, at the time when CD first became popular it was bc it was supposedly all natural cooked up in her kitchen etc. It had nothing to do with the budding natural hair movement.CD evolved to natural hair products bc THATS WHAT BECAME POPULAR and since she had the natural product niche…it was good business sense to start promoting natural hair care but CD doesnt need to box themselves into JUST natural hair bc thats NOT how she started out.Solange can disagree with a marketing message bc is true that saying natural is BETTER is arrogant& creates tension and separation among ppl of color with ethnic hair.Wearing your natural hair is an OPTION.One thats not embraced as readily & CD offers the products to make it easy but if CD is implying its ALL ABOUT being natural and perms r the devil, then solange should move on! I think perms are simply harmful no matter how great that make ur hair LOOK but I was caught up in the “straight is better,kinky is unattractive and it’ll affect my career” kind of mentality…if u want to perm, go ahead! it doesnt make u any less black or make u ashamed. SOME ppl DO hate their hair and those ppl i have issues with put Im not like an animal rights activisit throwing blood on ppl bc they choose to wear fur. Its a personal choice and hopefully wearing it natural or permed is a personal choice that makes YOU feel good and not to please anyone else or to conform to “fit in”. Good for Solange for being honest abt her feelings. Natural today, weave tomorrow..its her choice!
It’s business. The sooner we realize that the better off we will be.
Support all black businesses whatever they sell. All we want to do is criticize each other. We can control the entire haircare industry and any other, if we support each other.
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Basically, my view on this issue boils down to this..Solange was a spokesperson NOT the owner of Carol’s Daughter or a partner.This hair business is not HER business. If we can look past all of the Loreal and Clairol spokespersons then why does Solange have to be in a box? You don’t see people bugging Eva Mendez, Eva Longoria, or Jennifer Lopez about their hair. Really, black people let’s get our priorities straight.Good for Solange to move on and work on her own pursuits.
I for one am a native New Yorker and was a frequent shopper at Carol’s Daughter when it had one location in Brooklyn down the street from Juniors. I made sure to get a touch-up every 6-8 weeks and used to buy out the store at least 1x/month while tossing my relaxed hair. My point…everyone saying Carol’s Daughter started out marketing to natural-hair women….UHHHHHH, sorry to tell y’all but that is VERY far from the truth. Yes, there were natural hair products but even then they did NOT focus on marketing to natural hair enything. They focused on natural BODY products PERIOD.
Maybe it’s just me but although I LOVE being natural, some of us (not necessarily in this thread) can truly be Natural Hair Nazis. I straightened my hair a couple weeks ago and was with my boyfriend at a restaurant and some naturals threw me shade…I thought it was funny for sure but I see why Solange and others distance themselves from the natural hair community. We can be HARD on people when at the end of the day it’s just hair. For one person it may have been a life-changing experience but for others it’s not that serious! I like Solange and I certainly understand how she feels. If we put the same focus on solving social issues as we did into figuring out if someone is a 3c/3b in the front and a 4a in the back we could solve all the world’s problems!
Well, obviously, Solange was not a good fit, no need to stay in a bad relationship. Why hire a spokesperson anyway? The products should speak for themselves.
If you understand Physics you understand Its not just hair! WHY WHY WHY do Black people like to say its just hair IT ISNT its so disrespctful..On a Mundane level if it was just hair you wouldnt have been oppressed for those YEEEAAARRRSSS about your hair in its Natural state by both black and white and everyone else inbetween..Did you know Black women your hair is connected to the Universal Structure and the Weather and your AURA, you let people tell you your hair is dead and swallow it!! If your hair was JUST dead explain the Transformational level you feel when you take it all off?? expalin when you treat your hair Lovingly why does it respond back why do some women have to just leave there hair alone for anything Beautiful to happen?? Why do Women always look so Beautiful and Confident and truely full of beans when they dont have the pressure of weaves and Chemicals, women who wear thiere hair Natural under weaves are Happier and confident too…How can it be ok to poisen your scalp with Chemicals and say oh its a choice yet the same people who will put the same chemicals in the Childrens hair oh but thats a Choice.Mental physical Spiritual Hair matters its not just hair. <3 PS and another thing,Why do Black children look more miserable than white children? Ive always wanted to know this..??
+1, Anne! Yes! How about this? If it’s just hair, why are the people saying “it’s just hair” on a natural hair care website aimed at retaining long hair?
Who cares..Solange can do what she wants to do with her hair!!! It’s hers. Everybody who supported Carol’s daughter from the beginning was not natural..their platform was not just natural hair.. it was natural products. Mary J Blidge was their biggest financial supporter and semi-spokesperson. Holier than Thou natural enthusiast kill me. I’ve been natural all of my life and never heard of a “natural hair” system either. Who made this crap up??? Who told you that it’s ONE HAIR SYSTEM for MY Hair. Leave the girl alone. I love her interviews.
I like everyone’s idea for for Solange’s replacement, but I honestly feel that for a company that peddles meh, so-so products that they are truly not worthy with all of their pandering to straight-haired folks. How does a compay that started out marketing to natural-haired women end up with only one cury-haired spokesperson?
OMG it’s amazin how much flack Solange is getting…I agree with Beth, on 9-22-12 (I think). She has a right 2 be & choose what she wants 2 put on her head any given day jus like anybody else. Right now, she is rockin natural & I commend her 4 that. She deserves to be grouped with women who wear their hair naturaly. True, some may be more talented or loved by many more fans. She may be more talented than other women in this category as well. Many women wont for whatever reasons. I personally went natural because perms didnt agree with my hair plus very expensive 2 maintain if u dont do it yourself…Solange seems like she has a more “hippie-like or free”, for the lack of a better word right now, personality than Beyonce so I feel her hair choice was a perfect choice. Solange does have a following otherwise she wouldnt be featured in anything. Can you say the same? Many can not. Kudos 2 Solange on her endeavors and on whatever she choose 2 wear on her body or her head…
Here in England, the large majority of black women have relaxed hair or weave. I had weave up until the age of 27 and have had a natural fro for the past 9 years. I’m a low maintenance kind of gal and it just suits my ways. I don’t wear make up, I use organic, natural products and so it just makes sense that I would go for natural hair. I’m so tired of white and black people thinking I’m making some kind of statement by having an afro. I had dreadlocks for one year and that was why I got rid of them in the end. They meant nothing to me other than a hairstyle. This is my hair in it’s natural state! Nobody goes up to white girls with straight hair and says “right on” or calls them a sell out if they perm it!! It’s mental.
I thought Chris Rock’s “Good Hair” was a fascinating documentary but, as a man, he has TOTALLY missed the point. Black women who straighten their hair aren’t ashamed of their roots or trying to look like white women. It’s not a race issue, it’s a feminist issue. Women of ALL races are generally dissatisfied with their natural look. All of my white friends die their hair a different colour or straighten it every day. Most women cover their natural beauty with make-up. I could go on a feminist rant about this but that’s for another forum! Or maybe it’s not an issue, maybe women are just chameleons who love to play with their look.
It is just hair, and it *should not* be a big deal. Sadly, we all know that is not a truth that reality embraces today. It is not the same for other races: white people putting color in their hair is not the same as black people putting a perm in their hair, and omg if someone tries to tell me that b.s. again, I will shake them. Even if they (white people) switch it up with coloring or a perm, it is still a natural “look” for them. No black person I know grows naturally straight hair, so quit with that comparison PLEASE. The day that Hillary Clinton rocks a ‘fro while representing the USA overseas, or the day the Pope can wear dreads, or the day that white people could rock Afro-textured hair to their weddings or other formal occasions, and it not be deemed as inappropriate or downright crazy…that will be the day that I am ready to truly believe that the choice for a black girl to perm her hair is comparable to a white girl’s choice to go blond.
At the end of the day, what we all want (or at least what I want) is to see the day when our hair is as normal and as unimportant as everyone else’s….but we are just not there yet. But the best thing we can do is fake it til we make it!
+1, Lu! Well said.
It is the same comparison with black & white women when it comes with obsessing with hair and false image of Beauty imposed by the Hair & Fashion Industry. White people don’t all have straight hair—Never have. Many have Naturally wavy, curly or course hair that they Blow dry Straight or Flat Iron everyday. Only a few embrace their Natural Hair. Many of them will Perm, Straighten, Dye and Weave it in a Quick Second to achieve the Hair they want. Black women don’t know or understand the white culture & their views on hair and the Weaves & Wigs they wear all the time. For them IT’S Mostly ALL ABOUT ‘STRAIGHT HAIR’. The difference is that they wear their Own Hair Out more often.
We are part of the Black Culture/Community so we FOCUS on our Own Issues but the same problems are in Every Race & Culture. We are Just “Accused time and time again of trying to be non-black by Our Own militant people.” For a lot of Black Women it’s Just Styling their Hair and having Fun. They are No Less Black then Someone with Natural Hair Texture. (Definitely NOT less fierce or inferior)
Solange’s mother and sister wear straightened hair and weaves, her friends probably do and I’m sure Solange doesn’t want to offend them. That’s probably why she wanted to push the straight hair and weaves are no big deal thing to Carol’s Daughter. I can understand that.
However, I wish I could say that it’s just hair and be totally on board with Solange. Scientifically, it IS just hair – an outer manifestation of keratin. But culturally it’s not just hair. Some Black women are chosen or not chosen by Black men because of hair. Some Black women with big naturals have their hair patted down by security at airports. Some Black women lose out on jobs because of hair. Some Black women with natural hair endure nasty comments from family, acquaintances, & friends because of hair. Women with loosely waved long hair get afforded minor privilege over Black naturals with kinkier/ curlier textures. Black little girls are made fun of because their hair is not long or straight. Black women are not swimming and exercising because of straight hair even if their health begs for it. Many Black women – despite the popularity of this and other websites, blogs and vlogs – still don’t retain length and then make non-Black multinational corporations rich and themselves broke by buying what they don’t know how to grow.
Solange had an opportunity to speak on any one or number of these issues. OR she simply had the opportunity to wear her hair naturally without apology and to me, she didn’t do so consistently. It was in and out. To me, the natural hair thing for her seemed like she was simply saying, “Look everybody! I’m different (or I’m bored). I’m not Beyonce! See!” I can’t imagine how hard it is to be Beyonce’s sister. However, in this particular instance she backed off of natural hair when it suited her.
In terms of the hair typing system, Oprah’s hairdresser invented the hair typing system! Oprah, the same person whose show she couldn’t wait to go on. If she would stop dismissing the natural Black hair community and do just a little research, she’d know that.
It’s Just hair. The hype and obsession was created by the Natural Haircare Industry (Big Busines$$!) and Community, mainstream media and many blogs who don’t focus on the Fact that:
It’s about Loving our beautiful Natural black hair, properly caring for it and Styling it anyway we please; while giving the weaves a break. Most black women (Natural & Relax hair) wear Weaves & Wigs more than their Own Hair. Natural Hair women sport Wigs, Sew-in Weaves, Crochet extentions & braids etc… just like relaxed women do for Styling & Protective reasons (or False sense of security) “Our hair is Just part of us—Not the reason why we exist.” Can’t make it your life and NOT expect it to affect the way people see you; including Black Men.
I really don’t understand all the negativity towards Solange. I noticed this attitude among naturals even before she became a spokesperson for CD. You can’t be mad at a person because they dont fit into your box or act the way you think they should. As for her acting like she’s above the fray when it comes to hair typing, etc…Believe it or not, some women really aren’t obsessed with hair. For many naturals, what used to be an obsession with perms and weaves has been replaced with obsessing on all things natural, which causes many to project onto others. I say live and let live. Loving my hair doesn’t make me an expert, nor does it give me the right to be judge and jury when it comes to how someone else choses to represent their natural hair.
Hmmm… Well if she felt her ideals didn’t mesh with the company’s own, it seems like a good idea for her to step down. She always wore her (own) hair differently in public than she did in the CD ads anyway. And clearly there’s a certain kind of public figure that she doesn’t want to be, and she has the right to say no to that. She can’t control how the public perceives her, of course, but she can decide what image of herself to put out there.
I’m surprised at the criticism of her behavior as “not befitting a spokesperson”. As someone said above, it depends on what was in her contract – it’s not really something for us to get upset about either way.
I never understood why or how she became a “natural hair icon”. She rarely wears her hair natural. I usually see her in natural type wigs or braids. Also I don’t get why someone would put themselves in the spotlight and then run away once people start to critique them. Everyone knows (or should know) negative comments are inevitable. Everyone isn’t going to like what you say and do. What people say shouldn’t keep you from doing what you want. All of that being said, I still like her style, both clothes and hair.
+1!
It’s ridiculous how some of you are vilifying Solange. Find your own sense of pride in your hair and stop looking at celebrities to validate your hair and your existence. Not a single one of you on this board (or any other for that matter) owns the copyright to the black hair experience. What started off as a journey of wonder and joy and self-realization has been turned into a pig-fest thanks to those of you with your superficial nit-picking. I wish Solange the best in whatever she does even if all she wants to do is weave a patch of yarn from her head down to her knee caps.
+1000. This “movement” itself is becoming superficial beyond belief.
YES! I JUST WANT TO STAY AWAY FROM THE CLICHE NATURAL HAIR JOURNEY ISH, THATS WHAT SOLANGE IS TALKING ABOUT, THE FACT PPL THINK THAT SHE ISNT PROUND IN HOW SHE WEARS HER HAIR, HOW THE HELL DO YOU WEAR YOUR HAIR WITH PRIDE, THE GIRL IS NATURAL AND SHE IS FIERCE STOP HATING AND GET A LIFE, BLACK WOMEN CAN BE SO CATTY AND RIDICULOUS. YOU DONT SEE THIS IN OTHER RACES, PPL ARE ALOUND TO DO WHAT THE HELL THEY WANT WITH THEIR HAIR SKIN AND BODY. GET A LIFE BLACK WOMEN AND SOME SELF ESTEEM THEN YOU WOULD NOT FEEL THE NEED TO SLAUGHTER THE GIRL FOR WEARING HER HAIR THE WAY SHE WANTS AND NOT GIVING A HOOT ABOUT YOUR NATURAL HAIR LINGO. JENIFFER LOPEZ CAN BE A SPOKESMAN FOR LOREAL AND DONT GET HALF THE FLACK SOLANGE DOES. ONLY IN THE BLACK RACE. THAT INSECURE ITCHES FEEL THE NEED TO DICTATE HOW OTHER BLACK WOMEN SHOULD WEAR THEIR HAIR SKIN AND BODY INORDER TO MAKE THEMSELVES FEEL GOOD. IT ALL STEMS FROM ROOTS OF INSECURITY.
Totally agree…the natural hair nazis need to get a life
I can’t be mad at Solange. Moving on. Carol’s Daughter is too expensive for me anyway.
Also, how many of y’all had even heard of Esperanza before her Grammy, and before you saw that she wears a fro? I’m sure she is too busy being a musical genius to strut around pushing products… at least I hope she is. Yeah I went there lol. I’m just saying.
SOME Black women are some miserable jealous truly hateful itches. Everytime I have seen Solange she is smiling and happy and yet all of these miserable chics are saying she is hostile.Leave the girl(and her sister) alone you miserable itches and get a life.
Yes, how you wear your hair is your business… until you MAKE it your business. Granted, I personally didn’t have a problem with how Solo wore her hair, but she always had this attitude like hair was a non-factor….again, still fine, unless you’re a paid spokesperson for a brand that is primarily know for their products for textured hair.
Was there some naïveté on her part going into this? Maybe. I was never expecting her to rock a fierce twistout every day. I just expected her to at least be excited about what she represented. Never got that impression, though. For business reasons, them severing ties was best.
It’s her decision. I like her style but something about her as a natural was always kind of “meh’ to me. Maybe it’s the wigs I didn’t see as authentic but at the end of the day she is natural and she has a right to change.
I don’t understand how she would want to be a spokesperson for a natural hair brand yet want to step down because of all the attention. I mean, that comes with being a celebrity and the fact that she’s Beyonce’s sister. I’ve never really listened to her music, her clothes are really cute, but other than that, she never really did it for me.
At first it seemed like she went natural to differentiate her from her sister, then she’s doing all these photoshoots with fake natural hair and then her real hair grows out and all of a sudden she wants to back out. Ok?
I think it’s good of her to step down from being a spokesperson for a product she doesn’t have that much interest in. It seems like it’s not about being natural, per se, but being famous for caring about her hair, which seems like something she doesn’t see herself using as a main part of her persona in the long term. I’m a bit put off by her abrasive attitude because if she’s going to be famous she needs to realize that people will look at her and look to her as an icon for this or that. She doesn’t get to choose which things about her look people can comment on.
I agree with people who say that she was getting a bit too much attention for her natural hair, though, probably because she’s Golden-girl-of-the-moment-Bey’s sister. As this site shows, there are natural women all over the place doing amazing things. It is still kind of against the grain to let your hair be natural when you’re a black woman, but it is more appreciated than we think. There’s an article about Solange in the UK Daily Mail Online today actually, and the most up-arrowed comments are complimenting her natural hair and beauty.
I don’t wear makeup and I’ve been simplifying my hair and skin regimens, and it feels good to really show how I am without too much manipulation to the world! And it’s gotten good responses.
I feel like if people just mind their damn business, it would have never came to all of this, people were picking and invading this woman’s space all because of her damn hair. Who gives a damn about Solange’s hair… to many people tried to care, when it really wasn’t an issue to care about. She wasn’t doing How to videos and writing books she was a model for a company that catered to natural hair and other hair types, her job was not to say my hair type was… and style your hair this way…. I like to wear my hair like this… and everyone should be stepping on my heels because….
People get over it …. She is human just like you. Don’t you feel some type of way when people ask you can they touch your hair or can tell them to give you a million tips on how to do something concerning hair. All I can say is get a book or got to youtube cause thats exactly how I learned. I have plenty of books
Stop bothering people that don’t want to be bothered, Hell Carol’s Daughter was her damn job not her lifestyle and some of these natural chicks make my stomach turn trying to be mightier than though on some damn hair get over yourself. Everyone isn’t you do you, and stop trying to do it for others, If you like her style Like it if you don’t Shut up and move on.
She is not her sister so stop comparing this woman to her, she’s not a millionaire off the strength of being a performer alone. so she don’t have to talk or walk a certain way and look a certain way to please the public, she did what she needed and said what she needed to get the jobs with these companies…
I say go ahead with your bad self Solange!!!
Haters are every where…
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2nd! Just, everything you wrote! Beautiful photo as well….
Esperanza Spalding would be a great replacement! As for Solange, I’m on the fence. I do feel this stigma of what black hair should be. What’s great about our hair is we can do ANYTHING with it. We should be encouraging HEALTHY HAIR, no matter how you choose to wear it. On the other hand, before Solange signed her contract, she could have negotiated what her responsibilities were to be, that’s business. If you’re not going to fulfill your duties, resign.
Seconded.
Ok, so she wants nothing to do with the ‘hair’ thing. I get it, she’s scared of being a stand-up person for a specifically black-issue. It requires courage and passion. Something she clearly does not have. However, 20 years from now — when this movement is so yesterday’s news and a monumental time in black history, she better not be talking to The INSIDER saying she was a trailblazer or anything. Believe it or not, black women collectively going natural will be a HUGE moment for us in hindsight and she rejects it because she undoubtedly thinks her family is beyond regular black people issues. This was potentially her ‘Beyonce’ moment and because her own nasty attitude, she has ruined it for herself by turning a blind eye to the obvious, which is history in the making. Oh well.
I’m confused. Wearing your hair natural is history in the making? Natural hair isn’t anything new. From Whoopi’s locs to Angela Davis’ fro, it’s been happening for a long time. What is making it a “movement” are the products, blogs, magazines,etc dedicated to natural hair. Trust me, 20 years from now there will still be people wearing their hair natural, as it’s been for the past 50+ years.
Blessings to Solange…there always comes a turning point in our lives. Just as soon as somethings closes many more doors are for sure to open. I give her alot of credit for being honest with herself and to her fans about the challenges that women of color face with our hair complexities.
Fallon Laine for AfrikanViolets
http://www.facebook.com/afrikanviolets
Why are so many people commenting on their perceptions of Solange as opposed to the topic for this forum, which is hair? I agree with her, your choice of styling or wearing your hair is personal and beauty is a definition that comes from within. I don’t know anything about her being a hostile spokesperson, I don’t know what she’s done to make people think this but, admittedly I am a fan of her work and her various looks, I just admire her free spirit. Additionally, because I am not involved in the tidbits of her personal life, I take her for what she presents to the world, she is an artiste and I enjoy her offerings.
You tell em Solange!!!
We also do not know what the contract ( if there was a specific one) between Carol’s Daughter and Solange required of her. Did it specifically require her to answer any and all questions about natural hair in a way that would support whatever Carol’s Daughter’s personal/business philosophy about natural hair is??? OR Did the contract allow for Solange to express her OWN thoughts and feelings about her hair?
If she signed up for the former, Solange shouldn’t have become upset and disgruntled, as her responsibilities to her contract were made clear and she agreed to it.
If she did NOT sign up for all that AND the co. started to expect something from her that she was not in agreement with (just because some of the natural hair community went up in arms), then she did the right thing for herself in getting away from it all.
I guess we may never know what the truth is about the details of her contractual agreement.
I’m glad she left her position with CD; she didn’t seem to want to talk about hair that much and I don’t have a problem with that. To each his own.
I don’t agree with those that say they felt naturals were being pushy or coming at her sideways. Based on the article, she seemed naive on what she was getting into. I think most people were trying to help or express curiosity that she wasn’t ready for. There aren’t that many celebs that wear their hair as is. Being a spokesperson for L’Oreal won’t get you attention, but being the face of a brand rooted in BLACK natural hair intrigues people. Many women felt connected to her, seeing someone like them on an advertisement with a ‘fro, that’s all. You can’t tell me that little black girls watched The Facts of Life and ignored Tootie; there is an “us” factor.
The fact that people keep saying “its just hair” is starting to bug me. How could you be on a hair blog and say hair has no bearing in your life? Because of the progression of natural hair, people are realizing their beauty exists beyond what a magazine dictates, people are starting companies in their kitchens, and more than ever, the people who produce and sell these items look like the people they sale them to. History tells us its more than “just hair”. Erasing black women’s hair history erases Madame CJ Walker and her accomplishments, the impact of racist images of the “black savage,” and more than half of Toni Morrison’s characters.
I wish we could have a more honest discourse on black hair because every time I read a forum, the conclusions are all the same: 1. You’re “hating” on someone versus posing a question or stating opinion 2. Naturals are pressed/angry 3. Relaxed chicks and wig wearers hate themselves. We’ve been on this planet way too long and are too complex for it all to boil down to 3 simplistic points.
Thank you for saying this. You have some nice/well supported points.
Very, very well-written post, Natalee. I love everything you said about Black history. Teach! I just posted something similar. I also find it interesting that a few women who are saying “it’s just hair” are on a natural haircare website specifically geared toward length retention and they are posting comments.
Warning: This is MY opinion.
1. There is too much emphasis on hair in our community. We have so many other important issues that we should be obsessing over, it’s not even funny.
2. Many people (some of US, included) are making tons of money on hair and our issues about hair. These people will continue to make money by keeping the insecurities stoked and public- they have a vested interest in doing so. They may not even be aware of the fact that they do this nor would ever admit it to themselves or anyone else.
3. Solange is struggling to find an image for her celebrity status. She never had one prior to the natural hair one. I think she came to the conclusion that she doesn’t want to be famous for natural hair and all the issues surrounding it. That’s her right.
4. Many natural haired celebrities see themselves as more important and well rounded as individuals than how they choose to wear their hair. They have worked hard to achieve success for music, acting, etc.— something bigger than a freakin’ hairstyle and the deep-seated psychological issues about it. I can understand why they don’t want to be known as the poster child for the natural hair cause.
5. Anyone who WANTS to make a career out of being famous for natural hair issues (styling, insecurities around hair in our community, etc.) has a right to do so. They do NOT, however, have a right to stoke animosity towards someone who doesn’t see that as a respectable career or desirable career goal.
6. I wish all of us luck in living our lives the way we see fit.
#5! Sooo true.
I think people should give her a break. I’m sure she learned a good lesson, never tweet while upset. However, I understand her frustration and respect the freedom she has to express it. How a person choose to wear her hair should not be a form of bondage which dictates what is “good” “natural” or whatever label someone ‘else’ puts on it. How a person wear or care for her hair is a freedom; a choice. Not to be infringed upon by no one. Furthermore, its a person’s prerogative to change her mind, let alone her hair.
I’m totally for people wearing their hair however they want it, even if it’s for all the reasons I’m against. Know why? Because it’s THEIR hair/head, and they should do what makes them happy.
With that said, I wish people would STOP PRETENDING that wearing your hair straight is always about a “personal choice.” Keep it real! A lot of Black women relax their hair b/c they want to be seen one way, which is the less savage looking way. Nappy hair represents wildness, untamedness. In some people’s minds nappy hair correlates with slavery or tribes in Africa where the women walk around naked and have empty sacks of skin hanging from their chest. Some will just plain say nappy hair is unattractive, without any thought as to why they feel that way.
But I’m too old to be fighting the nappy cause, trying to enlighten people and ish. I’ll leave that to someone else who has the energy. If you don’t like nappy hair, that’s fine with me.I like my hair the way it grows from my head. Sometimes I like wearing it straight. Sometimes, I’ll want it even nappier. It’s my head and I’ll do what I please, and I’ll respect everyone else’s right to do the same.
And you know what I’m not for either? Women who shout from the rooftops that they are “natural,” but wear their hair straight every single day. What is with this ‘natural’ title, that has women trying to be a part of the team? There’s nothing “natural” about heating your hair straight. But again, I don’t really give a damn how you wear your hair, I’m just over the falseness. Why does there even have to be a title for how Black women wear their hair? Every other non-Black woman isn’t walking around proclaiming that they are “natural.”
Thats what I’m talking bout NikNak. Sometimes I want my hair nappier too so that I can get that perfect circular fro, and I’m 4b/4c.
For someone who is only famous for being Beyonce’s little sister and for rocking natural hair, she better get used to living in Beyonce’s guest house. I’m not sure why this is news or why anyone cares. There are so many other famous naturals for people to follow. Also why would you pick someone who intentionally went for an “unstyled” look to represent a hair care product brand. I never wanted my hair to look like Solange’s. They keep calling Solange a singer, and maybe I’m not listening to the right radio stations, but I’ve never heard a song by her. She’s never won a grammy. What is everyone tripping over? Taren916, Naptural85, and Natural Chica look better than Solange. Give them a spokesperson contract.
+100
She is actually a very good singer and song writer. This is based on her album Sol-angel and the Hadley Street Dreams. A very smart, deep, poetic, thought-provoking and entertaining offering. You should search for one of her album, and listen, you might like what she has to say and how she says it. If not, oh well.
See, this right here is what makes people like myself distance themselves from people like you. Really Candice….really….You obviously cared somewhat because you left a comment.
So because she wore her hair in an afro most of the time, which is something she was comfortable doing, you think its unstyled. Please take a seat. Some of you naturals….
Amen!
You realize that Solange had a purposely unstyled afro, right? Other naturals may prefer to do a twist-out for their fro or pick it out or w/e. Either way they manipulated their hair in some way to achieve the look they want. Solange has stated that she literally just gets up & goes out with her bedhead. I think this is what Candice is referring to. Clearly the get up & go hair isn’t her cup of tea so of course Solange wouldn’t appeal to her as a model/icon. & I completely agree that someone who doesn’t style their hair shouldn’t be the one to market haircare/styling products to the masses. That’s kind of like getting a known vegan to sell meat.
Nope, didn’t realize it was considered unstyled. Her hair looked styled to me. And for her to ask why would they choose to have a person with an unstyled look as she put it was rude…as if there is something wrong with it.
See, i thinks this is the root of many naturals’ problem with Solange (particularly kinky haired naturals). They don’t want people to know what our hair really looks like without elaborate twist outs and braid-sets. There’s nothing wrong with liking a defined look, but don’t lose sight of the fact that your natural, unmanipulated hair can still be beautiful. I suppose everyone’s “journey” is different, but I truly hope that some of you ladies get there. This is so sad to me.
I like solange, good for her. You don’t have to be on the radio to be a good singer! There are plenty of great singers that aren’t on the radio. Leela James (brilliant) I’ve seen Esperanza Spalding in concert 2 times and I’ve never heard her on our radio. We have to broaden our outlook on life. There are many brilliant singer who have not crossed over to mainstream, but you know what I buy their music because they are talented and are not putting out that same old mainstream music on the radio! Go solange!!
I’ve never heard Esparanza on the radio either. How does an artist win a Grammy and gains that amount of respect from her peers in the industry NOT get airplay is beyond me.
Kudos to Solange for being true to herself and her convictions. I don’t really know too much about this whole issue (nor did I know she WAS the spokesperson for Carol’s Daughter), but she raises some good points.
The natural hair movement is meant to encourage women to embrace the natural texture of their hair and reject biased standards of hair beauty and irresponsible products. However, there is a lot of segregation and prejudice in the natural hair community and a lot of hate toward non-natural hair, or even different natural hair types! I think the whole “typing” of natural hair contributes to this. Why do we still feel the need to put labels on our hair or create divisions between us? Who cares if you’re a 3B or a 4A or whatever? Everyone’s hair is different. We’re all natural and above that, no matter if your hair is natural or not, we’re all beautiful!
I thought the whole typing thing was to help people figure out what products would work best with their curl pattern not to segregate people. Not that I really care now, but it was somewhat useful for me when I started my healthy hair journey to find bloggers whose hair was similar to mine so I could discern which products are more likely to work for me. I figured that was the whole point of the typing thing. But as can happen with anything,there are probably individuals out there who use the typing thing as a weapon rather than a tool for good.
Unfortunately, Shades the hair typing thing has been used more often for evil and not for good. When I first went natural I considered it a huge help and didn’t know how negatively people used it until I began reading natural hair blogs (that I was going to for tips and a sense of community.)One site put me off of blogs for a long while, until I found others that were more useful, but this blog is increasingly becoming one of THOSE blogs.
Oh no, you mean they did not renew her contract?! Gee, I WONDER why??? Lol…
Maybe because she is an impulsive twit who can’t keep her mouth shut. Nobody ever said that being natural made you smart/wise.
+1
You seem personally bothered by her– what’s wrong?
Her overall style is fabulous and uniquely hers and I rarely view her as “natural hair icon” anyway, but rather just someone with natural hair…if that makes sense.
Her rants get a sideeye from me though–if SHE didn’t know the ramifications of being a spokesperson for a hair care company, surely SOMEONE in her camp knew. Don’t hire me for Baskin Robbins ads and expect me to TWEET, “Who the hayle needs 31 flavors anyway??? #sosickoficecream”.
Oooo I would be the perfect person for Baskin Robbins!
Someone…or maybe everyone in her camp did not attend their marketing 101 classes. lol
“Don’t hire me for Baskin Robbins ads and expect me to TWEET, “Who the hayle needs 31 flavors anyway??? #sosickoficecream”.”
LOL! classic.
LMBO! “Who the hayle needs 31 flavors?” LOL! And during her understandable twitter rant, she insulted other naturals who do support and like her but choose to wear twist-outs or more defined natural styles. I don’t like when people who are angry about one specific thing, generalize and make anybody they can think of a casualty of their anger.
The sad thing is that women will forever be judged based on their appearance no matter how much we try to avoid it. I think the real stupidity in this is to think that you can go through life without negative comments from others. It’s really important to just block it out. I hope Solange can do this and stop trying to tell a message to a audience that doesn’t care and focus her energy on the audience that does care.
Agreed. I think there are still many women who are inspired by Solange. She was never going to win over the “neat” naturals and the twist out crew. She just has to be okay with it and continue to be herself…
i don’t care and need to unsub from all this boring natural talk just pointless
Go Solange. I’m really happy she left Carols Daughter. I was really irritated by the back lash she got from some people after she went on twitter and told people to leave her alone. I never cared that she was a spokes person for them, but she can at least feel free to do what she wants.
Just to add, I wonder if her leaving comes with the fact that she just doesn’t want to represent natural hair that hard. I have come to the point where I just don’t care to talk about my hair to people on or off line. I wonder if she feels the same way.
The natural hair movement is to me the same as the women’s movement. It’s about choice! My best friend is relaxed and has healthy hair down her back and knows how to take care of her hair. You can have healthy hair chemicals or not as long as you know how to take care of yourself fully. Personally for me, I will never relax my hair again. I don’t use direct heat, nor do I care for weaves or wigs but that is my preference.
“The natural hair movement is to me the same as the women’s movement. It’s about choice! ”
AMEN!
+1
Sounds like she just didn’t want to be boxed in as the “natural hair chic”. Jill Scott pretty much said the same thing. I think that once you create a signiture style and try to change people will always have something to say. With that being said why don’t any of these women ever want to adress the issues black women have about their hair? They have the perfect platform but always insert comments saying they will straighten or wear a weave if they feel like it. So as to say my natural hair doesn’t define me. But in a way it does. Nappy hair is unique to US. Like it or not wearing OUR hair as is makes a statement because the balance is off. If there were equal amounts of naturals, weaves and relaxers we’d be cool. But let’s face it its not. Only a small percentage of black women wear there hair as is. Its annoying because they know good in well why naturals look up to them and ask questions about their hair. We are grossly under represented in the media and in our own communities. Especially those of us with Solanges hair type. I mean we got to start blogs and youtube videos showing how to properly care for hair we should have known how to care for as children and adolecents. The whole its just hair thing is tired. Its is what it is. The matrix of black hair is not going to go away over night. I mean its her hair and she and any of us should be able to do what we please without worrying about other people but come on. Its like they like the attention in the beginning, but when the naps become more popular than them they start the oh its just hair thing. They should speak up for natural hair and promote it so we can all get over it. The more of a balance there is the quicker it will become just hair.
+1 (below) belongs here. sigh
I see what you’re saying, but its not fair to tell some of these celebrities to speak up for us if that is not what they want to do. The way we all view our hair is different. Its not that serious for some people. To be honest, we really don’t need the celebrities to make noise. Us non celebs have already made noise.
Just look at all the natural hair companies that have made their way to the shelves of your local stores.
NY Times has written an article in regards to natural hair.
Countless new stories have talked about natural hair.
True, and I don’t want it to seem like they HAVE to speak for us but if prompted they should just say something positive and move on instead of acting like they are some how above it. Unfortunately this so called movement has brought out a lot of women with self esteem issues who like to project. That means people don’t play fair and start slinging mud at people for their choices. Its not that serious to everyone and I’m okay with that we all have diffrent upbringings and see the world diffrently.
Just so that it’s said three times in a row: it’s not that serious for everyone.
I’ve had my locs, on and off, for over a decade and have always remained natural. At no point did I feel the need to talk about someone else’s hair choices unless they approached me about the topic.
That said, it’s interesting that Solange couldn’t get that opinion expressed with the CD board. I wonder if they wanted her to stay natural all the time or had a problem with her doing those recent braids?
beautifully put..this needs to be put at the top of the homepage of every natural hair blog as a reminder
Black hair is such a political thing in our community. Is her hair relaxed, does she wear weave, is her hair REALLY natural.
In the end I do what’s good for me. When I was young, I spent hours on my hair. I grew older and started to explore my natural hair. Now I’m usually curly but I still blow dry and flat iron sometimes.
It’s all about how I feel that day.
I wish we as a people could find a way to move past hair and get to what really matters – raising our children to be loved and successful.
Ditto!
Yassss girl. +1
Yaaaaaasssss! Go in, ma’am! +1000
+1
I wonder who will replace her.
Esperanza Spalding would be perfect!
+ 1,000,000. That would be a perfect fit.
Good, I’m glad she gone cause “she dont want to talk about no hair no more”….
I think she is pretty cool to stand up for the viewpoints she believes in. I honestly think too many people give her too much attention about her hair but that usually happens whenever you do something that breaks the mold.
It’s also kind of weak to step down feeling the way she does about hair>>>in the end she let folks comments affect her…
It’s about damn time>>>allthese comments she was making were annoying!!!
I was wondering how she was still cutting a check!!!!
I knew this was coming. She really needs to work with her PR and get it together. She really confuses me.
lol why am I not surprised!!! I think she is frustrated because she would like to be aknowledged for something more than her hair and style. Her music and (whatever else she does) definitely creates less “buzz” than the hair. I for one do not know any of her songs so…
I agree with her in certain aspects. If she is not passionate, or even interested in hair, why be a spokesperson? But then again, you are in the public eye and people will always be looking at you and judging you. you CANNOT please anyone.that’s life. While I love her style and hair, she always seemed to me like someone with a chip on her shoulder and a little ungrateful even. I’m probaly wrong though.
Hey Solange, it’s all good IMO
Why don’t people just let folks live…. Who gives a F what people choose to do with their hair. I feel bad for her. Her hair is now more important than her damn music. Let this child live…
Well at least she acknowledged why ppl wud be so interested in her hair. Some celebs kill me. They want it both ways: they want ppl to look at them, idol them, want to be like them, and pay attn to them only when they r promoting something. When they get the fame and the money the expect all tht attn to go away. She was a very hostile spokesperson. I wud not be surprised if CD dropped her.
Exactly!!!!
I like her attitude and response. The scrutiny got really ridiculous, with people complaining and debating things from her hair styles to hair texture to her “lack of” length retention…As if she dedicates hours a day to maintaining her hair..She just does what works for her and what she’s comfortable with and I think we all should.
I truly feel for the girl. I’m sure she expected to some degree to receive criticism from non-naturals, but I really think she was taken-aback and possibly slightly hurt about all of the shade from natural-haired women. I wonder what will happen when Solange breaks from all of this ridiculous pressure or feels COMPELLED to relax her hair or something. I’m sure her natural haters will criticize her for that, too.
Congrats, Solange-haters: now there is one less high profile natural haired woman serving as a spokeswoman for a hair care brand… happy?
Wow. Solange exhibits an attitude about hair very similar to mines…she doesn’t feel the need for hair to manipulate her life.
At least she is honest,why support something you don’t believe in? Money can’t always change your opinion on things.It’s amazing Carols Daughter are moving away from their start base who made them famous. I will not be buying their stuff.
Glad she did this. At least she didn’t take their money and run. It shows integrity. Though she was one of the most hostile spokespersons ever. It was amusing to read through that debacle.
Agreed. But a boatload of women “sick of Solange” are about to get on here and complain…
@Priscilla — I cosign. She was one of the most hostile spokespersons I have ever seen for any product–period. I am quite confused as to why Carol’s Daughter didn’t pick one of the many hair icons on some of the popular hair sites to represent whatever hair campaigns were being rolled out. Solange was not a good fit for that brand. Now she is modeling for Madewell’s, but giving interviews stating she’s not really into fashion. LOL!!!!!!!!!
She’s not interesting enough for me to contemplate why she or her reps haven’t given her media training to learn what NOT to say when being paid to represent a brand. She could really learn how to do this from her older sister, who keeps those roots and weave tresses or whatever the hell she has on her head –the blond strands– dyed and fried, and shuts her mouth shut about hair to keep that contract with L’Oreal going.
I hope that now, sites like this one, will stop featuring her and her non-hair tips. She is not worth the attention that she’s been given.
True, but I have a feeling Solange doesn’t have an ounce of concern about how what she says reflects on her standing. It comes across that way. Which isn’t necessarily bad. I’m just curious as to why some are so quick to cast Solange away when she is one of the only reasonably famous women visibly wearing her natural hair proudly. She doesn’t have to have the same opinions as everyone else.
@ Beth – The only reasonably famous woman? Solange? Maybe this is a generational gap rearing its head. Before Solange, we had Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill (the most famous of them all), Alek Wek, Lois Samuels; women with talent, beauty and style IMO.
More recently, we have Esperanza Spaulding, Ledisi, and countless models, stylists and images in the press. I know here in Brooklyn, I don’t know anyone who looks to Solange for any anything. Not hair or clothing styles. I just don’t.
Solange was riding a movement and looks that already had trendsetters.
Good for HER that she has found a niche for herself. The attention will go away if she continues to pretend that she can do without it with nothing to replace hair and clothing “style” that her reps are constantly peddling to media outlets.
Can’t forget Goapele : )
Pls dont leave out Ms. Chaka Khan =)
I agree, there have been many black naturals who were natural way before Solange. And on top of that, women go natural for a lot of different reasons. I think we forget that a famous person is, at the end of the day, still a person. We don’t know how the felt about their naturals, what persons that got from a relaxer, or otherwise. All we know is that one day they had a weave or relaxer and they next they had it cut off.
And just to keep adding to the list of naturals of were natural before Solange – Grace Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross and Corrine Bailey Rae.
@ Janique and Mai — you are both so right. I do so admire the hairstyles (and style in general) of all of those lovely ladies.
…and my favorite curly, Rachel True (aka “Mona” on Half & Half)
I would also like to add that Solange doesn’t necessarily wear her hair “proudly” she just wears it. I don’t think there’s any pride or lack thereof in her case. She just is & that’s partly why she wasn’t a good choice for Carol’s Daughter. How are you going to promote hair care products when you admittedly don’t really use products or care that much about doing anything with your hair? The best person to represent anything is someone who has actually used a product & loves it as much as they want their audience to love it. (or someone who is really good @ pretending)
How do you measure how one wears there hair proudly?
Um, thank you! People on this site are trippin’!
+1,000,000.
@ SHADES…..GUYS I THINK I FOUND THE NATURAL HAIR POLICE…SMH AT SHADES. RETIRE ALREADY, HOW THE HELL CAN YOU TELL IF SHE IS PROUD OF WEARING HER HAIR NATURAL, ITS NOT GOOD ENOUGH THAT SHE IS NATURAL NOW THERE IS A CERTAIN WAY TO WHERE YOUR NATURAL HAIR, I AM RUNNING AWAY FROM YALL CRAZY ITCHES LIKE SOLANGE, YOU ARE JUST INSECURE AND UNHAPPY SO YOU ARE TRYING TO FIND IT IN OTHER NATURAL CELEBRITIES TO VALIDATE YOUR NATURAL HAIR. THE JOURNEY IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE. SOME PPL CARE AND SOME DONT, ISNT IT JUST BEAUTIFUL THAT A WOMEN THAT CAN WEAR HER HAIR ANYWAY SHE WANTS CHOOSES TO WEAR IT NATURALLY. GET A LIFE AND SOME SELF LOVE
Well, I did say “one of the only.” No generation gap here, those are amazing examples of beautiful natural haired women! I think what I meant is that Solange is more visible than other well known naturals because she’s often featured on blogs, in magazines, occasionally on TV. Not to mention she’s Beyonce’s sister. What I appreciate is that she wears her natural hair (and I will reiterate *proudly,* because Solange, unlike many naturals, wears her hair in manipulated as well as unmanipulated styles to a variety of events regardless of the fact that few other celebs are wearing their hair like her!) Of course she’s not the only one. But she sure is one of the ones who stands out. Her “style” is not upon anyone to question–I could very well accuse any woman of “pretending,” style is subjective. I don’t know why in the world it matters when someone jumped on the natural bandwagon. If you’ve got a beautiful and interesting head of natural hair, I will appreciate the visual! I feel like women are livid with Solange because she didn’t churn out a chapter book on her hair care.
Yes and yes! Voices of reason.
Tell it.
Dayna, I agree with you. I never really believed that Solange was into this movement. I feel like she saw a niche where her sister wasn’t, and moved in to capitalize on it. Not the best spokesperson for a natural hair care line.
YOU SOUND LIKE THE NATURAL HAIR NATZI
Agreed.
This is too hostile for someone you don’t know.
Right!!! I love Solange, and I think everyone puts far too much pressure on her. What people want is for her to smile and be doting and give out all these hair tips and talk about her experience positively. This is her living her life, wearing her hair the way she wants. It’s not that deep! It was never that deep. It’s JUST hair.
+1. Tired of people acting like everyone’s “natural hair journey” is the same. It’s not all cut and dry. Solange should just never utter a word about hair unless it’s to list her top ten moisturizing products or how she executes the perfect “curl definition.” Apparently that’s what’s being demanded of her.
(I know it’s long but please take the time to read it to the end. It’s worth it.)
I agree with everything u said except…
It really gets me whenever I hear “it’s just hair”. Its so obviously not. Just like the front seat of the bus in the 50s was more than a slightly more convenient seating arrangement, it’s the principle, not the physicality of the situation that’s the big deal. It’s the idea that most of us don’t feel entitled or empowered to wear our natural hair, that is, if you want to be accepted and viewed as attractive in Western society. Now, I realize I sound somewhat like a radical, and I wanna make it clear that I don’t see this “natural hair craze” as a civil rights movement. I am not equating today’s natural hair movement with the abolishment of slavery or anything.
But I have trouble ignoring the stinking quagmire that is black America’s mindset and value system. Our natural state is scorned as ugly and undesirable by popular culture, if not directly (someone saying “you need a perm!”, which happens more on an interpersonal level, I find), then indirectly, in the bone straight relaxer job of most black female movie stars and musicians. Still, in today’s day and age our minds and preferences are tainted by that cancerous mindset. To the point where so many women loathe to walk out their front door without an Indian woman’s hair sewn into her own shunned kinks.
I’m not saying a sista should not be able to throw a weave in when she likes. By all means, change it up a bit, try something new! But when it comes to the point where you’re absolutely mortified if someone were to see your natural hair, (and that mentality IS widespread), then we’ve got a problem. You don’t see such a huge demographic of women of any other race sacrificing rent payments to camouflage themselves in someone else’s tresses.
In a perfect world, hair truly would not matter. But I’m living in this world and this world has told me and pretty much every other black girl out there that we are less than, and we should fix ourselves as soon as possible. Admit it or not, one of the most basic desires females have is to be considered beautiful. It’s why eating disorders and skin bleaching is running rampant today.
A woman’s hair is her crown, her god-given adornment, but we’ve been conditioned for centuries to believe that we should scour it with chemicals and stitching, in an attempt to be seen as a little better off. Ironic huh? lol
Do u disagree? If so, I would love to hear all about it. I believe an opinion should be like a Play Doh sculpture; solid but subject to the moulding force that can be a strong argument.
Very well stated KinkyKami. You had sound arguments and presented them in a respectful manner.You get two thumbs up from me
And a high-five plus and Amen from lil ‘ol me!
LMAO– So true.
Preach Dayna, preach! Lol
Please BGLH let this be the last mention of this woman.
—
” Now she is modeling for Madewell’s, but giving interviews stating she’s not really into fashion. LOL!”<——LMFAO