by
Black Girl With Long Hair
“Just taking a moment to rant against natural hair police” ~Solange Knowles
Solange had a lot on her mind last night as she took to Twitter to speak against naturals who have questioned the authenticity of her big chop and criticized her for rocking “undefined” looks all the time. Check it out;
I cut my hair ALL off 4 times in my life all for very different reasons….I only reiterate this because this is nothing new for me.
I’ve never painted myself as a team natural vice president. I don’t know the lingo and I don’t sleep with a satin cap…
However, I did noticed when I picked out my hair, I kept seeing feedback about needing a “twist out”. Connnnfesssioonnn: I HATE twist outs.
I dont want to talk about no damn hair…..no mo.
So what got Solange all fired up? A post on natural hair Tumblr blog Moderne Meid, which was itself summarizing a post from a DIFFERENT natural hair website that attracted some very uncomplimentary comments about Solange’s hair, including that it is not unique, and looks dry and unkempt (aka, not always in a twist out).
I think it’s very unfortunate that Solange is getting flack for DARING to rock her hair with the curls undefined. There are still quite a few women who feel that the only “acceptable” way to wear natural hair is to painstakingly define every ringlet, curl and coil — stretched styles and undefined fros be damned. I love that Solange prefers an undefined look. It fits well with her overall look and attitude, and frankly it’s quite beautiful.
What are your thoughts on all this ladies? How do you feel about women coming at Solange for not having (or attempting to have) curls in her hair?
Solange’s full twitter rant is below (start at the bottom and read up). Click to enlarge the photos:
282 Responses
The undefined is absolutely gorgeous on her. I don’t see the problem… The people who decided to hate on her or judge her are probably just insecure about their NATURAL texture. Twist outs, braid outs, bantu knots or whatever methods do define curls are NOT the only way to wear natural hair(Although they are beautiful). A little puff puff wont hurt anyone. People need to chill out.
ABSOLUTELY agree with Solange. If its not one thing its another. I love her hair and wish I was as comfortable. I love my hair but I do take the time to define as my hair is to thick to leave and would be a tangled mess (lol). At the end of the day we are investing too much time on how other people are dealing with THEIR hair. I mean really! There are so many important things that we can look to Solange for and that is not her hair. How about her talent, her artistry, her overall radiant spirit.. We are so scarred… Can’t see our own beauty or that in others…
Team Solange all day! Love her and her hair!
Tell em girl!!! U are beautiful no matter what!!!
Yaaassss!!!! Whatever makes u comfortable.
i’m surprised they took a break from complaining about Blue Ivy’s hair to notice what Solange is or isn’t doing with her hair.
I love Solange! 🙂
I absolutely LOVE her hair and the way she wears it. It’s amazing how people have nothing else better to do can spend hours sitting in judgement of other people. Solange, continue being you. I love it. You’re a source of inspiration to me. Thanks.
This makes me laugh because often black girls at work all me when I’m going to “do something” to my hair and what I’m going to do with it later. Can my hair not just be hair on my head? Why do i have to “do” anything with it. I wash it, i walk out the door, no problems. I even had a girl ask me when i was going to let jet put a relaxer on my head…
Anyway, yea, wildness hair is very nice and i don’t understand why we have to abide by certain standards in the natural hair community.. Can hair not just be hair? Why dies it have to look a certain way to be considered acceptable? Doesn’t that defeat the whole idea of being natural lol. to just allow your hair to be free?
Because the Natural Haircare industry makes big Bucks$ off women purchasing their many products. They are the ones promoting (curls, curls,curls) and twist-outs, knot out, braid out and coil outs with use of their products. THEY SEND OUT THID MESSAGE that *your hair has to be a certain way to be acceptable* Solage Knowles had a hard time being a spokesperson for Carol’s Daughter for this very reason.
Look at the models on the products. If they do a simple wash-n-go demonstration, it’s usually on a woman with curly hair.
I love the comment someone made about not needing a pound of eco styler to be acceptable lol. Women just need to feel confident in who they are and accept themselves first. I love natural hair and have also done the “BIG CHOP” many times, actually I just did it a few days ago again and for me just like several other people said, it’s just hair. For me personally, I love my hair the way it is because it’s me, there’s no façade, what you see is what you get, either you accept me the way I am or you just wont:)
So now there are CERTAIN WAYS to wear natural hair? HAH! The austere, elitist classifications the AA community place on their appearances makes me laugh somewhat, though tragically. There are grades for skin colour, hair type… what next? Teeth and lip size? And this is meant to be progress from the widespread, demonising and demeaning classifications that were foisted upon Blacks by colonialists and White majority during those overtly, virulent racist eras of before?
The bottom line is WHO. CARES? People are allowed to have whatever hair they want, present their skin whatever way they want – this is why we’re INDIVIDUALS. Also, nobody’s hair is the same, so all this Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 24G nonsense is inconsequential bull excreta. As long as you maintain your hair well and preserve its health, you can do whatever you want with it. I’ve always had natural hair and at no point have I ever gone through the ridiculous, expensive rigmaroles of satin caps and pillows, twist outs, leave-in conditioners, sealants – sheesh! Are you preparing Jesus or what?
The sooner this strange, rigid attitude towards natural hair (not to mention other physical traits) like it’s some arcane, esoteric concept dissipates, the better for everyone and the more fruitfully we as Blacks can appreciate TRULY what has been naturally given to us.
THESE ARE STANDARDS SET by the Natural Haircare Industry to sell products. The moment more women started going back to Natural they saw potential to cash in big. Don’t get me wrong their intentions were Good in the beginning but this became Big Business$$ and they somehow forgot that it’s about Loving Our beautiful Natural Hair the way it grows Out of our scalp, properly caring for it and styling it anyway we like—or NOT since letting it flow Naturally or combing it out into a fro is awesome too.
I’ve taken a break from posting but this is one Topic I will be discussing on my blog and facebook page soon.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with wearing her hair undefined. I did that for two days in a row once, for the first time ever, and I thought it was the best look I’ve ever seen on my hair. Unfortunately it tangles easily, breaks a lot and very difficult to manage because it’s so thick, so I have to keep it in braids/twist 99% of the time.
It looks great on Solange so all the haters can go jump off a cliff. It’s our choice what we do to our natural God-given hair.
its her damn hair and she should wear it anyhow she wants. end of story
BLACK WOMEN YOU NEED TO JUST GET REAL AND LIVE LIFE. SOCIETY HAS CONDITION YOUNG BLACK WOMEN TO THINK THAT THEIR HAIR IS UGLY AND JUST PLAIN NAPPY. bLACK WOMEN HAIR IS BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER WHAT. BLACK WOMEN WILL ALWAYS BE HATERS AMONG ONE ANOTHER NO MATTER WHAT THEY ROCK ON THEIR HEAD OR ON THEIR BODY……..lIFE IS TO SHORT TO BE TALKING ABOUT SUCH SILLINESS
I really thought i was the only one who HATED TWIST OUTS. And this whole defining your curls mess, drives me crazy (i dont need to have a pound of eco styler on my hair to look acceptable). My BAA or my pony puff will do just fine thank you…..AND I LOVE SOLOS hair..she BE KILLING EM….
I totally agree with solange. I get flack about doing the same thing n I think its stupid. Let me do what I want with my hair! Emphasis on my hair. Anyway society needs to just allow us to be us n leave us to be us. That’s all we can be anyway right? Just us!
I second everyone here who said “it’s just hair.” It really is! Wear it however you want to. So long as you feel proud of who you are!
Just when I start to like her she always messes it up (and for the record I’m well aware she doesn’t need me to). She tries very hard to shuck off any labels placed on her while seemingly embracing the mold of those labels, and enjoying the benefits thereof until something sets her off and she has a bitch fit. She does everything she can to be different from her sister, and at first it seemed contrived, but now that she seems to have comfortably found a niche she tries to disassociate herself? So will she not do anymore articles, interviews, or endorsements?
I kinda felt that way too
She has a reason to be upset. Her hair is criticized a lot. Natural hair is not all about twist-outs—that’s Just a style. Wearing your hair the way it actually grows Out of your scalp or combed out is very acceptable; but it doesn’t sell products the way ‘Creating’ different curl patterns by loading the hair with products + gel and Setting it [with a twist, coil, braid or knot Out] does. The Natural Hair Care Industry and community Promote Curls. Many people have No Curls-even when their hair is wet. You have to actually have curls, coils, spirals or zigzag pattern to ‘Define’ anything.
It’s suppose to be about simply loving and properly caring for Natural Hair. Styling is Nice & Fun, but It is ‘just hair.’ IT’S NOT THAT SERIOUS. There’s so much hype going on. This is big business too!
I love that Solange is confident enough to rock her natural hair the way she wants to rock and does not conform to the defining your curls is the only way to be natural bs. She is a beautiful and unique woman and I am so happy she spoke out against the natural hair police. Solange, do you girl! It fits you and is so lovely.
While I totally understand the spirit in which she said everything, I’m not completely on board with the whole “it’s just hair” thing (that’s just my opinion). I kinda find it a little odd also, that as much advertising and promotion she does for Carol’s Daughter, she doesn’t care about hair. Don’t get me wrong, I think that her confidence and ability to not be swayed by the opinions of others on how she looks is amazing!! And I also like the comment theminniemaven made about taking back the natural hair movement before mainstream takes it to a whole new level. However, I believe that the hair on our heads is a beautiful thing, and I’m loving the sense of community it’s creating among SOME black women(like BGLH of course). I’m just not in the mindset of “I could give two cents about my hair”. Yes, the policing of each other’s hairstyles, motivation or enthusiasm for being natural definitely needs to stop. However, I think that it’s perfectly fine for those who do enjoy the dialogue to discuss various hair textures, styles, and products. The women harassing Solange about needing a twist-out can most certainly take a hike, but let’s not make this incident an opportunity to have an “I’m more natural, more proud, and less concerned about what people think than those OTHER twist-out wearing naturals” moment….I’m just saying. Much love ladies!!
I hear you; made some good points—but Solange is right and represents many Natural Women who feel the same way. It is ‘Just Hair’ Too much hype caused by the Natural Haircare Industry and community. (also social network media hype)
It’s also hyppocritical for Naturals to go on criticizing women with relaxed hair (about not embracing natural hair) when many are afraid to embrace their own Natural Hair the way it grows Out of their scalp (self-conscious). There are many Naturals who wouldn’t be caught dead rocking their hair without Altering it’s appearance by loading on tons of Products + Gel ‘Creating’ different Curl & Wave patterns they don’t naturally possess to feel acceptable as per the Natural Haircare Industry’s Standards of Curls, Curls, Curls. Many women do NOT have Curly, wavy, spiral or zigzag hair and have nothing to ‘Define’ and should continue Styling & Wearing their hair out Just the way it is without being Expected to ‘Create’ Curls with twist outs. Nor should they be criticized especially by their own NATURAL Peers.
Styling is Fun and all but this is really Suppose to be about loving our beautiful Natural hair (the way God made it), properly caring for it and Styling it Anyway we like—or NOT, since letting it Flow Naturally or combing it out into a Fro is awesome too. It’s a matter of ‘Choice’ not conforming to ideals of what is suppose to represent Natural Beauty.
Hate Typos: ‘ hypocritical’
Hate Typos: ‘ hypocritical’
I love Solange’s hair I love that she wears it in various different ways, I love that she tends to represent a “natural look” even when she chooses to wear a weave and I think the “police” need to stop with the divide and allow things to mature naturally no pun intended.
That’s the only way hate for our hair texture (whatever variety one may have) will die as well as the notion that if someone doesn’t roll out of the bed and go, they hate their hair that’s goofy. Variety is a beautiful thing.
I commend Solange for daring to be so unique and not letting the prejudices of others define who she is and what she wants to do with her hair! Shoot! It’s just hair! I personally would not wear my hair like that simply cuz I HATE the task of detangling that would become inevitable if i left my hair out in a fro like that! But at the same time, I think Solange is beautiful and her locks are equally as gorgeous…nobody has the right to tell her how she should rock them!
I commend Solange for being self assured & bold enough to express herself as she sees fit with =out conforming to others ideology of what is or isn’t acceptable. What I or anyone else eats does not make Solange s*@t!!!
Lol the fact that ppl will pick on a person over anything is hilarious…if she wore 39inch weave they’d be bashing…stfu..its hair. I wish somebod would criticize me for NOT defining my curls. Ppl need to start worrying about their own hair…they taking this natural hair movement too emotionally serious. I like twist outs but hate to do them…I’ve got other things to do than be obssessed with my hair and products…smh tell solo…lol
Whoa! Each one of us is unique. No two people have the same fingerprints, not even twins. That’s just how wonderful we are. Let everyone enjoy their style, whatever it is. I commend anyone who rocks their hair in it’s natural God given form. If you prefer something else then flow. But I must admit I’m loving Solange’s flow.
I think a person should be able to wear their hair anyway they want to if they are comfortable. In this day and age when we have long fought the battle of trying to conform to the norms of society in terms of how to wear our hair and just about everything else to make us acceptable to ideals, I say to hell with all of that. We should rock our hair(style) however we want to. Love you Solange.
Criticized for rocking “undefined” looks? What is that? It’s natural hair. It’s free to do what it wants. If naturals felt that their hair should always be “defined”, we would still be perming our hair. Twistouts personally don’t work on my fine hair, but I love them on the head of some other naturals. My hair does what it can, not what it can’t. There are people who want to pretend to be inside of the mimds of others and decide that their reasons for being natural are unauthentic. Oh, “she’s looking for endsorsements”, or “oh, she’s looking to be in the media” Those folks need to get a life. Because nothing is said when other women of color who are not natural endorse other mainstream chemical beauty products (Halle, Sanaa, Beyonce, Kerry) and mind you, I think that all of these women are beautiful, but they do not seem to be as scrutinized (which the exception of maybe, Beyonce) as much as Solange who is most scrutinized by other naturals. Chicks with relaxed hair do not criticize Keyshia Cole, Kelly Rowland or Latoya Luckett for endorsing relaxers.
Agreed!
It is absolutely absurd that even being natural has to be MAN MADE! WTF. Critiques will never be comfortable with themselves or ALLOW OTHERS TO BE THEMSELVES. All of those negative mean spirited CRITICS enjoy your miserable lives. And you all know I want to curse them the F)*#*)$ OUT!
Let’s be real, the girl got mad bc she saw a few mean comments on curlynikki.com. Um her response was childish and/or publicity seeking. Curlynikki is a huge website with millions upon millions of views per month and you give an interview and you think not one of those women is gonna type some ignorant ish. I don’t care what she does with her hair or with carols daughter but if you want to be famous than you accept the good and bad. She’s like a spoiled Lil brat that’s mad about her big sisters success. At the same time if it wasn’t for her sister no one would give a shit about what she does at all. So she’s frustrated but get over it, your life is way better than most and you didn’t even earn it. I actually think she’s pretty enough to be a model and has a better body than her sister but it’s clear that her sister works harder and is more disciplined. Can you imagine beyonce arguing with every idiot on the Internet…come on, please. On Sunday on the mhp show Nik and Nicole Parker defended her quite nicely, I thought.
http://www.curlynikki.com/2012/06/tv-appearance-msnbcs-mellissa-harris.html#comment-form
Your whole post sounds silly
It’s HER hair!!!!!!! She can do with it whatever she wants. DO YOU!
So because Solange reps Carol’s Daughter, she should style her hair differently? If I were Solange, I would stop representing Carol’s Daughter then.
The girl has to be stressed out just because her hairstyle doesn’t meet some armchair critics’ standards. Black people are enough. LOL!
It’s sad some of the comments on here are disrespectful to each other not to mention the assumption that all the negative comments are from black women only, smdh.
As far as this article I saw it coming. Salonge is desperated to stay in the media’s eye. She found fame in wearing her hair natural. She was all on Oprah acting like she did it for meaningful reasons: self love and the like. Signing up to endorse natural hair products etc and to be a natural hair role model, mag covers, and now that some people (of all races) aren’t a fan of her styling, she’s having a twit fit lol- and now sounds like she doesn’t care about her hair maintenance at all. Yet she did with her relaxer & weaves, really?
Well, it’s what happens when something underground becomes commercial. The meaningful reasons are replaced with big paychecks, false tears and “its just hair” quotes. Solange isn’t that pretty and well neither is her hair styling. For that much relaxed or natural she’s not easy on the eyes. Daddy Knowles should have let her in on the fact that neither Hollywood nor the ‘hood have to like her styling. She’s childish. I could care less how she styles or doesn’t style her hair, but she shouldnt have signed up to be VP and the face of team natural hair and then act like the culture of it doesn’t matter…bet the money does. All IMO.
Heck yeah the money does. She’s got bills to pay like everyone else. People act like she sold her soul or something sheesh. Half the blogger that get paid to review products don’t ever buy those products or ever use them again. May as well sound off on them too. It’s funny that people think they know this girl. Models model things all the time they don’t wear in real life. I work for a company that I don’t buy any of the things they make.
She was already famous before she went natural. She became more known after she did because her hair texture wasn’t pleasing enough to narrow minded people and they made a big deal about it all over the internet. Naturals put her on a pedestal, she didn’t ask to be put on, because she was in the public eye and natural so for many, they saw her and felt it was then “acceptable” for them to go natural too.
People are always gonna have something to say no matter what you do. Folks will criticize those who always have defined hair, and folks will criticize those who don’t define their hair. There will be people who are accused of doing too much and those who are accused of not doing enough. You can’t please everybody in life, so don’t even worry about what people think about what you do. Find what you like that works for you and do that.
I commend Solange for putting her foot down! People need to stop being concerned about other people, what they do and worry about themselves. A lot of women who decide to go natural do just to do it. They don’t get involved in the natural world nor do they follow any rules ON HOW TO PROPERLY care for their hair and that’s perfectly fine..ITS THEIR HAIR!!
I understand her anger. However, I think it would have been better for her to not even comment on the negative views of her hair. She will drive herself up a wall if she comments on every derogatory thing someone says about her hair and so will the rest of us. Some people like that who make such mean-spirited remarks probably LOVE that she even took the time to read the comment and make such passionate remarks about it. They may even be laughing their heads off at her Twitter rant.
Again, I understand her comments but some of the comments are a little insensitive and feed into derision and cat-fighting in the natural hair cair community. We have people who use the CG method putting down people who use heat, people who wear loose natural hair putting down people who wear locks, people who wear protective styles versus people who prefer to wear their hair down or out – enough! Doesn’t matter. We all made the choice to be natural no matter how we go about it. There are naturals of all hair types that wear their hair in perfectly defined ringlets/curls and twist-outs and people still make negative comments about those choices just because the hair is not straight.
I think that’s why she had the rant though. YOu think this is the first time, she’s read of people criticising her and her hair? That stuff can get to you no matter how much you ignore it. It’s the like the fly that keeps buzzing around you. Eventually you are gonna get fed up and try to smack the fly dead to end the buzzing.
I would get fed up too with people thinking they knew me (just because they’ve seen my interview with Oprah or follow me on Twitter, etc.) and my motives and telling me what I need to do with my hair. Please….
It’s so easy for us to say what we would do if we were in her shoes but we’re not so can we really say what we would and wouldn’t do? Let somebody scrutinize everything you do and see how you like it. This girl isn’t bothering anybody. Why do people love to tear each other people down with their so called “truths” and “opinions” that no one asked for?
I agree, with you AGrlCanMac, I can tell by Solange’s response that the comments she read were the straws that broke the camel’s back. And people are human and can get fed up, as you stated. But Solange addressing them is not going to make them stop. They’re gonna keep it going. You can’t appeal to cruel, unintelligent people with morals and data. I DO know what I speak because I’ve been there.
Evil don’t die.
I have learned that I don’t feel better going word for word with small-minded people who are mean. No matter how fair, rational, or kind you are to them or how good you think your comeback is, the mean person’s ears are deaf, dumb ears and they are mean to be mean. But if you cut them off or ignore them then it’s over – let them judge you by themselves. Nobody is worth my blood pressure, my heart rate, my peace of mind or Solange’s. This is not a movie where the natural hair bullies are going to hang their bra-strap length, perfectly trimmed shiny coils in defeat and go running in the other direction. It will never stop. There are people putting her down on this very blog! People like that are never going to change. But she can do herself and her family a favor by not reading those blogs, continuing to wear her beautiful hair the way she wants to, and by ignoring those people. She has a son to raise and a career. Ignore them.
dear people!!!!!!! >> who cares LOL , i never style my hair >>. and its grwon since ive left it alone and stop putting 501 products just for my hair to look like a Jheri curl LOL
No one cares how she styles or doesn’t style her hair. Its what she said about not knowing the lingo or sleeping with the satin scarf or pillow that got me wondering if she evens cares about natural hair. So if she doesn’t why did she sign up to be an image for carols daughter.
OMGGG wendy STHU it’s an endorsement! she wants money just like anyone else does. majority of the times i dont care about my hair.I dont know all of the lingo or dont sleep with a satin scarf or pillow and why? because it’s not that deep. right now my hair is natural, undefined, matted & growing, but to be honest, if carol’s daughter came up to me with a check & free products you’re damn right i would sign my name! it’s just business, get over it and move on. she’s not a natural hair role model, she’s just expressing herself. i respect her 100% & appreciate her for that. funny thing is i wasn’t even a fan of hers until i read this article.
Well said.
Do half the people that use Carol’s Daughter products know all the natural hair lingo? Is it really even that important for them TO know all the lingo? Most people just need to know that a product works for them plain and simple. And not every natural sleeps with a satin sleep cap on. Hell, sometimes I don’t. Doesn’t make me any less than.
People put too much weight into celebrities. Worry about your own head is what I say. And we all know how advertising works. It’s no different than a model wearing clothes for a shoot that she may or may not ever wear in real life. Like someone else was saying, you really think Beyonce’s wearing boxed Loreal color in her hair? Please.
People gave Solange the natural hair role model title and unlike many natural hair bloggers, that just wasn’t a title she gave herself or was looking to attain. I think Carol’s Daughter grabbed her for her star power more than her hair, because they could have grabbed any ol model with natural hair if that was just the case. I mean wasn’t Mary J Blige the face of them for a while? You think she knows all the “relaxed hair lingo”?
Its truly ironic that “naturals” would be offended that she wore her hair naturally undefined. Just goes to show you can’t make everyone happy all the time. So you should only worry about making yourself happy when it comes to your natural hair. Get that right and you don’t need anyone’s approval.
I wholeheartedly agree with you Pookey. Honestly, while we are making confessions I don’t get the “hair journey” idea either – its just hair, its not going to change the world or stop hunger. And I would hope I’d be just as happy without it as I as am with it. Wear it how you like.
You hit the nail on its head. We are not curing hunger or promoting world peace. It’s just hair.
Instead of obsessing about length or undefined curls maybe we should channel that energy into something postive. Let’s do some community service instead of tearing one another down.
I totally agree with Solange. I’ve been natural forever and I often get tired of people trying to start up natural hair focus groups on the train, the office, the grocery store, in church, etc. Sometimes it’s just too much and I honestly don’t feel like being the go-to person for hair all the time. On the flipside, when my hair is looking a little rough, everyone has advice on how to “fix” it. As if I never had a good hair day in my life. I’m glad Solange sounded off…sometimes the natural VPs need a vacay!
natural hair nazis stfu . end of a true story
No ones a hair nazi. She can do whatever she wants to do. But don’t sign up to be an image or something u don’t care about.
Solange is just sensitive. She had a fit when Bow Wow was talking about her hair, when she cut it. She later got on Oprah with Chris Rock talking about the hoopla around her hair.
If she’s going to endorse a “natural hair products” line, then expect the GOOD and BAD to come with the territory. That’s part of being a celebrity.
You can’t blame “naturals” for a diversity in opinions. Celebrities get hated on all the time. If she focused on the positive, I see more positive reviews of her style and hair. Why focus on the negative, unless you don’t want to be featured on natural sites?
Follow your own beat.
I agree. This reminds me of the Lela James interview on Curly Nikki. She made similar statements about not being interested in discussing hair. Then why do an interview on a natural hair site? I understand that celebrities endorse products to make money but be prepared to deal with what comes with it. No, people shouldn’t nag her about her style choices but you ARE endorsing products that sell smooth, shiny, curl enhancing, etc. There are people that want to see those things on her. I bet she’s not complaining about all of the positive feedback that natural hair has brought her way.
THANK YOU!
I think she has every right to voice her opinion on her hair as anyone else. I don’t think she being sensitive at all. I think standing up for herself. People are going to say good and bad about everything but your have just as much rights to agree or disagree with their statement as they have to saying, only fair. It almost like people assume you take criticism without voicing own point of view or criticism back sound lopped sided to me.
Remember you have everyone right as to voice your opinion as someone has to voice their disagreement with your opinion.
correct at the I meant to say “every right” NOT “everyone” lol
But y did she willing add herself to carols daughters natural hair rep. I’ve always wondered with all the money and resources why isn’t her hair growin, but now I know why.
When she says she doesn’t want to talk about hair anymore, I think she doesn’t want to talk about with people like YOU — she is not like selling Mary Kay or door to door with Avon. I am sure she is fine to have a hair company endorsement and collect her check to be the face of a brand, talking to crackpots and the twitterati is not part of what she’s being paid for. So, ya know, give it a rest.
As for her hair growth, she’s said in interviews that she wasn’t on a length journey until now. She has a child and other stuff going on and was purposely keeping it short. Not everybody is on the same tip.
Hey don’t get my comment wrong. She can do whatever she wants to her hair. Its her hair. But I don’t follow her much and I never knew if she was or wasn’t into natural hair/care. So when I saw that she signed up with carols daughter it made me think that she cared, and gave her hair lots of attetion like MOST people who r newly natural. She can keep it at whatever length or do whatever, but my problem is don’t sign up to be part of something you don’t even care about. The whole thing just seemed like false advertising to me.
Her sister endorses L’Oreal, but I doubt she *really* cares about out of the box drug store hair color (considering she wears wigs and someone else does her hair). Rihanna endorses VitaCoco, does that mean she is PASSIONATE about coconuts or water or whatever? I doubt it. These people are entertainers trying to pay the bills. The Carol’s Daughter thing is not like being a spokesperson for PETA or promoting the March of Dimes or stumping for Obama in a swing state. It’s just business, it’s a job, she’s got bills.
God save us all!
Right on, Camille!
I get what you’re saying Camille, but let’s not intertwine someone having a “passion” for something with someone being simply “interested” in it. Does she have to be all about hair all the time? Of course not, but Beyonce has spoken of her favorite L’Oreal products that she uses on numerous occasions. And yes, we all know that part of her doing so is for promotion of the product, but it’s still a far cry from “Don’t talk to me about no damn hair-dye”. She has every right to be upset about people obsessing over how she chooses to wear HER HAIR, but why not respond when she’s on every natural blog site being obsessed over for positive reasons? For every comment, article, and photograph dissing her for her hairstyle of choice, I’d say there are about 10 of those praising her for it. Why not say “Dang y’all, it’s just hair. Fall back and get out my scalp”, then? I’m just saying, but you’re most certainly entitled to you opinion.
Much Love
I agree with her 100%!!!! I went natural in January 2011 and trying to keep it twisted and all that other stuff takes me more time than when I had a perm! Little to no maintenance was the reason why I decided to go natural in the first place. lol. When I wash-n-go, I feel so much better about my hair.
What is the problem with these hair nazies? They feel that if you don’t do like me when it comes to hair. Then you are not true to natural hair. If Soloage want to wear her hair matted to her head that’s her business. I get tired of reading others replying to a pic in such a negative way. We as women can wear, treat, comb our hair any way we pleased. The hair nazis need to get a life because this is ridiculous.
For me it’s not “just hair” I consider my hair to be my crowning glory and I take very special care of it. However I love Solange and I like her response because it’s HER hair. If she is satisfied with how her hair looks and the care she’s giving her hair who am I to be dissatisfied with that? There are so many women walking around with so much hate for their hair it doesn’t make sense. I think the simple fact that she likes her hair and doesn’t try to do what other’s suggest speak volumes. I don’t think the debate should whether or not it’s just hair but how we all just need to start having acceptance for our own hair and stop worrying about what others do to their especially if they are satisfied with the choices they have made.
Good for her! I hate twistouts – I haven’t done one in 15 years. They are a pain in the a**, and they make my arms hurt. I wash n go nearly every day, or wear a big fro, or throw it in a quick protective style and forget about it. I have no time for ringlets that can’t be formed in the shower!!! Give me a frizzy fro any day!!!
Good for you, Solange! Good for you for sticking up for yourself and exposing the mealy-mouthed, petty, shallow and pathetic minds of the so-called natural Hair police, hiding behind what they think is “consciousness, but are like hens pecking at something that looks a little different, or does something a little different in their so tiny little universe . Who are they? From what I see, they are very insidious and poisonous, catty and jealous- rather like a gang of girls in a school play ground, who feel better within themselves , when they pick on someone. Too much time on their hands and brains
What good is this? Is it because they want Solange to conform or what? Will that make them feel happier, or will they change the goal posts and pick on something else. It’s up to Solange, what she does with her beautiful hair. She has amazing courage in the first place, to defy whatever current standards, out there. admire her- this shows true beauty. I agree- we should stop putting such emphasis on celebrities and develop our own integrity. Celebrities with integrity are certainly worthy of respect, but we shouldn’t be worshipping them. Defined curls: that’s up to the individual. It shouldn’t be a must-do- what a tyranny- it’s as if one has gone from one set of rules ( relaxing hair) to another ( becoming natural, but only if it looks a certain way……oh please!!!!) – Another form of conformity. I also want to say, how bad mannered the so-called Natural Hair police are: if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it. You go, Solange! 🙂
Okay, I went natural October 2011 (Big Chop). I do wash and gos and keep it moving. My reason for going natural was to STOP spending so much time on my hair. All the twist outs, and defining curls is just as time consuming as sitting in the Beauty Salon all day long to get a relaxer! NO THANK YOU! AND you have to do it yourself as opposed to paying for service! So all you “natural” girls out there who spend all that time trying to keep your hair from being in its “natural” state by twisting and pulling and braiding and coiling and producting it to death get off Solanges back for being TRULY natural. Enough said…….Such hypocrites. What a joke!
You are being no better than the women who gave Solange a hard time. How is it not “truly natural” to plait braid afro hair? In Africa way back when, to wear an afro meant you were crazy or grieving. I think Solonge looks beautiful but I also admire the many women who take the time to mould their hair into braids, twists etc. There’s no need to trash the efforts of so many women just to make a point. We are all better than that…
right on pointe sapphic seduction! stop the hate my black women!
Hey Karen! You’re my BC sister! Did it same month!
And I don’t think she is encouraging hate for those who choose to “define”. She is just stating she chooses to spend her time doing otherwise and for the naturals WHO ARE RAGGING SOLANGE to fall back and take it easy!
OMG!
LEAVE THE GIRL ALONE!!!
I TOTALLY AGREE with Solange on this issue I’m also one of those people who could give a rat’s *** about having the perfect twistout, I twist my hair to battle shrinkage not to define curls. I have 4b/4c hair and I love to wear my hair in a fro or a fro hawk, extra defined curls are not needed to make natural hair look pretty.
i’m w/ her, wear your damn hair anyway you want to and everyone else can STFU and get a life! Jeez black women!!!
I also do not have time nor desire to twist braid coil stretch fluff scrunch bun pin-up pin-down my hair every day and night. I personally dont have time or desire to use 3 products at night and 4 in the morning. I enjoy My Natural. Love my hair big and crazy, with whatever ringlets have formed from spritzing and daily leave-in conditioner.
Hmmmm, I thought her look was pretty. Tried to recreate the look with the yellow dress this weekend, but ended up looking a mess (I think my hair is too long and didnt have the Solo swag to pull it off).
Why are people so hateful at times… ssshish…
I am a HUGE Solange Knowles Fan, she is absolutely beautiful. I struggle with my natural hair to be kept in twist outs or styles. Somehow it always seems to finds its way back to an ‘undefined’ and ‘unkempt’ state of being, so I’ve given in and let it do what it do. And like Solange over the years I have received slack for it but who cares? Its my hair, my curls and my lack of definition… Who defines beauty anyway? Big Up to Solange I love her look! #RAWandStillFLY!!!
Yep I think Nikki said it best on msnbc yesterday. There shouldn’t be any judgement it’s about versatility! Well said by the natural hair guru!
Focus on your own hair…we may think how others may benefit from some
other styling process; but it is not nice to post a comment about some
one else hair if they are not asking for your input on how their hair
looks in a particular style. To be natural is a choice that we make
and can live without negative comments from other “so called naturals”.
Do You!
It’s sad to say but it seems as though natural hair will never be fully accepted by some. If Solange wants to rock her hair out without twisting it, let her do it! I cant stand when people feel the need to tell you what to do with YOUR OWN HAIR, especially if that person didnt even ask for your opinion or suggestion. I love Solange because she does HER and isnt concerned with what others think of her. She always gets backlash just for being her. Some women who are natural are so obsessed with length or the perfect curl defintion its sickening. I used to be just like that when I first went natural but now I am just like eff it. If my hair isnt fully defined then who cares. If you dont like it, dont look at it. I wanted to go natural to free myself from chemicals and the bondage that the relaxer had on me, I was a slave to the relaxer. Now why would I put myself BACK in bondage over some dag on curl definition?
WHO CARES!
Solange rock that fro, how YOU please.
+1
btw check out my new video post on dry detangling: http://www.acurlcandream.blogspot.com/2012/06/videos-dry-detangling.html
very detailed and informative 🙂
I am one to “define every coil” as the article says. I wear WnGs exclusively, but still yet I LOVE Solange’s hair and the way she represents. Her hair is HER and fits her style and look. We need to get out of this thinking that all of our hair is supposed to look-alike… I think still is part of the weave & relaxed hair frame of thinking.
When relaxers and weaves was the status quo we could essentially have hair that looked just like the next sister. Now that we are wearing our natural we MUST understand that our hair is diverse and we can choose to wear it different from the next.
Embrace the unique diversity that comes with natural hair…personally, I think we all shouldn’t be trying to define every curl/coil…not everybody can/or should do it–its not for everybody.
Do you and let the next do them.
One more time people – ITS JUST HAIR!!! Unless you’re bald, everybody’s got some. Love you and do you!!! Peace
Can I just say Amen SOLO!!!! I hate taking a ton of time to do twist outs, most days I just co-wash and go…I detangle when I shampoo gently and keep it pushing…I like the way my hair does its own thing…most days I want my attitude and energy to emulate my hair…
I don’t understand what the flack is all about! I’m just happy that a public figure like her is daring to go against popular culture and giving young black girls who fear being natural someone to look to for the courage to be proud of their locks. The more “unruly”, the better IMO. Why must we black women always find a way to tear each other down with nonsense when someone is trying to do some good? It’s just ridiculous. Good for Solange for standing up for herself and women like me that are not so obsessed with ringlets and coils!
+1
I absolutely love her response! BGLH just had a long post about us being so focused on getting defines curls…I’m so happy we are taking this natural hair movement back–before it lets mainstream take it to another level!
It seems like everyone else cares more about her hair than she does. A lot of people needlessly put others on a pedestal when they are people just like us. We have to stop looking at these celebrities as icons and find the true beauty in ourselves. Not every natural goes natural for the same reasons. Some people are just bored with their hair. Its time people stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and just be themselves.
I LOVE Solange’s freedom! She has natural hair, but it’s no biggie to her. The whole “I am not my hair” line needs to be rethought before people be belting it out. It is JUST hair. People need to chill.
This is why other races don’t respect us, we don’t even respect ourselves. SMH
As a woman we have many choices and we should respect that no matter if they are a celebrity or your next door neighbor! We can be natural or relaxed or be a braided beauty based on what we want and how we want for ourselves…If someone chooses to do so for them, then why should there be a negative, rude insignificant because Solange is doing something for herself!!! Embrace each other and move forward to positive issues and uplift each other*
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/mychoice-1.jpg[/img]
I’ve loved Solange’s hair since she emerged back into the spotlight: from her short hair to her braided extensions, she’s served as a real hair icon to me, and my sisters. The problem isn’t her hair; it’s us. Through the years of being told that “nappy” is not beautiful and it’s unkempt, some people look at her hair and assign those same labels.
When I first started wearing my hair out naturally (after wearing protective braids for a year) I never felt comfortable unless my hair was perfectly defined and curly. Why? Because society told me that unless it looked a certain way, it was not okay.
For the sake of our sanity and our futures, we’ve got to stop listening to society.
Shes like me, I love my hair wild and uncombed usually.. because i dont have the time or patient for all of that extra bs lol. im comfortable with it and my guy loves it :]
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/vv-1.jpg[/img]
Cute!!
Indeed! Can feel the warmth=)
Awww, love this picture! You’re so cute. Love your spirit.
I thinK its so disdainful that someone would tear down Solange about her hair. She’s done a whole lot with helpiyng he narural hair community be accepted. We, as black peple need to really STOP tearing one another down. It’s disgusting how we treat one another at times. We need to support one another! C’mon!!!
I agree with solange buuuut…. I don’t know why she doesnt want to talk about hair anymore… Seriously and honestly, her natural hair change relaunched her career, it made her more relevant to a contemporary phenomenon of so many women going natural, and isn’t she a hair model for carols daughter? The thing is she is a person in the public eye, and a lot of what she does in the public eye is walk around and look pretty/strange, so, that’s what people talk about when it comes to solange especially, they talk about her look, what else are they to talk about? Her new movie? Album? Or relationship? I actually like her hair in the pic, but it’s no surprise people want her to get a twist out or something lol Smh
Omg, now we have complaints in the natural hair community. I swear we can’t win from losing and the thing is, we are doing it to ourselves. WTF is wrong with y’all.
solange can do whatever the hell she wants with HER HAIR. all these extra folks can have SEVERAL SEATS. mind your own hair and stay out of hers.
The thing I love most about her hair is what seems to be the biggest problem here, the fact that it does not look styled. It still looks great to me. Yikes @ some of these comments and the others from that other blog site.
Its her hair she can do what ever she wants to do with it.
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However Solange wears her hair, it doesn’t change one fact – she is very Sexy! Most Holla about her sister Beyonce, but I say Solange!
Everyone wants to define ‘natural’ and what it truly means. I started transitioning about a year ago. I am not big on short hair ON ME and Hubby does not care for it either. So I decided to transition by roller set or blow drying and flat ironing. So now I hear slack from naturals for that. No heat no comb twist it out! Here’s the thing: maybe we are thinking this the wrong way. For me the healthiest my hair has ever ben was when my grand mother washed it (no pre poo twist out or the like) and used the straightening comb in the kitchen. My hair was shoulder blade or below all until I beg for a relaxer in high school.
We keep trying things to separate ourselves. It’s all a hair style. Maybe we should start saying “chemical free” instead of “natural”. So many want to have that ‘ there’s Indian or something else in my family that why I’m so curly look’ and loom down on old who really wear hair in it’s natural state. Go Solange, you look amazing twist out or not!
I don’t think is solely about a twist out, texture, or natural “nazis”; she said she just doesn’t want to talk about hair. I’m sure many naturals are excited and curious about her hair because she’s a spokesperson for Carol’s Daughter and one of the only natural celebs that rocks their hair, as is. People criticize EVERYTHING about people and let’s not pretend hair is any different, but considering that she is involved with Carol’s Daughter-a hair brand, she should probably expect some questions/comments/etc; but she doesn’t have to address it. As far as how she should wear her hair, I don’t give a damn.
What’s funny to me is as a spokesperson for a hairline she really DOES have to talk about it. LOL. How she wears her hair sadly will be a topic because of CD. Truth stll is that the natural hair police should leave her be!
I think she doesn’t want to talk about HER hair anymore because a lot of people don’t have anything nice to say. yea we shouldn’t let people get to us but, we’re human, that ish hurts sometimes. No one wants to be scrutinized for everything that they do and how they choose to look and live their lives. Just because she’s a celebrity and that comes with the territory doesn’t mean she’s not immune to hurtful things being said about her and her hair 24/7. But I understand what you are saying too. Obviously when the contract is up, none of us will be surprised if she never talks about hair again.
People are allowed to not be perfect ya know. I’m sure she’s really seeing now how much hair just isn’t a big deal for her after all this.
This is exactly what I was thinking. People are for sure out of line with their comments though. I’m glad she set everyone straight. A lot of naturals assume these natural celebrities feel the way they do about their hair but for most of them it just aint that deep. They aren’t doing interviews on hair sites and being spokespeople because they want to spread the gospel of natural hair. lol They do it because the fact that their hair is natural is also a great way to make more money/get more fans.
Solange is the face of Carol’s daughter, her hair should look done. Even if she does prefer the wild untamed look (as I do myself), it should still look chaotically tamed (if that makes any sense). I do not think anyone should tell you to or not to wear a twistout, but the whole I just shook my head and left look is not okay if you are the face of a natural hair care line. I am not saying the woman needs a defined curl pattern, her hair may not curl, but she can at least look like she put some effort into it SINCE she is the face of Carol’s Daughter.
It is a bit ridiculous that someone would try to tell her how to do her hair, but it does look unkempt from time to time. I am a fan of hers, I don’t like twistouts (too time consuming), and I do like the wild look, but it has to look somewhat intentional (neat).
Seems like this “natural hair community” just loves to jump on bandwagons, one extreme or the other. No one is ignorant for having an opinion about her hair, no one told her to wear it like that and no one told her to post pictures and/or become the face of Carol’s daughter. Her hair is hers, and she can do with it what she wants, but as face for a natural line she is going to be ridiculed. And as a celebrity she is going to be ridiculed. Both come with the package. So saying it is a black thing is not a wise comment.
Hair has always been important to people, not just blacks but to ALL races of people. So stop acting like its just a black thing. The whole bed head look for white people has a thin line just like the wild look for black people. There is a line between looking like you don’t care, and actually not caring. If she were white and had straight hair in a bedhead look, that extreme people would still comment. People comment on white hair just as much as black hair, it is not a race thing it is a hair thing.
I honestly don’t know what look she is going for half of the time, but I do know that for me her hair is a FAIL from time to time. I have the right to my opinion just like she has the right to wear it like that. I have even more right to say how I feel about her hair because she chose to be the VP of natural hair by being the face of a natural hair care line. So if she is going to take the compliments, she can take the negatives as well.
I normally don’t comment on this type of thing, nor do I openly say I don’t like things. It is her choice, so if I don’t like it, I think it in my head and keep it moving. But I do believe people have the right to say her whether or not they like how she wears her hair. It is a matter of opinion, she can change her hairstyle, so long as no one is telling her her hair is bad or that she needs a relaxer or to wear it a certain way, I don’t see the problem.
SO does she have the right to wear her hair as she does, yes. But, people still have the right to comment on it. I don’t think it is right to tell her how to wear her hair, but I do think I have a right to say whether or not I like it. She shouldn’t put the pictures up if she doesn’t want the comments. I am not a hater, I love her, but I do not always love her hair styles.
Ashley I have to agree with you. This morning as I was standing in the grocery store line. I grabbed the latest Essence maagzine issue and there Solange is in the first few pages in an advertisement for Carol’s daughter.
As far as how she chooses to wear her hair – go on with your bad self! It looks cute but for high profile events such as the Vogue CFDA Awards, I would think that she would bring her “A” game. The dress – check, the make up – not a fan of the pale lip, but check, the hair – meh. I have seen her look better.
After wearing my hair in a twist out all week, Thursday night I caught a case of the lazies and decided I was going to sleep on it. Come Friday morning I wasn’t too thrilled with the undefined, shrunken fro but I received tons of compliments all day. Would I wear it again? After a two hour detangling session on Friday evening… probably not.
Solange is a spokesperson for a natural hair care line so yes, she is being held to a higher standard. And she is a celebrity, so again, she will be held to a higher standard. But perhaps someone needs to explain to her that when you are a spokesperson for a product, lifestyle, etc., the company that is PAYING endorsement money to you expects that you will embrace the products and lifestyle, talk about them and use them. How many celebrities have posted a rant on Twitter and the next thing you know, they no longer have whatever endorsement/sponsorship deal?
As she said, this week was a bad week. We all have them. But taking to the social media world and complaining about how you are not the face of the natural hair community? Well actually you are being paid to be exactly that.
What she thinks is bringing her “A” game with her hair is…not the same as what you or others think. WTF is she supposed to do? I commend her for sporting what she believes to be beautiful but it shouldn’t even be an issue, it only is because what she deems beautiful and done on her, alot of people don’t. Same thing with her makeup.
I do agree she needs to get used to people talking about her hair (and herself talking about it) and paying attention to it. At the same time, it’s obvious her hair style preferences is exposing how people aren’t TRULY comfortable with natural hair IMO…its always been there and it’s not surprising. It’s all part of the journey anyways. I personally hope to be sporting my hair all sorts of unique ways 20 years from now whether or not it’s accepted by people.
the CFDA event is more about being cutting edge and less about being cookie cutter, so perhaps your neater (?) “A game” style would just be considered blah? Not sure, but just wanted to add that possibility to the discussion b/c I’m not sure that you were invited or attended the event.
Cheers,
J
EXACTLY my point I really don’t think it is that “deep” she is not doing anything progressive (she got called out OBVIOUSLY by some Carols’ daughter buyers) and NOW she wants to respond… why EVEN address it??? (kanye shrug) ….I stand by my rationale that 90% of the people that are in an uproar because they have spent all that money on thatCarol’s daughter she promoting and STILL have to do a “twist-out” best believe if I give you $100.00 for a “kit” that sh*t better lay down on it’s own LOL… SHE can wear her hair BACKWARDS for all I care but when you a celeb with a product to push I suggest you have your “gameface” on
But maybe that’s why Solange was chosen to show you can use Carol’s Daughter’s products and your hair doesn’t have to look “defined” if you don’t want it to be. Maybe they wanted to add another dimension to their advertising and appeal to the naturals that rock a fro how it is. They knew what they were getting into when they selected Solange and they know how much she switches up her styles and how she prefers to wear her hair. If they didn’t like it, they wouldn’t have selected her.
That’s like a hair care line selecting Kesha to be the face of their brand and expecting her to wear polished looks. That’s not her. She always looks like she rolled out of bed, that’s her thing. Any brand that chose her would know that that going into it.
I love her look and I think everyone is different and should do what feels comfortable for them. I am proud of my hair and I am teaching my daughter to feel the same.
What happened to all the comments from yesterday before 5:22pm?????
If you scroll all the way down below these comments, there is a link titled “older comments”. Click on that.
Can’t stand haters…I like what she said about hair not being so important to you. And shes right.
Another thing. I don’t think that the hair typing system helps us either, i mean who else types their hair, Asians, Europeans?
I wonder what people would comment if they saw my hair in it’s more than natural state. It is ridiculous that you’re expected to wear your natural hair in a more defined texture for gods sake. I admire Solange for her ‘messy’ afro, i love it. Makes a change from the twists, braid or bantu knot outs. makes me wonder if many of us our really that accepting of ourselves.
Hair is political as history shows it has always been used to identify your class,socio-ecomic status,tribe,clan etc…. That is why hair matters because it goes hand in hand with your identity.
If we go back in history when the first thing slave owners did was to cut off the slaves hair to strip them from their identity and there has been a struggle EVER since.
The only solution is freeing our minds from incorrect views.The natural hair movement is in its infancy so maybe in 10 years timer things will be different.
I love the Solange wears her hair, and I wouldn’t think that other naturals would have a problem with it. I think she takes care of it, and I would also think an afro is the best low manipulation style as well. I’m very surprised at the comments and behavior of some naturals… makes me wonder why they went natural in the first place.
Hello,
Thanks for this kinds of useful videos. I am also affected by the hair fall & dandruff problem. But I want to know more information about that. If you give me more information It will be great to rescue from this problem.
It’s really sad that some folks just can’t let people be. Why we have to peck each other to death like chickens in a cage. Let Solange do her! It’s supposed to me a natural hair community that is open and willing to share information, not one that is judging people by their hair types and how they choose to wear their hair.
LoL..smh? I think it’s pretty ridiculous that she has been followed for her hair choice anyway? She goes natural and everyone makes her a natural hair icon, when the girl was just probably expressing herself apart from trying to be “natural”. How a person chose to wear their natural hair should be no reflection on the next naturally textured girl. And I do agree that “blacks” seem to have a texture and definition issue when it comes to natural hair. If it’s not defined you obviously didn’t do that on purpose, . tsk tsk
you are dayumed if you do and dayumed if you don’t with the Natural Hair Police, b/c ones at other extreme think curl definition is a bad term. go figure!
I love Solange’s hair and her style and I think she needs to keep on doing what she’s doing because she seems to be shining brighter and brighter every day!! People need to get off of her back. LOL @ not sleeping with a satin cap. Better she than me because when I don’t sleep in mine, my hair gets mad at me, lolololol.
But seriously, these quotes from the tumbler article sums up our problem in the natural hair community quite nicely:
“I’m just going to say it straight. I believe there is a bias in the natural hair community when it comes to certain hair types and hair lengths. I believe there is a hierarchy. Those with bigger and/or longer hair seem to get a lot of praise for it.”
“People have left the bone straight mindset but now they are in the defined curls mind set.”
Go on wicha bad self Solo! I was in a salon and someone said it true: “‘Curly’ is the new straight”.
I think there is gonna have to be yet ANOTHER natural movement that is focused on embracing KINKY hair. Until that time, it seems like we kinky haired folk are gonna have to keep on marchin ’til we black folks all get that organ BELOW our hairlines right!
i think it’s totally petty, and such a shame. her hair’s beautiful. they’re just jealous because they want her hair and hate that they feel the need to wear twistouts to make their hair be what they deem presentable.
I truly appreciate the fact that she said this…. OUT LOUD!!! Folks always wanna tell you how to wear YOUR hair. Naturals and Relaxed folks. Leave mi rahtid hair alone!! EVERYONE is allowed to do what they want with their hair including a variety of styles or NO style at all!!
Some people just don’t know how to quit being bossy and in everybody else’s business. It’s her hair. Whether someone else likes it or not, Solange can wear whatever style she wants to, whether it looks defined or not. As long as she’s not putting her life (like suicide/drugs) and others (like her child/family/strangers)in danger, then there is no reason to police her hair routine and styles. That goes for anyone in or outside of the public spotlight. No more hair police! We have enough people policing everything else in our lives without having to include our hair into the mix.
It’s her hair let her wear it the way she wants to wear it. A person’s hair is their individual choice what they like.
Natural Hair Police are everywhere — they need to stay outta people’s hair! There’s no ‘right’ ‘wrong’ way — and YT is one of the biggest repository of natural hair cults… *just sayin*… How many ways can you do a twist out?! I agree with her … 100%… but then again, does it even matter? Nope – not one bit.
IT is great to see someone who loves their natural texture. I love my texture and I never wear twists or braidouts, to each its own,
Hair is overrated. The hair police really need to get their lives together. I love her hair. As one who wears Afros out and I love those and one who doesn’t sleep with a satin scarf either, I think nothing is wrong with the way her hair looks. I love the way her hair looks and I love her confidence. Go ahead Solange, do you!
I hear her! This is what happened when I grew my hair out. Everyone and their mama told me I needed a twist out. Even now, if I just wear it wild, they say I shoulda twisted it and it would look better. But I love a wild, untamed mane. Uncombed and near dreading, lol. It makes me happy, so I say GO SOLANGE! Eff the natural hair police!
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/messymomo.jpg[/img]
Your hair is gorgeous!
=) Lovely!!
i wish my hair was as thick as urs.
<3<3<3 LOVE <3<3<3
Thanks everyone! 🙂
You go, girl! A girl after my own heart! 🙂 A free spirit. LOve your hair and spirit. You are beautiful.
Your hair is beautiful. And so are you!
I find it stupid that she has people telling her how to wear her HAIR. She is a grown women let her decide on what to do with it and how she wants it cut or defined. POINT BLANK: Leave the lady alone…
I get she was frustrated about something else so it accounts for her tone. I’m glad she spoke her mind but isn’t she a spokesperson or model for Carol’s Daughter? Maybe that’s why some women look to her as VP of #teamnatural because she is the face of a national brand and a go-to model in the “natural hair” section of Hype Hair mag. I think the people that don’t like her hair just don’t like her style in general and it just iggs them that the media chose her to supposedly represent “us”. Be easy. This isn’t a case of someone “making us all look bad” because her style is just that, her’s.
It’s her hair — everybody else BACK OFF! She can do what she wants because she’s grown. Okay?
Folks saying she “needs” to wear a twistout make me think of when folks tell other people they “need” a relaxer. People don’t “need” to do anything when it comes to their own personal style. I almost feel that even though many have finally moved past the “need” for straight hair at all times, they just jumped right back into another box that continues to tell them their hair must look a certain way to be acceptable to the masses.
+1
Exactly.
Y’all know it =)…it’s sad and it sucks.
Saw a popular blogger today on The MHP show on MSNBC and I must admit, I was a little peeved she of all ‘natural hair’ bloggers was selected for the panel…que sera…Soooo, if one must do ‘root’ touch-ups for textures to “match” by applying “X” product, is that too now considered natural? If so, now I finally understand the magical thinking behind Mr. A. Walker’s “relaxed but natural” comment to describe a texturizer which he deemed a necessity for type 4 hair.
Good lawd…the continued ignorance is astounding….but so is the growing awareness =)
Wow…I think it’s very ironic that “naturals” would have a problem with how someone’s hair naturally is….just so everyone’s clear, TWIST OUTS DON’T DEFINE EVERYONE’S CURL PATTERN! IT CHANGES IT to a more “attractive” curl pattern for some (myself, for instance) which is the opposite of the whole concept of going natural. For people to say what they did was just…sad. We still haven’t shaken the prejudices we were fed smfro
well said
I don’t see how wearing your hair in the untwisted state is somehow against the idea of going natural! White women rock the natural hair that grows out of their scalp, many straighten, they braid it, they wet it for waves, the pin it up. Why is “going natural” some how defined as no chemicals and no hair manipulation. This seems ridiculous and like a bar set by folks that want to say they are more “natural than thou.” Does this mean that braiding your hair in cornrows means your are not as natural because your hair doesn’t grow out of your scalp in cornrows? If I wear my hair in a two strand twist am I not as natural because two strand twist don’t grow out of my head already formed. People in the natural hair community have jumped the shark if this is the new standard of “naturalness.” #icant
I think the issue for some is that many naturals don’t see undefined hair as a viable style….undefined hair still automatically equals unruly, undone hair for probably ALOT of people that are natural. Our hair is so versatile and well, if you only think your hair is only presentable or done when it looks “defined” then a person is missing out on all they can do for their hair….it’s everyone’s head of hair but we don’t live in a vacuum and we can’t say there isn’t a reason why “defined” and/or “curly” hair is seen as more attractive and presentable.
Either way, I’m personally done caring about what other people think. The original CN post really pissed me off because just the other day, there were people on there sharing stories about when they finally became comfortable with their hair. The irony.
This natural hair journey is a deep one no matter what anyone says and everyone is at different points and some might never even truly accept all that their hair can do. Thing is we have the rest of our lives to get TRULY comfortable with our hair (if we want to) and most of us have been natural for less than 5 years.
I personally am just focusing on my hair and loving it and so is Solange and she’s seeing some backlash. Our hair is powerful and some people are scared of it even when it’s growing out of their own heads. I’m still there but I’m learning to truly love and understand my hair and all it can do and look like even while others will probably never see anything beautiful about it. It’s all good.
Pleasure to read your well put comment! =)
@ Jodi–Who says she doesn’t take care of her hair? Because her curls aren’t defined??
Love Solange’s hair. I totally agree with her stance against the Natural Hair Nazi’s, as I call them. They natural asses a need to have several seats!
well she should expect some flack for constantly hawking carol’s daughter “multicultural” (eyeroll) hair line… i myself was wondering how her afro went from 2 inches to 15 inches in 1 day…. i assumed she was wearing a wig … who cares if she wants to wear her hair in a furball??? LOL… her addressing it is ridiculous…
Hey there: So, you obviously DO care, b/c you’re characterizing her hair in such a pejorative way (you’re not exactly agnostic about it). I think her comment was prolly addressed to people like yourself– what do you think?
As i SAID it truly is NOT that serious AND furball is not a derogatory term LOL… AGAIN … it is HAIR !!!! the NAUTRAL coterie are so quick to jump on people who don’t fall in line with their sociometry I feel people are allowed to speak their opinion on the hypocrisy they are subjected to…. NOW that natural haircare is BIG BUSINESS EVERYBODY wants “in” (eye-roll) (again) the ISSUE at hand is if she was TRULY PRESSED about people addressing her hair.. DON’T be a natural hair product spokesperson…. that is what I think… I SHOW her I don’t care by not buying the products she is hawking…
#carryon
well rocking the fro is the original and truest form of natural, even if you lock it up, twist it, or press it…that’s the way it started!
I totally agree with you on that. Plus, the way she wears her fro is so unique and so HER, it’s not typical which is probably why she rocks it. Frankly, I admire her uniqueness for doing as such and not bending to another’s “standard of natural.” I’m really sorry that others have ruined her view right now of being a natural hair icon, because I LOVE when she talks about her hair journey and I love the fact that she’s unapologetic for looking so fierce.
Keep doing you. You look beautiful.
It is her hair, she should rock it in whichever way she pleases.She did not dub herself a natural hair maestro, so people should leave her alone.That been said, Solange always comes off as angry.She is a public figure that walks the red carpet more than we can count.She should learn to ignore such comments.Better still she should not read comments about herself.People just make these comments and move on.I doubt anyone goes to bed thinking about why she does not rock a twist out.
@ Jodi, how does she not take care of her hair??Did she tell you she does not take care of it?Are you with her 24/7 to know she does not take care of it?Just because her hair looks a certain way doesn’t meant she does not take care of it. Damn black females sometimes!Aaargh!
A lot of sistas do feel like they can’t go natural if they don’t have some naturally texture or atleast manipulate it to look curly! I do have a curly texture but that’s not my reason for being natural honestly I didn’t know what kind if texture put I love to see. Black women rock all types of natural hair confidently whether there is a curl pattern or not. That in itself is gorgeous and inspirational!
Um that’s thing tho, SHE IS TAKING CARE OF HER HAIR. THATS THE HAIRSTYLE SHE PREFERS…Lord Jesus…
I mean it’s her own hair, let her do what she wants with it, I dunno why people feel the need to stress other people about their own hair. I
i think she has a right. good for her sticking up for herself. btw check out my vids on dry detangling at http://www.acurlcandream.blogspot.com/2012/06/videos-dry-detangling.html
I don’t like the look myself but I really don’t think it’s anyone’s business to tell her that she NEEDS a twist-out. Obviously she wasn’t a fan of them cuz she doesn’t wear them. It would be nice if she took care of her hair but at the end of the day it’s HER hair. Solange isn’t obliged to do what makes others happy cuz…well, it’s her life and her hair.
Um that’s thing tho, SHE IS TAKING CARE OF HER HAIR. THATS THE HAIRSTYLE SHE PREFERS…Lord Jesus…
How the heck do you know she doesn’t take care of hair? Please shut up and worry about your own hair. Why are black women so obsessed with hair that isn’t their own. I’m baffled.
Oh my God! This has to be the most ignorant comment I’ve ever heard. Here hair is looks clean, it looks soft, it has sheen, it’s not matted and tangled so how the hell is she not taking care of her hair?! It’s not shaped the way you like it or is it because she didn’t spend hours in the bathroom defining every curl? OMG!
Uhhmmmm Jodi pleas shut up if ur mouth and mind dosnt have anything concrete to add. Who told u she doesn’t take care of her hair???? Grow UP!!!
I agree with jodi and I think you guys that are upset with her opinion is just as ignorant as your claiming her to be. I think it looks a hot ass mess and I’ve seen better undefined well taken care of tresses. You guys don’t know her hair regimine so how you know she don’t just wake up and say fuck it everyday? Black hair hides imperfections way better than any color so again, unless you her stylist… You don’t know. Solonge has always ben very eclectic so whether ppl criticize or not, she gon do her own thing but yeah all you ppl claiming to be defending her are another form of hair police. Remember everyone is untitled to their own opinion ut no1 is entitled to be disrespectful
Thank you for listening
“but yeah all you ppl claiming to be defending her are another form of hair police.”
how exactly?
Solange has actually shared her regimen in an interview not too long ago, which included regular deep conditions, detangling and more including protective styling. Her hair looks nice and healthy and the key word there is HER hair.
Curious to see your hair… just sayin’
I’m laughing sooo hard at people saying Solange NEEDS a twistout…so much freaking nonsence…It goes to show that most people need to see some type of “curl” or “definition” to be comfortable with natural hair.
We still have much work to do.
Also, leave the girl alone…she likes what she likes.
Just had to say how absolutely right you are. They say they like natural hair, but only if it looks nice and shiny and has pretty ringlets; straight up afro is just too black. It kills me.
You are so right! Leave her alone! Let Solange be Solange and everyone else be comfortable doing YOU! I don’t blame her for going off!
I think Solange has beautiful hair…I actually want my hair to look like hers. A twist out does not, in fact, look great on me. She does not need to answer to anyone really. If you think that her hair needs some work because she is promoting different hair products, then here’s an idea…DON’T BUY THE PRODUCTS. Those who are paying her should worry about the image she is giving their product. We need to stop fighting about every LITTLE thing and worry about the bigger picture in this world, as previously stated by others. Encourage one another..her hair is her hair. So to that I say “Whatever style works for you Solange!”
So many people castrate black women when it comes to how they present themselves, their hair, their afrocentricity or not and all of our expressions of ourselves! Now other black women are trying to define how this is meant to come to be in each of us! Who is anyone to tell you how to be the best expression of ourself! This is sad. You are now officially oppressors oh Natural Hair Police! Anyone else, ROCK IT HOW YOU FEEL IT! 😀
@ Nathalie
Girl well said, me and my friends always say as black women we are on everyone’s hit list even our men. Its a shame we can’t be there for each other. I love the fact that black women (including myself) are finally embracing our natural hair and noone has the right to dictate how it should be done!! I totally agree with Solange!!
i think it’s hysterical that we always have to find something/anything to fight about. we all have different hair. we all have our own sense of style. what may work for you may not work for me and vice verse. there is no perfect natural hairstyle that is a one style fits all. my hair doesn’t do twist outs very well. so by the end of the day it looks like a plain old afro. so most times it looks just like hers. it’s called “natural” hair. so it does what it does NATURALLY. that being said let your hair do what it do and let’s stop putting each other down because someone else hair isn’t the way we think it should be.
TO EACH HIS OWN!! If people would focus more on themselves what a better place the world would be. Solonge you are BEAUTIFUL!! ROCK ON!
I totally agree with Solange. The amount of negativity that comes from the ‘natural hair police’ is disgusting and shameful. Who gave them the divine halo to dictate to others how they should be wearing their hair? Why do we put so much emphasis on getting a twist or curl definition? our hair in its natural state is beautiful, that is what makes us to be fearfully and wonderfully made. I love the fluffy cotton like afro that I have when i’m not wearing a wig/weave…yes the offensive word ‘weave’. Instead of criticising our fellow sister why cant we celebrate her for embracing the hair that the rest of the world likes to perceive as ‘political’. Let us purge ourselves from this madness. A house divided can never stand.
Uh, what’s a twist out??
It’s when you twist your hair and leave it overnight or a few days then unravel it to reveal stretched out texture.
I think it’s a shame that she is one of the few celebrities that are open to rocking their natural hair, and she’s getting slack for her choice of styles/maintenance, etc…i think she looks beautiful with her natural hair…well,you’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t!!! Lol
HOL UP! This the same Solange Knowles that teamed up with Carol’s Daughter to be a spokesperson for their natural hair movement? Hmm… Girl __/ << get comfy!
On 1 hand I feel her, not everyone takes their hair serious, but when you're the spokesperson for a "Natural" line, where do you get off ranting like that? Back pedaling much?
This is why the natural hair community should none place these (unknown) titles upon ANYONE.
Just had to giggle at ‘HOL UP!’
I don’t care about her hair or not being team natural,since she responds to blogs anyway,I have a question for her…….Solange whats your take on the G.Paltrow’s fiasco?can you please ask her to be a bigger person and apologise since she is part of your team for ‘real’.
I like Solange’s overall fashion, music and unique style!
The blog fiascos with most of the negative spamtastic rants however – are mainly TROLLS! These are PROFESSIONALLY PAID TROLLS. I know 5 people paid by corporations to tilt public opinion on any number of subjects through media outlets just like this FOR A LIVING! Their job is to infiltrate, instigate, create doubt, manipulate public opinion and do so through a number of usernames often fake fighting amongst one another to inflate conflict, derail information and drag in well-known users to give the controversy more credence! And it works almost every single time, *see Yahoo comment boards! The savvier corporations fight back by hiring people to undo this damage with ‘positive’ posts etc., etc.
Some plebs sadly believe gloriously matte, loose strands are unattractive – that’s just their inferiority complex showing.
Also, stars should shine bright light years away and leave mere mortals (and PR professionals) to dealing with the silliness of daily life, Lol!
Sometimes when I read the comments all I can do is laugh, shake my head, and continue about my business. With that being said, on to the next…
I like Solange’s style. I also feel her for not liking the way twist outs look on her. After cutting my locs, I just KNEW my go to styles would be twist outs and protective styles. But after detangling, cleansing, conditioning, deep treating, and moisturizing, I saw styling as extraneous. I just washed and go’ed (washed and went?) Anyway, the only reason why people may not have tripped on my lack of twist out is because I have a tiny curl pattern. But that doesn’t make my hair better or worse. It’s just my hair. So many people were upset about my cutting my locs. But I told myself, they’ll be alright. Won’t lose any sleep at night because of them. My best friend even gives her unwarranted opinion EVERY time I change my hair. But I just ignore her. If I told her today how much I would like her to let go of her relaxer, would she stop getting them? Nope. I can’t even get her to eat a vegetable. She is her own person, I am mine. Now we have ignorant natural hair bullies who want to FORCE a certain natural hair style on people? Doing the most. I also learned to stop jumping bandwagons, especially product bandwagons. Aubrey Organics sucked for my hair. That thick ish can’t be worked through tightly coily shrunken hair no matter what, at least not time. Giovanni shampoos stripped my hair. Shea butter made my hair feel yucky. Herbal Essences conditioners made my scalp itch. To each natural her own. I finally found what worked for me, after trial and error. I found what style I like best. Wash to the Go. I stopped caring so much what people think. I got over PJ’ism. Solange should just do her and move on. The only “critique” I have for her is for her to realize that opinions are like you know what, everyone has one. Many aren’t afraid to use it. If you are a spokesperson for a hair care line, be ready for the comments and listen to your Brother-in-Law and dust the shoulders off. If you like it, not everyone will love it. But that should not stop you from being yourself. She should focus more on the many naturals who show her much love and respect and affirm her style and overall presence. If she focuses on just the natural hair police, it makes us all look bad.
+1
well said! Also are we hair twins? Cause My hair react the same way to those products.
Perhaps we are:) Giovanni can strip the mess out your hair. Just because a shampoo is sulfate free doesn’t mean it won’t dry it out. Also, Herbal Essences and those dyes and fragrances, I think that’s what made my scalp itch like crazy. My only natural hair advice now is Trial and Error. That’s the only way.
“I can’t even get her to eat a vegetable.” that made me smile! 🙂
I get that she’s upset about the comments she’s been getting. I even agree that she should be able to wear and embrace her hair in any state she chooses. HOWEVER…you don’t want to talk about hair no mo? I’m a big supporter of Solange but i just can’t get behind this 100%. If she didn’t want to talk about hair, the good,the bad, and the ugly…maybe should not have partnered with Carol’s Daughter as the spokesperson for the natural initiative! Sorry, Solo, you can’t have your cake and eat it to which i’m sure Carol gave you PLENTY of cake to be apart of her new endeavour.
I think her little twitter response was petulant and immature. Folks really don’t need to respond to every idiot that posts some anonymous comment online with a twitter rant. By responding to that silliness she made herself look stupid. The problem with her rant is not responding to those who don’t like her hair. It’s that in doing so, she also belittled women who embrace their natural hair as something more meaningful than a style choice.
For some of us, natural hair is more than just a look. It’s an embracing of our complete selves. And that can be very powerful when you’re in a culture that has nothing but hostility for our black femininity. With her response to a few idiots, she took the attitude that natural hair as a personal journey is somehow stupid. And women who seek a community of support for that community are somehow stupid. Nobody elected her vice president of anything, and belittling people who may have sought inspiration in her choice to wear her hair natural is graceless and low class. Period.
She can hate twist outs if she likes, just as people hate her hairdos. But just because she doesn’t like a few ill-advised ignorant comments doesn’t mean she has to sh!t on the concept of a natural hair community.
In any case, we get the message Solange. We’ll not be inspired by you anymore. Sincerest apologies for considering you strong, classy and beautiful. Didn’t know that made you the vice president of the natural hair fan club – because that would be the worst thing in the world.
Stay classy, Solange!
I agree. She also didn’t even acknowledge those who always say how great she looks, how much they love her style, and her hair. But as soon as someone says something bad, THAT gets a twitter response. Plus, I was on her side almost until someone pointed out she is a spokesperson for Carol’s Daughter. So naturals and other women who purchase CD should look to your style when it comes to spending money on certain products, but NO ONE can ever critique your style? I am sure some of the comments were mean-spirited, but if you pick up one end of the stick (being a spokesperson for a hair care line) you pick up the other end (people having all types of things to say, good and bad, about your hair).
P.S. It is wrong for people to say what hair style you SHOULD wear, but just ignore the haters and do your own thing. I just wanted to say that because that is my overall opinion. I wrote a lot of other stuff. LOL
+ 1
All I’ve got to say is well said. This was exactly what I was thinking and some.
*sings that Taylor Swift song that I don’t know the name of but it has something to do with people being mean*
That is all.
I wonder what people really think of my hair. I have “wild” wiry strands that are never tamed. My hair looks similar to Solanges but a bit more stretched. I do the best that I can do with my hair. I don’t want to put a hot comb through it. I wish people would undertand that not all kinks and coils behave the same. My hair hates to be twisted, it begins to tangle and I lose hair.
i suggest you not concern yourself too much with what others think.
I’ve stated hear before that I don’t care much for those who want to police another persons natural hair. I have to say I can’t stand this generation I live in because people think that everything that comes out of their mouth is important and that we all need to listen to them.
I loved Solanges rant. I really don’t like people telling you what you should and shouldn’t be doing with YOUR hair. If it works for me and not for you fine. If it works for you and not for me fine. Its no big deal.
Some of these people need to find something to do to entertain themselves instead of sitting on the computer and telling people sh** we don’t want to hear.
These people (they know who they are because I’ve seen them on here) need to grow up and learn how to leave people alone.
Natural hair is the choice to do you!No one else should try change that.This isn’t about uniformity and everyone looking teh same as that would be scary! LOL
Natural hair is someone who is free from mainstream opinions and expectations and trying to care for their hair as it suits them.
I have worn my hair undefined as i was away from home and i loved it,however due to the dryness and knots issues i cannot do it ALL the time.I don’t likw twist out and prefer braid outs so i wear them as it keeps the dryness and knots to a minimum.
Thank you for posting this BGLH, that is my blog =)
I find it funny that in her rant she says she hates twist outs but in her interview she claims she does twist outs and loves the way it looks after sleeping on it for a few days. Whats the point of even doing them at all if you so called HATE them? That seems like an awful lot of time and work for someone who doesn’t like them. Lol the thought of me sleeping on my hair without a sleeping cap for 5 days makes me cringe, my hair would be so tangled, knotted and drier than it already is. I’d have to bring my hair scissors into the shower with me.
I don’t like the way fresh twist outs look on me, but I do them so that when I take the twists out the next morning, I can fluff my roots with my fingers. Doing that gives me a more textured ‘fro.
I understand that because fresh twist outs do not have as much body but to claim you hate them all together is weird to me. I think my twist outs look better the second day but I’m not going to rant about how much I hate it when I told people in an interview that I did it to my hair. She just seemed a little hypocritical and childish to me. Like I said, she can do her hair anyway she likes but don’t deny the fact that you are putting yourself out there as a natural hair icon when you are a spokesperson for Carols Daughter. Her rant was unnecessary, if I were Lisa Price I’d be a little upset that she’s saying she hair isn’t important and she doesn’t want to talk about her hair when she’s representing a brand.
The only reason Solange has been able to parlay her 15 minutes of fame into 30 more minutes, is because of her hair. It started when she appeared on Oprah after Chris Rock’s documentary “Good Hair” after cutting her hair off. SHE is the one who decided to appear before the public talking NOT about her music or fashion or parenting skills, but her newly shorn HEAD.
This TV appearance led to her getting MUCH publicity, solely based on her natural hairstyles, and subsequently led to her JOB as a HAIR SPOKESPERSON for Carol’s Daughter. Their latest campaign featuring her is pushing transitioning products, though her hair is completely natural.
If I were Carol’s Daughter, I would be quite concerned that her representing the company’s products for natural hair while stating “I don’t wanna talk about Hair no mo’ ” and “My hair is not very important to me.” That might very well be the case, but she should have the good sense not to say it while she is being paid to promote HAIR products. I don’t buy this company’s products, so makes me no never mind.
If she doesn’t want chat about her hair online, pick another line of work. Stick to pretend DJ’ing and let your HAIR gig go. Other Naturalistas such as Ledisi, Badu, and Esperanza Spaulding don’t have the public focusing on their hair because they promote their art as opposed to their looks. Does Solange have any artistic endeavors to promote?
+ 1,000
“I’m not a natural hair ambassador” BUT
I am getting paid hundreds of thousands as an ambassador /spokesperson for a natural hair brand.
“I’m not a natural hair ambassador” BUT
I do routinely grant interviews on natural hair blogs discussing my natural hair.
So basically “I’m not a natural hair ambassador” unless I’m getting paid or given compliments and being fawned over. The minute the lauding ends, it’s eff those nazis!!! Co-me-dy.
Is it difficult to understand that its just business for her and Carol’s Daughter? its a win/win for both of them. Whats wrong with that? why shouldn’t both of them prosper, if you are gullible enough to want to buy the products that define your curl, whilst they make money off you? Its business. Natural hair products are commodities, which Solange happens to represent. Who said you had to care about anything you represent if your making money from it? I say respect to her and Carls Daughter, if they can capitalise on a trend and peoples desire for curl definition!
Bwahahaha! +1 I thought it was strange that she would be representing an expensive natural hair line yet saying that hair is not important to her.
i don’t sleep with a satin cap either solange. lmao.
i’ve never regarded solange’s hair as “unkempt.” that’s funny.
i like her hair.
I always thought it was funny that people “define THEIR curls” with twistouts…umm news flash…THAT IS NOT YOUR CURL PATTERN. Secondly, I find it strange that in the natural world, many of us still will not wear our hair in its true, natural state. We will spend countless hours manipulating our pattern and stretching our hair. We are still blinded by the images of white beauty…soft curls and length over tight coils. SHM.
Very very true.
Food for thought (at least based on my personal experience): although we are “blinded by the images of white beauty” at times, how many white people are actually giving us negative comments about our hair compared to black people?
^^^^This!^^^^^ Co-sign. There is an assumption that white people are worrying about our hair. Anecdotally, I have been in predominantly white environments with natural hair for 6 years. I have been naturally for about 7 1/2 years (8 years in the fall). White people have not given me negative comments about my hair. If they were thinking it then that is something else and something I am not aware off. The negative comments have always come from Blacks, particularly Black women (natural and relaxed).
I also don’t think that stretching your hair or braiding/twisting it to stretch is being “blinded by the images of white beauty.” I have thick and long tightly coiled hair. Unless I want to rip out pieces of my hair trying to untangle the coils (which I have had to do on several occasions) because they get so intertwined it saves me time to stretch the hair a bit with braids or twist. I have no problem rocking my twist, braids, a puff, curly coils but for ease I tend to keep it somewhat stretched to avoid tangles. Not a quest for whiteness. When I first went natural this idea of defining your pattern and what not wasn’t on my radar and something I hadn’t even heard from because the natural community was small and from what experienced mainly locs. I just liked the way my hair looked when I took out the twist or braids so I rocked it. It wasn’t that serious. I liked the style (in the early years I called them crinkles because the word twistout or braidout were not words that I had heard of). I think some people are making this a bit more complicated than what it needs to be.
Even when our hair is long, stretched or manipulated it looks nothing like white hair and the texture is still there, thats the beauty of our hair, just my opinion.
So for all those who keep saying she needs to do a TWIST OUT….SHE HATES TWIST OUTS!!
But, its a shame she had to defend her hair, and folks wonder why so many woman hate all the drama associated with NATURAL HAIR!
Either you care what people think or you don’t. So, Which one is it?? She needs to grow-up and take the high road (if that’s what she’s really about). The whole Twitter-thing is so damn childish. These people act like they’re so ‘devil-may-care’ and their so cool — but they are so insecure and fake.
*they’re
It’s JUST hair…people need to calm the eff down and just let people do whatever they want with their hair. It’s really not that serious!
It’s hair people! Can people stop finding new ways to judge each other, please?!? It’s not enough to be natural anymore now that “Natural hair” has gone mainstream. Now you have to have a twist-out or some other acceptable form of hair manipulation to be an acceptable member of the natural hair community? Ridiculous!
Not everybody is trying to be an ambassador for natural hair. Some of us just want to have healthy, chemical free hair. That is all! Not everyone wants to part of a community. Some people are just individuals who want to do their own thing. Just let them. Is Solange’s kinks hurting anybody? Um, No!
As the natural hair community grows, the “Natural Hair Snobs” community grows.
+1000. It’s hard enough to have naturally curly/kinky hair in a largely Eurocentric society, but now we have to contend with inner-community division too. The fact that she’s a spokesperson for Carole’s Daughter IN NO WAY means that she has to justify how she chooses to wear her hair. The operative words here are “her hair”-it’s not ours. Sure she’s a celebrity, but she’s a grown woman, too, and can do what she wants. To each her own. SMH.
I understand where Solange is coming from. I occasionally wear my hair undefined, because i love the whole 70’s vibe of rocking an undefined afro look, but I can’t tell you the amount of hate I get when I do. The thing that amazes me most is that it is hate from my fellow black people, white people always love the look but many black people become openly hostile toward me.
I like Solange’s hair. I think it fits her style and personality. Why can’t folks just let folks be. Why has the wearing of natural hair become a religion to some people and they act like there are natural hair sins. I don’t like twist outs either. I mean, they are cool, I guess, just wasn’t my go to style when I was a loose natural. But it doesn’t change in the loc’d community either. Remember the sister loc vs.traditional loc debate?
she’s a spokesperson for a natural hair company and she’s a public figure. she’s going to get criticized. that’s what comes with being a celebrity AND being beyonce’s little sister. BUT, yes her hair looks a little dry, and if she likes it, then she likes it. there’s fault on both ends. don’t be a spokesperson to a specific category if you’re gonna bitch about getting comments. and as common folk, we shouldn’t criticize people cause it’s not our “norm” ps, i LOVE solo BUT what barbra said was kinda true…this whole “poseur hipster” thing is getting a little old. NEXT.
Well said
How does her hair look dry? That’s the way her hair looks!
Just because she’s a spokesperson doesn’t make her not have human emotions. No matter how famous you are, when someone’s all over your case over something like this, of course you’re going to get upset. Expecting her to just keep that to herself is unhealthy for her, and, quite frankly, unfair. Like, we can talk about her all we want, but she can’t defend herself?
Why is it that anytime AA do something it gets blown out of proportion it’s her hair she don’t owe anyone an explanation as to how she chose to wear it, it’s hair HER HAIR for goodness sakes that’s why we get some much negativity because nothing can never just be positive negativity always have to follow IJS!!!! Ridiculous
Good for Solange not caring what other people think! Twist outs are not for everyone and that’s ok. Rock your hair how you want to rock YOUR hair and don’t judge other people just because they don’t do it the way you want them to.
I can’t believe that she’s being critisized for not wearing her natural hair in certain ways.
The basis of natural hair is not using chemicals to straighten it, after that how a person styles it is up to them. It seems odd to me that her choosing not to stretch her hair would cause backlash. If we wear twist outs that’s not our regular texture either so who cares?
How is it not ok to choose to just wear your hair the way it is? Isn’t that “natural”?
OMG – we are (for the most part) from the AFRICAN diaspora. What’s wrong with an undefined curl? No matter how much I think we have truly embraced who we are, we are still trying to be something else by manipulating our curl pattern then when someone doesn’t it becomes something ugly, or unkept or whatever other negative statement they can come up with. It is what it is folks. An undefined afro. A healthy undefined afro. Moving right along. *goodness*
Great comment
I think Solange’s hair looks great. Her choices may not be for everyone, but she is a woman who does HER, and I admire that. Good for her for not buying into the whole my-look-defines-who-I-am crap. Too many black women, even naturalistas, are too hung up on hair texture…that whole “good hair” business, even those too smart to use those ignorant words…the whole point of making sure to define every curl/ringlet/coil is to show the world your “good” hair. Why NOT go for undefined curls? What better proof to show you’re NOT hung up on a texture that’s “good” or “better than”?
Rock on, Solange! Continue to do you!
I saw the interview on curlynikki.com the other day. Some women went in on her but there were also a bunch of positive comments too. At the end of the day it’s her hair but I don’t think the rant helps the situation.
Some of the comments on the CurlyNikki interview were plain mean spirited. I’m not surprised that she was upset, she may be in the public eye but she’s human too. I don’t think she owes anyone anything, she should do as she pleases.
people talk about me for not doing twist outs or blow out but it’s my hair and i really wish people weren’t so quick to toss out opinions. i’m never applying heat(never used heat when i had relaxed hair so why start now) and i think my hair looks fine without manipulating it.
She should be able to do her own thing. I think her hair looks great.
This is ridiculous!! One of the reasons I love Solange is because she does what she wants. I strive for that. One of the main reasons I went natural is because I was tired for spending all that time on my hair. I wear a short fro that sports my natural curl and am proud of my natural texture!! A twist out, would change the way it looks! People do need to mind their own business!
Loving Solanges state of mind! People should seriously embrace and focus on their on beauty! In that way people wont be so judgemental about someone elses hair, lips, butt, skincolor, style of fashion etc etc. NEVER MIND! BE YOUR OWN KIND!
LOVE
/Charity Odum
Editor in Chief
Versatility Beauty&Fashion
The only problem is that she is the “natural hair spokesperson” for Carol’s Daughter’s new Natural Hair website “Transitioning” She even has her own Natural Hair & Style blog on the site… if you don’t want to talk about hair anymore, perhaps you should stop promoting and being involved with products and companies whose sole purpose IS to talk about hair…
^ So true!
LOL. I was thinking”Isn’t she a spokeswoman for Carol’s Daughter? She should expect to be questioned, mentioned etc for hair very often!”
At the same time, if she wants to wear her hair undefined that is fine! I think she may just be frustrated this week (as she mentioned and so a little more sensitive than usual) and probably just “over” having to explain her choices of styles.
I am also a natural that doesn’t do twist-outs, stretching, defining curls etc except for maybe twice a year and I get people (mostly other naturals strange enough) asking ALL THE TIME why I don’t straighten it, stretch it, define it, etc and it does get old.
I didn’t know I was SUPPOSED to do my hair that way. :/ LOL
I feel the same way. & the problem I do have is that sometimes I think her hair does look a little dry and I’m the first one to admit the same about mine. Its different when you are a spokesperson for a natural hair care line and you have unlimited access to those products so people are going to hold you to a different account. Personally she isn’t my natural hair icon because she wears so many pieces and I don’t like the shape of her hair (it looks uneven). Do I reccommend her do a twist out? NO I can care less about her hair being defined but sometimes I wonder if she even uses the products outside of the CDs photoshoot. She can do her hair any damn way she’d like but don’t get mad when people don’t like it when you are getting paid to basically show off your natural hair. Just my opinion.
+1
I’m with you on this one! How are you a spokesperson for a natural hair company and have your own lil blog for people transitioning and you don’t want to be “team natural vice president”??
Being a spokesperson, gave you that title, whether you like it or not! so make up your mind, are you in or are you out?
On the other hand, I get you, you want to rock your hair however you feel like when you wake up in the morning…hunni I am with you on that one! I hate twist outs too..my hair is too thick and after 1 day, I can’t get it to look even close for the 2nd day..do you boo!!
The natural hair community needs to stop putting these titles on folks! Like for example “hair idol”<< yea..please do away with it because half these people just want to do their own thing and not worry about other people's head, nor do they care about what you think, and they sure not gonna give hair care tips. And in the same breath, if you don't want to be apart of the movement, don't pick up what you don't want or can't manage.
So because she doesn’t want to talk about hair , she shouldn’t be a spokesperson?? how ridiculous. Solange is a business woman, and for her, being a spokeswoman for Carols Daughter is business; is a simple as that. Its not a political or emotional statement – its business, and she is able to distinguish and detach herself from what is clearly a emotional issue for some. Hair is hair; nothing more nothing less, and she understands this. There is more to her life than hair. Its all about perspective. I know for sure, that there is no way I’m going to the lengths and obsession I see some women going to over there hair. Its small and boring – and by the way, I have natural hair!!!!
I probably should have read your comment before posting mine, but I completely agree with you. When people see you promoting something, their immediate reaction isn’t that you’re just collecting a check; its that you have a vested interest in the products that you advertise. Of course people will ask questions or make comments because she’s become the face of a hair line and a lot of people, especially with natural hair, just want to feel inclusive or related. That would be like Jennifer Hudson saying she didn’t want to talk about losing weight anymore or Michael Jordan saying he doesn’t care about Hanes Brand. If she doesn’t want to talk about it, don’t talk about it or even bother addressing it on Twitter.
Ummm.. I don’t like twist outs either. Its too much work. I like an undefined look with a few defined ringlets here and there; that’s because I have very fine 3c hair and wearing my hair partially defined gives me body. We can all learn from her comments though….someimes team natural has too many do’s and dont’s and it almost takes away from the freedom of it.
I absolutely agree with Solange. In every movement, there is a “mafia” or “police” group who feel that their stance is the right way, the only way. They are incorrect. There are many nuances of the natural hair movement that I don’t identify with: such as the consistent (and constant) non-acknowledgement of women with locs…I tend to think that is pretty natural yet time and time again… 90% of the coverage of natural hair is some “ideal” of curly afros etc. Natural Hair comes in all forms, shapes, sizes and colors, just like our bodies and personalities. Accept people for who they are, not how you want them to be.
I’m not always a fan of Solange’s style, but I do love the fact that she has the confidence to DO HER!!! And what’s up with this obsession with super defined curls??? Like T. Espi said, if you don’t like it when women with relaxed hair tells you what you “need” to do to your hair, don’t tell someone else what they need to do to theirs! If people spent more time and enery getting themselves better, they won’t have enough time to sit here and judge others! GO SOLANGE! YOU TELL’EM!
Amazing how quick people who pride themselves on breaking free from someone else’s conception of beauty are to impose their own conceptions on others. If you don’t want people insisting that your hair be dyed, fried and laid to the side, you have no business insisting someone wear a twist out. (FWIW, twist-outs are not at all worth it to me–I have a ton of hair that takes a full day to put in any protective style and I end up washing it out less than a week later.)
Totally agree with u!
Whoa. I liken this to the women who feel as if those of us with natural hair “need” a relaxer. So we’ve overcome the social pressures of “needing” straight hair but now that we’re natural we better “do something” to it? Really? IMO, Solo looks good because she owns her style and rocks it confidently. If more people were that confident they’d have less to say about her ,or anyone else for that matter.
For goodness sake! The whole point of being a liberated human being (surely the best way to be?) is to have the freedom to look the way you want to look. It’s got absolutely NOTHING to do with anyone else. She, Solange, is the only ‘keeper’ of her hair. Why should she be a mere poster girl for anybody? She is NOT her hair.
KX
Although I particularly don’t care for the way Solange wears her hair, I absoulutely agree with her. Some of us takes this natural hair thing waaayyy too far. I use to be one of those people but as I continued to open my mind on my natural hair journey, I realized that one wears their hair the way THEY see fit. For that matter there are people who probably don’t like the way that I wear my natural hair however I could care less!!! Big ups to Solange for setting the record straight!!!
It seems to Be the cool thing to call out “natural hair Nazis” (what a disgusting term by the way) it seems anytime a natural haired woman simply voices her opinion she is labeled a Nazi GMAFB. And this too cool for school boho poseur most certainly was not viewed as some sort of ambassador, certainly not by me so she can….
No disrespect Barbara, but opinions aren’t always right, especially when they aren’t asked for. People are entitled to their own opinion; they are not entitled for their opinions to be well received and agreed with.
“Natural Hair Nazis” isn’t a pretty term but neither are the actions of people trying to regulate what others do with their hair. (Solange used “Natural Hair Police” if that makes you feel better.) Its not ok to enforce some random standard of natural hair, like no mineral oil or straightening, or undefined styles, to name a few. Its their hair/ style/ life and they have to deal with it. It it doesn’t effect others around them, just let people be and stop judging.
It looks like only you used that ‘disgusting term’ here as far as I can see… Secondly, it’s obvious those critics didn’t simply ‘voice their opinions’. She was responding to the way people criticize how SHE chooses to wear HER hair and how they try to dictate how SHE should wear HER hair. Thirdly, did she do something to you? lol. No, she’s not your ambassador/role model, but she’s in the spotlight, has a fan base and so she must be someone’s natural hair model.
Anyway, I’m glad she spoke out about it. I really like her fashion sense.
I have to second Barbara. The term Natural Nazi is VILE. The last time I checked, women with Natural Hair weren’t rounding up women with relaxed hair and shoving them onto cattle cars, making them were yellow afro-picks, or burning them in ovens. You know, things that the REAL NAZIS DID.
If you don’t like someone else’s opinion of your hair, nod politely and walk away.Someone else’s description does not make you who you are.
If Solange didn’t like the comments she could have ignored them. And I say this as someone who likes Solange and her music, but lets be honest, the only reason most people know about her or care (besides from the fact that she’s Beyonce’s sister) is because she as seen via her own appearances on Oprah and her business relationship with Carole’s Daughter as repping Natural Hair. So professionally, her professing to “not care” is BS.
It’s attention getting, its all about attention.
However, neither Solange nor this article summarizing her tweets used the term “natural hair Nazi.” BGLH wrote “natural hair police” and used the term in quotation mark. It was Barbara who introduced the term when she made her remarks about the post.
This is just another example of why people need to mind their own d@mn business!! It makes me so sick when peopel try to define someone else’s natural. As Kevin Hart would say “Do you boo-boo!” She likes her hair and as far as I know she ain’t asked for nobody’s advice or opinion on her style. It is great that we are finally, and more abundantly, embracing out natural curls but some are just using it as another tool of division among us and we can blame noone but ourselves.
This^^^^ all day errday.
+1
Agreed. I don’t think we’re all fully embracing the diversity in natural hair yet. I think we just started to scratch the surface. I’m astonished at the diversity just in the Type 4 hair!
It’s great that there are more naturals out there and that we have a community that wants to help and support others, but we have to be careful not to pigeon hole every natural in one category and end up where we started. There is still so much to discover!
+1
+1 all the way !
I totally agree the versatlity is amazing! :)It really is ok to not know it all and hence we have the mystery of natural hair. 🙂
We have to remember that a names are powerful and when people name something they have power over it.So why have do people name our hair?I believe the Andre Walker System has opened a can of worms and i personally do not want anything to do with it.
Defined hair or coils and curls seems to be the new good hair. I tend to get complements when I do a twistout or braidout but if one day I decide to rock a fro those same people who complemented are asking me if I’m having a bad hair day. LOL It looks like natural hair is only acceptable in some formats. Granted that each person has their own personal preference but when everybody or the vast majority have the same preference, then it looks like some brain washing has been happening. As for Solange, as the other ladies have been saying she can’t just dismiss the conversations about her natural hair if she is the spokesperson for Carol’s Daughter she’s paid to publicise natural hair it’s inevitable that hers will also come up as a topic of discussion LOL
Andre’s system did not open anything, we have always been obsessed with ‘good hair’, if it wasn’t called type 3, they would just go back to the old good and bad hair system.
The real culprit here is not Andre Walker, but the black community who in one breath says black and proud, but with the other says that some people shouldn’t go natural….hint, us happy to be nappy, k is for kinky, type 4 heads. All black women are beautiful and until we say AND believe it, we will always be divided.