Rihanna recently discussed her decision to embrace natural hair with the launch of her Fenty Hair. In a conversation with 'Extra's' correspondent Terri Seymour, she emphasized that her hair has always been an avenue for self-expression, a sentiment many African American women can relate to. She elaborated that hair is not just about style; it's a crucial part of our identity, influencing our mood and self-esteem. She also mentioned that if your hair is well-groomed, it can enhance your overall appearance and complement your wardrobe.
I firmly hold that a woman's attire is incomplete without her hair being well-groomed. Regardless of the style she chooses, it reflects her identity, particularly for women of color.
Many people, including black women, believe we wear extensions because we're dissatisfied with our natural hair. Some even suggest it's due to having "bad hair." But what defines "bad hair," or "good hair" for that matter? Echoing Chris Rock's sentiment in his 2009 documentary "Good Hair," beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder (as stated on The Oprah Winfrey Show, September 2009). If you're happy with your hair and your style, that's all that matters. Embrace your hair in ways that truly reflect your identity, be it long or short, straight or curly, natural or treated, extensions like clip-ins or braids, caps or weaves. Just own it!
After all, when it comes to our hair we take it seriously. Women, specifically black women, have contributed immensely to the almost $3. billion dollar USD hair business. We invest a great deal of time getting our hair just right. We love fashion, and our hair stands out in the world of fashion. It is an accessory that we often change. If we use extensions, we can put them on or take them off. We can rock a hairstyle for a week or a day, or even a few hours or minutes.
Our hair often serves as a medium to express our feelings, and as our emotions fluctuate, so can our hair's texture with extensions, even altering our charisma. Many women embody an alter-ego depending on their chosen hairstyle. Beyoncé transforms into Sasha Fierce when she steps on stage. Diana Prince becomes Wonder Woman when justice calls. Thus, a simple change in hairstyle can empower us to feel ready to conquer the world.
Unfortunately, though, we are sometimes judged or laughed at and even rejected because of our hair. Be it known that our hair does not establish what some choose to see on the surface. We are much deeper than what makes us physically beautiful. Singer and songwriter India Arie asks a few awe-inspiring questions in her Grammy nominated single “I Am Not My Hair” (Arie, 2005, track 11) India.Arie - I Am Not My Hair (Official Music Video) ft. Akon (youtube.com) .
“Does the way I wear my hair make me a better person?”
“Does the way I wear my hair make me a better friend?”
“Does the way I wear my hair determine my integrity?”
She makes it clear that it is just our way of expressing our creativity. It symbolizes a beauty deep within, a pride that we hold on to that boasts of our individuality.
Another singer/song writer makes several sagacious statements on what a black woman’s hair means to her in a song entitled “Don’t Touch My Hair” (Knowles, 2016, track 9). She is Solange Knowles. Although Solange rocks her hair natural, I think her message still speaks for all women who possess a dark shade of melanin. Her message is remarkably powerful. She admonishes:
“Don’t touch my hair when it’s the feelings I wear.”
“Don’t touch my soul when it’s the rhythm I know.”
“Don’t touch my crown...”
As black women, we simply say, “Don’t Go There!”. The celebration of Black women's hair is as diverse and intricate as the hair itself. This narrative is woven with personal stories of resilience, self-discovery, and defiance against societal beauty standards. Each natural curl and protective style represents a reclamation of identity and a stand against years of oppression. As more women proudly display the natural beauty of their hair, the narrative shifts from one of shame to one of empowerment. The true beauty of Black women's hair lies not only in its appearance but also in its profound cultural significance and the personal stories it carries, symbolizing strength, heritage, and an ongoing journey towards self-love and acceptance.