On two sites, one called Afro Spear and the other called bright lights date city, talked about the topic if black men were attracted to natural or straight hair. In the first article I read on Afro Spear a black female blogger made a comment on how males notice her more when her hair is straighten than when it was natural. Men felt like when her hair was natural she came off as not down to earth and grandmotherly. As soon as she straighten her hair though, comments were made and men were attracted to her more. The female commenter basically compromised who she was just so she could get male attention. The other article I found on a blog called bright lights date city which brought up the discussion real vs. fake and natural vs. relaxed hair. In this article the female author talked about her story and experience with relationships and her hair, and she found the same results as the other article, that men were attracted to longer straighten real hair. This article went into depth of how men are basically confused and unsure of what they want and how often they contradict themselves in wanting something that is different from what they respond to.
I found that both articles address very good points. In the first, in regards to hair, you should never compromise because if the man cannot accept your hair for what it is then he obviously is not meant for you. It is sad that even though she looked the same in the face, the fact that her hair was not straighten made her less appealing. Being in relationship you should not compromise who you are and your hair is included. I love what the author of the article said which was, “I think afro hair is beautiful because to me, it is blackness personified before manipulation”. This meaning, we are our hair. Our hair is what makes us who me are as an African race and we should be proud and appreciate that. I liked the other article for the simple fact that it calls men out on how they contradict themselves on what they want and what they react to. This article helps explain some of men’s obsession with hair. The author talks about how men like the fact that you are fully black with long hair but at the same time want it to be yours. She says, “Men always preach about how they hate fake hair, and they’re tired of women with wigs and weaves, but contradict themselves because ultimately that’s what they respond to”. Men say they like real hair but, is natural hair not real? If as a society, natural hair can gain popularity then men’s perceptions and views on hair may change as well.
When I was younger, I did notice that young men noticed me more with straight hair. However, the older I get the more compliments I get for having locs. I can completely relate to those two women
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your blog! Being at Howard has taught me it's okay to go natural and i feel as though that's when one's true beauty comes out. After cutting my hair last year, i knew it was the right choice. At first i was a bit apprehensive due to the idea of being bald was a bit scary. Luckily I ended up loving it and so did my friends, family, and boyfriend. I feel as though it is your own choice whether or you decide to go natural and men should realize a woman's hair does not define her beauty. I have started to notice more men come out and say they prefer a woman with no weave or fake hair just by being at Howard, which is one step closer int he right direction.
ReplyDeleteI also REALLY like your blog. This blog really sparked something for me because I can remember growing up and being ashamed that my hair was natural. In middle and high school when you are trying to get the attntion of boys, I can remember feeling as though I wasn't as attractive to guys because my hair was kinky while my friends had straight hair and received a lot of attention. I totally agree a male should not use hair as a way to decide whether a female is attractive. If anything he should find the confidence that a female has about her hair attractive. Coming to Howard and seeing this wave of embracing your natural hair has inspired me to go natural again! I am loving all the afros, dreads, etc. Basically, I Am Not My Hair!
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