Yup, I’m going there. I’m taking about some of the stupidest, silliest, and downright insulting assumptions that are made about natural haired women. We all get them from time to time and what makes it so shamefully sad is that many of these assumptions or stereotypes come from other women, co workers friends and even family members.
There are countless things to say about natural haired women that are positive, polite and perfectly right but if you’ve been natural for a while those comments are not as prevalent as the ones we’ll be discussing. Without further ado here are my top 10 stereotypes that naturalistas have to deal with daily:
Naturals are political rebels
Seriously? We are not all waiting on the revolution to bum rush some white folks and reclaim our freedom? I’m not even feeling this one. Don’t get me wrong, some of us are lost in the struggle against equality as we wear blinders and pretend racism doesn’t exist but to assume if I choose to wear Locs or a fro that I”m down for the cause (whatever that may be) is just silly.
All Naturals are Vegan or Vegetarian
OK, I am a meat loving fiend and me and the pig go way back so if you think I’m giving up ham, bacon or a good juicy burger for some tofu there will be an actual revolution.
How does natural hair automatically indicate that a person is vegan? I’m not even a vegetarian and eat meat with almost every meal and before you judge me remember, I am willing to fight over my right to eat meat, and dairy products.
Natural are tree-hugging fanatics
Lawd, someone stop the madness. I love nature as much as the next person but I am not trying to save the entire planet by myself by swearing off electricity or being one with nature. I hate camping and the thought of sleeping on the ground or even a tent will make me break out in hives.
I don’t even like squirrels! Don’t assume we all belong to PETA and will throw paint on your fur and actually, if I could afford real fur I would be sporting it myself. Again don’t judge me, just keeping it all the way real.
They make all of their own products
I get it, many of us can whip up something for our tresses but that is not the majority. It is kinda obvious that we all do not mix stuff because the beauty and hair isle is FILLED with natural hair products and someone must be buying them.
Not everyone is a mixtress or a DIY’er and wants to deal with creating a deep treatment mask with every item in the kitchen. Product junkism is real ya’ll and some of us are in serious need of some rehab, we definitely are not all up in our kitchens like mad natural hair scientists.
They think natural hair (especially locs) is dirty
This is one that needs to die quickly. I am so tired of people thinking natural hair is dirty or never gets wet. Excuse me? I wet my hair daily and I know many others that do as well, so can we stop this negativity that is swirling around locs and them being dirty?
I have a family member who has to say something negative about a friend of mine every chance they get with the “She could finally find a man if she gets them dirty things out of her hair”. Girl, bye!
Ashley says
I’m transitioning to natural hair and my mom say some of the most rude and nastiest comments I’ve ever heard about natural hair. Her favorite thing to say is “natural hair looks nasty”. She has nothing positive to say about natural hair.
BiscuitBunny says
I know its hard but, try to ignore her. My Mom is currently of the opinon that my natural hair woudn’t give the right impression at my new internship. She was fine with it whilst is was in college, but even then she always had something to say. I’m going to assume you’re an adult, but even if you aren’t, parents need to know that kids have their own brains, and think their own thoughts. And ultimately, make their own decisions.
Ashley says
Thanks for the kind words. I just let her have her own negative opinion because it doesn’t me.
The Furious Nubian says
Ashley, stick by your conviction, my dear Sister-Queen. Its your life, your hair; not your mother’s. If she truly loves you unconditionally (as any mother should love her daughter) she’ll come around once she sees you are committed to this. If she never does…well, you can’t limit or confine yourself to do what is considered “acceptable” simply to make someone else happy. Betrayal of self is still a betrayal. Good luck with your life’s journey and stay true, Ashley.
PS: As a parting thought- Have you ever asked your mother why natural hair is so nasty? Also please make her aware that every time she calls your hair nasty she is really calling you that. What is so wrong with looking exactly like GOD made us? Is your mother saying the Almighty made a mistake when our hair was created? It may be time for your mother to update her consciousness and you could be just the catalyst to bring that change about. Stay Strong, Ashley.
Vurtricia Brooks says
Well actually, from those who have not heard of the natural hair movement. Ues they exist. LOL. I still get “ooh how long did it take to put that in or I have a friend that does extensions or how long do you leave it in. Really, these sisterlocs are all mine. Homegrown all natural organic and GMO free.
Neo says
Yeah, my white friends’ assume I have weave, like every black person in the world(sarcasm) 🙁
Tara says
I have two questions that I get on the reg.-
#1 – oh you must not comb your hair. I have gotten this question from black and white people.
#2 – are you or will you or why don’t you straighten your hair?
Ugggg – so tired! : )
Gillian says
I laughed as I went through this list. I have to say that I experienced a lot of these stereotypes when I went natural well over a decade ago. I remember getting: “Will you read some of your poetry at our spoken word event?” Me: Ummm, I don’t write poetry. Him: Come on natural sista, share your knowledge. Me: I don’t have anything to share. Him: Come on now, you gotta have something! Even a Bible vese!…..
I think the one that still persists is “Natural hair is hard work.” It can be if you make it, but it doesn’t have to be.
Neo says
Lol! My uncle wants me to straighten my hair but he is insane. Every salon I go to is in love with the softness and length of my hair and I’m not giving it up for no one. Natural hair. I can say I’m eccentric but in the fashion/artsy/music(songs similar to Hey there Delilah and converse as wedding shoes) world not the poem type way although I love depressing poems. I was thinking about being a vegan but only because meat does not taste ALL THAT good to me. I’m a carb girl.
Obese Traveler says
I had to smile about the comment of is being hair addicts because I am. I am the first to admit that I am a bonafide product junkie for my natural hair and this site feeds my habit lololol. Yesterday, after reading the article on the best conditioners, I went to Walmart and stocked up on Imfusion and Neutrogena. Yep, one of the myths is absolutely true in my case lololol. Y’all pray for me.
Chantal McKelton says
Oh, I’ve had to deal with stereotypes from the sublime to the ridiculous. Because of my natural hair, people have asked me if I am Muslim (it was wrapped that day), Rasta (my twists were looking like locs, I guess), and gay (because “all Black lesbians wear their hair natural, short, or locked” Really?)
Katrina Alix says
I’m so glad I haven’t had to endure that. I love my natural hair texture.
Katrina Alix says
That is the wrong pic sorry