Relaxed or natural, I think every brown girl can relate to those annoying unsolicited hair questions or comments about our hair or its state. Here are a few of the ones I’ve gotten and despised the most:
1. What Nationality Are You?
It’s really sad that people equate your grade of hair to your nationality. It’s a common stereotype that all curly haired brown girls are biracial because it’s inconceivable to have fab curls while being 100% African American. I’ve even gotten the question when I wear my curly crochet, and it still annoyed me.
2. Why Do You Change Your Hair So Much?
Because I can. My hair is an expression of me and I enjoy embracing the versatility of it, and different textures.
3. Can I Touch It?
As if my hair is an exhibit. I don’t even like my own mother to touch my hair half the time, so I definitely don’t feel comfortable with strangers touching it.
4. How Long Did That Style Take?
I will never forget when I was sitting in class with freshly laid box braids and my professor stopped class to chat about my hair. She asked how long did the style take, as if my hair was apart of they syllabus.
5.What Did You Put On Your Hair to Get it to Curl Like That?
Yes, I use products to enhance my natural curl pattern, but the keywords there are natural curl pattern. No amount of product is going to change to way your hair naturally curls. I’m sometimes hesitant to even answer that question at all.
6. Why Don’t You Wear Your Natural Hair?
During the time I was on a protective style challenge, I always got asked why I didn’t wear my own hair, even after I had already stated why I was protective styling.
What are some questions and comments that you hate?
I hate hearing of wow you have so much hair!! Or why don’t you perm your hair??
I don’t mind talking about natural hair. I don’t talk much but natural hair is something I can be long winded about. I actually enjoy educating people who are genuinely curious. I enjoy dispelling the stereotypes and providing information to those who really do want to learn. And that actually goes for many aspects of Black American life, not just hair.
“Is it all yours?” I hate that!
Im black and No is how I would answer all of those questions… lol