Embracing the Natural Beauty of Afro Hair
Recently, I came across a thought-provoking discussion on the natural beauty of Afro hair. A passionate young man was encouraging black women to reclaim their power by embracing their natural crowns, letting go of European wigs, sew-ins, and processed hair, and thriving in our authentic state.
I truly understand and respect his perspective on black women's hair, It's essential to celebrate and appreciate our natural beauty. However, I can't help but share my own view on the matter. Personally, I feel confident and beautiful with my hair the way it is, and I don't believe it detracts from my natural beauty or enhances it in any way.
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Written by: Marina Townsend
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When I was 16, I decided to relax my hair, driven mainly by the desire for a certain look and hair that conformed to gravity like the girls I saw at school. Sixteen years later, I decided to go "natural," still the same person, but with hair that required more styling and maintenance than anything else I had ever experienced. As someone who values efficiency, I prefer my hair and makeup routine to be quick, no longer than 20-30 minutes combined. I tend to opt for an updo, as having my hair down results in unruly strands everywhere, and I prefer a sleeker appearance.
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Despite this, when I see my fellow queens proudly rocking their Afro crowns, I am in awe. Our hair is truly extraordinary; it defies gravity and can be transformed into countless creative expressions at our request. It is a work of art in itself.
Choice is something I wholeheartedly advocate for, especially when it comes to black women and their preferred hairstyles. Whether it's a European bundle that touches their knees or a natural Afro crown, what matters is that each individual sees herself as beautifully made, regardless of the choice she makes.
To the men out there, it's absolutely fine if you prefer women who proudly display their natural Afro crowns. Let's celebrate our blackness without judgment and encourage unity rather than division.
To my fellow women, you look stunning with your Afro crown, and I feel just as beautiful with my relaxed and straightened hair. In a world that sometimes undermines our worth, let's lift each other up and embrace our individual choices, supporting one another in our journey to self-love and self-expression.
Ultimately, the key is to empower and celebrate one another without insinuating that any particular choice is superior or inferior. Our beauty lies in our diversity, and together, we can redefine the standards of beauty and create a more inclusive world where everyone feels seen, appreciated, and loved for who they are.
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