Let's be clear: black people's hair is different from anyone else's, and it's not wrong to ask about what you don't know. I literally have had one of my friends run his fingers thoroughly through my hair, and it was one of the cutest things ever. Hair is indeed a fascinating topic, and it's time that we had "the talk." Here are some tidbits that might answer the questions you may have about black girls' hair.
1. Oil Sheen is not Cooking Oil.
Seriously, READ THE LABEL! The sheen is not for your meat and leafy greens.
2. It's okay to ask, "Can I touch your hair?"
If a black girl lets you touch her hair, then you are very special to her.
3. Our hair lives on versatility.
Whether it’s silky, straight and draping or kinky, nappy and wild, or something in between, our hair has the ability to shape shift like nobody else’s.
4. "I can't. I'm getting my hair done."
Couldn't have said it better myself. I always keep my phone charged and a set of earbuds for when I'm waiting to get in the chair and under the dryer. If you have a black girlfriend, you will soon learn and appreciate the effort that goes in every two weeks.
5. This is why we don't swim.
It's not that all of us can't swim, we just don't. So unless you've got $50 to cover my next hair appointment, don't you push me in the water.
6. Gotta wrap it up!
Whether it's going to bed, the beach or out on the town and it starts to rain... the hair must be secured.
7. Natural Hair vs. Relaxed Hair
Both have their pros and cons, but one can handle water better than the other while the other can switch from straight to curly easier.
8. Natural Hair does not mean that it's short.
Honey, we can maintain mermaid status. The proof is in the product.
9. Short hair is gorgeous too though, when styled.
Our hair does grow when we take care of it. Having it short is a choice.
10. Say it with me. WEAVE.
Some of you may call these "extensions". There is only two ways to have this, glued on or sewed in. If you can't notice the tracks, props to the hairdresser.
11. The real deal is not sold at Walmart.
If you ever want to surprise your sweet black friend with some hair, ask her where and what type. I cannot stress that enough. Speaking of which, Yaki 1B for me but no longer than probably 14 inches or so.
12. Looking great does not come cheap.
Do you know how much weave and hair products cost now? After the ritual of Salon Day, I'm surprised my back account can survive a Cook Out run.
13. Braids are a lifestyle choice.
Braids are a way to prevent breakage on our hair while replenishing the oils to our scalp. It's low maintenance, super cute and helps the hair grow at the same time.
14. We don't wash our hair every day.
Our scalp thrives on oils--it's what keeps our edges tamed. Washing it all of the time would make it flaky. If it gets to dry, then that will cause breakage and it's not the way to go.
15. We probably have more combs than boyfriends.
That's actually not an exaggeration.
16. Seriously, ask before you touch!
We all seriously have a small circle of people who can but you never touch it when we just got it done.
17. The same goes for the bonnet/scarf.
The silk head wrap is an essential accessory to lock in the quality of our hair. it is a process just to wrap it up for bed. Don't ruin all of that hard work.
18. No, we cannot use the majority of your grooming products.
Well, we can but just sparingly. Too much and... well, you get the picture. But we love coconut oil.
19. For some, you might never how our actual hair looks, but trust that hair is there.
And that's okay! Sometimes the magic is within the mystery. But trust me, if we were bald, we would work that look too.
20. Don't hesitate to ask if you are confused.
It's totally normal to be curious about how all of this happens. You're never going to know if you don't ask somebody. That's no different because we have questions about your hair too.
So no, I can't go to the beach like some of my friends and not worry about it getting wet. My hair is one of the few things that is fascinating about me and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Hope that I helped educate you a little more.
