9 Things You Should NOT Ask a Black Woman about her hair
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

9 Things You Should NOT Ask a Black Woman about her hair

or even someone with afro hair

728
black hair

Black hair has become viral in the past two years. Some people are finally paying attention to it but they still lack the knowledge and simple respect towards the subject.

Many of them don't understand what the big deal is. I'll tell you.

When I was growing up my, hair was always a big insecurity. It was bigger, thicker, and in some eyes, messier. I braided it, straightened it and pulled it into ponytails to keep it tame because growing up no one looked like me.

To this day, people with naturally thin hair still treat me like this foreign exhibit of knots and curls. Honestly, if you really have questions the information is accessible on the internet like anything else.

You can even simply ASK genuine questions to get real information. Yet, if you want real information, these are the questions you SHOULD NOT ask.

1. Is it real?

Today, we are all aware of extensions, weaves, and wigs that many women, not just black women put on their head. But when asking this question, you're not looking to validate that. First, it's impolite and secondly, it's none of your business.

2. How did you get your hair like that?

Sometimes, this can be a genuine question that flatters you at first and then offends you. Black natural has various textures that do not resemble the same as any other hair type. My hair naturally curls, bends, smoothens etc. I don't want to give you a tutorial on black hair so, do your research.

3. Can I touch your hair?

Most people don't want to be a petting zoo. Personally, I don't even like my siblings or relatives touching me. So, what convinces you that I'll allow a stranger to do it?

4. How do you brush your hair?

Believe it or not, I can brush my hair in order to style it.

5. It’s so pretty! Are you mixed/biracial?

As I said before black hair has many different natural textures. So, just because someone has softer and longer curls or hair does not mean they are mixed race. Many black women have great hair even if you are not used to seeing it.

6. Why don’t you straighten your hair?

That's like saying, let me introduce you to heat damage. Our hair does not thrive with heat and neither does any other hair.

7. How do you get your hair straight?

Straightening our hair is simple; we use a straightener. But it's not always easy for us because it's a much longer process.

8. Do you wash your hair?

Washing my hair is as natural as anything else. My hair actually needs to be washed and cleaned just as any other part of my body.

9. Why do you wear scarves/head wraps/bonnets?

Fun fact, before head wraps and scarves, became a fashion trend, they derived from colonialism and slavery. Scarfs and head wraps are a part of a culture. We use them to protect our hair or maintain hairstyles. Today, we use them for similar purposes but also, as fashion statements or sometimes even to hide when your hair is a mess.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

100019
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments