"Oh my, you have such fluffy hair! Can I touch it?"
"Why is it so curly? Can I touch it?"
"I know how you guys get when people touch your hair. Can I touch it? See, I'm asking for permission!"
These are only some of the statements I've received since I've gone natural. This usually goes with the question, "Can I touch it?" My usual answer for this question is "No." The simple explanation for my simple answer is because I'm not a dog, cat or even a ferret. So, why is it necessary to pet my hair as if I was one?
I completely understand that some people grew up in neighborhoods where there wasn't much diversity, so it's human curiosity to learn about natural hair. The problem starts when people think that by invading someone's personal space it helps them gain knowledge instead of just asking simple questions. Understanding curly natural hair doesn't start off with grabbing it and petting it — it starts with possibly a compliment and a question such as "Is that your natural hair texture or a style you've done? It looks beautiful." How easy was that?
From my personal experience, going to SUNY Fredonia where most of the students come from areas where there wasn't much diversity, it becomes a culture shock. Out of the sea of straight hair and you see a huge afro, it's out of what is the norm of what they're used to.
To learn that this is my crown that was put to shame for a long time because of its uniqueness — it's a sense of pride when I'm able to walk out with my hair wild radiating confidence. When someone comes up to me to destroy the style I've created and to pick at it, it destroys that pride and confidence I've created when it comes to my hair.
Natural hair is personal thing for most people who've gone through the process. It's just up to you as an observer to respect that and not touch. So, when you see T-shirts, earrings or hats saying, "No, you can't touch my hair." Take it seriously and not as a trend that will be gone in a few months. It's demanding simple respect from everyone around us.
Treat natural hair as if you were at the museum observing art.
Why?
Simply because natural hair is art.
