Natural hair is picking up momentum in the news, on the runway, and in communities nationwide. The Huffington Post, MSNBC, New York Times, Essence, and BET have posted articles and held round table discussions on natural hair and its impact on black women in the U.S. Natural hair care brands and products are launching in droves as natural hair gains popularity. Miss Jessie's, Jane Carter Solution, Shea Moisture, and Uncle Funky's Daughter are just a few power brands in the spotlight. Natural hair enthusiasts are popping up all over social media networks such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter capturing and sharing their experiences with natural hair. Some call it a journey; others say it's a revolution or a movement. Yet, others treat it as a trend or fad that's bound to pass as do the seasons.
Some argue that this natural hair thing is deserving only of those who are 100% natural with no alteration of the hairs natural texture. No chemicals, heat, straightening, or dying of the tresses. Taking it a step further they also include twist-outs or braid-outs that alter the hairs natural kink and curl as unnatural. To further divide natural from unnatural, the thought that light skinned or mixed race naturals were not truly experiencing a natural hair journey because they have good hair circulated. The idea of transitioning to natural hair is so complex yet so simple. It is an act of self-discovery that brushes lightly and sometimes pushes aggressively against the many ideologies imposed by others.
Logically speaking, the evolution of natural hair is a combination of all of these things but begins with self-discovery. More likely than not, the transitioner has never seen, felt, understood or embraced their natural hair. They are discovering their kinks and curls for the first time. Many tell stories of getting relaxers since childhood with no opportunity to know their hair on an intimate level given. They've masked their natural hair with weaves and chemicals with no question as to why there was ever a need. Possibly not even a second thought as to how history plays a part. They have no knowledge of how to care for the hair that naturally grows out of their heads other than relaxing or straightening it. It's a sad result of social conditioning.
Being on a journey describes an experience that moves through many phases of physical and mental transformation. Each journey is unique and can climb emotional mountains. The natural hair journey is the transition from relaxed to natural hair but also a journey from dependence on chemicals to tame kinky hair to embracing kinky hair for all that it is as well as transitioning from a mental state of social acceptance to a state of self-acceptance. The journey begins with a single thought and/or desire and never ends until the goal is achieved.
A revolution is defined as a fundamental change in power or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time. The definition further states that the result of a revolution includes many changes in culture, economy, and socio-political institutions. A revolution transforms an entire society. Natural hair has evolved into something bigger than mere self-discovery. It is the discovery of history and generations lost. It is culturally, economically, and socially changing. The way society views natural hair is changing as more people make the transition and give up trying to fit into a society that is known for driving beauty standards that does not recognize kinky hair as beautiful. Natural hair, a heightened knowledge of ingredients and product formulations, in addition to a desire for a healthier lifestyle and culture has impacted our economy and how we spend money on hair care products changing the landscape of the black hair care industry forever.
Social movements are a type of group action that carry out, resist, or undo social change. They are described as large informal groups of individuals or organizations, which focus on specific political or social issues. Natural hair is spreading throughout communities and advocates are encouraging and educating others to follow. The natural hair community as many call it is changing the way society views natural hair and most importantly the way the individual views him or herself.
Fashion shows, headlines, and celebrities often dictate fashion and beauty trends of the season. Most trends, which are merely current styles, come and go while others such as denim, lace, faux eyelashes, and mascara become staples and remain bookmarked in the pages of history. Headlines have captured the story of natural hair as a new awakening and black models with natural hair has become a trend on the runway. They're ditching the weaves and opting for natural beauty. Celebrities like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill and most recently Kim Coles and Solange Knowles have been rocking their natural hair for quite some time now. With natural hair being viewed as a current style it could be considered a trend, but some may argue that something so personal and real couldn't possibly be a passing trend. It is a permanent alteration of the way black women view themselves and their hair. It is a socio and economical shift of power. That power lies in the ability to begin with self-discovery and end with self-acceptance.
Whether you view natural hair as "just hair", a trend, a personal statement, self-acceptance, a movement, or a revolution, natural hair is taking a stance.
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