Reasons Why Black women should keep their natural hair texture.

           A little over a year ago I cut off all of my long relaxed hair and decided to go natural. It was a journey of high's and low's. I have no issues with weaves, wigs, extentions for a time. What I do have an issue with is girls depending on these artificial "attatchments" to raise their self esteem.  I can remember feeling uncomfortable with myself, or the feeling of nakedness without my extentions. Why as black women are we bred to hate our natural hair?

In the black community, womens hair is of major importance. Black women have what is called "type four hair", which means extremely curly or coily Type four hair contains less cuticles than other types of hair. Therefore, it does not produce its own moisture. 

There are many ways to style Afro-textured hair; there are hightops, cornrows, braids, dreadlocks, afro's and many others. Although multiple hairstyles exist for our hair type, black women often tend to wear their hair in hair extensions, wigs, and most popular hair relaxers. Black women spend a ridiculous amount of money annually on hair products. 

I believe black hair is very unique and beautiful and should be kept in its natural form. For the following reasons.

The chemical sodium hydroxide, changes the structure of the hair by breaking down the cortical layer. The process produces the desired effect of straight hair. This irreversible act leaves hair weak and extremely susceptible to breaking and further damage. Test shows that sodium hydroxide is so strong that it can tear through a soda can. Relaxer can never benefit your hair health because it causes hair breakage, hair thinning, lack of hair growth, scalp irritation, scalp damage, and loss of hair. Young girls using hair relaxer can cause damage. Since their hair cuticles are so young, the damage can be permanent. These little girls would also not be able to appreciate their natural hair its original state. Girls should be able to choose if they want their hair relaxed or not at a mature age. 

In addition to relaxing their hair, black women wear wigs and hair extensions. They wear fake hair for multiple reasons; the slow growth process done by relaxer, and to fit the western world hairstyles. Most of the human hair come from Indian women. These Indian women scalp there heads bald as a sacrifice offering. The hair is later brought to Hollywood, California to be sold. Also usage of a wig could make it easy to neglect your hair underneath which can result in breakage.

Black women are scrutinized for wearing there hair natural. Moreover it comes from the media. The media has portrayed an unhealthy image on young black girls and black women. The media image of beauty has become one dimensional. Since a little black girl would not see someone that looks like her representing beauty it can result in many self-image disorders. An example, a reporter had been suspended from her KGO-TV job for wearing cornrows with beads. KGO-TV called her hairstyle choice "inappropriate and distracting". The media is telling the world what is beautiful, what is attractive and what is not. I believe black women should not give into the medias outlook on beauty. They should keep the integrity of their hair and not change it for anyone.But wear hairstyles that make them happy.

Given these facts, it's best for women with Afro-textured hair to keep it natural. It might be difficult to handle, it might not be as long as desired, or not what everyone sees as good hair. And if you do choose to wear weaves, wigs or extensions, do it for yourself. Not to fit into the western world. Overall, beauty starts within.