Does Natural Hair Make You More Black?

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Marcus Woods

Marcus is a self-employed personal trainer and writer. Most importantly, he is a black man that cares deeply about his community. In this blog, he will discuss various topics regarding the natural hair movement and why he feels it is essential for the black community.

Latest posts by Marcus Woods (see all)

Why Natural Hair Should Be Acceptable In Every Setting - August 8, 2017
Why Did Black Women Start Perming Their Hair In The First Place - July 25, 2017
Why It’s Wrong to Call Your Hair Nappy - June 24, 2017

Image from of everydayfeminism.com. Copyrights to the owner

I woke up this morning, made my coffee and begin handling my business. As I was handling business, out of nowhere, a thought crept in my mind, “Does natural hair make you more black?” It’s an interesting question that really has no definitive answer.

For the past several years, most black women are kicking the perm kit to the curb and going back to natural hair. This natural hair movement (or revolution) is making waves not only in the U.S., but globally.

Personally, it is a movement that I adore! It is a movement that is galvanizing black women to be proud of their natural hair texture. I love it, love it, love it!

Being natural means that you are more black or down with the cause of empowering our community, right? Well…. not exactly. You see Ms., being natural is great (and very attractive to brothas such as myself) because you’re embracing your heritage and how you were created. However, rocking an Afrocentric hairstyle doesn’t mean that you’re down with the Afrocentric cause.

So how do I know if I’m more black? Well my natural hair sista, if you do any of the following 3 things, you are DEFINITELY down with the cause.

1. You Give Back to The Community

When was the last time you donated to a black family in need or a black business? I cannot tell you how many times I donated to a black family who loved one was killed. Also, I have donated to all four Hidden Color documentary series (If you haven’t seen Hidden Colors, please check them out!) and other black businesses/projects.

So…. have you given back natural hair lady? If you search on GoFundMe or Indiegogo, you will find plenty of black folks that need help.

2. You Make It a Point to Do Business with Your Own

This next reason kind of piggyback off the first one. Unless you stay in Mayberry, I am sure there are some black businesses around you. Do you make it a point to patronize any of these businesses weekly basis? For our community to grow, we must contribute to our businesses. So instead of getting your nails done by Asians, go to a local black-owned nail salon.

3. You Don’t Criticize Black Women Who Aren’t Natural

One thing that irks me is seeing natural sistas criticize or belittle other sistas who isn’t natural. Listen, because a sista wears a Eurocentric hairstyle doesn’t mean their mindset is Eurocentric as well. In fact, a lot of “unnatural” black women have contributed greatly to the community. Besides, it’s just mean to hate on somebody for wearing their hair a certain way.

If you do all 3, then great! If not, then I suggest you do. Being natural doesn’t automatically give you a “black” card. But that’s just my 2 cents from a black man’s perspective. 🙂

Author: Marcus Woods

“Changing attitudes about natural hair” is what we do at Natural Haircare News. Through informative articles, podcasts and videos, we go beyond just sharing the latest advice and tips on kinky, curly, wavy haircare – We shake things up and focus on the realities of wearing our hair natural.