The African Hair Story

I was not surprised when pictures of women in braids,extensions or weaves popped up on my screens while I was searching for a suitable Afro-centric picture for my write up. I had typed 'pictures of African hair' and all I saw was pictures of women with various kinds of braiding styles in their various colours and shapes,it was not until I typed 'pictures of native African hair' that was when I saw a similar pictures like the one above.

As I said before,i was not surprised,that's how bad our African hair has being wrongly categorised by us. Our African ancestors has always seen their hair as symbol of identification and pride.There is a high chance that did not understand their hair or had the appropriate hair products for their hair. But one that is admirable about them is that there was acceptance of who they are and what they have and that made their hair flourish and unique. They might not have understood fully how to actually take care of their hare but they were not ashamed to be identified with it.

I still find it diffcult to wrap my head arond the reason why the present day African Child struggles to accept her identity as a black child with head full of hair.About 5 years old,80% of every Nigerian women saw relaxers as their saving grace, it was like a remedy to all ills.It was a quick fix to their hair and and psychological problem. There was liitle or no considerstion of the harm that this chemicals does to their hair. An average black women is more comfortable coating her hair with dangerous chemicals then covering it up with another person's hair which sometimes can be run up to hundreds of dollars just to purchase.

There is always this distasteful attitude that Africans always have for their own hair. Most times, some blame it on colonization but the last time I checked, that hair is on your head and not not on your colonial masters'. Many have described their hair as being too bushy, or not smooth enough, or is just too rough, then the normal cliche, it can't be combed. There is always a degrading remark concerning the African hair. I have found out that this is because alot of Africans are not really ready to understand the science behind their kinky dense hair, no one is ready to put in the work of a one hour or two hours wash day,every one is looking for a quick fix. The truth is that, when you dont understand your hair and how to take care of it, it becomes diifcult to love and care for.

As much I uphold the acceptance of our African hair,am not in anyway bashing the use of relaxers and extensions or weave, they also come with their own advantages but my rant is for the hate and nonacceptance of the African hair by Africans.

Over the years there has being an increase in the knowledge of African hair care. Blog posts, festivals, online pages, youtube videos are platforms that has encouraged the acceptance and the growth of the African hair and culture. Also we have various methods,procedures,regimens and the right products that has being made accessible to various Africans concerning their hair. There are also various hairstyles one can choose based on preference such low cuts, locks and so many others. This will help each and every one to be able to take care for the hair that they are currently wearing.

All these things are readily accessible and can be gotten at the snap of our fingers. So can we begin to appreciate our hair better and begin to accept who we are. Lets stop blaming colonialism for the hate we give because after all said and done, the hair is on our own heads.

In case you loved my write up, an encouragement such as a tip would be greatly appreciated.