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LexiWithTheCurls
CurlyGirlLexi
LexiWithTheCurls
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Is it just trendy to be natural? I keep hearing more and more people talking about going natural, but only wearing it straightened. I am on Long Hair Care Forum now and I see a long thread about the same thing. It makes me wonder is it a trend to be natural? It’s almost like some women (not all) just want to say they are natural. What alot of women don’t understand is that natural hair is fragile and putting heat on it consistently will only damage the hair–so might as well keep the relaxer in my opinion.It seems like alot of people are more concerned with retaining length versus healthy hair. But I am wondering- is it a trendy thing..or do people honestly think it would be healthier to have natural hair and straighten it everyday? What are your thoughts?
It does seem like a trend to be “natural” but there is nothing wrong with that…its a good trend — self acceptance.
I agree. There is nothing wrong with occassionally straightening hair, but to do it all the time will still cause damage to the hair. Also, a part of being natural is celebrating your natural texture. That doesn’t happen if the hair is always worn straight.
Hi Lexi. Love your site. As for this post I agree with almost everything except the part about straightening causing damage. I don’t think this is universally true. For example my mom has been natural since 2005 and has consistently straightened her hair (blow dry and flat iron) on a weekly basis. Her hair is very healthy and she has maintained below shoulder length hair (would be longer but she likes to keep it that length. Me on the other hand hardly ever use heat and still struggle with breakage. Go figure.
I have natural hair and straighten it every few weeks for versatility and ease. I embrace my hair in its natural state as well of course. My hair straightened is long and healthy and looks 100% better than my relaxed hair, why not enjoy it? I like to change my hairstyle all the time and I don’t see anything wrong with straightening my hair.
What I don’t understand is why we naturals can’t have the best of both worlds? I think its ok to want long hair and be natural. I do understand your point too, people should be aware of heat damage. At the same time I think its ok that not all naturals want wash and go hair. Thanks for the article!
Mmmmh…I don’t think it is “trendy” per se, I think that alot of black women feel that natural hair that is heat straightened is better than relaxed. I haven’t straightened my hair in about 6-7 months and I love wearing twistouts or a curly fro—some women don’t. They like the appearance of straight hair without the potential of chemical damage from relaxing—so they choose to use heat more frequently. My personal opinion is that as a DIYer I have more control over my heat application than with a relaxer. Whether I use a flat iron or blowdryer, or even rollersets, I can lower the temperature, I can use a tension method for elongation, or I can use direct heat.With relaxers, a person can decide mild, regular or super and you don’t know the chemical ratio of buffers, conditioning agents to lye so that is trickier to gauge. Also, chemicals degrade with time, and I have yet to see a relaxer come with an expiration date.Even with testing strips, adding oils to the relaxer and preconditioning hair, the purpose of a relaxer is to PERMANENTLY “soften” the peptide bonds in hair–heat, if used properly, is temporary. My preference is to use heat sparingly and find ways to wear my hair nappifully.