Holidays are the time when we — and our natural heads — meet family and friends we don’t see regularly or often. This can create some tension with loved ones who don’t believe that natural hair is acceptable. My family is pretty laid back and affirming when it comes to my hair. But I didn’t avoid a confrontation over my hair. It came at the hands of family friends.
So I was sitting around at a table of all black and bi-racial people.
A friend of mine — my closest friend at the table, who has a gorgeous head of tight and medium curls — pulled off his winter hat, revealing disheveled hair.
People visibly recoiled and began railing about how awful it looked.
Being the natural hair blogger that I am, I came to his aid.
“I think his hair looks fine!” I exclaimed.
Not missing a beat, the chick beside me said. “Well you WOULD. I mean, look at your hair.”
I just stared at the chick. I really didn’t expect that response and I didn’t know what to say.
Now this chick has a couple inches of permed and colored hair that, she has said, is difficult to grow out. Over the entire holiday weekend she kept her hair firmly hidden beneath a tam, and would NOT take it off in front of anybody.
So while I’m recovering my friend asks, “What’s wrong with my hair?”
Another tablemate — a curly-haired natural who is currently locking — broke it down for him.
“Your hair is nappy. You can’t wear it out. My hair is curly so I can wear it out. You can’t.”
My mouth drops again. My friend’s curls are only slightly tighter than the locked chick. Even worse, I have the kinkiest hair at the table. And I’m wearing my hear “out” in an updo.
The conversation swiftly moved on from there and later in the evening I managed to pull my friend aside and assure him that he has beautiful hair. I didn’t have an opportunity to say much more to the other chicks. I guess I was just too surprised.
Have you guys experienced anything similar?
