Throughout my entire life, in my African-American family, there has been an obsession over good hair. If you had “good” hair you were accepted. Any signs of “naps” resulted in negativity and a sense of no acceptance. It’s all about who is the lightest and who has the most non-kinkiest hair. If you can run your fingers through your hair, no problem. Even if you can just simply wash your hair and go, no perm or relaxer, you were accepted.
It’s sad to say that there is racism within the African-American community. Not even my fathers Caucasian side of the family is racist or non accepting, as oppose to my African-American side. Society has molded and idolized what beauty is through television and advertisement. Whether it’s the fair skin, blue eyes, and healthy hair “non-nappy”.
What is good hair, bad hair, and nappy hair?
-Good hair is healthy hair. Your hair doesn’t have to be straight to be good hair. As long as your hair is healthy, it is good hair! Your can have the most beautiful, well defined curls, kinks and all and your hair would be good and healthy. The healthiness of your hair is what is most important!
-Bad hair is untreated, and unhealthy hair. Whether you don’t shampoo or condition your hair, which causes damage from hair breakage. This can result in hair lost. It is imperative to take care of your hair and care for it.
-Nappy hair is unmanageable hair, but there is no reason why nappy hair is considered bad hair. If it is healthy then it is good hair.
Love what God has blesses you with. Embrace both, your inner and outer beauty. You are one of a kind. Let no one but “yourself” define your beauty and worth.
xo,
Erica
