Can I Touch Your Hair? by Drea Camille


"So I decided to write animpromptu blog article about my encounters of being a natural beauty in aEuro-centric society. I have not always been a natural beauty, but being anAfrican-American woman” other non-ethnic cultures are “intrigued by the textureand hairstyles of African-Americans. At first, I use to be offended becausesome people wanted to ask a million questions about my hair and even go to theextent of wanting to touch my hair.
I remember asking one of mycohort members in graduate school about their fascination about thekinky/tightly coiled texture of people of color hair. She gave me the most realestand sincere answers ever; she wasn’t taught about the various texture of hairand thought it was best to ask. “Close mouths don’t get fed!” Amen to thatquote. So back to the topic - I educated my cohort member, but ended up gettingsome valuable knowledge from her as well. I remember her telling me that shehas “bad hair” because it was coarse, curly and tangled. I’m thinking tomyself, wow here I am complaining about my hair and she was having similarissues like me. When she told me that it took her 4-6 hours to straighten herhair, I gained a deeper appreciation for my hair at the moment. During thistime, I was in a relaxed state of mind and complaining about bringing mybreakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hair salon and hearing the “hoodratchronicles”. LOL! So, ladies and gentlemen, not all non-ethnic people’s hair isstraight and easily manageable. They too have various hair issues as well. Idon’t think I could handle washing my hair daily, de-tangling it for hours andpossible straightening my hair for another 4 hours. That’s not what’s up!
Since moving back to the New England, many people admire my natural state, especiallynon-ethnic people. I receive many compliments from them about my natural hair.I don’t take offense to this because honestly, I am a beautiful woman whoembraces my natural state to the fullest and appreciate those who recognizetrue and natural beauty. I don’t feel compelled to straighten my hair just toplease society and to assimilate. If you can’t accept me for who I am, than youare missing out on an amazing, loving, and gifted person.  This blog article goes out to all my naturalBeauties, Princesses, and Queens out there.Another shout out to those who want to become more educated to our naturalstate and are open to asking genuine questions." written by Guest Writer, Drea Camille
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