Relaxed Vs. Natural? Does relaxed “black hair” count as natural too? Are they apart of the natural hair movement? This is a very controversial topic.

With all the talk and movements centred around becoming a natural, shade is often casted on the ladies with relaxed hair, which may lead to some of them feeling guilty for not allowing their roots to run freely.

I personally think that needs to stop. A movement that is as important as this should not be hijacked by hair politics.

I figured that the natural hair journey was to step away from some of the practices that have a way of washing away a rooted part of our identity as black men and women – our hair.  You know, ‘black pride’ because there are so many unique and special things about who we are and our history that should not be striped away and hidden.  However, taking a vow to stop relaxing one’s hair is not the only act that matters in such a movement.

Throughout the natural hair journey uprising, fingers have been pointed and stares have been pelted at the African American women who still have relaxed hair.  I’ve observed through some social media comments, posts and in friendly discussions that relaxed hair women are predisposed to backlash (not necessarily harsh or vile), because somehow they might be viewed as ‘not conforming’ to the expectations that have been created out there.  Of course this does not go to say that everyone goes around judging relaxed hair women, however there’s a lurking expectation that hovers over them.

This blog post only serves to express my opinion that it is okay to have relaxed hair.

I think there’s enough love and appreciation to pass around in the African American community, and that’s where the strength and peace lies – in unity.  That’s when people will notice the change that we’re trying to display – when we embrace our African culture in more ways than one, and create a strong, loud voice crying out against our marginalisation.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a woman who prefers to tame her mane with relaxers. It makes her no less of an Empress, Black, African, Negro, whatever you want to call it.  It doesn’t erase her melanin one bit, nor does it cast away the history that grew her.

The segregation and profiling should not be. Some women actually keep their hair relaxed because it’s far easier to handle because their natural hair may be too unruly, leaving them to struggle and become unhappy with it.

I believe that we’ve gotten too grand and powerful that some of us took our eyes off of the mission and have turned on ourselves by frowning upon our sistas for other reasons beyond the realm of hair.

Fontana pharmacy welcomes relaxed hair women with open arms, with products that can help you to maintain and love your hair, and skin just the same. You do not have to conform. If relaxed works for you, there’s no need to be ashamed or feel marginalised. For the ladies that want to become natural, we welcome you as well.

Become a part of the discussion and lets us know what you think. Comment down below !