Natural hair- (n.) 1. Hair that has not been chemically altered by relaxers, texturizers, etc.. 2. Having no weave, extensions, hair add-ins. 3. Naturally straight, wavy, curly, kinky, or coily hair.
The natural hair movement has accelerated greatly as more African-American women are embracing their natural hair. The natural movement is a revolution that challenges the European beauty standard of bone straight hair. Being natural has interesting encounters like no other. Here are a few things that natural sisters have to deal with on a daily basis:

1. Can I touch your hair?

The ultimate 'Are you serious’ moment in a natural’s mind. It doesn’t matter what time or where you’re at, this question will come from anyone and everyone! Or the worst case scenario, when a random stranger feels the need to come up and dig their hand in your scalp. Do I have an invisible sign saying you can touch?!

2. Do you even wash your hair?

Yes, we wash our hair. Although African Americans don’t have to wash their hair as often as people who have straight natural hair we have to clean our scalp too! Those with naturally straighter hair have to shampoo their hair daily due to quick oil build up. Due to the kinky strands and funky hair pieces of most African Americans, it takes the oil awhile to penetrate our hair strand allowing some of us to go for weeks without shampooing!

3. But I liked your hair better when it was straight!

Let’s just be real. Not everyone is a big fan of our big afros and kinky hair. Some people can only find beauty in certain things. Family of all people can be a very vocal critic. From the 70’s until now, straightening your natural hair and getting relaxers have almost become the normal expected thing to do. Don’t be surprised if you ever get the “How do you ever expect to get a job with your hair looking like that?” line.

4. Your hair looks different every time I see you!

Sometimes people with natural hair decide to get braids or weaves! Most times it’s to save us an hour in the morning from having to do our hair. Weaves are protective styles that help prevent direct contact when season temperatures get extreme. They also help our hair grow faster. Often times this can confuse people when one week we’re rocking a fro and the next long braids.

5. You look so foxy with a fro!

Although most “compliments" are appreciated it’s not always the best feeling when people make you seem like you time hopped from the 70's!

6. It's so fluffy!

Cotton balls, cotton candy, pillows. It seems like every soft item can be compared to natural hair.

7. Did you cut your hair?

With natural hair, the possibilities are endless. From twist outs to wash n’ go’s, natural hair has the power to shrink, stretch, and defy gravity! Wearing these styles will provoke curious questions and “You look different” or “Aw, why’d you cut your hair?”

The pros and cons of natural hair are endless, as well as the questions. So to my natural sisters I encourage you to stick through it all! Natural hair isn’t just waking up flawless like Beyoncé, it’s a learning process that can take years to perfect. Although it’s time-consuming that should show you how special it is when you embrace those roots!