"Don't touch my hair, when it's the feelings I wear" - Solange

Having natural hair in this day in age is like being a part of a super secret society, only there's no secret here. For those who may not know or understand what natural hair is, it's simply hair whose texture hasn't been altered by chemical straighteners, including relaxers and texturizers. This term being "natural" is a much bigger deal in the African American community, along with the Afro-Latino community. For example, for many years black women and Latina's have used relaxers and 'perms' to get their hair pin straight, 'manageable' and to be socially accepted. Yet, what was ever wrong with the kinks and curls that we were born with? Having different textures and curl patterns are what make us who we are. A few years ago, the natural hair epidemic was at a pretty good rate, but now it's skyrocketed to where women are loving themselves and accepting themselves naturally. Being natural, you go through a lot of experiences. Most people by now are used to seeing afros, curls, box braids (not the Kim Kardashian boxer braids either), Senegalese/Marley twists, Bantu knots and many more styles. Those are all considered 'natural hairstyles', but many people still have that "culture shock" when they see a naturalista in public. We get stared at for the most part, either because 1. they've never seen such a beautiful creature, 2. they don't usually see an afro in their community, 3. It's shocking and you kind of can't help but look at it, some people even do this unconsciously. But, the thing that bothers me the most is when people (usually of another race), decide to randomly touch my hair or "pet" me. UM CAN YOU NOT? That's like invading someone's personal space. Rude! Now if you ask to touch my hair, it's a different story. Another thing we encounter are people who make comments like "Wow your hair looks so rough", or "It's so nappy, how can you manage", "Why don't you straighten it? It'll look neater" and my all-time favorite "Is that ALL your real hair?".

*Sigh* unfortunately, other people don't realize how hurtful some of these comments can be. So next time you see another natural, commend her for loving her TRUE self and being free and uncaring of what SOCIETY has to say. Being natural isn't a trend, it's a lifestyle.