The beauty of black hair is that we can do a lot with it. No one has to be confined to one type of style. But natural doesn’t mean undone. If we look at pictures of tribes that are straight from Africa [I’m talking people that are still living without the modern convinces of life] all of them have their hair done in some shape or form. It is looks like they took thought and care in how they look. I am sure that they do.

Some natural hair wearer misrepresent the whole natural community when they go out in public. There are natural styles that are classy and appropriate for every setting. There are natural styles that look better on some people than others. And there are natural styles that only the chosen few can pull off.

Some time we pigeonhole ourselves even in the natural community. Or at least we get into style ruts. Natural is not having chemicals in your hair and not pressing it into submission. Outside of that there is a lot that any natural person can do.

You want to go natural but you know that you don’t look good with short hair or you haven’t learned what to do with it? Who says that you have to chop all of your hair off? Just because everyone says that it is the easiest way to do it doesn’t mean it is the best way for you. If you have to work in a setting that is more conservative there are a lot of conservative ways to wear cornrows and braids with or without extension.

If you are going to do natural twist or braids why not do them small or curl the ends? If you know that your boss is uptight about hair, why not save the shake, bantu knots, and braid outs for the weekend? Nobody says that we have to press or perm your hair but I do feel that we have to realize that we each are casting a vote for or against naturalness in the minds of those who see us. If you can help it why go out of your way to cast negative vote saying, “Because it is a natural style I should be able to wear it”?

My point is this if it is about wearing your hair in a way that makes you happy do it; but remember that people are going to look twice at you anyway. You can give them another reason to say that natural hair isn’t appropriate. Or you can show the true beauty, diversity and glamor of natural hair by wearing it in ways that are suited to your looks, hair type, and the occasion.

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Iam, Iam
written by Sequoyah, June 10, 2008

Please send information cnocernig the care of native and african american hair. I don't want to twist the hair because my hair is fine and don't want hair to break. I want to wear the hair in a style and natural. What should I do? I have been wearing my hair in a natural style sense the late 60s. now I need a professional look. H E L P !!

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written by AmyM, June 10, 2008

Hi Sequoyah,

I'd love to help if I can. If you haven't joined the community do that first. It's free no strings attached. Then upload some picture in the gallery section of your profile. Send me a pm when you are done. I'm not a "professional" but I'll try to give you some ideas :)

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written by Dawn, June 12, 2008

This exchange was very enlightning to me. I have been wearing a press/curl for the last 5 years, but can no longer afford the expense. I had always wanted to attempt the 'natural', but was intimidated and quite ignorant of the many products available to make the 'look' right for you. Can someone point me in the direction of some products and conservative styles for medium length, wide shaft, dry hair?

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Conservative style Ideas
written by AmyM, June 13, 2008

Hi Dawn,

Welcome to the site. You are right there are a lot of products out there. It can be overwhelming. What you will find is that being natural isn't really about which product you use. It is more about finding a style that you are comfortable with wearing and then learning how to maintain it.

Many naturals have found that the more they learn about how to take care of their hair the less products they end up using.

It is hard to really give you style ideas since I can't see your hair :). Conservative is really subjective so it is hard to say that this or that style would be a good conservative style for you.

Most relaxed styles such as a bun, French roll or French braid can be recreated with cornrows. Other "straight" styles can be done by braiding or having your hair braided in to small braids and wet/damp setting them on curlers or rods.

Those are just a few ideas. Hope they help. All the best on starting your journey.

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