[Nappy_in_NJ]

Originally posted by observant1
What really makes straight hair wrong? Is it only through the use of a relaxer? What if one straightens their naturally curly hair? Are they ok because they don't use a chemical? Or is having straight hair period no matter what method used to get there wrong? Do we make distinctions among those with kinky hair who use a relaxer, those with naturally curly hair who use a blow dryer to straighten, and those who are "natural" and use a pressing comb to straighten their hair in between their wearing afro or twists? I know plenty of natural women who go from braids to wigs, weaves and pressing. Are they too wrong even though they are natural?

What makes nappy/kinky hair bad?

All naturals do not feel the same way towards those who relax or texturize. IMO constantly getting rid of your texture supports the thinking that straight=good and nappy=bad but I respect their decision to do so.

Originally posted by observant1
What if you are natural, but use a chemical to color your hair? I've seen plenty of blond dreaded sistas, are they still natural and staying true?

Many naturals that use color call themselves napptural. This means that they don't alter their texture through the use of chemicals (relaxers,texturizer) but may use, have used or will use color.

Originally posted by observant1
Why is it called a style for the "natural" sistas, but for those with relaxers it's self hatred and vanity?

IMO style=temporary Therefore, straight hair via pressing or blow drier is a "style" for naturals because with water we can get our texture back. When a relaxer is used, that person has decided to permanantly alter their texture.
There are people who see hair straightening as a way to hide our African roots, that is why there are accusations of self-hate.

BTW:there is nothing wrong with a little vanity

@ boutit boutit: I used to think that natural hair was ugly too. I would say thing like "I wish I didn't have to get perms" and if I saw people with loose curls like Kelis I would say "You are so lucky you don't need perms" I also couldn't see myself running to get a touch-up at 60 yrs. old and never being able to get on a water ride or swim (without having braids ) again. Obviously natural is not for you right now, who knows what the future holds.

I had to get a natural mind before I could venture out and have natural hair. Thank god for sites like nappyhair.com and nappturality.com.