|
Page 3 of 3
Need I say it? False, wrong, dead wrong! While some textures of African American hair can shine, when it is the highly coiled version, it will have sheen as opposed to a shine.
What is sheen? It is that sparkly, light catching prism of colors you see on feathers. It captures the light and sends back a mosaic that dances. What's responsible for that sheen is our coils and the flat, ribbon like shape they come in.
The next time you're in the gift wrapping department of a store, take a look at the spray type bows. Grab a dark one in navy blue or black if they have it and turn it in the light. You'll notice how light dances across each turn of the ribbon all at once. That's how the beauty of our hair works.
As for body, well, I dare anyone to compare the body of an afro with a straight hair style. There is no contest. An afro can stay suspended, well, for days if nothing mashes it down. The damper it is outside, the higher and lighter it will rise while straight hair will go limp and hang. Now that's body!
Generally speaking, when in its natural state and of a highly coiled texture, our hair isn't silky. Even relaxed hair will never have the feel of silk the way it is meant in advertisements and as understood by uninitiated fingers. So how do you judge our hair health from feel? You don't, you use your ears instead.
Squeeze a few strands of hair between your fingers. Did it rustle like crispy tissue paper or whisper like cloth? Well, if you heard rustling and tumbleweed blew by, then girlfriend, it is time for some TLC and moisture 101. Our hair naturally tends to be dry, and dryness is best heard, not felt.
While there are many more myths surrounding our hair, the few I've listed are the most widely asked about in the Voices forum. And as time goes on, I am sure I will get many more, but for now, keep these in mind and use them in your fight against misinformation and ignorance.
Copyright 2004 OurHair. All rights reserved.
|
