Tress Relief
There was a time when I was reluctant to admit that one of my greatest passions in life is natural hair. I worried people would find this shallow or vain. But as natural hair becomes more popular in African American communities and accepted in mainstream society and as it captures the attention of major media outlets like CNN, the New York Times, and NPR, I think people are slowly learning that the natural hair movement is in no way simply about hair. And this is a truth that seems to manifest itself at every natural hair event I attend.
Tuesday night I had the pleasure of helping with the Birmingham Natural Beauties August social event, Tress Relief, at the Wine Loft. There, it was clearer than ever that going natural is not just about changing your hairstyle, but about changing your life as it moves you toward self-acceptance, helps you build relationships with other women, and promotes an active lifestyle.
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| The Birmingham Natural Beauties Leadership Team |
It was nice to begin the evening with some inspirational remarks from spoken word artist Crystal Goodman and natural hair stylist Darrius Peace, who’s known for making crowds stand to their feet and recite affirmations of self love.
Tuesday night Birmingham Natural Beauties gave away what I’m sure added up to be more than $1,000 worth of door prizes, including hair care products from LeVia’s Hair & Body Essentials and Angela’s K.I.S.S. To further the BNB mission of building relationships among local naturalistas, attendees had to play a getting to know you game to enter the drawing for many of the prizes.
There was also a drawing for a custom made fitness hula hoop by Nichele Hoskins. Before giving a brief demonstration (yes, we were hooping in the middle of a swanky wine lounge) Nichele shared a bit of her own natural hair story. She’s been sporting locs for well over a decade and Nichele, who’s a fitness instructor and trainer, avid cyclist, and fitness editor for Heart & Soul magazine, said natural hair fits her active lifestyle.
While some women don’t let relaxed hair keep them from working out, many women won’t exercise simply because they’re worried about “sweating out the perm.” I love that many women, after they decide to embrace natural hair, begin to embrace a healthier lifestyle as well by exercising and eating right. Though I’m certainly guilty of not always doing this, we need to be just as concerned with what we put in our bodies as we are with what we put on our hair.
During the time for remarks, we also opened up the floor to attendees who wanted to share words of encouragement. One woman in the crowd, who bravely went natural in her 60s, said something that really stuck with me. She said when we’re happy with ourselves other people can’t help but be happy with us too.
How true this is! Think about it, when you exude confidence it’s as if you demand respect from every person in the room. And when you’re content and loving life, it can be contagious. So sport your hair with joy and pride and sooner or later the world will catch on and see how fly you are. Or perhaps, considering the media coverage and the popularity natural hair, the world already has.
Honestly, I was not “aware” of the natural hair movement until recently. I agree – you should totally accept yourself. After speaking with a few other African Americans friends, I did not realize what a division there is within the female community over relaxed hair and natural hair. Fascinating! I think- no matter what you choose – if you feel beautiful, that’s all that matters!
Really hate I missed this but so glad you didn’t! But I will be on the lookout for future events.
But I can say that I have learned so much about myself while transitioning. I have learned that I must be confident in who I am & how I present.r myself to the world. Lesson definitely isn’t over yet but if I hadn’t decided to embrace my curls, I wouldnt have realized that I must also embrace myself…
Nicole, I really hate how natural hair can be a divisive issue, because it has so much potential to unite and empower black women.
Valerie, I’m so glad that your natural hair journey is teaching you confidence. I really hope you can make it to our next event. Let me know if you’re not on the email list so I can add you.
I know this was a great event. It still amazes me at the division over relaxed vs. natural hair. I think as the person at TR stated, we must love ourselves–regardless of our hair, size, etc. Relaxed or natural, self love is key!
Please add me! Thanks…
@Valerie: I just added you, chica.