Throughout history, natural hair has taken on various names to describe its different textures. From nappy to kinky and rough to difficult, these names have been used to describe the hair textures of multiple people. Today’s women and men of the natural hair community are fighting to change the language used for natural hair. Members of the natural hair community are arguing that these terms be replaced with terms that set a more positive tone around the conversation of natural hair. The most common word being “nappy” has been used since the slavery era. This term has been used to describe the hair of people of African descent, deeming their hair as something negative and undesirable. This terms history is a part of the traumatic and oppressive era that affected the lives of many men and women. Although this term, like many other terms that were used to shame men and women of African descent has been reclaimed by the people it tore down, people are still wondering why the word cannot just be replaced. Today, the word “nappy” is one of many terms that are being inappropriately used to describe natural hair. Rosario Schooler-Ukpabi, the owner of Oh! My Nappy Hair Salon argues that the term is okay to use despite its negative origin. During her NPR interview, she explained that her shop has embraced the word as a way to describe the curly hair that people felt they needed to hide, due to European beauty standards. Some even argue that because the word has been reclaimed by African Americans and many other communities of color, it should only be used by those people. Members of the natural hair community are bringing to attention, the long history of bias and rude words that are used to separate natural hair textures and styles from being a normal part of societies European inspired beauty industry. The natural hair community has experienced their hair being called, inappropriate, unprofessional, rough, and difficult. This negative language is being used in schools, business atmospheres, beauty salons, and so much more. Rather than continuing this negative narrative surrounding natural hair, the natural hair community is calling attention to the issue and demanding that people correct their negative language. The community is also challenging people to do their research.
The best way to understand terms to describe natural hair is understanding the different levels and textures of natural hair. Using natural hair texture charts and reading up on natural hair through various natural hair sites , people will begin to understand the origin of natural hair textures. People will understand why the natural hair community refuses to describe their hair as anything less than magnificent.
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