On the other hand, it shouldn’t matter. What I choose to do with my hair is a personal choice. It’s no different from choosing to color your hair (which some “naturals” do), cutting a pixie length hair style, or locking your hair.
Now I know that in America, the history of hair is very politicized. I’ve lived here long enough that I get it. When I was writing my book, I had several discussions with my Black American friends. They shared that growing up they were told that their hair was “ugly” and needed to be straightened to “fix it.”
However, not everyone who lives here shares the same hair story. Growing up in Jamaica, I was never told that my natural hair wasn’t beautiful. I was never told that it needed to be straightened to “fix it.” In fact, my hair was never hot combed as a child. Never. I’m pretty sure my dad forbade it. In his opinion, straight hair was indicative of womanhood. Straightening my hair was similar to shaving your legs in America. It’s a rite of passage that signals the transition from girlhood to womanhood.
The first time I straightened my hair was in the 6th grade. I remember being excited because it meant that I was no longer a little girl. My dad was less than thrilled.