Is Long Natural Hair More Beautiful?

While scrolling on Instagram the other day, I came across a post by Aisha (who we featured as a Natural Hair Bride). She wrote about how she got quite a bit of negativity when she cut her hair. If you're not familiar with her, this is what her hair used to look like.

Source

And this is what is looks like now.

She actually wrote a blog post about it, and how some people actually unfollowed her because her hair was now a tapered TWA. First of all, this is not the first time she has cut her hair, so I'm not sure why people responded in that manner. Additionally, she explained why she cut her hair - due to postpartum shedding. However, I don't think it's anybody's "business" as to what you decide to do with your hair and why.

I remember once reading a recap of a natural hair event in Lagos, and in the comments, someone said something in regards to Felicia Leatherwood (who I've written about here and here). The comment was something to the effect of, "What can anybody possibly learn about natural hair from someone who has low cut?"

Even when you look online, those with long natural hair generally have more followers than people with shorter natural hair. And that's funny because most of the comments you see are "How I wish I had long hair like yours." or "When will my hair reach that length?" So if your hair is still in the short or medium stage, why are you seemingly shunning people with the same length of hair, in favor of someone with long hair that takes more work and care to handle? Could it be that subconsciously we don't think shorter hair is as beautiful as long hair?

What do you think?
Berry Dakara.

Introducing 'Dear African Naturalistas' A Q/A Session For All Your Pressing Natural Hair Questions

Every day on our social media platforms, we get quite a number of questions on natural hair ranging from simple things like itchy scalp remedies to extreme cases that require us to refer to a trichologist.

We understand that there's a lot of information out there that can be quite daunting to sieve through. Which is why all our channels are open for questions and answers. As much as possible, to the best of our ability, we want to make your natural hair journeys as stress-free as possible.

'Dear Africanaturalistas' is going to be a monthly Q/A session where we collate all the insightful questions we have received on social media and answer them on the blog to the benefit of you, our blog readers.' So that if anyone else falls into a similar situation, the person might as well learn from the answers we will be giving.

So, if you have any questions, don't forget you can reach us on our social media platforms and we would assist you to the best of our knowledge.

Moving on,

Aisabella987 says: My hair type is 4c but recently I had to change my shampoo and my hair at the back is starting to look more like 4a. Is it as a result of my shampoo or what could it be because I like the look and I would like my entire hair to look like that? Is there a way to change my hair type? 

AN: To be best of our knowledge, shampoos don't really change the texture of your natural hair. You probably already have multiple textures that are more visible now which is completely normal. So, there's really nothing to worry about. Also, there's no way to change your natural curl pattern without chemicals. So, find a way to accept and embrace your multiple textures. 

Antora24 says: I'm tired of my natural hair so I'm considering relaxing it. Nothing I do seems to work. I've been growing it for 4 years now but I haven't fully gotten to shoulder length.The last time I blow dried and straightened it, they didn't do it well so it really damaged my hair & set me back. I had to trim it some time in August last year. No matter the treatment I do, it's so course & dry. 

AN: First of all, we apologize for your setback. It's one of those things that comes with the territory when out natural hair is left in the hands of quacks. Right now, it seems like you would need to go on a strict reconstructive regimen to nurse your hair back to life. You just suffered a setback and you need to recover so this is not really the time to think about length. Focus on the health of your hair and the length will come. Get a good reconstructive product for natural hair. Together with your deep conditioner, start the process of nursing your hair. In the meantime, stay away from manipulative styles.

Shawlerrr says: Which of your products is good for excessive shedding? It keeps breaking off when I'm doing my hair. I shed a lot too. 

AN: Breakage and excessive shedding means that you're due for a protein treatment. Unfortunately, our products currently do not cater for intensive protein treatments. The ApHogee range is a great recommendation. 

Mara_Jarcoh says: I got the African Naturalistas Twist and Curl Pudding. I don't know if I'm not using it right but I can't find any defined curls after a twist out? Any advice? 

AN: The thing about curling products is that you have to try different variations to find the one that gives you the best definition.  So, try it alone. Try it with other products. Try it with other techniques. I'm sure you'll find one that suits you.

Natasha says: I will really like to grow my hair long. I heard Guava leaves and onions work.

AN: As much as we encourage homemade remedies, as a beginner you need to have a well-grounded regimen which includes products, techniques, and a routine. Along the way, as you can decide to experiment with homemade recipes. If they work, good for you. If they don't, move on to the next one. But once you have your regimen on lockdown, give it time, the length will come. As for onions and guava leaves, I'm not so sure of that.


That's all for now. Don't forget to reach out to us for any of your natural hair questions.