A few things I've noticed since I straightened my hair. For a refresher, click here and here.
So I noticed when I walked around with my straight hair, I didn’t get the friendly smile I typically receive when I see other fellow naturals. Usually my lunch hour is spent running errands because that’s really the only time I have to do so. Evenings and weekends are family time and I chose not to use it standing in long lines, taking a stroller in and out of the car and buckling and unbuckling car seats. Lunch hour is less crowded and less distracting. I bumped into several lovely women with natural tresses and like usual, I always give a friendly smile and a happy hello. Kinda’ like the universal head nod we brown people do that says we have a bond and we’re happy about it. I am a friendly person anyway so I am always polite to all but a little extra to my fellow naturals. Only because they are so few and far between where I live. Anyway, since I’ve been wearing my straight hair, my smile is met with a not so friendly response. I almost feel as if I’m wearing a mask and those who normally recognize me can no longer see me. I want to shout “hey, I’m natural too! No…really I am!” I miss the feeling of comradery that exist amongst naturalistas; I miss not being like everyone else and the great feeling I get when met with another woman on the same path as me.
Has this ever happened to anyone? Do you feel not yourself when your curls are not on display?
