I know you've all heard this line before, "before I got a perm my hair was so (choose adjective), but since then it's never been the same". Or what about this one, "My mama was so mad when my grandma permed my hair..."? So many black women blame the disfigurement of their hair on a perm that they themselves had no control avoiding, and yet still continue the cycle of perming their hair. Many will attempt to counteract my claim with stating how relaxing their hair has become an imperative tradition of maintenance, otherwise their hair will break off and die. Although I do agree that breaking the cycle of reconstructing your hair with potent chemicals strong enough to burn your scalp will reveal extensive damage leaving you with irreversible harm , I don't believe however that the process of stripping you halo of toxins is a negative transition. In fact I believe that it's a necessary portion in claiming back our identity as women of color. That's right! In order to love me for me, I had to first be able to confront the taboo of wearing my hair natural and loving it. Ok, I know I've ticked somebody off by now!
How many times have you heard a sistah say that she would but, one or more of the following issues have led her to continue relaxing her hair: lacks femininity, doesn't look right, body frame is too big/small, head is too long/big, hair too curly/nappy, husband wouldn't like it, couldn't go out in public, hair is excessively dry when naturally worn, just don't like it on me, but it looks good on you? Look at all the negative responses one will automatically dispense when asked why they don't opt for a natural do'. I am truly amazed and somewhat ashamed at the lack of intelligent reasons given for relaxed hair traditions. Ignorant bliss I say, or is it so easy for me to reject such rationality when I can proudly boast of my natural hair?

