What Is "natural Hair" . . . "natural Locks?"

**NappyIs4me2** · 08-20-2008, 01:41 PM

Is hair in its "Natural" state if products are added to the hair? (oils, sprays, etc.)
Is hair "Natural" if it is combed or picked out?
If hair is braided, is it in it's "Natural" state?
If hair is braided, and then picked out, is the hair it in its "Natural" state?
If hair is tinted or dyed, is it in its "Natural" state?
If a person didn't comb their hair, would this be "Natural?"
If a person had their hair twisted, would this be "Natural?"
Is wearing our hair in an Afro if it's curly and straight if it's not the only way to really be "Natural?"

If Dreadlocks are sectioned and separated into thin or thick sections are they "Natural?"
If products are added to the Dreadlocks, are they "Natural?"
If Dreadlocks are tinted or dyed, are they still "Natural?"
If Dreadlocks are pinned up and styled in various ways, is this "Natural?"
If Dreadlocks are constantly trimmed and cut, is this "Natural?"
If ornaments are put on Dreadlocks, is this "Natural."
If Dreadlocks are braided up and taken loose, is this "Natural?"
If we didn't separate our Dreadlocks. and let our hair grow "as it is," most of us would have one big super Dreadlock. Would this be considered "Natural?"

For those who live warm climates, where the sun is beating down or their hair, at over 100 degrees fahrenheit, is the heat on the hair un-"Natural?

Exactly what is "Natural" when it comes to our hair? How do we define this term "Natural?"

**gigglezk** · 08-20-2008, 08:47 PM

You've been a member for 4 years. Surely, you've seen this topic come up 50 million times by now.

**Hadasah** · 08-20-2008, 08:56 PM

Well, everyone has their own definitions, which is fine. In the context of this site, though, "natural hair" is hair that is taken care of with the texture that we're born with.

**NappyIs4me2** · 08-20-2008, 09:03 PM

Well, everyone has their own definitions, which is fine. In the context of this site, though, "natural hair" is hair that is taken care of with the texture that we're born with.[/b]

Tints and dyes do change the texture of ones hair. So, would this then mean that someone who tinted or dyed the hair they were born with are now un-"Natural?"

**Hadasah** · 08-20-2008, 09:13 PM

Oh, boy. Yeah, I'm going to go with gigglezk on this one. This conversation's been done way to many times to go down this path again.
But to answer the question, that texture change is not enough for me to say that they're not natural.

**nappyeditor** · 08-20-2008, 10:07 PM

This is one of those topics that fall under the "agree to disagree" topic. Everyone has different definitions, but as something said, for this site, it just means the texture that grows out of your head; nothing that straightens it if it's not naturally so. I've seen Dee's take on this, I'll see if I can find it later.

**napturallyme** · 08-21-2008, 04:23 PM

No offense OP, but these discussions never come up with an answer and don't benefit the board. Everyone has their own definition and it really doesn't matter. I for one don't let anyone else define what natural is for me.

**ms_rite** · 08-21-2008, 06:58 PM

^^^ exactly...and why has this been posted in the culture forum.

**etifaim** · 08-21-2008, 08:45 PM

Basically, on this site (as far as I'm aware) being "natural" means wearing one's hair in the natural texture in which they were born.

So if you naturally grow out curly hair...you wear it like that. If you naturally have straight hair, you wear it like that.
But I've met black women that feel wearing their hair "natural" means wearing their hair without extensions in it (when it's also chemically processed). Although I disagree, I'm not really gonna call them out on it, since that's how they feel. :dunno:
Some people color their hair, and still consider it natural. Some p.ress or blow dry their hair, and still consider it natural. It depends on the individual.

I'm not real big on debating about it, 'cause to be honest, there are more important things to be worried about IMO.

(But if you'd like more varied responses, I'd suggest doing a search in the site.)