Hey Curly Comrades! I am so proud to present you with my first interview. Now, this interview is coming from a different perspective (those are always good) – that of a parent. I know that a lot of us have experienced both unexpected and desirable comments from those closest to us when we made the decision to “go with the fro.” Well, I got the biggest . . . and most consistent response from the one closest to me – my mommy! Of course I take whatever she tells me to heart, but to be honest, we haven’t quite seen eye to eye on my healthy hair journey (as I like to call it). So, I thought that I would give her the opportunity to let US know what it’s like “on the other side.”
Here’s what she says:
- When did you find out about your daughter (me) going natural? Did you see or hear about it first?
I realized it about 6 months ago. BUT... I didn't realize she was "very serious" about this transition until about 3 months ago!! Of course I tried to talk her out of it because I liked, I loved the way she was styling and wearing her hair at the time. Now take in to account I didn't know a lot about wearing natural hair.
2. What was your initial reaction to the "Big Chop?"
My initial reaction to the big chop was "cool" not upset at all. But I realize that is because I like short hair anyway and to me that was just cutting the hair to be shorter not to start all over again ? Again, short hair is "my thing". In my opinion Ashlee's hair styles look great when they are cut short. So my reaction was just OK, she cut her hair.
3. What is your knowledge level about natural hair vs. relaxers?
I don't have any real knowledge about natural hair versus relaxers. But I am learning really fast - Thanks to Ashlee! Although I have to admit that my thinking was....the relaxer took out the "fuzz" and made "most" not "all" people's hair more manageable and softer looking * softer looking to me equals "calmed hair, not necessarily straight hair, but controlled hair. (although I've seen some relaxed hair that looked to me like it had been "fried" to a crisp, snapped ends and very unhealthy !)
4. How do you feel about your daughter's natural hair after 6 months?
Truthfully, I'm still getting use to it. I admit it's taking me some time to get use to this look, BUT... as time goes on and she's learning more about what she needs to do to keep the hair looking healthy and good. I now like it much, much better than I did initially! In fact it is cute and a very "sophisticated" look for her, I hope this statement doesn't sound silly, but a "strong" black woman can pull the "natural" look off very well - -and to wear this style it's my opinion you have to do it with ATTITUDE! (The white person and yes, some black persons, may look at you differently - and that's the pure truth - so that's where the attitude comes in!!! (they, some white folks see straighter hair in a different light). Again, truth be told, it doesn't really matter what light they see you in, It's what you genuinely ARE that truly matters! But as we KNOW -- black people have to prove ourselves with abundantly more knowledge, attitude and also with our looks....(more so than they expect from their own race).
5. Which do you prefer: natural styles or relaxed styles? Why?
Right now, in my mind, I'm leaning back and forth between the relaxed and the natural look (as to which one I like the best). It depends on the person wearing the hair style. Everybody can't wear the same thing! Some look better with the natural style while others look better "to me" with the relaxed style. It truly depends on the individual.
6. What are some ways you try to be encouraging to your daughter (me) when she gets discouraged in this journey?
Truth be told - I "think" I was the ONE that encouraged Ashlee to do the "BIG CHOP" in the first place. I told her she just needed to cut it off -short - she was trying to hang on to a little hair, but as is said before I "LIKE" short hair so thats why I made that suggestion. She made up her mind while we were walking in the mall. It was a couple of days later and the big chop took place for Ashlee. I'm sure she would say that I "could be more" encouraging, although I just tell her exactly what I think looks best for her. (After all that's my job as her mom to speak my mind truthfully). I am a bit biased (really a lot biased) and I think she looks GREAT either way she goes with her hair. She's a good looking young lady (i.e., pretty, cute, proud and a together young lady, etc. with any hair style!) Right now, to date, I'll be truthful, I've not been as encouraging as she thinks I should be, because I'm "kinda" old school and and takes time for me to adjust to change :-) But I do realize that she's always come through shinning brightly - in whatever she sets her mind to do - things turn out perfectly! So in the end, I know I'll LOVE the natural look on her!
7. What do you like about natural styles and what do you not like?
As I'm educated more and more about the natural styles and ultimately how you will have a healthier head of hair - - I do like it. "I" see sophistication in this look. I see a lot of pride in this hair style! I also see originality in the natural hair styles. As for the second part of the question - what is it I "don't" like about it.... again, I just can't say I don't like it, but I will say I don't like it on "everybody"! I think the relaxed hair is better looking on some ladies - - better looking than the natural look! And...... I also think the natural look is a better look for some ladies. The natural look can at times, just as the relaxed look - looks unkept and unhealthy! Sometimes the natural looks can be "hard" looking and ......at the same time the relaxed look can look "harsh and fried."
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