Prove them wrong
The biggest issue with my natural hair is my family’s views of it in corporate America. They are ultimately concerned that it will affect how I’m treated in the work place as well as my ability to get and keep a job.
I was actually told by a loved one that I needed to buy a wig* for a job interview instead of wearing my natural hair. Long story short, I didn’t. And I still got a job offer.
So prove them wrong. Show them that you can get a job and be successful in the work place all while rocking your natural hair. Your hair does not dictate the work you are capable of completing.
Stay encouraged
In the end, you must stay encouraged. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. You decided to go natural for a reason so hold firm to that decision. Don’t feed into the negativity that may be thrown your way. Going natural has been a huge confidence booster for me.
I always say that my hair has a personality of its own because each day it is different. No twist out comes out exactly the same and that is okay. I like the versatility of the styles I can wear and I can always straighten it if desired. Natural hair is beautiful.
A friend once said that natural hair sometimes makes people uncomfortable because they do not even know how to take that step of unaltered physical love. If our hair was not supposed to defy gravity or come naturally styled in beautiful coils then our hair would not be so. Your hair will command attention when you walk into the room. Stay encouraged. You are not in this alone.
Overall, being criticized for your decision to go natural sucks! It does not feel good especially when you love your hair and are proud of the decision you made. When the ones you care about give their opinion about it, take it and agree to disagree. It is hard but don’t let it break you down.
At the same time, us naturals should not criticize an African American woman for using relaxers and straightening her hair. We are all beautiful in every texture and should empower each other to do what we like and feel is best for ourselves as individuals!
Have you dealt with any negativity in your decision to go natural? If so, how do you overcome it?
Latoya Aaliyah Small says
I don’t care who don’t like mine. I’ve never had a issue tho
Kizzie Moten says
Haters can kick rocks barefoot right back to Africa, smh.