Many teenage girls reject the idea of going natural, simply because they are afraid of being teased or not “fitting in”. For many teenage girls natural hair goes against the trendy norm of having long straight hair/weave. It has been engraved in their minds at a very young age that straight hair is the only option for black hair maintenance and styling. Even though there are larger numbers of black teen girls who fear going natural, there are several who go against "the norm" of straight hair to be unique. I have the pleasure of knowing a few beautiful and courageous young natural teens, each one of them confident in their natural appearance. These young ladies have embraced their natural beauty and encourage other teen girls to be confident in whom they are no matter their hair preference. Read what these teen girls have to say about their natural hair experiences, inspiration and motivation.
Imani
I have been natural all my life so all my peers basically knew about my kinks and curls. But while growing up I have always gotten sour stares or smart comments like "Why don't you get a relaxer" or "don't you get tired of not having to wear it straight" I've gotten comments like that from girls that have transition and are natural today. Now that being natural is more popular it seems like women are now giving me more positive comments about my hair although its been like this for years. It bothers me at times especially when someone asks me how long I've been natural or something but now that I'm getting more mature I embrace the comments and the stares that I get from my big hair.
Advice for the teens that are struggling with their natural hair or are thinking about going natural..... first of all do your research and prepare yourself to whats to come and have an open mind to try new things and experiment. Also, if you are going natural because you don't think your relaxed hair is growing do your research on relaxed hair. My grandma has been on a relaxed hair journey and her hair is bsl (bra strap length). Also remember to always be you... don't do something because everyone is pressuring you to do it or because everyone else is doing it. Be funky, be edgy, be natural, be relaxed, be YOU! Love yourself
regardless!
I find natural hair to be a bit challenging at times, but I enjoy the diversity of it. While, I have friends that are natural, there are a lot of other girls that don't accept my natural hair. Some negative comments said about my hair is that it's nappy, kinky, and unmanageable. I just laugh at them and sometimes I tend to find myself trying to explain my hair type, and the tightness of my curls,etc. in an attempt to help my peers understand natural hair.
My advice to other teens that want to rock natural hair... Go ahead & do it! There will always be negative comments, but the important thing is being confident. Once others realize they can't break your spirit or confidence, they pretty much stop making stupid comments. Live outside of that box and there are plenty of other teen girls who are natural & it's so beautiful! Do your thang girl!
Actually a lot of the people I hang around are natural or trying to transition to the natural look. Usually we are getting tips from each other, different ideas of what products to buy, and different styles to try. Some people who aren't natural do not like the puff or the big hair (including my grandma). I have gotten comments from "I don't like that" to just them staring at my hair with a stank face....lol! Regardless, I love my natural and I don't let those comments affect me.
My advice to other teenagers wanting to embrace their natural hair...GO FOR IT! Yes the first few months are hard trying to figure out what products to use, how to style (especially with a TWA), and learning that it needs lots of TLC! Just keep at it and find someone who is natural that you can get tips from!
IMANI, PASJION, AND BROOKLYN.....YALL ROCK!!!!
ND