"So I decided to write an impromptu blog article about my encounters of being a natural beauty in a Euro-centric society. I have not always been a natural beauty, but being an African-American woman” other non-ethnic cultures are “intrigued by the texture and hairstyles of African-Americans. At first, I use to be offended because some people wanted to ask a million questions about my hair and even go to the extent of wanting to touch my hair.

I remember asking one of my cohort members in graduate school about their fascination about the kinky/tightly coiled texture of people of color hair. She gave me the most realest and sincere answers ever; she wasn’t taught about the various texture of hair and thought it was best to ask. “Close mouths don’t get fed!” Amen to that quote. So back to the topic - I educated my cohort member, but ended up getting some valuable knowledge from her as well. I remember her telling me that she has “bad hair” because it was coarse, curly and tangled. I’m thinking to myself, wow here I am complaining about my hair and she was having similar issues like me. When she told me that it took her 4-6 hours to straighten her hair, I gained a deeper appreciation for my hair at the moment. During this time, I was in a relaxed state of mind and complaining about bringing my breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hair salon and hearing the “hoodrat chronicles”. LOL! So, ladies and gentlemen, not all non-ethnic people’s hair is straight and easily manageable. They too have various hair issues as well. I don’t think I could handle washing my hair daily, de-tangling it for hours and possible straightening my hair for another 4 hours. That’s not what’s up!

Since moving back to the New England, many people admire my natural state, especially non-ethnic people. I receive many compliments from them about my natural hair. I don’t take offense to this because honestly, I am a beautiful woman who embraces my natural state to the fullest and appreciate those who recognize true and natural beauty. I don’t feel compelled to straighten my hair just to please society and to assimilate. If you can’t accept me for who I am, than you are missing out on an amazing, loving, and gifted person.  This blog article goes out to all my natural Beauties, Princesses, and Queens out there. Another shout out to those who want to become more educated to our natural state and are open to asking genuine questions." - written by Guest Writer, Drea Camille