Hair...

Have you ever wondered why does hair make a big splash in the media? Why does one criticize, praise, or ridicule another individual’s hair? Hair can be one of the most significant components of an individual. It can make or break a person.  Recently during the 2012 summer Olympics, Gabby Douglas, a member of the “Fab Five” 2012 Olympic team was criticized for the way that she chose to wear her hair in the 2012 Olympics predominantly by the African American community. Her hair was slicked back into a ponytail to match her teammates. Instead of her outstanding performance being the talk of the media, the way she wore her hair overshadowed her performance and went viral throughout the likes of social media sites and the internet. What made her hairstyle overshadow a performance that allowed her to become the only African American to win gold in an individual performance in gymnastics? Gabby Douglas hair was not the problem. The problem was the mindset of the individuals who criticized her. When an individual find themselves doing something positive, there will always be those with negativity on their mind trying to bring them down.
Different cultures or race of people have different types of hair. Depending on a person’s background determines the type of hair they have. There is straight hair and curly hair, thin hair and thick hair. There also can be different variations in curly and straight hair. Different types of hair grow at different rates.
I have found that African American hair is one of the most talked about types of hair. Typically African American hair is described as “nappy”, or too hard to deal with. Many African Americans has been criticized for the way their hair is worn. The criticism of African American hair has led to many African Americans Europeanizing themselves by transitioning into straighter hair as oppose to their curly locks they are accustomed to. Many African Americans that straighten their hair by the usage of a relaxer, hot comb, or flat iron do not believe that they are Europeanizing themselves. They believe they are only giving themselves a different look. However, this different look is what society believes is the acceptable for one’s hair to be worn. Does this mean that if you have African American hair you are not acceptable, and you have to conform to what is believed to be acceptable? Many jobs do not allow African Americans to wear some hair styles such as: afros, dreadlocks, and braids. These hairstyles are said to be unprofessional in the work place.  More recently, specifically in the southern region of the southern states, African American has come to be more acceptable. More African American women have begun to accept their natural hair, and have sworn off relaxers and other chemicals that can harm their hair.
Men hair has been a big discussion. A man is considered well groomed if he keeps himself shaven and his haircut. I read a comment on Facebook recently that a man over 16 should not wear their hair in braids. The comment stated that a man over 16 that wears their hair in braids is immature and is not prepared for the workforce. Why does a man’s hair determine what job they can get?
I believe hair to be a very important part of one’s identity. How your hair looks can help determine your attitude. Getting you hair done can turn a smile upside down. Hair is said to have power in it. Even Samson in the Bible had long hair, and it was said that his strength came from his long locks. Regardless of whether you have long hair, short hair, curl or straight, thick or thin, you should accept yourself for who you are. You are a child of God, and your hair should not determine who you are as a person.