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Friday night I went to a Natural Hair Meetup. It was refreshing being around all types of naturals.
Laverne, the Meetup Group organizer had a great format. After introductions, we went through anonymous questions people wrote on pieces of paper.
We saw a few reoccurring themes among natural concerns
How has natural effected dating Responses were mixed. In our area of Richmond, Virginia it seems the ladies get less play being natural, but in metropolitan areas like DC it helps meet people.
“Some men just like long or straight hair”, said one of the older ladies thinking about transitioning. One lady explained, she was watching tv with her boyfriend and he said something along the lines, if you ever cut your hair it would be over. The rebel that she is, she went a cut her hair, and he hated it. They broke up soon after. If you’re in a relationship with someone who will breakup because of hair, was it a strong relationship to begin with?
A younger woman with an enormous fro said that her boyfriend liked her kinky twist extensions, but didn’t care for her large and in charge twist outs. He then started to see all the attention her natural hair received, and shut his mouth. He knew good and well someone would be waiting in line to date her!
Surrounded by Non-supporters of Natural Hair
While many other races seemed to embrace to coils… Unfortunately many people shared that Black people are the most against their natural hair; Black co-workers, family members, friends, etc.
However, several years after going natural, two people shared many of same people that fought against going natural, are now rockin natural styles themselves. They jumped on board because they were impressed with look. Not to mention the money saved.
About Professional Hair
I personally was told by a Black colleague how surprised she was I was promoted with my natural hair. The same story was shared by several other naturals. 
Everyone agreed long as you maintain a neat, clean style, most employers could care less. I believe a messy weave in which you can see the tracks apart from your real hair is ten times worst that rockin kinnks.
I enjoyed listening to a story of a young lady waiting downtown for her lunch outside. What looked like two high level executive men, one Indian and another White approached her and said, “You are about the cutest thing I saw all day”. It made her day because she was so natural, and herself, yet these men went out of their way to compliment her.
If you are in the Richmond Area join the next event on August 29, 2009 @ 11am, RSVP. If you’re not in Richmond, check your city, they have natural hair groups world wide!!
Hey!
I attended this event as well. I am pictured above in the second pic. I am currently transitioning and have to say this event really inspired me. It was so great being around women so at ease with themselves, and their hair. I still have my relaxed ends, but everyday I get up wanting to just do a bc. I am trying to hold out until I have about 4 inches of new growth, but those women made me want to say forget it! lol.
I can’t wait until the next meetup!
Interesting. I’ll have to see if any groups like this meet in my area. As far as the nay-sayers, in my recent conversations with folks about this issue, mothers, oddly enough, seem to be the ones who frown the most, my own included.
I’m married, so the meeting men thing, isn’t an issue for me. But I have noticed on those rare occasions when I flat-iron my hair, I do get more male-attention. The same clerks in the grocery store who ignore me when I’m wearing twists, will ask me how I’d doing and if they can help me find something when my hair is straight (LOL).
That is sooooo cool, I wish I could find something like that in my area I would love to attend something like this . I think this is so powerful to be in company of all woman who are Naturals. I love this Idea. I hope you enjoyed yourself. (smile)
Hey ladies
Who started this link up here in the ric? It was a great Idea, I didnt even know about it. its wild because Ive had a great natural hair and skin care product line for almost ten years and im a member of several other natural hair groups of course outside of ric. I think Ive been natural for 25 years and im 34 years old. Ive had locks for 14 of those years and im very tickled at you guys comentary. Because im listening to some of you guys experiences and i say to my self with a smile ” wow i know all about it. imagine what we were goin through when this S&%T WASNT EVEN IN STYLE” Even as early as the 90’s. Im proud of you all, keep doin whatcha doin!!!
Wow - looks like you all had a wonderful time - beautiful ladies.
I love this!! This has definitely given me a little boost of confidence with my meet up group. Although I’m a little nervous I will do my best to keep it interesting! Thank you for sharing your experience!
I can relate to this post! When I BC, in oct, 07, I became invisible! All the play that I received when my hair was long and permed went out the window. When I wore a wig, I received conversation. Well, I wore that wig three times, then gave it away!
I decided if a man did not accept me in the natural, he did not deserved me any way. Being natural allowed me to dig deep and finally accept the woman God made me to be.
I met my BF, three months into my loc journey. Intially, he made a comment that caused me to put him in his place and educated him. He has experienced the high and the low points of my journeyand knows what it takes to be locked. He loves my locs and gives other dread heads my blog, and youtube link.
Now that my locs are growing, I`am getting stares and compliments. I hold my head up high and think to myself ” where were you all when I was in my baby and teen stages?”
When I see a “Natural Women”, I give her recognition. I have a good idea of where she`s been and where she`s going!
NLP