What is Texturism?
Texturism is the idea that looser/smoother natural hair patterns are more desirable or beautiful than kinkier/coarser patterns.
Texturism is one of the evils born from slavery that unfortunately still plagues the black community. Although we did not create it, we have kept it alive from generation to generation. Sadly, those with the tightest hair textures, bear the brunt of texturism.
Texturism is pervasive and manifests itself in so many ways. Texturism is your aunt asking you “why didn’t you do your hair?” when you wear it in it’s natural afro-state. Your cousin with a looser texture may not get the same comment. Or maybe you weren’t hired because the hair that grows from your scalp is seen as unprofessional. So many people have their texturism stories!
Loving My 4C hair Despite Texturism
I have dealt with texturism but my experience was not the same as most people. The way I navigate texturism is solely due to my mindset, as well as my upbringing.
I already knew my hair texture was 4C because back home in Nigeria, we cut our hair in tiny TWAs in secondary school. I made the decision to go natural in college. When I told people I was going natural, they thought I was joking! I would get comments such as, “you would not last,” “it would not fit you,” “you do not have the hair for it,” etc. Look at me now, almost 10 years later, wearing my hair proudly!
I did not let those comments bother me because I knew what I wanted for my hair. No one was going to change my mind about that! Even after going natural, I did not feel ashamed about my hair texture because I am a very confident person! I credit that to the environment I was raised in. Remember, no one can make you feel bad about your natural God-given features!
Highlighting The Beauty Of My Hair When Styling
When I first went natural, I focused on being patient with my hair! I learned how to style it to highlight its beauty – as opposed to focusing on what it could not do, or attempting to making it look like other textures. It’s important to embrace everything that comes with being natural. Including the insane shrinkage, the fact that our edges do not stay laid for more than 5 minutes…even taking a little longer to do our hair because of how delicate it is.
It is important to focus on the health of your hair by properly moisturizing and hydrating it. I wash and deep condition my hair every two weeks with Rich & Funky , and I condition with the Heal & Renew masque. Heal & Renew leaves my hair feeling soft and my scalp feeling euphoric.
Every natural should have a leave-in spray! I use Thirsty Curls every day to maintain moisture levels in my hair. Also, Super Curl and Extra Butter are my go-to moisturizers. I use them depending on what my hair needs at the moment.
I share everything that I learned about 4C hair @westafricanbaby on social media. All my styles work well on 4c hair and can even help you retain length and reduce breakage!
Ultimately, My journey to loving my 4c hair has had its ups and downs, but self-confidence and assurance really helped me along my journey!
Remember that there is only one you. You are your biggest hype man and your own standard of beauty!
