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I Grew the Snoop Dogg of 'Fros

By Andre Shannon
Black College Wire

Three years ago, when I decided to end my eight-year relationship with my barber, I had no idea what I was getting into. My decision to "Afro it out" was based on the premise that my head was far too big for a Caesar, and I was tired of wearing a wave cap eight hours while I slept, for waves that lasted less than 10 minutes once the cap was removed.

In short, I concluded that an Afro would be a nice accessory. I figured the Afro look couldn't hurt, since I looked exactly like my dad. Every time I showed someone a picture of my dad when he was about 18, I would get the same response: "Your daddy look good, you should grow your hair like that."

So I began the insurmountable quest of growing the "Snoop Dogg of 'fros."

Afros were not very popular when I started growing my hair. Only a few people had the all-natural '70's look, and fewer still with braids. Today, the trend has changed dramatically; it seems as though everyone is born with braids. With the exception of a few going for the Nelly look, some people go through extremes to get the shortest of 'fros braided up. I have heard of cases of hot combing, perming, stitching, and the extreme, extensions for men. Believe me, I'm not criticizing, because your hair is your hair, but I want you to know the history behind the style, as I've learned it.

In the '70s, the Afro had a meaning. Although not everyone who sported the style was aware of it, the Afro stood for unity.

In my three-year relationship with my 'fro, I've contemplated getting rid of it several times. In a hot, humid summer in Tallahassee, Fla., a 'fro can feel like a bear on your head, and in times when I've looked for someone with actual braiding talent, Mario's song "Braid My Hair" becomes my cry for help.

As I prepare to begin a career in about a year, my braids might be a problem.

Braids and Afros are still associated with the common thug. For every Maxwell or Lenny Kravitz, the image of ODB and Eazy-E plays out in corporate America's head. Employers might never be able to deal with someone who is not uniformly groomed, according to corporate America's definition.

I've thought long and hard about the love affair that I have with my hair, and the unity I share with my peers. I've concluded that no one can tell me when to end this relationship.

So for you discriminatory future employers, I just want you to know that I'm happy being nappy.

Andre Shannon is an Florida State University student from Miami who wrote this for the Famuan. He can be reached at