It's the Natural Thing for Every Black Woman

I love having "good hair." No, my hair isn't wavy, if you couldn't tell. I'm glad it isn't.

I can do things that women with "good hair" can't.

Sometimes I wear my hair out in a big, beautiful Afro, and other times I twist my thick tendrils and even still I sometimes cornrow my hair.

I'd like to see someone with a perm or soft hair do some of those things.

Yet I haven't seen any women with natural hair in shampoo commercials – as if you can feel good about your hair only if it's straight and falling around your shoulders.

Six years ago when I cut my hair, being natural was not the "in thing." Not to say that everyone had a perm, but I could feel the wandering eyes when I walked.

I heard the whispers that I better wear earrings and a dress every day if I wanted to be recognized as a girl.

When I went home to visit my high school, I knew why my friends weren't making eye contact.

But after being self-conscious, for – well, my entire life, finally I didn't care anymore. I started to care more – about black issues and self-awareness.

It's strange that my hair, which can be such a superficial concern, made me less superficial. I had less of a desire to buy earrings and make up. I realized that I am a beautiful black woman, and that I don't need chemicals and a European image.

Although going natural does not make everyone feel closer to his or her roots, I do. It's inexplicable.

Every woman with twists gets asked, "are you locking your hair?" No, I'm not. I have enough commitment in my life without having to commit to another hairstyle.

But, I have noticed how fast people's hair does grow when they lock it. Makes you wonder why when you leave your hair alone and just let it do its thing, it seems to take on a life of its own.

Some people would say that being natural is not for everyone. I disagree. Being natural is the natural thing for every black woman.

Don't use excuses like having a round face, big forehead, etc. There are too many styles and ways to maneuver around those things. If you're scared, just say you're scared.

Even in the black shampoo commercials, the women with permed hair have that "I just walked out of salon look." We know that lasts only for a week.

Lord knows, I don't miss the smell of relaxers or the drip of the curly perm.

The "good" life just can't compare to a natural one.

I've changed my mind. I don't have "good hair." I have great hair, and I feel great because of it.

Danielle Wright, 23, is a senior theater student at Florida A&M University from London, England. She is The Famuan's managing editor. She can be reached at