Going Natural: The Misconception of Being "Broke"
Have you ever heard someone say, "she only went natural because she was broke?" Every time I hear that statement, I cringe, and anger overcomes me because it couldn't be further from the truth.
Yes, it is expensive to switch from weaves, but it is equally as expensive to be natural. We buy tons of products only to find out they don't work for our hair, talk about wasting money. However, what's even more meaningful to me is what it really costs to be natural.
Imagine chopping your hair off but being confident enough to wear it with pride! Imagine your hair being short for years before you can fit into society's perception of "good looking hair." What about the hours we put in day and night nourishing our natural hair? Let us also mention the number of products we have to buy. So what really is more expensive? Better yet, who really pays the cost?
As a human being, we are all beautiful no matter how we choose to wear our hair. My point is the misconception that going natural is related to being broke is a very ignorant statement. Going natural is paid with time, money, and confidence.
Firstly, the decision to go natural is not an easy one. It takes a lot of courage and confidence to chop off all your hair and start over. It's not just a change in hairstyle; it's a change in identity. It's about accepting and loving your natural hair texture, which can be a challenging process for some.
Moreover, it's not just about the initial big chop; it's the journey that follows. It's about maintaining your hair and keeping it healthy. It requires time, effort, and investment in various hair products such as shampoos, conditioners, deep conditioners, oils, and styling products.
The cost of natural hair care products is not cheap, and finding the right products for your hair type can be a long and expensive process. Unlike those who wear weaves or extensions, natural hair care requires daily maintenance, which means we go through products faster.
In addition to the financial investment, there is also the emotional cost of going natural. Society has created unrealistic beauty standards that often exclude natural hair. For decades, natural hair has been deemed unprofessional, unattractive, and unmanageable. This perception has caused many women to hide their natural hair under wigs and weaves to fit into society's standards.
It takes a lot of self-love and confidence to embrace your natural hair texture, especially when the world around you tells you it's not good enough. So, when people assume that we only went natural because we were broke, it's a gross misconception that undermines the courage and confidence it takes to be natural.
In conclusion, going natural is not about being broke; it's about embracing your natural hair texture and defying societal norms. It's about investing time, money, and confidence in yourself to achieve healthy, beautiful hair. So the next time you see a woman with natural hair, don't assume she went natural because she was broke. Instead, appreciate the courage and confidence it takes to embrace your natural beauty.

