A Man's P.O.V: Cas

  

1. How important is a woman's hair to you? Especially if you are dating her, does she have to wear her hair a certain way to keep grab your interest? (i.e. which styles down vs. ponytail vs. bun, hair length?)

I once heard it said that a woman's hair is like her jewel. It is her ultimate accessory and the pride and care she takes in it and puts into it are a reflection of how she feels about herself. A woman's hair is important to me, because I feel like it should be important to her. Hair is a large part of our outward appearance and a woman's hair style shows her style, her level of "hair care" shows how much she cares. I know that we live in a busy world but I do notice and appreciate those who find or make time to express their personalities not only through their clothing but with their hair as well. I personally like many styles varying from long to short to natural (although I have to admit I do have a weakness for long curly hair) but the main thing I look for is the fact that she put effort into doing something with her hair, And I ALWAYS notice that. It's one of the first things I look for.

2. Do you think that there is a 'Natural Hair Movement' or trend going on these days? Why do you think so many women are choosing to go natural now, do you think it's a fad?

I'm not sure it there is a 'Natural Hair Movement' or trend going on right now, but I would fully support one. I think a few people are trying to do something different and natural is the way they are going.  I try to encourage my friends and co workers to "go natural" and those who have look great. I think that weaves and un-natural styles will always be more popular because it is easier and culturally accepted on a wider scale. Long Silky hair is taught as the general standard of beauty for girls from the time they are playing with dolls on throughout their lives. I don't think Natural is big enough to even be considered a fad. If it is a movement it's a underground movement. and it will probably stay that way until culture becomes more accepting of the beauty of natural hair

3. Would you support your partner or family members (i.e. mother, sister, daughter) if she decided to become natural?

I think it is important for anyone to find their own personal style and hair is a big part of that. I would fully support anyone in my life going natural to express their sense of style. My sister had very long permed straight hair.  I admit, when she cut it all off so that it was shorter than my hair I was upset with her... and I let her know how I felt. She decided after some time to let her hair grow again and kept it natural and I would compliment her at every opportunity because the style fit her personality, and it looked good. Natural hair is beautiful as long as it is cared for. to quote a rapper "effort is all I ask."

4. How important is hair texture to you? If your significant other were to go natural, would the texture of her hair affect your opinions on wheather she should remain natural or not?

Hair texture is not that big of a deal for me. I like soft hair. But if my significant other to go natural I don't think the texture of her hair would affect anything. I would just be happy she was going natural.

5. What is your definition of "Good Hair" and how do you feel about the word "Nappy?"

I would say "Good Hair" would be just nice very manageable hair that is well kept. The word "Nappy" doesn't affend me or make me mad. Some people just have coarse hair and just need to know how to manage it better.

6. Would you rather your partner wear her hair natural or in a weave? Why or why not?

I would much rather she wear her hair natural. I'm not into weaves at all. I just like a woman to wear her hair natural. It's sexy to me and seems rare to me.  I feel a woman wearing her hair natural is more comfortable also. She didn't have to go to weave to achieve some "new look". Weave is deceiving to me.

7. If you are involved with a woman do you think she should consult with you when it comes to making changes to her hair?

I would hope she would just let me know what she was going to do to it. But at the end of the day it's her hair and she can do what she likes. I'll support her.

8. Why does it seem like some men are "hung up" on hair length? Does it matter to you?

I think men just want their kids to have long hair if they have a girl. Hair length doesn't really matter to me. But I do love a woman with long hair, seems kind of rare now days also.

9. Would you be supportive in your partner's journey to go natural?

I would be 100% supportive with her journey to natural hair. I've already supported to female coworkers. I think it's a tuff process and the support is needed.

10. What makes black women and their hair unique and beautiful to you?

The texture and the amount of styles they can wear.

11. Who is your favorite "curly girl?" (i.e. celebrity, actress, friend, etc.)

I don't have a favorite oddly enough but here are a few ladies hair that I like. I like yours to be honest. 

Interesting Video...

I was contacted by one of my twitter followers (@Kzoh88) to check out his video about natural hair. I found it very sweet and interesting to say the least. Check it out below for yourself and leave your thoughts in the comment box. I think y'all will like this...

Can relaxers to equate "cheating?"

The other day I featured Jarrett and his gorgeous loc’s. During that interview he made a comment about women and relaxers, some of you wanted to know his thoughts/views on them. Well he sent me this email and elaborated a little more on that thought. See below…

I feel like when women relax their hair they are communicating to their bodies that chemicals are needed in order for the hair to be something that it isn't, which is straight. In my opinion relaxers are like an addictive drug, some women cannot seem to live or be without one. Many fail to realize that once you stop relaxing the hair breakage and bald spots can occur if the hair is not treated with care. I'm on the fence with the topic because there's no denying that some women with perms have beautiful healthy hair; it just sucks women feel the need to chemically straighten their hair in order for it to be sleek and smooth. Can’t that be achieved without a relaxer? To me having hair is similar to a marriage and relaxing it can be compared to cheating. Sooner or later you will get caught cheating and your spouse may leave you, just like your hair (by falling out and breaking off). But if you love your hair, respect it, nurture it, it'll stay with you, grow, flourish and give everything you expect it to—almost like in a monogamous relationship.

What do you ladies think about Jarrett’s opinion/view? Weigh in and share YOUR thoughts; I am dying to know what you think.

Special Feature: Artist Miya Bailey

Everyone, I am super honored to feature Miya Bailey an amazing artist and lover of natural queens.

I first stumbled across Mr. Bailey on Twitter this summer. I was enamored by his talent and artwork and since I am a lover of tattoo's and all things beautiful I quickly became a huge fan!

I plan on getting tattoo'd by him sometime next year and I cannot wait to see what piece he will create just for me.

A few weeks ago I decided to reach out to him and ask if he would be interested in being featured on my blog , it was an honor to have him say yes!

It took me a while to come up with the questions because I wanted you all to get to know him as an artist and get his view on black woman and our hair.

The questions I came up with seemed to intertwine well and reading his responses gave me chills.

He loves black woman and the way he talks about his wife is so admirable.

To read his feature click the jump! I hope you enjoy.

1.       Can you give some background on what you do and who you are, for those who are not familiar with you? My name is Miya Bailey, I'm a fine art painter, book author, filmmaker, businessman, family man, illustrator..but most people know me for my style of tattooing we call "Skin Paintings" a style created by City of Ink...a style that steps outside the box and follow no stereotypes...

2. When did you discover that you were an artist? Have you always been artistically inclined or was your skill developed? I didn't discover it..my mom did...she seen me drawing when I was a baby and praticed with me whenever she wasnt working....I always had a wild imagination...Visions come to by hearing words from other people...i can be having a converation and one word will spark an idea for a painting or tattoo....thats how my mind works...it never turns off..so I'm inspired a few times a day....i try to only surround myself with people who keep my mind working and inspired.

3. How long have you been a tattoo artist? Can you recall your first tattoo experience? I been tattooing for over 18 years now...I always talk about my first tattoo in 92-93..it was an anhk and I been cursed ever since with people asking me to do them...in the early 90's before Erykah Badu I made the anhk and eyes popular in tattooing...its 2010 now so I moved pasted  that style of tattooing...everyone do them now so they can have the trend we started...my focus is the future on turning real artist into businessmen... 

4. When did you fall in love with art? Artist are BORN its a DNA trait...a real artist only purpose is to create art..the first love is always art...you take art away from an artist and death will soon follow....art is instinct not thought about...its an artist first and last thought period...everything else is extra things to make an artist life better...but art comes first always

5. Who is your favorite artist? Does/has anyone inspired you during your journey as a tattoo artist? My favorite artist is Mike Giant...I love how he runs his business and promotes his lifestyle to the world....and Julia Alphonsio trained me as a tattoo artist..she taught be almost everything I know in the art of tattooing so I'm very thankful to her...

6. I notice that a lot of your pieces have an ethnic flare to them, which I love, what influences that? How do you come up with your elaborate custom tattoos? I just let the people inspire me...people of color are soulful and have beautiful features...can't help to use that in my art if they sitting in my chair for 4-5 hours.....I notice the features of people....and I use that in my art....if I was around white people all day I'm sure I would be using more white features...I'm only inspired by my surrounding....its not thought about...my tattoo of tattooing is for ALL races....I'm a balanced person...and I'm color blind to race until i'm confronted by racism...when a customer sit in my chair I don't have a clue of what I'm going to do..the only way I can get inspired when I'm tattooing is when the client VERBALLY tell me their idea...I have to HEAR the passion in there voice and see the excitement in eyes for me to get ideas...thats all I need...so never bring me drawings or photos of other tattoos...I can design it without any help....most of my clients give me free range...they let me do whatever i feel...they trust my vision and know whatever I tattoo on them will MATCH their personally  and be a one of a kind for only them...I never ever copy others.

7. You seem to take much pride in black women and some of the drawings I have seen, really capture the essence of our curves; how do you feel about black women and our natural hair? The Black Woman is the center of life to me...my mother is a black woman so I can help but what to protect and fight my sisters...Black women come in all shapes, sizes, skin tones, and backgrounds...its something for everyone if you love the black woman....I'm a very spiritual person and I feel GOD is a female energy...man since to do and create more evil in these days and times.....I know if women stood together, man wouldnt have a chance..and the woman would be a lot better place for our children...and nothing is better seeing a black woman in her natural form...I LOVE REAL HAIR....nothing against weave and stuff...but when you making love to a woman...you suppose to make love to ALL of her...from her hair to her feet..she suppose to be worshipped....natural hair just feels more God like....and natural so love making is more passionate....you can make love to weave...if you pull too hard it might even come out....I just know I want to feel her scalp...feel all of her...the real her

8. Do you think that there is a ‘Natural Hair Movement’ or trend going on in our culture? Why do you think so many women are choosing to go natural now, do you think it’s a fad? I think more women don't want to follow the stereotypes..its a fact men treat women with natural hair different....it just feels like she is demanding respect...not staying all woman with natural hair are "ladies" but most of the ones I know just think outside the box...and that attractive to both men and women...so if its a fad...lets keep it around...because I get bored seeing perm heads allday....lets mix it up and show the world our woman come in all forms and fashion...

9. I read in your bio that you are a husband and father. Is your wife natural, if so what do you like about her hair? How do your children wear their hair? My wife has natural hair...no perm at all and its the sexiest thing to me in the world...nothing better than thick beautiful hair and some big ole lips that remind you of Africa.....its like looking at God...one of my daughters got a perm a few years ago I was pissed off....but she is a teenager she will find her way when her surrounding change...my son is a dread..

10. What is your definition of “Good Hair” and how do you feel about the word “Nappy?” My Definition of Good Hair is a term used by people still affected by slavery and the teaching of the "negro" mind state....that term was used my the elders who were formed to give up their true culture....Good hair to me is REAL hair. Untamed...and nappy isn't a negative word to me....I'm trying to make my hair nappy now..lol Nappy is cool with me....the more different hair textures....the more each human looks different from the next, so it keeps artist inspired....the age of the social clone is DEAD.

11. How do you like your wife to wear her hair? Does she consult with you before she changes it? I love my wife’s hair....I like all the different styles she can wear....its like having a different woman every different hair style...and we all know men like that...a different look is sexy and very attractive....I don’t consult with her about her hair styles...she’s a hair stylist so I say in my own lane...that’s her job...but I do like when she wears it up so I can see her neck...that’s sexy to me...and when she wears it long and straight....straight or curly its sexy to me because its all her real hear....

12. Do you have a lot of natural hair’d clientele? YES....it might be 50/50.... naturals and perm heads....they all cool with me 

13. What makes black women and their hair unique and beautiful to you? I can't explain it with words...its more of a feeling you get when you touch her hair....you can feel her power...I don't know its something very close to God...I feel "strength" in her...

14. Who is your favorite “curly girl?” (i.e. celebrity, actress, friend, ect.) Erykah Badu that woman has style and is beautiful....I was also in love (or lust) with Lisa Bonet

15. Where can people find you on the web? Follow me on twitter @miyabailey and I also have a blog that links to back to all my social network profileshttp://MiyaBailey.com and can watch my videos on http://youtube.com/miyabailey

 What do you all think about Mr. Bailey?

Pretty awesome guy , right? 

(All images are courtesy of miyabailey.com)

A Man's P.O.V: Luck

Name: Luck

Age: 25

Location: DMV

Meet Luck, a very close friend of mine who is a lover of Natural Hair.

I was excited to read his interview questions because I know he is a fan of Curly Girls.

Read his POV below.

How important is a woman’s hair to you? Especially if you are dating her, does she have to wear her hair a certain way to keep/grab your interest? (i.e. which styles down vs. ponytail vs. bun, hair length?)

A woman’s hair is very important to me, because it’s part of a woman keeping herself at the top of her game. I am a sucker for natural hair (period). I love to see a woman pull off any style that truly accentuates her features. 

Do you think that there is a ‘Natural Hair Movement’ or trend going on these days? Why do you think so many women are choosing to go natural now, do you think it’s a fad? 

I do think there’s a movement going on. I think more women are becoming comfortable with their natural hair. I don’t believe it’s a fad though, because going natural should be a long term commitment. 

Would you support your partner or family members (i.e. mother, sister, daughter) if she decided to become natural?

I would definitely support any woman I know with that decision. 

How important is hair texture to you? If your significant other were to go natural, would the texture of her hair affect your opinions on whether she should remain natural or not?

Hair texture is important to me. Obviously with going natural, your hair texture would change, so as long as she is happy with the result, I would be behind her. 

What is your definition of “Good Hair” and how do you feel about the word “Nappy?”

My definition of good hair is probably not to different from most people’s definition, and that would be of the soft and silky variety. As far as the word nappy, I don’t see anything wrong with it. I mean, if you don’t have “good hair”, that doesn’t mean your hair has to be nappy, and there are a variety of products on the market that will help “nappy” hair.

Would you rather your partner wear her hair natural or in a weave? Why or why not?

I’ve traditionally kind of always been attracted to long, flowing hair. So, if that’s the look my partner was attempting to achieve, I wouldn’t mind a weave, as long as it is maintained. I find myself now really enjoying natural hair though. 

If you are involved with a woman do you think she should consult with you when it comes to making changes to her hair?

I don’t think she needs to consult with me, but if she runs it by me, I’ll give her my honest opinion. Usually, my opinion is valued by my partner, so I appreciate being available for consultation.

Why does it seem like some men are “hung up” on hair length? Does it matter to you?

I think men are infatuated with long hair, because that’s always been what we’ve been told is beautiful, and until we know what beauty means to us, we go for that. I think women are amazing with any length hair, but not every woman can pull off every look. 

Would you be supportive in your partner’s journey to go natural?

I would be 100% supportive of that.

What makes black women and their hair unique and beautiful to you?

Black women have so much style and creativity when it comes to their hair, it’s crazy to see all the styles you all come up with. 

Who is your favorite “curly girl?” (i.e. celebrity, actress, friend, ect.)

My favorite “curly girl” would be Alex, because you wear all natural styles flawlessly.

A Man's P.O.V: Caleb

Meet Caleb, this weeks man, giving his P.O.V on women and our natural hair.

1.   How important is a woman’s hair to you? Especially if you are dating her, does she have to wear her hair a certain way to keep grab your interest? (i.e. which styles down vs. ponytail vs. bun, hair length?)

            I personally am a fan of longer hair in curls, but as long as it's all yours and not a wig or weave I'm a fan. It really varies female to female.

2.   Do you think that there is a ‘Natural Hair Movement’ or trend going on these days? Why do you think so many women are choosing to go natural now, do you think it’s a fad?

            I think it is trending right now because so many people have voiced their displeasure for the fakeness for a couple years and its a recession. It's expensive to keep your hair did haha.

3.   Would you support your partner or family members (i.e. mother, sister, daughter) if she decided to become natural?

            Most definitely. All the women in my immediate family are natural with dreadlocks and the like. They would definitely here it from me if they were constantly killing their hair or just looking tacky.

4.   How important is hair texture to you? If your significant other were to go natural, would the texture of her hair affect your opinions on whether she should remain natural or not?

            Hair texture is not something im really concerned about, but I wouldn't want to put my hands in dry, rough hair that feels like it would cut me.

5.   What is your definition of “Good Hair” and how do you feel about the word “Nappy?”

            "Good hair" is based on societies idea of "good hair". I know many people with dreadlocks have healthy good hair. Nappy is just unkempt. Healthy hair is good hair too me.

6.   Would you rather your partner wear her hair natural or in a weave? Why or why not?

            Natural. Simply beacuse if you dont have the Beyonce weave, your weave is so obvious. Fake hair is a turn off. I dont want to be in bed with my girl one night and her hair just come out in my hand haha.

7.   If you are involved with a woman do you think she should consult with you when it comes to making changes to her hair?

            In the end, I don't run her life so she can do what she wants to her hair, but I would like her to consult me so I can advise her when she might be deciding to make her self look like a sideshow with a nicki minaj look.

8.   Why does it seem like some men are “hung up” on hair length? Does it matter to you?

            I like long hair but any length is cool with me as long as it suits her aesthetic and face. Length matters to ment because some guys feel like a woman is supposed to have hair longer than their own. They don't want their womans head to feel like a mans.

9.   Would you be supportive in your partner’s journey to go natural?

            110%.

10. What makes black women and their hair unique and beautiful to you?

             Black womens hair allows them to be very creative with their hair, but natural healthy hair adds to the beauty of a woman.

11. Who is your favorite “curly girl?” (i.e. celebrity, actress, friend, ect.)

            I really cant think of any “curly girls” so I’ll just say Alexis Belon. (www.alexisbelon.com)

A Man's P.O.V: Yalabe

Meet Yalabe, a beautiful black man who thinks highly of women with 

highly textured hair.

I am so happy to be receiving such positivity from the YOUNG black men in our community.

It warms my heart to read that some colored brotha's love us and our hair JUST THE WAY WE ARE.

Read his P.O.V on Natural Hair after the jump.

ENJOY!

Name: Yalabe

Age: 21

Area: MD

1. How important is a woman’s hair to you? Especially if you are dating her, does she have to wear her hair a certain way to keep grab your interest?

A woman’s hair says a lot, it is like a personal statement to others about her. I couldn’t date a woman who did not take care of her hair and take pride in it. There isn’t a particular kind of hairstyle that grabs my attention because what works for one woman may not work for the other. I believe hair carries a certain confidence, and when that woman finds it, they will always look good.

                                                                                                                                

2. Do you think that there is a ‘Natural Hair Movement’ or trend going on these days? Why do you think so many women are choosing to go natural now, do you think it’s a fad?

 There is definitely a Natural Hair Movement going on, a lot of women I know are starting to go natural or playing around with the idea. I’m not sure why women want to go natural, but in my opinion there is a certain beauty behind it, so why not rock your “own” hair.

3.      Would you support your partner or family members (i.e. mother, sister, daughter) if she decided to become natural?

My Mother has been natural since I was in middle school. She left the house one day and said she was going to go get her hair done. When she came back she had no hair and was rocking a low cut. It was weird at first, but I must say she was more beautiful in my eyes. I don’t even remember her long hair anymore.

4. How important is hair texture to you? If your significant other were to go natural, would the texture of her hair affect your opinions on whether she should remain natural or not?

Hair texture is something I believe that women are BIG on; I can’t say I particularly pay attention to it because most girls I’ve dated have had soft hair. If my partner’s hair wasn’t soft, I do not believe it would affect my opinion about her going natural, although I must say soft hair is the way to go.

5. What is your definition of “Good Hair” and how do you feel about the word “Nappy?”

Please, nobody come to crucify me!! When I was younger my definition of good hair was basically the girls with long hair and the ones that didn’t use weave. However, being asked that question now I believe good hair is natural hair, but it has to compliment that individual. There are so many ways for a woman to treat their hair in order for it make it fit them.  The word “Nappy” holds many negative connotations and I personally don’t feel like it should be used to describe a Black Woman’s hair.

6. Would you rather your partner wear her hair natural or in a weave? Why or why not?

Sorry, no weave over here. I would love for my partner to rock her natural hair before ever putting in weave, but I here sometimes you have to do that to protect your natural hair during one of the four seasons. I just think Natural is beautiful; I don’t like the fake hair stuff.

7. If you are involved with a woman do you think she should consult with you when it comes to making changes to her hair?

When involved with a woman she doesn’t need to consult me about her hair in the same sense I won’t consult her about changing a tie or a suit. When she decides she wants to make changes to her hair I will support her as long as it looks good.

8. Why does it seem like some men are “hung up” on hair length? Does it matter to you?

Hair Length is one of those stereotypes that most guys have taken in. Like I stated earlier, when I was younger I thought longer hair made a woman prettier. Maybe it’s what society deems as “beautiful” and a lot of men happen to follow that stigma.

9. Would you be supportive in your partner’s journey to go natural?

I don’t see why any man wouldn’t support their partner on their Natural journey if she wanted to go that route. She might look better than she did before, you never know with these things

10. What makes black women and their hair unique and beautiful to you?

Black Women’s hair is unique to me because there are so many things that can be done with it. It can be twisted, dread-locked,low cut, curly/crinkly etc… When done right a black woman’s hair can look amazing, it can have that “DAM” factor, I can’t say that about other ethnic groups.

11. Who is your favorite “curly girl?” (i.e. celebrity, actress, friend, ect.)

My favorite “Curly” girl? Hmm…that’s a tough one but I will have to go with my elementary school crush…ALEX…I love her natural hair and her different styles.

A Man's P.O.V: Ryan

Ryan Allen

Age: 22

Area: The DMV (DC, MD, VA area)

Meet Ryan, one of my closest friends.

He has witnessed me go from relaxed to natural and he's watched Safi grow.

(He uses my Avocado Shea Butter too.)

Hearing his about his view on natural hair means a lot to me.

So I am super happy that he agreed to participate in this interview.

Read Ryan's P.O.V. on natural hair after the jump!

1.      How important is a woman’s hair to you? Especially if you are dating her, does she have to wear her hair a certain way to keep grab your interest? (i.e. which styles down vs. ponytail vs. bun, hair length?) A woman’s hair is very important to me. I believe you can tell a lot about a woman by how she wears her hair. Although the confidence behind the style grabs my attention more than the style itself.

2.      Do you think that there is a ‘Natural Hair Movement’ or trend going on these days? Why do you think so many women are choosing to go natural now, do you think it’s a fad? I don’t think I’d call it a movement, yet but I wouldn’t classify it as a trend either. More women are embracing their natural hair and I think it just comes from women educating themselves and getting to know their hair. No, I don’t think it’s a fad I actually think its something more and more women will embrace and it’ll become much more mainstream especially in the minority community.

3.      Would you support your partner or family members (i.e. mother, sister, daughter) if she decided to become natural? Absolutely, if that’s what they wanted to do. My views have even changed on natural hair, I’ve become much more accepting of it over the past year, in large because a good friend of mine wears her hair natural.

4.      How important is hair texture to you? If your significant other were to go natural, would the texture of her hair affect your opinions on whether she should remain natural or not? Unfortunately, kind of. I’ve only been exposed to a few females with natural hair (other than locs) and they’ve all had similar textures and I loved their hair. I’m sure there are chicks with less-soft hair but I think if it was well kept and maintained, I’d be ok with it, however, it may take getting used to. Just being honest…

5.      What is your definition of “Good Hair” and how do you feel about the word “Nappy?” “Good Hair” is well kept, maintained and taken care of…healthy hair. I think nappy has taken on a derogatory connotation, depending on who is using it. It’s seems to be one of those things that’s fine if “we” say it but would get offended if someone not like “us” said it.

6.      Would you rather your partner wear her hair natural or in a weave? Why or why not? It’s totally up to her whatever she prefers. Just as long as I cannot tell it’s a weave I’m good.

7.      If you are involved with a woman do you think she should consult with you when it comes to making changes to her hair? It’s not a must but if we are in a relationship I think those are the types of things you all just talk about. Not as in consulting for my approval but just to have my input would be nice. I would do the same to her because I would value her opinion.

8.      Why does it seem like some men are “hung up” on hair length? Does it matter to you? We(I) have been molded to view the standard of beauty as long hair. Everything we are shown as beautiful had long hair. So, once that’s basically engrained in you, its kind’ve hard to let go. I’ll admit I’m a fan of long hair but I can rock with the short as well. Whatever the style, wearing it with confidence is the key.

9.      Would you be supportive in your partner’s journey to go natural? Absolutely, I’m actually enjoying seeing more women embrace their natural hair. I love big curly bushes.

10.  What makes black women and their hair unique and beautiful to you? Black women and their hair are unique and beautiful to me simply because of their diversity. Black women are all so different to me, shapes, skin complexions, hair types/styles because of their diversity that makes them unique and beautiful.

11.  Who is your favorite “curly girl?” (i.e. celebrity, actress, friend, ect.) I really dig Tracy Ellis Ross and of course you, Alex :) 

A Man's P.O.V: Rasheed

Today I decided I wanted to feature some brotha's on my blog.

I am always curious to know how men think and feel about their sista's having natural hair.

My first interview is with Mr. Rasheed.

Let me just say that I am BEYOND impressed with his responses and I am so eager for you all to read what he wrote.

I know that I will receive a lot of feedback from you ladies and I cannot wait!

Rasheed is one of many men that I will have featured.

Some of the brotha's that will be up next to give their opinions have loc's and they will be giving us some insight on how they take care of their natural hair.

But for now read Rasheed's interview; I am sure you are going to love it as much as I do.

Rasheed Copeland

Age 23
Area: The DMV (DC, MD, VA area)

1. How important is a woman’s hair to you? Especially if you are dating her, does she have to wear her hair a certain way to keep/grab your interest? (i.e. which styles down vs. ponytail vs. bun, hair length?)

Well considering that I’ve dated women whose hairstyles have ranged from weave, natural, permed etc… I’d say that though it’s not necessarily a deal breaker it definitely matters to me.  I believe a woman’s hair is her crown and if for no other reason than self-satisfaction, she should keep it maintained.  I prefer natural hair, as far as styles go, I’m not too picky.  Just keep it kept.

2. Do you think that there is a ‘Natural Hair Movement’ or trend going on these days? Why do you think so many women are choosing to go natural now, do you think it’s a fad?

Well I don’t know if I’d used the word “movement” just yet, but I definitely think it’s becoming more of a fad.  I’m uncertain of where it’s stemming from but I have noticed that folks are reverting back to a more afro-centric approach to their aesthetic makeup, and the look has been more publicized in pop culture as well.  Though I’ve had conversations with folks who don’t like the idea of it being “pop” I think it’s wonderful.  I hope it’s actually does grow into movement, it’s wonderful to see women of color embracing their natural beauty no matter what the reason.

3. Would you support your partner or family members (i.e. mother, sister, daughter) if she decided to become natural?

 Absolutely, I think it would be shallow not too. If this is what makes them happy and they have convicted in doing so they’d have my full support.

4. How important is hair texture to you? If your significant other were to go natural, would the texture of her hair affect your opinions on whether she should remain natural or not?

Though texture is somewhat important, I don’t think the texture would matter much to me.  The biggest thing would be whether or not her hair was healthy.

5. What is your definition of “Good Hair?”

  Well my definition of “Good Hair” is simply thick and healthy hair that is versatile and able to be styled in various ways.  I’ve never thought of  “bone straight“ hair to be “good hair” because its limited in what you can do to it.

6. Would you rather your partner wear her hair natural or in a weave? Why or why not?  

Well I’d definitely say Natural.  In my opinion it looks better and feels better.  Also, (not to dabble too deep)  I’ve found that females who wear their hair natural, are more prone to be secure within themselves and don’t require much of the struggle involved in convincing your woman that she’s gorgeous. I mean it’s always necessary but not as much in that area of beauty.

7. If you are involved with a woman do you think she should consult with you when it comes to making changes to her hair? 

Definitely so, not for any macho, ego driven, “I run you” type of reasons, but just because I’d extend that same courtesy with anything concerning my physical appearance.  Ultimately the decision will ALWAYS be hers and I’d always support her in it, but hair is important, and doing something drastic to your hair, without at least a heads up to the person you’re involved with strikes me as a breakdown in communication.

8. Why does it seem like some men are “hung up” on hair length? Does it matter to you?  

 I think whether long or short is fine.  I think the whole guys being obsessed with long hair is a learned behavior from youth though.  Since I can remember the media/pop culture has always portrayed long hair as pretty and short hair as ugly, and naturally when you grow up hearing and seeing that all over, it molds your perception.  But honestly I don’t think any guy can deny that some of the most gorgeous women they’ve ever encountered didn’t ALL have long hair.  (just a very quick example, Halle Berry All throughout the 90’s)

9. Would you be supportive in your partner’s journey to go natural?

Yes, like I said earlier, I understand how serious hair it is for females and I’d dare not be insensitive by not being supportive.  Now whether that support is shown by me helping her grease her scalp, or paying for salon appointments or even sitting in the barber shop for her to get edged up (which I’ve all done..lol) so long as she knows that I’m behind her on it, I have no problem doing so.

10. What makes black women and their hair unique and beautiful to you?

I could on and on about this for days!! I guess to keep is short though, I’d say that there’s certain vigor to a black woman’s hair that other races, unfortunately don’t have.  The variety within textures, lengths and endless styles is something I think makes it impossible for folks to deny its beauty.  It almost as if there has to be a style/grade for EVERYONE’s taste.  (I sound like a Pink Lotion commercial..lol)

11. Who is your favorite “curly girl?” (i.e. celebrity, actress, friend, ect.)

Corinne Bailey Rae <3 Lawd have mercy

Find him on the web here: www.twitter.com/sheedemilio