Straightening Our Hair

Bell Hooks, the author of this essay, spoke on the many reasons why black women choose to wear their hair straight. Whether it be to conform to society, gain self-esteem, or for the attention of males. The author seems to have a negative relationship with straight hair. She mentioned that when she was younger she too wore her hair straight, and that it was because she felt she became somewhat more of a woman when doing so. She feels that black women who straighten their hair do so to become desirable to men, to be accepted my whites/society, and to have a more "manageable" hair style. I feel some of this to be true. I straighten my hair; not to conform to society or to be desirable to men. I do it for myself and myself only. I do like my hair straightened, and I feel that it looks good on my face structure. I don't feel like I have been "brain-washed" by whites to straighten my hair to look more "beautiful". Nor did I have a mother who promoted straight "beautiful" hair. My mom has always had a natural hair style, whether it have been a short cut, a mini Afro, or what she has currently, dreadlocks. I did have natural hair up until middle school, and I felt I needed a change, and decided to begin straightening my hair. I straighten my hair because I want to look nice. I feel that straighting my hair gives me a look of sophistication and maturity. I do not object to women wearing their hair natural, I feel natural hair is beautiful as well, it's just not for me. Black women have the right to choose their hairstyle, just as white women. Black women should not be judged nor labeled for the hairstyle they choose to wear. Relaxed, natural, or straightened hair, does not determine who the woman is on the inside.