Taking a Break From the Wig: Why Our Natural Hair Is Enough

Hair Sessions, Part One

The notion that Black women's hair is never fully "done" is thoroughly normalized. Well even if it is, even with well-groomed natural braids or fresh cornrows nor properly laid umcino wesandla with a clean scalp, and healthy hair, you may still feel unfinished. Do you still feel the desire to "fix it"? You still feel like you need to put on a wig before you can go out in public looking presentable.

This is not a coincidence. Many of us were taught somewhere along the line that our natural hair, in its most basic form, is insufficient on its own, both quietly and loudly. With the constant need for it to be improved, covered, and upgraded. Laziness is that rest. It's reckless to turn up exactly as you are.

It is important to note that wigs are not the target of this article. I adore wigs and a lot of us do. They are adaptable, playful, protective, and expressive. They provide us the freedom to try new things and experience boldness, softness, and power in various ways.

However, here is an opportunity to pose a more tactful query:

When was the last time we gave ourselves permission to relax and just take a break?

Being recognized as a Black woman in your natural condition causes a particular kind of dread. the anxiety of appearing "undone" the worry that one may be perceived as struggling, negligent, or unprofessional. the fear of being judged, sometimes by others, sometimes by other Black women, and frequently by ourselves.

Thus, we cover our natural, we do the installation, we hide. We start to feel bad about even resting. The wigs themselves are not the hazardous aspect of this mindset. It's the notion that we must conceal our hair in order to fit in. that rather than being honoured, our coils, kinks, shrinkage, and textures should be corrected.

Before the salons, lace fronts and the norms influenced by capitalism, colonialism, and whiteness. We had hair and it was sufficient. It carried resistance, faith, language, culture, and community. It was dressed for ceremonies, braided for survival, and worn with pride and without regret. We were taught to forget that for some reason. In addition to physically shielding our natural hair, we frequently mentally distance ourselves from it when we cover it up.

We cease to learn it as we no longer pay attention to it. In its calm times, we cease to find it beautiful. Additionally, there is a psychological cost. the conviction that your default self is unworthy of recognition. that you have to be edited, curated, and flawless at all times. Furthermore, its idea extends beyond hair whether you want to wear your hair in an afro, cornrows, twists, or just the way it is, it's not a step backward.

It's relaxation, it’s tenderness, it's authorization. I don't have to perform today, it says. I don't have to hide. To be complete, I don't need to add anything. This has nothing to do with wig rejection. It's about rejecting the notion that you need them constantly in order to be legitimate. It's not always necessary to "do" your hair. It's not always necessary to improve it. For simplicity, you don't have to apologize.

In its most basic form, your natural hair is sufficient. It's always been sufficient. This is the first part of The Hair Sessions, where we can unlearn, ask questions, and return to our own selves. There will be more discussions.