POLL TIME!!! are relaxed heads the new minority whats your status

[Junebug D]

I see more of a mix IRL now than I've ever seen before. Mostly weave & wigs though, so you never quite know what's going on under there.

At least here, what you see depends on where you are. In the hood, they're still mostly relaxed or wearing braids. When I am downtown or in other "gentrified" areas, I see lots of naturals and weaves & wigs.

On the hair boards, relaxed hair is on the decline.

It's also interesting to consider age as a factor too. Most teens I see are relaxed. Most older (45+) women are in wigs or are natural.

 

[CherryCherryBoomBoom]

I'm natural but I get where you're coming from. It seems like everybody is either natural or transitioning or bcing. A lot of the threads that I see are usually about natural hair. Outside of the forums I would have to say that relaxed ladies are still the majority. I really don't care I like healthy hair. Sadly I never really see healthy hair outside of the forums. Relaxed or natural.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Long Hair Care Forum App

Took the words straight out of my mouth (or keyboard? lol)

 

[divachyk]

I didn't read all pages because I lost track of the thread but here's my 2 cents just in case it hasn't been suggested --- it would be really neat if we, relaxed heads, could have sub-forum dedicated to us. However, I think I read somewhere that the moderators did not want to segregate hair types because we are one big family. I get that and definitely respect that but there is selfish motive behind this desire. It would help me, as somewhat of a newbie, to be able to go into a sub-forum and post a relaxed head question and KNOW that I'm getting a response from someone who is relaxed. Getting input from naturals is awesome as well but there are times when I need relaxed heads input only because of the the different techniques relaxed heads require. *shrug* Sorry for rambling.

 

[loshed]

I didn't read all pages because I lost track of the thread but here's my 2 cents just in case it hasn't been suggested --- it would be really neat if we, relaxed heads, could have sub-forum dedicated to us. However, I think I read somewhere that the moderators did not want to segregate hair types because we are one big family. I get that and definitely respect that but there is selfish motive behind this desire. It would help me, as somewhat of a newbie, to be able to go into a sub-forum and post a relaxed head question and KNOW that I'm getting a response from someone who is relaxed. Getting input from naturals is awesome as well but there are times when I need relaxed heads input only because of the the different techniques relaxed heads require. *shrug* Sorry for rambling.

But would a sub-forum really guarantee that only relaxed heads would answer you questions? I be all up and thru the baby sub-forum and I don't have baby first(i'm not creepin', my sister is pregnant and read it for advice to give her). Unless there is some way of restricting people with natural in their profile from posting in a relaxer forum? Though that way you'd be losing a lot of good advice. Something like 90% of naturals had relaxers at some point and not all them went natural because their hair couldn't handle relaxers. Some people even have really long hair when they decide to go natural and you'd be missing out on their experience.

 

[Minty]

I didn't read all pages because I lost track of the thread but here's my 2 cents just in case it hasn't been suggested --- it would be really neat if we, relaxed heads, could have sub-forum dedicated to us. However, I think I read somewhere that the moderators did not want to segregate hair types because we are one big family. I get that and definitely respect that but there is selfish motive behind this desire. It would help me, as somewhat of a newbie, to be able to go into a sub-forum and post a relaxed head question and KNOW that I'm getting a response from someone who is relaxed. Getting input from naturals is awesome as well but there are times when I need relaxed heads input only because of the the different techniques relaxed heads require. *shrug* Sorry for rambling.

@divachyk just find a few relaxed heads you like and read their previous posts. That's a great way to get advice without directly asking - There are also a few active threads (I think they are a still active) - the long hair challenges, apl, wl, etc.

It gets easier when you find a hair twin -

Then you have to figure out who to ask what question - but you'll figure that out over time.

 

[Lady_q_tee]

I like how bhm (black hair media) is set out ... They have sub sections like natural, relaxed, weaves ect. Then they have hair growth section and hair breakage. I think due to how this forum is set out its to easy for informative threads to get pushed further down the forum as someone creates a new topic.

I think the way the hair care section off lhcf can be massively improved.



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[indigoCniqy]

**slightly off topic** Never thought I would see the day when natural hair became a trend again, don't know why though? Just never thought it. hhhmmmm

But its weird to acknowledge the change in the forum, I remember when natural threads were 1 to every 10- 15 relaxed threads, who knows who will be the majority in the next 10-15 years????

 

[taz007]

Relaxed head here! With no desire to transition.

 

[divachyk]

@divachyk just find a few relaxed heads you like and read their previous posts. That's a great way to get advice without directly asking - There are also a few active threads (I think they are a still active) - the long hair challenges, apl, wl, etc.

It gets easier when you find a hair twin -

Then you have to figure out who to ask what question - but you'll figure that out over time.

I have a few people that I present questions to and they've helped me out a lot. I like the idea of visiting threads and gaining insight indirectly. Thx!

But would a sub-forum really guarantee that only relaxed heads would answer you questions? I be all up and thru the baby sub-forum and I don't have baby first(i'm not creepin', my sister is pregnant and read it for advice to give her). Unless there is some way of restricting people with natural in their profile from posting in a relaxer forum? Though that way you'd be losing a lot of good advice. Something like 90% of naturals had relaxers at some point and not all them went natural because their hair couldn't handle relaxers. Some people even have really long hair when they decide to go natural and you'd be missing out on their experience.

No, it would not guarantee anything. Getting input from those previously relaxed it also helpful too. As a newbie when I first joined, it was overwhelming to sift through all of the responses to my threads to determine who was natural/relaxed. I could be mistaken but seemed like most naturals answered my questions regarding their natural hair versus when they were relaxed so that didn't assist me in any way. There are pros and cons to sub-forums. I also agree with what someone stated that the layout of LHCF sometimes cause good, quality threads to get pushed further down, thus they go unnoticed. Such as life right? Thanks for your input.

 

[Minty]

Relaxed head here.

With so many transitioning then ending their transition, big chopping then relaxing after seven months to a year, or being under a wig for years because they are unable to "do their hair" and so on and so on - I don't consider relaxer to be a minority at all.

And this is a great service the forum provides, it allows women to do what they will with their hair without fear. There is always someone, some post available to support whatever stage or phase someone is in. It really doesn't matter who or what is in the minority - its hair, just make it beautiful.

 

[LushLox]

I'm relaxed, I won't be transitioning in the near future.

 

[Embyra]

its going to take more than a few hair forums for relaxed girls to be the minority in a billion dollar business a big chunk of that money no doubt coming from relaxers

so no

 

[godsflowerrr]

I don't think that relaxed heads are a minority. There are many naturals and locked women in ATL but there are many relaxed ladies also.

 

[LivingDol1]

i'm relaxed... 10 months post relaxer. i was considering transitioning... i go back and forth. but i think in the end, i will have my roots touched up.

i wear my hair straight most of the time. even when i was a child and had natural hair, my hair was always combed out and manipulated in some way. never worn down and curly since i have 2-3 different curly patterns naturally.

i'll just take really long breaks in between touch ups. if i can manage to style my hair at 10 months post, i know i don't have to get it done every 3 months if i don't want to.

 

[Lita]

No,I still see the same amount of relaxed heads in my community...
(I am 100% Natural) being relaxed didn't work for me...






Happy Hair Growing!

 

[shermeezy]

I'm in the south and most people have relaxed hair. It's tough since I'm transitioning.

 

[Natural Hair Stylist]

lots of people are coming to the light and going natural.

 

[JaneiR36]

Relaxed. The naturals have me curious but I have a lot of learning to do about styles available and if they'll look the way I want on me and with my hair.

 

[Solitude]

its going to take more than a few hair forums for relaxed girls to be the minority in a billion dollar business a big chunk of that money no doubt coming from relaxers

so no

Well, there's a pretty huge chunk of money being funneled into "natural" hair and "curly girl" concoctions.

A $30 jar of randomcurlycreme, natural oils and butters, and cute little "I'm natural" t-shirts cost a lot more than a box of relaxer. #imjustsaying

 

[iri9109]

its funny how almost everyone who's relaxed has to state how they have no desire to transition or go natural in the near future

 

[Honey Bee]

^^^ It goes both ways though. I don't think you really need to parse out the significance of a lot of naturals calling it 'creamy crack', they're basically saying the same thing.

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

Well, there's a pretty huge chunk of money being funneled into "natural" hair and "curly girl" concoctions.

A $30 jar of randomcurlycreme, natural oils and butters, and cute little "I'm natural" t-shirts cost a lot more than a box of relaxer. #imjustsaying

True. However, these items are optional and aren't playing on westernized beauty standards. There's big business in what is perceived as insecurity. Just ask the formulators of makeup brands and fashion designers.

 

[JaneiR36]

its funny how almost everyone who's relaxed has to state how they have no desire to transition or go natural in the near future

The transitioning or considering transitioning category I think makes people feel the need to be a bit more specific.

Agree about balancing out the "creamy crack" type comments. I almost felt the need to say "I'm still in the dark and relaxed."

 

[Solitude]

True. However, these items are optional and aren't playing on westernized beauty standards. There's big business in what is perceived as insecurity. Just ask the formulators of makeup brands and fashion designers.

I disagree with you. Curls and waves products do also play on the so-called Western or ideal beauty standards. I don't see many products encouraging black women to wear their hair in it's natural, shrunken state, or in an afro. There are also few 4B hair models used to market products. Most companies are promising defined, elongated curls. Many naturals achieve the look of a looser curl pattern by wearing braidouts and twists-outs. Or, they hide/loosen their natural texture by wearing braids and weaves, getting BKTs, and straightening. So, as far as curly puddings go, just like relaxers, there is big business in insecurities....the insecurities of naturals, as well as the insecurities of women with relaxed hair.

I don't see any significant difference. I mostly wear my hair in a braidout, rollerset, or bun and I would do the same exact three hairstyles if I was natural.

My original response was to the mention of money, as it relates to hair care. There's big business in curls, kinks, and waves, and the money made off of the weave industry is coming from women with relaxed hair and women with natural hair, as well as women of other racial backgrounds. As far as fashion and makeup, I have no idea....I would just say that even ancient cultures practiced the art of beauty and had different forms of makeup and "fashion." I don't see how being fashionable and wearing makeup is a sign of insecurity.

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

I disagree with you. Curls and waves products do also play on the so-called Western or ideal beauty standards. I don't see many products encouraging black women to wear their hair in it's natural, shrunken state, or in an afro. There are also few 4B hair models used to market products. Most companies are promising defined, elongated curls. Many naturals achieve the look of a looser curl pattern by wearing braidouts and twists-outs. Or, they hide/loosen their natural texture by wearing braids and weaves, getting BKTs, and straightening. So, as far as curly puddings go, just like relaxers, there is big business in insecurities....the insecurities of naturals, as well as the insecurities of women with relaxed hair.

I don't see any significant difference. I mostly wear my hair in a braidout, rollerset, or bun and I would do the same exact three hairstyles if I was natural.

My original response was to the mention of money, as it relates to hair care. There's big business in curls, kinks, and waves, and the money made off of the weave industry is coming from women with relaxed hair and women with natural hair, as well as women of other racial backgrounds. As far as fashion and makeup, I have no idea....I would just say that even ancient cultures practiced the art of beauty and had different forms of makeup and "fashion." I don't see how being fashionable and wearing makeup is a sign of insecurity.

It depends on what fashionable means. If you are fashionable, according to the qualifications of others, yes, there's a bit of insecurity there. Don't want to be plus-sized? Diet. Bikinis? Sexy. One-pieces? Not sexy. Long and straight hair? Sexy. Short hair and curly hair? Not sexy. Fair-skin? Sexy. Dark skin? Not sexy. These are the qualifying markers seen in most of the fashion world. So, yes, there are extremely present.

Thus, the Western ideal for hair is straight, not curly or wavy; thus, the lack of 4b naturals as models in many ads. So, the bigger business as far as profiting goes, is to market products to go against the curls and waves (e.g. relaxers, wigs, weaves). If the demand for products with a curl-positive slant rises, the profits may change. If one reads Essence magazine, for example, you will see far more relaxer ads than ads marketed to naturals. Therefore, the big business is in hiding curls/waves to prolong the Western ideal of long, straight hair.

Also, there's no natural look as there's variety in the natural spectrum. Afros, really? Not every natural's hair can become an Afro.

 

[Solitude]

It depends on what fashionable means. If you are fashionable, according to the qualifications of others, yes, there's a bit of insecurity there. Don't want to be plus-sized? Diet. Bikinis? Sexy. One-pieces? Not sexy. Long and straight hair? Sexy. Short hair and curly hair? Not sexy. Fair-skin? Sexy. Dark skin? Not sexy. These are the qualifying markers seen in most of the fashion world. So, yes, there are extremely present.

Thus, the Western ideal for hair is straight, not curly or wavy; thus, the lack of 4b naturals as models in many ads. So, the bigger business as far as profiting goes, is to market products to go against the curls and waves (e.g. relaxers, wigs, weaves). If the demand for products with a curl-positive slant rises, the profits may change. If one reads Essence magazine, for example, you will see far more relaxer ads than ads marketed to naturals. Therefore, the big business is in hiding curls/waves to prolong the Western ideal of long, straight hair.

Also, there's no natural look as there's variety in the natural spectrum. Afros, really? Not every natural's hair can become an Afro.

It's hard to respond to your post because I really feel like you missed every point I made. If you don't believe looser curls have anything to do with the so-called ideal, then I probably won't be able to convince you. I don't see why it bothers you to think that women with natural hair spend a lot of money on their hair, if for no other reason than the fact that natural hair may be new to them. There's like a million rant videos about this on youtube, it's common knowledge. And, women with relaxed hair also spend a lot of money on relaxer services at the salon. My point is there's no difference when it comes to spending.

If you're a person that spends a lot on hair natural, you'll probably do the same relaxed and vice versa. You save the most when you become a DIYer either way, unless you're an over-the-top product junkie.

@the weave comment...I'm not sure what point you were making...black women with relaxed hair and black women with natural hair wear weaves. My point was that a lot of money is made off of weaves in general.

@the last part of your comment, I never said that everyone's hair could fro. I said that most woman are trying to wear elongated, defined curls instead of wearing their hair in it's shrunken state. I also said that I don't see many natural hair companies promoting fros, but instead they promise to turn kinks into curls, implying that women who are chemical-free still don't want kinky hair.

@the "curl-positive slant" the trend is rising money-wise, hence why almost every single hair care company has a line devoted to curls, and why Target is carrying the most popular curly girl multi-ethnic lines, from MJ's, to Curls for Target (by Curls for Women), Shea Moisture, and Jane Carter.

@the comment about Essence, for the sake of argument, I pulled open my December issue and looked at all of the hair ads...

Pages 12-13 - Two page spread by Softsheen Carson "Styling Remedies for Natural Hair"
Page 39 - Single page spread by Softsheen Carson "Optimum No-Lye Relaxer"
Pages 52-53 - Two page spread by Clairol "Beautiful Collections Semi-Permanent Color"
Page 73 - Single page Essence Hot Hair Special (ad) "590 Styles for Relaxed, Natural, and Braided"
Page 83 - Single page Bigen's "New Semi-Permanent Hair Color "
Page 95 - Single page Luster's Pink Touch "Smooth Touch Relaxer"
Page 157 - Quarter page "Cantu Shea Butter" (Full line advertised)
Showcase on pages 159-162 - various smaller ads for Mane 'N Tail shampoo and conditioner, Vivica's Reserve Weave, Hair Factory Weave, Hair Growth Vitamins, Vanessa Fashion Wigs, and His and Her Hair Goods Co. (weaves)
Back Cover - Pantene Shampoos and Conditioners for breakage

The magazine also had an hair updos section that was neutral, and a reference to the Sesame Street "I love my hair" video.

I didn't find the abundance of relaxer ads that you speak of.....I think relaxed hair and natural hair are both fine. Thanks to the forum and my own research, if I choose to transition, I'll have all of the knowledge and tools needed to do so....but I won't be the pot calling the kettle black, bash relaxers while I'm still transitioning or after I'm fully natural.

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

It's hard to respond to your post because I really feel like you missed every point I made. If you don't believe looser curls have anything to do with the so-called ideal, then I probably won't be able to convince you. I don't see why it bothers you to think that women with natural hair spend a lot of money on their hair, if for no other reason than the fact that natural hair may be new to them. There's like a million rant videos about this on youtube, it's common knowledge. And, women with relaxed hair also spend a lot of money on relaxer services at the salon. My point is there's no difference when it comes to spending.

If you're a person that spends a lot on hair natural, you'll probably do the same relaxed and vice versa. You save the most when you become a DIYer either way, unless you're an over-the-top product junkie.

@the weave comment...I'm not sure what point you were making...black women with relaxed hair and black women with natural hair wear weaves. My point was that a lot of money is made off of weaves in general.

@the last part of your comment, I never said that everyone's hair could fro. I said that most woman are trying to wear elongated, defined curls instead of wearing their hair in it's shrunken state. I also said that I don't see many natural hair companies promoting fros, but instead they promise to turn kinks into curls, implying that women who are chemical-free still don't want kinky hair.

@the "curl-positive slant" the trend is rising money-wise, hence why almost every single hair care company has a line devoted to curls, and why Target is carrying the most popular curly girl multi-ethnic lines, from MJ's, to Curls for Target (by Curls for Women), Shea Moisture, and Jane Carter.

@the comment about Essence, for the sake of argument, I pulled open my December issue and looked at all of the hair ads...

Pages 12-13 - Two page spread by Softsheen Carson "Styling Remedies for Natural Hair"
Page 39 - Single page spread by Softsheen Carson "Optimum No-Lye Relaxer"
Pages 52-53 - Two page spread by Clairol "Beautiful Collections Semi-Permanent Color"
Page 73 - Single page Essence Hot Hair Special (ad) "590 Styles for Relaxed, Natural, and Braided"
Page 83 - Single page Bigen's "New Semi-Permanent Hair Color "
Page 95 - Single page Luster's Pink Touch "Smooth Touch Relaxer"
Page 157 - Quarter page "Cantu Shea Butter" (Full line advertised)
Showcase on pages 159-162 - various smaller ads for Mane 'N Tail shampoo and conditioner, Vivica's Reserve Weave, Hair Factory Weave, Hair Growth Vitamins, Vanessa Fashion Wigs, and His and Her Hair Goods Co. (weaves)
Back Cover - Pantene Shampoos and Conditioners for breakage

The magazine also had an hair updos section that was neutral, and a reference to the Sesame Street "I love my hair" video.

I didn't find the abundance of relaxer ads that you speak of.....I think relaxed hair and natural hair are both fine. Thanks to the forum and my own research, if I choose to transition, I'll have all of the knowledge and tools needed to do so....but I won't be the pot calling the kettle black, bash relaxers while I'm still transitioning or after I'm fully natural.

I disagreed with your belief that there's no difference in spending between the two. What I was referring to, and you didn't understand, is that the most profiteering comes from the relaxed and straight arena (e.g. weaves, wigs, relaxers). That's where the bulk of the money spent on black hair derives from. I never negated the expense of financing natural hair. The most money, when comparing, does stem from relaxed (or options resembling it) hair. I didn't make a judgment call. I was stating clear-cut and researched facts, not an opinion. Of course, Target and the like desire to cut into a niche market that they feel is expanding. There's nothing wrong with that. But, the market is still smaller, profit wise. As for 4b naturals being promoted by companies and websites, they are quite a few that do. Unfortunately, Carol's Daughter and Miss Jessie's are seen as the norm in natural hair care marketing.

Wasn't the November or December Essence geared towards "loving natural hair"? So, of course, the ads are less numerous since the magazine was slanted another way for the sake of mending the tear in the community when it came to hair. One edition doesn't mean that Essence had the slant towards more relaxer ads.

I'm sorry; but, how is discussing the fact that relaxed, black hair care is more profitable within and outside "the community" bashing relaxed hair? I do agree that some seeking looser curls have to transition mentally as well. But, I give kudos for wanting some natural hair. Half-way is okay.

 

[Irresistible]

I didn't read all pages because I lost track of the thread but here's my 2 cents just in case it hasn't been suggested --- it would be really neat if we, relaxed heads, could have sub-forum dedicated to us. However, I think I read somewhere that the moderators did not want to segregate hair types because we are one big family. I get that and definitely respect that but there is selfish motive behind this desire. It would help me, as somewhat of a newbie, to be able to go into a sub-forum and post a relaxed head question and KNOW that I'm getting a response from someone who is relaxed. Getting input from naturals is awesome as well but there are times when I need relaxed heads input only because of the the different techniques relaxed heads require. *shrug* Sorry for rambling.

back in the day the naturals wanted a forum, and the forum was dissed a lot for being pro relaxer 'or tolerant' , a major shift has happened, and now look....there are and always will be so many hair divisions, the next request would be hair type specific boards...I bet, There is good reason the forum refuses to be divided....... . but most often than not most naturals 'that didn't turn their nose up and forget' have been relaxed themselves and can help to some degree, trust me It's love when they try....cause some wouldn't bother other than a crass answer for you....ugh, but yeah, just saying I don't think we only need to listen to certain ppl to gain knowledge or get help. But all day long there are threads asking for specific types of help. You can always do that

 

[Irresistible]

Relaxed head here.

With so many transitioning then ending their transition, big chopping then relaxing after seven months to a year, or being under a wig for years because they are unable to "do their hair" and so on and so on - I don't consider relaxer to be a minority at all.

And this is a great service the forum provides, it allows women to do what they will with their hair without fear. There is always someone, some post available to support whatever stage or phase someone is in. It really doesn't matter who or what is in the minority - its hair, just make it beautiful.

Good perspective, going natural and staying natural two different things

lots of people are coming to the light and going natural.

did I really just read this

 

[WorkInProgress88]

lots of people are coming to the light and going natural.

... ... ... im a lady so i guess i'll keep my comment to myself