Are you a hair snob?

[sareca]

I don't tell them anymore. I used to go into detail, but most people either didn't believe me, thought it was too much work, or just didn't follow.

 

[20perlz]

Girl it depends. Sometimes when people ask you what you do to your hair, they really don't want to know b/c when you try to tell them (about the shampooing, d/conditioning, oil rinses, etc.) they think you're lying and figure your hair just majestically appears like that each morning when you wake up.

A few times when I have tried to tell people in vague terms that the key is keeping my hair moisturized, ends sealed with oil, and no heat, they usually come back with a stupid response like "oh you just got good hair".
"Well if you think I got good hair, WTF did you just ask me what I do to my hair to keep it healthy and had me to go through all of this BS......and BTW, good hair is any hair that grows out of your head!!"

If it's someone that I think is asking for the genuine health of their own hair, I really don't mind going into detail b/c I think they are more likely to listen.

AGREE! My own family doesn't believe me. They are starting to come around though. I tell most people the conditioner thing first and gage from there how receptive they'll be beyond that. If they brush me off with the "good hair" thing, I usually will say something like "no such thing" but after that I smile and Im done.

 

[MizzBrown]

I got asked the other day if "that was my real hair or not?" and said she liked the cut and asked who cut it that way. And she just kept staring at me like i was lying. Should that be a compliment when you get asked if u got a weave/wig?

I get "good" hair from my dad.(good hair to me means its nappy as hell!..NOT MIXED) And while out for breakfast he kept staring at it and said it looked like a black, shiny wig. Which is odd coming from him because i get a good grate of hair from his side of the family.

I don't like people putting their dirty hands in my hair! They should ask first. That's just like touching someone's face. You just don't do that!

 

[bluefolli]

I am curious. A few of come here with so-so hair and as the condition improves, people start asking questions. They want pretty hair, too. When someone ask you about your hair, what do you say?

Do you give vague responses like, "Thanks, no I don't anything special"

Do you give responses with great detail like, " I wash every day with conditioner. Yes conditioner. It does clean your hair. Then I oil every night with olive oil. Sure, you can buy it anywhere."

Something in between.

Or is it none of their business?

It depends on the person. I usually will go through a quick rundown of my regimene so I don't come off as snobish. I feel if I can have healthy hair, you should be able to do the same. Either they believe me or not.

It's ironic you ask this because I got a compliment from a non-Black woman today. This is a first for me. She had a mixed daughter and asked about my regiment. She also asked if I was mixed...lol...because my hair was so wavy. After I told her the basics, she looked perplexed...no one ever believes the products and upkeep are so simplistic.

 

[Miss*Tress]

When anyone asks, I will tell them about moisturizing, no heat, and protective styles. Many people assume I have a weave, wig, or "good hair" though. :SHRUG:

 

[fluffylocks]

Some people come to you with their own set beliefs and a closed mind, and will start bashing you or making you seem crazy for the things you tell them.

But oh my goodness, i was obbessed with hair before i knew how to take care of it , i was trying to make regimens from people who's hair was long or healthy imo and i had asked them what they did, and try to find the "secret" but they were all vague, really didnt do anything, or whatever, but it was fustrating. I got answers like "my hair just grows fast" "nothing much" or stuff like "motions" "sulfur 8" "wrapping it"

So if i cant tell that you really want details, i give a vague answer--that if they really want to know will lead them to ask more, if they really dont care they'll carry on......Like i'll say "I just learned what to do & what not to do", and if they are interessted i'll go ahead and give them as much as i can at the moment without talking for 8 hours

 

[STLCoverGirl]

Oh, in my last post I was referring to people here on LHCF. In real life, I don't go in to detail at all. Most people could care less what I say about a regimine.

A lady stopped me at Wal-Mart years ago and I told her about Carol's Daughter and she was lookin like wtf?! My own family members could care less, they chalk it up to "I was blessed with the good hair".

I am definitely a hair snob when it comes to people outside of this board, I think the women on here are actively seeking advice and help for their hair so they really want to hear. I don't waste my energy with anyone else.

 

[Kawaii1]

I just got on here but my hair is looking super shiny and doing good. I talked to an old friend who was going crazy about her daughters hair and her own. I told her want I knew and I hope it helps(I also gave the website addy). I want all black women to have healthy and beautifull hair. I am tired of the stereotype that black girls can't have long strong hair, whether it be natural or permed. I am gonna help as many black women as I can. If they will listen.

 

[caribeandiva]

i learned to let people come to me for hair advice. i don't volunteer it anymore. if they ask what i do, then i tell them. if they just wanna compliment my hair i just say thanks.

 

[Shaniquah]

I don't have a problem at all giving up any info - I love talking about hair and would be flattered to know that someone has an interest in what I'm doing.

 

[Blossssom]

Do any of you feel you are better than other black women because you do have long hair? Like "you have arrived" or something?

It's such an infrequency to see a black woman with long hair that I almost feel like a peacock or something, wearing my hair proudly.

I try not to feel that way, but sometimes when I'm strolling through the mall, black women look at my hair and I admit I feel superior to them.

And don't let me come across another black woman with long hair (which hasn't happened in about two years), and it's a freakin' love-fest right there in the middle of the mall! LOL!

 

[caribeandiva]

Do any of you feel you are better than other black women because you do have long hair? Like "you have arrived" or something?

It's such an infrequency to see a black woman with long hair that I almost feel like a peacock or something, wearing my hair proudly.

I try not to feel that way, but sometimes when I'm strolling through the mall, black women look at my hair and I admit I feel superior to them.

And don't let me come across another black woman with long hair (which hasn't happened in about two years), and it's a freakin' love-fest right there in the middle of the mall! LOL!

that's funny. my hair isn't long yet but it's getting there. I do feel like a peacock (cause it's unusual to see healthy hair on a black woman) but not superior to other black women with broken off hair. i just feel sorry for them and wish they would ask and take my hair advice.

 

[mzcris]

Since I've been apart of this site my hair has gotten so healthy and strong...and people do compliment me on my hair...so yes I tell them when they ask me what I do to achieve healthy hair...I don't mind at all...

 

[indigodiva]

Girl it depends. Sometimes when people ask you what you do to your hair, they really don't want to know b/c when you try to tell them (about the shampooing, d/conditioning, oil rinses, etc.) they think you're lying and figure your hair just majestically appears like that each morning when you wake up.

A few times when I have tried to tell people in vague terms that the key is keeping my hair moisturized, ends sealed with oil, and no heat, they usually come back with a stupid response like "oh you just got good hair".
"Well if you think I got good hair, WTF did you just ask me what I do to my hair to keep it healthy and had me to go through all of this BS......and BTW, good hair is any hair that grows out of your head!!"

If it's someone that I think is asking for the genuine health of their own hair, I really don't mind going into detail b/c I think they are more likely to listen.

AMEN 100%! In my experience, most people just want a quick fix and they are not worried about following a routine...its the same with weight loss...a nutritious diet and exercise will get rid of the pounds, but we live in an instant gratification society. If someone was really interested, then I would tell them to do some research...if they want to know bad enough, they will search and find LHCF or another hair site. I'm not being mean, but I've had enough people scoff at my oil pulling, co-washing, etc to keep it to myself...And when they see my hair growing, skin clearing, my smile and eyes brighter, THEN they wanna be all in my face asking me what have I been doing..its like I told you already, but you wanted to crack jokes. Nanny Nanny boo boo, sucka! Who is laughing now *blows a rasberry*

 

[daaiyah]

Thanks, ladies. I came across a woman in Walmart a couple of days ago. Lots of plats just like me. All natural, very pretty. I asked her how long did it take her to get that length, she told me 1.5 yrs. And I was like.....tell me more. She could tell I was genuinely interested and told me more.
But I have found that generally I waste my breath with the general public. So I usually give a vague answer. If they ask the right questions I will share all I can, but that is rare.

 

[blazingthru]

I share it all, I don't tell the big stuff unless I feel that the person really needs it but I have told five people and they could care less and that was it. I refuse to keep putting myself out. I mean I type up a full regiment for them and after six months I see them with the same old tired hair and Its so discouraging to me. I was so desparate for someone to help me, it hurts me to see someone take my advice and pretty much just throw it away. NO more of that I will only tell someone who is serious and then they have to keep asking me at that. I picked the first one but really I am not a hair snob but I won't share my secrets anymore. it will be like breaking into fort nox to get info out of me from now on.

 

[Lady Esquire]

People do not really know what I am working with, so I do not get any questions, I'm always bunned up. But I will tell anyone who is willing to listen! However, if you are straight up ignant and have no aspirations to learn...then I won't waste my breath. For the most part though, I believe this is info that should be sang from the top of a mountain top for ALL black women to hear.

 

[daaiyah]

...
. For the most part though, I believe this is info that should be sang from the top of a mountain top for ALL black women to hear.

I agree. I feel like we are decades behind where we could be. But it seems like when you are really ready for the information you will seek it out.
We are so geared to looking for the "miracle gro in a bottle" that we ignore common sense information.

I appreciate the spirit of sharing generated here. My hair shows improvement at every turn. As far as hair info goes 28,000+ heads and ideas are better than one. You ladies have taught me things it could have taken a lifetime to figure out.
Thanks.

 

[Isis]

I am curious. A few of come here with so-so hair and as the condition improves, people start asking questions. They want pretty hair, too. When someone ask you about your hair, what do you say?

Do you give vague responses like, "Thanks, no I don't anything special"

Do you give responses with great detail like, " I wash every day with conditioner. Yes conditioner. It does clean your hair. Then I oil every night with olive oil. Sure, you can buy it anywhere."

Something in between.

Or is it none of their business?

If someone asks me, I love sharing. In the past, I've been known to go into more details and if the person is still around, they're like

 

[cmw45]

It depends on who it is. Close family and friends, yes. My mom knows my whole routine. I'm currently trying to help her grow her hair out.

If a random person asks, I give a vague response. Most people really aren't all that interested. They usually just want a get rich quick scheme. I told my aunt sometimes i wash 2x a week, and she thought it was ridiculous, and the only reason my hair got thicker is cuz I have "growing hair." Now I keep my mouth shut, unless I happen to come across a person who really seems interested. Then I'd be glad to share.

DITTO!!!!!!!

 

[WonderfullyMade]

I definitely go into detail with family, even though they do think some of the things I do are silly. But it was I that pointed out that they (about 5 women) had all been going to the same "good" hair dresser for years and nobody's hair had really shown sustainable growth. So they do listen to me sometimes.

One of my old roommates was just a wet blanket and knew why something wouldn't work for her before she would even attempt to try it. The other, who incidentally had thick BSL hair, just thought I was crazy for sleeping with conditioner in my hair. Her, I don't argue with because whatever she's doing works for her. My current roommate she's really interested, but is not the type to commit to a regime, and she tend to think I'm a know it all . So with her I give her one or two tips that I think she would use and that would be simple for her to incorporate.

Everyone else, I just tell them about the website. If they really wanna know they would check it out.

 

[Legend]

I totally spill the beans to anyone who asks.

 

[freshlikemoi]

I feel like ppl wouldnt trust my info at this stage because it is not APL and beyond. But i will say, that I give info to my mom, and some friends, but they never believe me. So I keep it to myself now.

 

[AvaSpeaks]

I totally spill the beans to anyone who asks.

Exactly! That's their choice if they want to believe it or not

 

[ChocalateDiva]

I tell it all. The look at me like I'm Bonkers!!!!!!!!!

 

[Eisani]

Most of the time, I don't have a problem sharing info. I really don't do much either. I was with my aunt this past Saturday at Sam's Club and I bought a huge EVOO (BTW, for the price, I'd suggest hittin up Sam's or Costco and save big bucks) and she asked what I was going to do with all of it. I then took the opportunity to let her know I add it to all conditioners and use it to seal my ends. I also told her about pre-pooing which she needs to know because her hair stays thirsty. She was shocked an amazed. I do however, have my moments when I share nothing at all. There's a friend of the family who decided to snoop thru stuff while she used my bathroom. Since the only bottle w/an english lable was the JBCO, she decided within herself that that's my hair secret. Since she never actually asked, I just let her think that that's all I've been using. I didn't tell her where I got it from or anything. I just hate that kind of nosy person. There's a way to ask. Some people also ask just to indirectly find out if it's weave or not. I don't like that either.

 

[MizAvalon]

I don't consider myself a hair snob when it comes to my regimen. I'm happy to talk about it with those that are sincerely interested. But like others have said in this thread, most people that ask are NOT. People are always saying, "How did you get your hair to grow like that?" Most of the time they want to hear about some magic product and when you don't give them the "grow fast quick" answer that they seek, they tune you out.

Now, when it comes to hair length, I am definitely a hair snob!

 

[SpyCats]

I don't consider myself a hair snob when it comes to my regimen. I'm happy to talk about it with those that are sincerely interested. But like others have said in this thread, most people that ask are NOT. People are always saying, "How did you get your hair to grow like that?" Most of the time they want to hear about some magic product and when you don't give them the "grow fast quick" answer that they seek, they tune you out.

Now, when it comes to hair length, I am definitely a hair snob!

Me too, mainly with family members though

 

[Energee]

Do any of you feel you are better than other black women because you do have long hair? Like "you have arrived" or something?

It's such an infrequency to see a black woman with long hair that I almost feel like a peacock or something, wearing my hair proudly.

I try not to feel that way, but sometimes when I'm strolling through the mall, black women look at my hair and I admit I feel superior to them.

And don't let me come across another black woman with long hair (which hasn't happened in about two years), and it's a freakin' love-fest right there in the middle of the mall! LOL!

Hi Blossssom!

Good topic. I don't have very long hair. I'm only very near APL right now (my goal is BSL).
Even with my current length I get a lot of attention from black women when I am out. I guess even shoulder-APL is coveted by some black women, particularly when that head of hair is thick and healthy I think. I wear my hair up most days and only wear it down on wash days. I get a lot of compliments and lingering looks when I wear my hair down.

I don't feel superior to anyone with my current length...lol. I also don't think I would feel superior even when my hair is longer. That's just not me. I don't think about others that much honestly. I would just have longer hair and if people compliment or look that's fine with me. I personally admire all lengths of hair. There are some women with longer hair who I would not even look at (unkempt hair, raggedy ends, unhealthy looking or it just doesn't go with them(some people do look good with shorter hair...like Frederica Whitfield(CNN) IMO, while there are some with very short hair that I truly love. I guess I'm more interested in the overall look and health of the hair than the length. I'd hope people were admiring my hair because it just looked good/healthy and not just because of the length as well.

 

[Energee]

I also freely give information when asked and I am asked a lot--honestly I was asked even when I had very short hair. If I am in a position where I have time I will answer any question the person asks. However, sometimes people will ask you questions in the oddest places..like the line at the grocery store and I just don't have the time to go into detail at that time. My routine is pretty simple so it doesn't hurt me to share. I've gained knowledge from others as well and I will ask too.