Natural hair Nazis

Maracujá

November 2020 --> 14 years natural!!!
Beware of the Natural Hair Nazis and Natural Hair Police



What Is a” Natural Hair Nazi” - A “Natural Hair Nazi” is a person or group of people who have converted to natural hair and are so pro-natural that they sometimes offend others with their actions. You know, we’ve all seen them policing message boards, blogs, YouTube, etc. correcting or challenging every product suggestion, styling tip that is given. Calling people out because they straighten their hair. Denouncing another’s natural status because of the the products they use. — Urban Curlz


Throughout my natural hair journey I have had several run-ins with Natural Hair Nazis and/or Natural Hair Police. Not at all hard to spot, they are those who go ballistic, for lack of a better term, over the fact that one decides, or even considers wearing their hair anything but natural. Most often the opinions given by these Natural Hair Nazis and/or Natural Hair Police sound more like a scolding than advice. I have witnessed some who have come under their wrath turn away from natural hair community sites altogether and shut down Fotki and hair journals, due to their ‘advice’ or comments.
Sometimes I wonder if members of the Natural Hair Nazis and/or Natural Hair Police actually seek out natural hair forums, articles, blogs, picture journals etc. just so they can get the opportunity to share their negative views. They don’t hold back their over-the-top insults, given in the form of comments or advice, even when it comes to those new to the natural community or those just curious and seeking information. I also wonder if they are aware or even care if their ‘advice’ and the way in which they give it, actually turns people away versus welcoming them into the natural hair community.
The following are a few scenarios in which I’ve seen these Natural Hair Nazis and/or Natural Hair Police do their best work.
Scenario One: Someone on a hair board asks a question about periodic straightening with a flat iron or straightening comb while transitioning. Granted the natural hair community may be dedicated to naturals with hair that is unaltered, no heat, no chemicals etc., but it’s often obvious that the person asking the question is new. Instead of just giving the cons of heat, suggesting no heat transition styles, or even directing the questioner to another hair board, members of the Natural Hair Nazis and/or Natural Hair Police go off.
Scenario Two: Someone who has been natural for a while, decides to publish a picture of their freshly straightened flat ironed or blow dried hair. Even with the disclaimer that this is just temporary and the poster does this once a year, and does not recommend straightening, again the Natural Hair Nazis and/or Natural Hair Police don’t hesitate to let their disapproval known. It’s like they are drawn to the picture of the straightened hair with a fury and can’t simply click pass without commenting.
Scenario Three: Someone expresses that their flat ironed, permed, texturized hair was actually healthy and that they decided to go natural as a style option, and now has decided to end their natural journey. Even though the poster has pictures of their hair before they went natural showing thick, shiny hair with healthy ends and full edges, this sets off a firestorm of negative comments from the Natural Hair Nazis and/or Natural Hair Police.
I’ve even seen some horrible comments written under photos of natural hair wearers sporting straight wigs, or sew-in weaves worn for the purpose of transitioning and/or protective styles. What is the purpose of going to someone’s personal site, blog, hair journal or hair community and making such comments? Is the intention really to turn all those contemplating wearing natural hair away?
I’ve even seen some horrible comments written under photos of natural hair wearers sporting straight wigs, or sew-in weaves worn for the purpose of transitioning and/or protective styles. What is the purpose of going to someone’s personal site, blog, hair journal or hair community and making such comments? Is the intention really to turn all those contemplating wearing natural hair away? What happened to, “If you don’t have anything nice to say…?”
To members of the Natural Hair Nazis and/or Natural Hair Police, remember where you came from. Most of us have not been on this natural hair journey all of our lives. I decided to go natural three times, before making the choice to stay natural. Lots of us have had those moments when we considered straightening. Helpful comments can even plant a ‘natural’ seed in those who seem to be against natural hair - you never know. Words are powerful.
Also remember, that not only do those who are steadfast in wearing their hair straight ( by whatever means) read your comments, but also those who are interested in wearing their hair natural - let’s not turn them away. So before you make that comment think about what you are going to write - is it helpful or harmful to the reader? Will it classify you as a Natural Hair Nazi and/or Natural Hair Police?
And, to all those who are either interested in growing and wearing your natural, transitioning and newbies, when you come across such comments please ignore them; they do NOT represent the natural hair community as a whole. There are some great natural hair ambassadors full of wonderful advice.
There are also some great hair boards and natural hair communities where naturals, transitioners, texturized, permies and the like all socialize together. I’m even in a few challenges on a couple of these sites i.e. Keep It Simple Sista’s (keepitsimplesista.ning.com) Castor Oil and Hairlista’s (hairlista.ning.com) No More Shampoo challenges, where there are both permed and natural hair wearers participating.


Source: http://clutchmagonline.com/lifeculture/feature/natural-hair-nazis/#2
 

MissMeWithThatIsh

New Member
Anyone who has enough time on their hands to use negative font on something that doesn't... well should not concern them, needs no extra attention from me. Live your life.
 

msa

New Member
Natural hair advocate checking in...

I love that blog and agree with most of the post.
 

Bachelorette

New Member
Cant stand them. Is like they cant accept the fact that people have preference. not sure who's worse between them and PETA
 

Saffirejuiliet

New Member
The Natural Hair Police is quite annoying. Everyone deserves the right to do whatever they please with their hair. No one should be bashed for a lifestyle choice. I can not stand the "I think I am better" attitude. :nono:
 
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Je Ne Sais Quoi

Well-Known Member
I find it humorous actually. The ones that just ASSume that you aren't natural for a variety of reasons including hating yourself, hating your momma, hating God, wishing you were white, etc, etc, etc, etc.

Though I am transitioning back to natural I would never ever assume anyone's reasons for relaxing. Frankly, I don't care. Now, if deep down you are relaxing your hair for the reasons mentioned above it may be time for you to do some reflection and see what's really going on.
 

audacity.

New Member
i just don't understand why some people find it so important to make what's going on on someone else's head their business...:ohwell:
 

MA2010

Well-Known Member
Cant stand them. Is like they cant accept the fact that people have preference. not sure who's worse between them and PETA

:blush:

:lachen::lachen::lachen:!

Even after the subscription, hair products, testimonials, length checks, cowashing, etc


We all know it is just hair right?..........:rolleyes:.
 
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msa

New Member
What parts do you disagree with? (If you don't mind me asking...)

1. The term natural hair "Nazi". As I've said before on this board, I think it's completely inappropriate.

2. There seems to be an assumption that encouraging people to stay natural, not use heat, and use more natural products is somehow negative. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with letting ppl know that there are alternatives. It just seems like when it comes from a natural's mouth it's automatically a problem.
 

soulie

Well-Known Member
1. The term natural hair "Nazi". As I've said before on this board, I think it's completely inappropriate.

2. There seems to be an assumption that encouraging people to stay natural, not use heat, and use more natural products is somehow negative. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with letting ppl know that there are alternatives. It just seems like when it comes from a natural's mouth it's automatically a problem.

Sometimes a person isn't seeking alternatives. She might simply be announcing her intentions to relax/texlax.

The "Nazis" (for lack of another term) are found in other areas of life also. Former alcoholics and former smokers are the most vehement enemies of those who drink or smoke. It is as if the only way they can maintain their abstinence of the "vice" is through evangelism to convert others to their side of the fence.
 

msa

New Member
Sometimes a person isn't seeking alternatives. She might simply be announcing her intentions to relax/texlax.
.

I guess I just don't see the problem. In most of those posts the person says they're frustrated with their hair for whatever reason and there's usually a way for them to deal with it without relaxing. I don't see the problem with giving advice in that situation and no one has ever gotten mad at me for doing it.

Lately, it seems like you can't even give hair advice without being considered militant. I guess I'll stop since people find it so offensive.
 

Almaz

New Member
I dont' like the "NAZI" term but people should let people be with their hair

Live and let live
 

Lucky's Mom

New Member
Natural - checking in.

I am pretty much a natural girl's natrual. However. I am not trippin' on other people. I gotta try to keep hair on my own head.

I am on this board because I feel supported.

I do not belong to other boards because - I don't feel supported, and I don't like the "You betta nottake a hot comb to yo' head" mentality, either.

Extremism - in any form, is always a dangerous thing.
 

MizzBrown

Well-Known Member
I had no idea it was this deep til i came on this board and lurked Nappturality.

You get snapped at for wanting products to get your curls to pop, wearing your hair straight over 50% of the time and making your hair do stuff that its not supposed to.

As a relaxed head, i actually agree with many of their ideals. Some stuff is a little extreme though.
 

TrendySocialite

Well-Known Member
It's about tone, tact and timing...

And those that are deemed the police or nazis fail miserable in at least one of these areas....usually more like 2 or 3.

It's not what you say, it's how you say it. You can passionately explain yourself without offending the other person...
 

exoticmommie

New Member
I guess I just don't see the problem. In most of those posts the person says they're frustrated with their hair for whatever reason and there's usually a way for them to deal with it without relaxing. I don't see the problem with giving advice in that situation and no one has ever gotten mad at me for doing it.

Lately, it seems like you can't even give hair advice without being considered militant. I guess I'll stop since people find it so offensive.


I don't see anything wrong with giving suggestions, especially if someone has brought up hair problems. If no one has gotten mad, you certainly shouldn't stop.

I think people get upset when it's unsolicited advices with a few unkind things thrown in. Like equating getting a relaxer to say, killing yourself.

I as a christian only raise my eyebrows when I hear/read people equating getting a relaxer to being un-godly like, like they are more holy than I because of this. Either than little peeve I could care less.
 

LiberianGirl

Well-Known Member
I guess I just don't see the problem. In most of those posts the person says they're frustrated with their hair for whatever reason and there's usually a way for them to deal with it without relaxing. I don't see the problem with giving advice in that situation and no one has ever gotten mad at me for doing it.

Lately, it seems like you can't even give hair advice without being considered militant. I guess I'll stop since people find it so offensive.

:yep::yep::yep::yep:
 

caribeandiva

Human being
Excellent post by the blogger! I've come across natural nazis before and their posts always drain me emotionally. They can be extremely negative sometimes.
 

Lucky's Mom

New Member
I guess I just don't see the problem. In most of those posts the person says they're frustrated with their hair for whatever reason and there's usually a way for them to deal with it without relaxing. I don't see the problem with giving advice in that situation and no one has ever gotten mad at me for doing it.

Lately, it seems like you can't even give hair advice without being considered militant. I guess I'll stop since people find it so offensive.


I think you have lots of great advice to give.

Remember it is up to the person to accept or reject it.

You know I don't give a hoot in H### about what people think about me!
:look::look: I am grown! And - Usually somebody wants my advice.
 
It can get extreme but I'm happy a pro-nappy community exists out there. Outside of the online hair community, naturals get the most flack for their hair choices. Look at how the corporate world tries to discourage the wearing of natural Afro hair. It's good that a community exists to encourage the wearing of natural hair. Of course I DO NOT believe in taking it to THAT level, but I understand where many of them are coming from.
 

Lucky's Mom

New Member
Excellent post by the blogger! I've come across natural nazis before and their posts always drain me emotionally. They can be extremely negative sometimes.


Agreed.
I think that there is a difference between expression of opinion - and then telling other people what to do.

I don't let any stylist tell me anything, so strangers on the internet ( no offense to anyone) :look: can't tell my Jack S&&&&....................
 

shocol

Member
Natural - checking in.

I am pretty much a natural girl's natrual. However. I am not trippin' on other people. I gotta try to keep hair on my own head.

I am on this board because I feel supported.

I do not belong to other boards because - I don't feel supported, and I don't like the "You betta nottake a hot comb to yo' head" mentality, either.

Extremism - in any form, is always a dangerous thing.

Same reason for me also. Not content with the fact that someone just doesn't want to chemically straighten their hair, some people just take it to a whole 'nother level.
 

momi

Well-Known Member
I am laughing over here because I am a former Natural Nazi!

When I first decided to do the natural thing the first and only site that Id come across was nappturality. Before long I'd adopted their philosiphy that heat = the debil!

I messed around and flat-ironed my hair one good time and realized that in fact straightened natural care was the way to go for me! Dropped them like a bad habit. Now I vacillate between both worlds and can appreciate them both!
 

Lucky's Mom

New Member
I am laughing over here because I am a former Natural Nazi!

When I first decided to do the natural thing the first and only site that Id come across was nappturality. Before long I'd adopted their philosiphy that heat = the debil!

I messed around and flat-ironed my hair one good time and realized that in fact straightened natural care was the way to go for me! Dropped them like a bad habit. Now I vacillate between both worlds and can appreciate them both!


Wow!!!!:lachen::lachen: I love your story!
 

manegoal

New Member
I'm natural but I don't harrass people about their haircare choices. That being said, IRL, I have quite a few relaxer nazis' (family) sweatin' over why I will not relax my hair.
 

Lucky's Mom

New Member
I am laughing over here because I am a former Natural Nazi!

When I first decided to do the natural thing the first and only site that Id come across was nappturality. Before long I'd adopted their philosiphy that heat = the debil!

I messed around and flat-ironed my hair one good time and realized that in fact straightened natural care was the way to go for me! Dropped them like a bad habit. Now I vacillate between both worlds and can appreciate them both!


Girl - I might be right there with you - I flat ironed this week, and Lurrved it.

So - I might be straight...... For a long time.
 
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