Your hair is your Crown. Why do you need permission to wear your hair in its natural state? How you wear your hair shouldn’t really cause an outcry. Yet, It’s been an issue since Black Women arrived in America.
What’s wrong with spiraling, kinky and coiled hair that comes from the scalp of your head? In a world of women that have this type of hair, nothing at all! “Other” people seem to want to dictate how a black woman with spiraling, kinky, coiled hair should look on top of their head. Does this make sense to you?
I wasn’t always in this space. I drank the kool-aid about the necessity of having straight hair. And this is after, I had a big Afro in the 70’s. To get a job and pay the bills, my Afro had to take a back seat to relaxed hair.
And … When family members are calling you nappy head, it doesn’t help your confidence level. Everything we think and wear in the world of fashion is dictated on a daily basis, including your hair. If it’s not sanctioned by mass media, it’s not happening.
The CROWN Act. Why Now?
So, Why Now? You’d think that this Act would have been passed in the ’70’s when James Brown was singing: “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.”
Here we are 49 years later, with who knows how much chemical residue on the brain from relaxer and perms and one state is forging the way offering Respect for the Hair of Black Women.
Hopefully, a lot of you that were forced to wear weaves and wigs will give your scalp breathing room and allow it to get some sunshine.
Your Crown Will Need A Regimen
Wigs and weaves have been given the name “protective styling” as a way to keep from pulling on your hair on a daily basis. These protective styles can cause trauma, bacteria buildup, moisture, fungus and dandruff.
Your black hair care regimen should include peppermint and tea tree essential oils to rid your scalp of the bacteria, fungus and moisture. A shampoo and conditioner will make great carriers for these essential oils.
A good scalp butter or hair oil will make a welcomed addition to keep your hair from drying out.
What is the CROWN Act?
The Crown Act is a Law that’s been signed by the Governor of California making it the first state to ban discrimination against black students and employees over the way they wear their hair in its natural state.
The acronym CROWN stands for:
Creating a
Respectful and
Open
World for
Natural Hair
So many young girls and guys have even forced to cut their hair, because guidelines were written into school dress codes forbidding them to wear their hair in its natural state.
Parents, teach your children that their natural hair is beautiful. Teach them to never accept someone else’s definition of who they are. And more importantly, teach them that when someone ask them if they can touch their hair, tell them Heck No!
As of this writing, New York and New Jersey law makers have introduced versions of the CROWN Act and are waiting for it to be passed and signed by their respective Governors.
How Do You Feel About The CROWN Act?
We’d love to know your take on the CROWN Act. Sooo, send your comments so that we might share them.
That’s it for this week. As always …
Dedicated To Your Beauty,
Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher
The post CROWN Act – Do You Really Need Permission on How to Wear Your Hair? appeared first on Black Skin Care – Natural Hair Care – African American Skin Care.
