Are Men Left Out of the Natural Hair Conversation by Kerry Hines

                                                         Are Men Left Out of the Natural Hair Conversation?

I've asked many women and for the most part, they say, they weren't aware there was a conversation to be had that didn't include men.  I'm not quite sure exactly what that means but here we go.

The natural hair movement exploded on to the scene approximately 25 years ago.  Depending on your look at the time frame, that could certainly be argued. That's fine.  It's not a surprise that one might expect to have any conversations about hair as something that should be discussed by women.  If that's your mindset, then this would certainly make sense.  

I believe that natural hair is much more profound than the simple cosmetics of having your hair done. Your hair is part of a community statement and those statements include men who wish to wear their hair in a natural state.  By sheer tradition, that's every man, including those of other cultures. 

So, were men left out of the movement?  Is the movement still moving?  Does it now represent a bigger percentage of men that at the onset?  I believe the latter is true but with the emphasis in the media and in magazines, you really see a very uneven representation of men versus women with natural hair.  

Okay, so that's established what is the natural hair conversation about and is it too later for men to join?  The natural hair conversation has many layers to it and at the very root of it is acceptance.  I believe learning to accept your natural hair is a big part of the "big chop" process.  I've been around some men who say they wanted to start their own conversations about natural hair.  

Many men who wear their hair naturally are still fighting the good fight.  I did an unofficial poll and asked 5 men with natural styles,  Are men and women equal in the natural hair conversation?  4 out 5 said, "no".  I asked those men, "What will it take to gain entrance in to the conversation?"  They had no response and maybe that's the reason they are not part of the conversation.

What do you think?  Tweet Us.. @hairadio  or join the conversation  #menleftout

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