Natural in …

Last month, I re-blogged a post that blew up everywhere! It was written by Chy’s Curlz and  it was about the African vs. African-American Natural Hair Practices. I re-blogged it, then CurlyNikki and finally BGLH and a firestorm of comments ensued! It became one of the 10 most viewed posts on BGLH of 2011!!! Anyway, after reading the post on my site, a Facebook friend prompted me to really think about the international community of Black/Brown women who have their own hair journeys and experiences. She was especially excited about the opportunity we have, in this age of the internet, to share information around the globe.

So, I began developing this idea about how Hairscapades could become a platform for  those in the international community who are contemplating going natural, transitioning or are already fully natural. I thought about how I could make this a space where everyone can share their stories, their challenges and their successes and also provide this from the perspective of their cultural experience. I figured these insights might help broaden all of our understanding, as well as serve as inspiration for those within and without the storyteller’s corner of the world. Finally, I contemplated how I could develop Hairscapades into a resource for information that isn’t limited to the United States of America.

It’s a work in progress, but I have a few questions now because of a few great ladies who have already submitted their “free-form” stories (those will be posted in the upcoming weeks). I’m still putting together other ideas, but this is what I’ve come up with so far!

Naturals Around the World HairStory Questions

Who are you and from where do you hail?

What do you like most about your homeland (attach a picture or two that give a feel for your city and/or country /show a favorite place)?

What is the hair norm for Black/Brown women where you live? If natural hair is not the norm, is it becoming more prevalent?

What was your hair like during your childhood and teen years? How did you feel about it? How was it perceived by others?

If you relaxed your hair at some point, why did you (or your guardian) make that decision? When and how long were you relaxed before you decided to go natural?

What prompted your decision to go natural?

Did you transition or big chop or are you currently transitioning?

What has your natural hair journey been like? How has your decision been received by family, friends and people in general?

What do you see as the challenges of being natural? Are there any things that you think are unique to where you live? If so, what and why? How do you think they can be overcome?

What is your regimen? Do you use/prefer commercial or natural products? Are the products that you like and want to try readily accessible and affordable? Where do you purchase them? 

Are there salons that cater to natural hair where you live? Are stylists trained in handling natural hair? Do you go to a salon? (If you’d recommend it, provide contact info, including stylists name.) 

What do you enjoy and/or love about being/going natural? Has the journey taught you anything about yourself?

Do you have a Hair Crush?

Who do you follow online?

Anything else that you’d like to share?

OPTIONAL: Provide your story in your country’s national language!

So, that’s it. I’m open to other suggestions though and would love to hear your thoughts on other questions that you’d like answered or those you think that I can eliminate!

Ultimately, my goal is to present diverse perspectives on Hairscapades. So, if you have a story that you’d like to share, please e-mail it to me at hairscapades@gmail.com, with 4-6 pictures of your hair and a pic or two of your city/region/country, with the subject, ”Around the World.”

And stay tuned tomorrow for our first “official” Naturals Around the World HairStory, “Claudine: Natural in Bermuda!”