Over at Black Girl With Long Hair, there was a debate over the term nappy. Do YOU think it’s bad word?
What terms do YOU use to describe your hair? And also…. What is your opinion on the typing system (3, 4a, 4b et cetera)? Do you follow that classification system? Do you find it divides us, or do you find it helpful?
I’ll wait until I hear from you all before I give my two cents!
Weigh in!
13 comments:
Nappy used to be worse than "hate" to me because I thought it was a demeaning term. However, I looked up the dictionary definition and it is, well, applicable to the kinky gloriousness that is our hair to a certain degree. I really think that definition, like everything else, is up to the individual. If you think that calling your hair "nappy" makes you less than because it has and still is used as a negative term, then don't say it and don't allow others to say it, but don't get into a fist fight over it! If calling it nappy affects you in another way, and you instead find it to be a term of endearment for your crown, because to you it represents the strength and underlying adaptability and versatility of your roots, then rock a tee with the "N" word on it in BOLD letters and let all else follow you!
Either way, you have to be comfortable with your hair, not everyone else, so make it work however you need to to be happy with yourself.
As far as the typing system, I think it's inaccurate, and I think if analyzed in such a way, could be seen as yet another way for us to be boxed and categorized, but that's just me. I only use it when I have to, but usually any weave or anything I end up putting in anyone's hair ends up being blended because the colors are never exactly what they should be.
My two cents!
I use the word nappy to describe anyone's hair. I don't care for the word b/c when I hear it I always sense a negative undertone and I don't like that b/c there's nothing negative about our hair.
I do use the hair typing system but I don't really care for Andre Walkers system b/c to me, it's too general. I like the LOIS system b/c it takes into account the texture of your hair, its density, and what shape your curl pattern makes. So here's how my hair would be classified under the system: Daughter OS, fine strands, medium density, cottony texture You see how THIS could better help someone figure out what kind of hair they have on their head and what it needs?
It's way more descriptive and helpful in determining what products will work for your hair. It also doesn't create that 3c and less hair type envy that some may feel.
I agree the "N" word does have a negative undertone, so it doesnt sit well with me. As for the typing system in the beginning of my becoming natural, it was very confusing b/c I didn't quite understand the concept. Now That I've fiqured out my hair type it really has helped me in understanding my hair and has help in such a large way, product wise. I know which types work for my hair and does not and why. So its very interesting. Great topic, keep them coming (smiles) take care.
I think we've given the word nappy a negative undertone. I don't think this word will ever be looked at in a positive manner. I do define my hair in the 3b classification system, however, I'm starting to realize it's a bit foolish. I have a friend with the same curl pattern as mine but the products that work in her hair do not work in mine.
I dont't use the "N" word, because of its negative origins. I would describe my hair as kinky and curly, because that's what it is. I do think the whole hair typing thing is silly and it does divde. Some naturals feel that having a looser curl pattern means you have a better grade of hair, hence the term "good hair". So, to me its all really ridiculous. No other race has to deal with the loss of culture, native language and just a since of true self, except us. Can I please just celebrate the part of my heritage that no man can take away or place in a category, which is MY PROUD, BLACK ,KINKY, CURLY HAIR.
I prefer the terms: kinky curly, spongy, springy, & even wooly or bushy, & coily.
Don't like nappy for some reason. It does seem to have a negative undertone.
You know, I don't find the term offensive in the least... BUT I'll say that I'd be quicker to identify my OWN hair as nappy than someone else's hair because I know that OTHER ppl take offense to it sometimes. But IMHO it is what it is... my nappy is your kinky/coily/"wooly"(??) =) just because a word has a negative connotation doesn't mean that it shouldn't be used.
As far as hair typing... I take it with a grain of salt. I consider my hair to be type 4... a, b, and (is it real? is it made up?) c. It's a good tool to get a GENERAL idea of what someone's hair texture is but no two heads of hair are alike, so even though Sally and I identify ourselves as 4b, you might say sally's 4a and I'm 4c... so... it gives an IDEA but I don't take hair typing too very seriously.
In all honesty, the word nappy doesn't bother me at all. if someone wants to use it in a negative way towards me, that's their problem. But more often than not when people say my hair is nappy, it's sort of a matter of fact statement and not a word to try and bring me down. I use the word with m family, but i understand why someone wouldn't want to use it, and i only use it around people who i know are comfortable with it.
And of course i forgot about the hair classification. I use it loosely. I'd say i'm 4C, but i don't think knowing that influences me enough to have it be on my mind when i look for styles or products.
As you can see by my name, I have no problem with the word at all! lol Kinky, curly, coily, nappy...it's all the same to me.
As for the hair classifying, I've never used it. I don't really see the point. It's supposed to help you choose products and techniques but honestly no two heads are the same. What works on one doesn't for another. So it seems like a moot point to me.
HATE the word "nappy" since it sounds dirty and bad. Every time I hear it, I picture someone who hasn't washed their hair in a while; it's dry, hard-looking, and has a lot of knots. YUCK!
I prefer to use the word "kinky". But to each, their own!
I don't consider the word "nappy" to be bad hence the terms naptural, napptivity all of course created by us lol. The typing system can work against us only if we allow others to make us think one type of natural hair is better than another, we are as we were created to be. I have used the system to understand what products work for me and what doesn't but like someone posted earlier no two heads are the same.
Andre Walkers system is completely useless and way too general. I think it lends itself to hair elitism and isn't helpful at all as far as hair maintenance goes. The LOIS system is more accurate and descriptive if trying to describe hair texture.
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