Maintaining natural hair

THE question was asked as to what is wrong with African women maintaining their natural hair? This question arose from an article by a concerned African woman who was condemning the extent to which women in Africa had gone in discarding their age-old hair maintenance norms for the western ones.

And following a call for comments on the issue we managed to get some.
The first comment was from a Lusaka resident Wingfield Hlazo, who wrote as follows: “Firstly, I would like to thank you for raising the topic on natural hair that appeared in the Post newspaper dated November 1, 2009.

Most black Africans have denied their identity by bleaching their skins, applying artificial nails, slunging, and also relaxing or perming their hair to mention but a few. Since Zambia is a Christian nation, let’s hear what the author of Christianity (GOD) has for us on this issue. In 1 Tim 2:9, God expects His daughters (also sons) to be modest in their dress and have natural hair. By plaiting or doing anything that in the end will change the natural outlook, one is simply saying ‘God you never did a good job, let me show you how it's supposed to be done’. King Solomon the wisest and wealthiest king to have ever lived on this earth recognised the fact that he was black by declaring, ‘Iam black, beautiful’.

Song of Solomon 1:5-6. It’s only when we come to accept who we are and allow God to take full control of our lives, can we see the true beauty we posses. A revival of true Godliness is the most urgent of all our needs. Furthermore, whites admire our black kinky hair and try by all means to do unto their hair what only a black African’s hair can accept. Lastly, our morals as African’s are drastically decaying because of foreign culture we are adopting into out homes and societies at large. God bless you as you make a true stand for Him (God).”

These are Hlazo's views on the matter and he brings out the connection between religion, specifically Christianity and the physical outlook. In some churches, pastoral leaders have been known to tell their flock to look good for God, but to what extent? The Rastafarians, whether male of female, can die for their dreadlocks. Is this a departure from the African norm?

Another comment on the question of natural and artificial hair came from Kennedy Tembo, who unfortunately did not give the abode he was writing from.
The following was his assertion: “Hi, I am very happy that you wrote the hair issue. Personally, I do not like seeing women wearing on wigs in particular. I have told my girlfriend this. I just do not like them. I wonder how they feel. I think women look good with short natural hair. If adult women can preach about natural hair, I think it can make a difference to the younger generation. Regards”

Tembo brings out the issue of parental guidance in the younger generation’s fashion choices. However, the younger men and women have frowned upon such guidance, describing it as ‘coming from the olden days’.

The third and last comment on the natural hair question came through an MTN SMS text and just as it was short and up to the point, no name was volunteered.
“Congrats pal, that was a great article. I hope people will do something about it. We are sick of fake hair. That’s why some men go for such gals (girls),” the text read.

From Rodah Mvula she wrote: “Good argument but then it takes a woman to understand this. All I can say is, it enhances beauty.”
And Nana says; “Treated and weaved hair is easy to maintain than natural hair though costly at times. I think it would be wrong for someone to suggest that African women hide their ugliness in their hairstyles. “

A recent check at the shops selling artificial hair in Lusaka City indicated that the number of women going to buy these fibres is increasing by the day.
A wig has become a major part of the woman’s wardrobe and some have a wig for every occasion.



Source : www.zambiapost.com