Black Girls Relax:
The Straight and Curly Truth About Black Hair
By Melissa Sadler
Black girls, relax! No, this is not one of those cliché commands given in an attempt to dilute black female power and vibrance. No, black girls and women do relax! Whether, Just For Me, Dark and Lovely, or the super-deluxe premium "creamy hair crack" the pros use at the salon, straightening perms are well known in the black community and have little sign of letting up.
Is this a problem? I'd like to think it is a choice. Like hair dyes, Marley Twists or lace fronts, perms are an option, not a requirement or a death sentence. Not ignoring the sacred symbol hair has reigned as in the Black and African narratives, like in many cultures worldwide, nor the chains that were placed on its regality in vicious, racist attempts to nullify and degrade the stature of black men and women during and after slavery, Black hair has emerged victorious in all its forms.
From ornate African headwraps and braids to the classic 70's Afro and the collar-staining Jerry Curl of the 80's, Black hair has always served as an evolving statement and work of art. So, why essentially make a permanent alteration to what is already seeming perfection? Well, everyone who has ever gotten or currently rocks permed straight hair, has had and has their own reasons. Some argue the affirmative with regards to convenience and time management. The art of Black hair has had its reputation for taking what seems to be a lifetime to achieve. Those with demanding daily schedules may choose to reallocate the time they may spend on their kinky, curly trusses to other things on their to-do lists. Others may argue that time is relative, and their hair has shown more progress in length retention, strength, luster and durability through continued use of straightening perms.
Now nothing in this world is absolute, especially when it comes to hair. There are many Black women, though some Black men may dabble in the creamy crack to achieve a desired look, who have had their share of perm catastrophes. Made with pretty aggressive chemicals, evident in its often pungent scent, perms have been known to damage the hair shafts, burn and scar the scalp and cause breakage or complete hair loss. Of course, the chances of these quite serious negative results can be significantly reduced or eliminated by utilizing professionals who are deeply versed in the best methods and products to achieve healthy permed hair.
Personally, I have had my share of the permed experience, boxed and professional. I was a perm user for close to 20 years. After struggling through what my mother felt was torture with me and the famed hot-comb, I received my first perm around the third or fourth grade and used them faithfully until the age of 23. Throughout my permed-hair journey, I struggled with retention, finding my hair only barely passing my jaw line before pausing its growth indefinitely. Following an amazing experience performing Off-Broadway in the Big Apple, I felt energized and ready to make the "natural" leap.