can girls from southern africa grow long hair? i know west/central/east africans

[Kurlee]

So you would argue that certain groups are genetically pre determined to be taller, have longer eyelashes, shorter legs...? Why is hair so different. No one is saying that black folks can't grow long hair ?

Aren't most ethnic groups made of up of people who were at one point biologically related (most started as family units, clans...etc). So why would it be wrong for certain ethnic groups to share certain genetic traits???

that has more to do with who reproduces with who, not "race". If a tall person and a short person have a child, then there are different likelihoods for that child's height. A grandparent, great grand etc, could influence that outcome as well as external factors like environment and nutrition. If short people keep having kids together, then obviously the likelihood of short stature in amplified, but it's not a "race" thing. Same thing with hair. There are way too many factors to consider to say X people have Y type of hair only. Someone with 4b could have a terminal length of 18, where as a 2b could have a terminal length of 14 inches. Whose hair will be long has everything to do with how they care for their hair and not the texture. Texture/Type does not equal = how long hair can grow. The implications in this thread are so sad. These ideas are so deeply embedded, I don't think they will ever change.

 

[faithVA]

I think I understand what your intention was. In this case I think simpler would have been better. Something like "Women of Southern Africa Show Your APL+ Hair" may have given you a different response.

If that is what you were seeking, maybe when this thread is history you can try it again.

 

[Urban]

I have a question for the OP: coz I just remembered in our History lessons we studied how several tribes migrated from East Africa and settled in current South Africa and neighboring countries. It's so striking that certain languages I hear like Shona and Zulu have words that sound almost like Swahili and I can actually pick up on some conversations.

The question I wanted to ask is that is it ok for a South African professional woman to have curly natural hair or braids or locks or cornrows as a bank manager, lawyer, doctor etc? The reason I ask this is that in East Africa, it is not that huge of an issue, but in America it can be an issue. Some employers here will not hire a black female with natural hair. (Not all employers, but some). As a result of this, some women feel forced to relax their hair oir straighten it daily with heat and the daily heat use or too frequent relaxers can cause breakage. Sometimes this can be an explanation for shorter hair.

I'm not saying that people who relax (coz I do too) feel pressured and abuse their hair to fit in. Just an alternate theory to the genetics theory because some of South African genetics are the same as East African by way of migration.

It most certainly is ok. There are a lot of women rocking fades, neat braids and cornrow styles. These styles are very very normal, even among professionals. Locs? I only know one guy who worked with locs in Southern Africa, but I think he's some sort of mining engineer which is a high demand profession, so I don't think any employer ever cared what was on his head! lol. He has cut them now though. But in general, I think locs have a bad connotation in this region ... someone correct me if I'm wrong.

So short natural hair is a norm, but Long natural hair? You wouldn't see it very often ... and you then get people doing the whole "so what are you going to do with your hair" thing

 

[LunadeMiel]

that has more to do with who reproduces with who, not "race". If a tall person and a short person have a child, then there are different likelihoods for that child's height. A grandparent, great grand etc, could influence that outcome as well as external factors like environment and nutrition. If short people keep having kids together, then obviously the likelihood of short stature in amplified, but it's not a "race" thing. Same thing with hair. There are way too many factors to consider to say X people have Y type of hair only. Someone with 4b could have a terminal length of 18, where as a 2b could have a terminal length of 14 inches. Whose hair will be long has everything to do with how they care for their hair and not the texture. Texture/Type does not equal = how long hair can grow. The implications in this thread are so sad. These ideas are so deeply embedded, I don't think they will ever change.

Right? Again, what are ethnic groups made of? When the white folx made up "race" which groups were represented in those races? If you can agree that environmental factor have an effect on how our bodies works, then can we not surmise that living in an environment where long hair would be hindrance would cause our bodies (through many generations of course), to limit the amount of hair that grows out of our scalp? I don't see what's wrong with saying that certain groups of people genetically can grow longer hair than others (remember that most ethnic groups are made up of people who share some sort of genetic link). On avergae certain groups are shorter than others, (e.g. Asians vesus, scandanavian, or East Africans...), does that make Asians less human (when I say Asian, I mean chinese, Japanese, Phillipinos). Acknowledging our difference does mean one is better than the other. That's the beauty of the human race, diversity.

I don't see how questioning the rate of hair growth is dehumanizing. It's like saying I'm an alien because my nail genetically can't grow as long as a white person's. I mean that's just silly

 

[lesedi]

Why is it taboo to suggest that certain people may have a harder time growing hair than others?

 

[LunadeMiel]

Why is it taboo to suggest that certain people may have a harder time growing hair than others?

I'm wondering the same thing too....

 

[nubiangoddess3]

Why are ppl arguing about genetics and ethnic group.. didnt she ask " please ladies, no lessons on how everyone is mixed with something etc etc i'm not about to go into that discussion, all i want to see is people of southern african descent who have successfully grown long hair"

All she wants are Inspiration from Southern Africans with long hair .. so instead of going round in circle just post pics of Southern African with long hair...

Goodness some of you ppl make an easy thing complicated

 

[Neith]

Right? Again, what are ethnic groups made of? When the white folx made up "race" which groups were represented in those races? If you can agree that environmental factor have an effect on how our bodies works, then can we not surmise that living in an environment where long hair would be hindrance would cause our bodies (through many generations of course), to limit the amount of hair that grows out of our scalp? I don't see what's wrong with saying that certain groups of people genetically can grow longer hair than others (remember that most ethnic groups are made up of people who share some sort of genetic link). On avergae certain groups are shorter than others, (e.g. Asians vesus, scandanavian, or East Africans...), does that make Asians less human (when I say Asian, I mean chinese, Japanese, Phillipinos). Acknowledging our difference does mean one is better than the other. That's the beauty of the human race, diversity.

I don't see how questioning the rate of hair growth is dehumanizing. It's like saying I'm an alien because my nail genetically can't grow as long as a white person's. I mean that's just silly

It's dehumanizing to me because I've read nothing that says that black people or Africans of any region have significantly slower growth rates or shorter terminal lengths as anyone else.

Yet many people feel that it's true or suspect it. No matter what science says about how the human body works.

Do you know of any sound medical/scientific study that says that certain hair types grow slower than other hair types?

I never stated that there aren't some (mostly superficial) differences in different ethnic groups.

It's not to say there is no variation among human beings (lol, that'd be ridiculous)... However, I try to base what I know of these differences off of facts, not stereotypes.

While kinky/tightly coiled hair is more fragile, dry and breaks more than most other hair types, it does not grow less. It's something that I would assume is pretty much common knowledge on the hair boards... but still no matter what logical thought says, some people still ]feel otherwise.

 

[ellebelle88]

Hi ladies, I just want to say that I think the OP has a valid question and I completely understand where she is coming from. Sometimes, I feel like we try to hide under this facade that all hair grows and all hair will eventually grow long if we do the "right" things to it. That is inspirational, yes...and I think if one has 4b hair or is from South Africa and works very, very hard at it, then she may eventually have the long hair that she is envisioning. Eventually.

But for me, I have seen very, very little evidence of this. Even here on this board. The same 5 people with long 4b hair get talked about and I almost here of absolutely NO one from South or West Africa with long hair and to be on a hair forum of black women, that is saying something.

I feel like people sugarcoat this fact but there is no denying that if 4b hair can grow long it is going to take a damn good amount of time, patience, and struggles as opposed to everyone else. So while it may not depend entirely on geography, it does depend on genetics and lets be real, people in Western parts of Africa have very different genotypes AND phenotypes than those in Eastern African countries. I hope I'm not offending anyone because I do not say this to infer that Black women or Africans are inherently less superior than other races and I don't think this is any way indicative of any form of self-hatred. I'm just being honest and real about our hair issues. It is telling that we have to do so much to our hair and spend so much money on it to get it grow when people of almost every other race just wash their hair and go to sleep without thinking about it.

 

[Kurlee]

Why is it taboo to suggest that certain people may have a harder time growing hair than others?

I'm wondering the same thing too....

I think because it plays into the whole black/African/"other" inferiority thing. I'm just not buying that our hair is genetically programmed to grow slower because we are "black" or of African descent, etc. Doesn't make sense. People are alluding to living in warm climates and long hair being a hindrance, but what about all the other countries close to the Equator that still have very long hair? India? The Caribbean (natives who were there before contact and some are still alive today (Caribs, etc)? Also, isn't South Africa "far-ish" from the Equator? If the whole long hair hindrance thing is the "genetic" issue, then why are we not saying the same thing about people from Columbia or Malaysia (weave hair anyone?)? Many in those conuntries are assumed to have long hair and those places are "hot as hell" tropical places? That argument just doesn't stick. Growth is cell division. It's not that complicated. We are not some foreign, different species of human that doesn't grow hair. It's retention and ignorance that is the issue.

I think it's also problematic that we judge ourselves according to a standard that does not apply to us. I wonder if a white person with 1a hair, relaxed or "permed" their hair every 4-6 weeks and flat ironed it multiple times a week while slathering it with oil based products would work for them? Oh and deep conditioning with heavy products and not washing for a week or two. Their hair wouldn't thrive because they are doing things that don't work FOR THEIR hair type. Have ya'll seen what people with type 1 hair look like when they don't wash their hair daily or at least 3 times a week?. I say all this to say, our hair has different needs and we try to care for it in ways that are not meant for OUR hair type, then get frustrated and say "our hair doesn't grow, because we are GENETICALLY "different". Does not make sense.

 

[Neith]

I for one never said it's just as easy to grow type 4 hair as most other hair types. It's not.

You're talking to a person with very coarse 4a hair that DC's twice weekly and STILL managed to break off part of her nape over time by using a denman brush (correctly). Listening to other people - including people with my hair type - say it's just shed hair. lol

No, for some people it isn't easy at all. Including me.

My point is. The actual growth/terminal length part... pretty much the same for all human beings. You have some "super growers" and some slow growers across the board.

Growth and terminal length is not dependent on hair type. To say otherwise is just incorrect.

That was my main point.

 

[LunadeMiel]

It's dehumanizing to me because I've read nothing that says that black people or Africans of any region have significantly slower growth rates or shorter terminal lengths as anyone else.

Yet many people feel that it's true or suspect it. No matter what science says about how the human body works.

Do you know of any sound medical/scientific study that says that certain hair types grow slower than other hair types?

I never stated that there aren't some (mostly superficial) differences in different ethnic groups.

It's not to say there is no variation among human beings (lol, that'd be ridiculous)... However, I try to base what I know of these differences off of facts, not stereotypes.

While kinky/tightly coiled hair is more fragile, dry and breaks more than most other hair types, it does not grow less. It's something that I would assume is pretty much common knowledge on the hair boards... but still no matter what logical thought says, some people still ]feel otherwise.

Where exactly are you getting your information from? Have you studied biology, Human biology? Anthropology? genetics?

Please feel free to educate me beyond what I've learned in University.

Some resources for general infomation.
hair biology index

 

[PerplexingComplex]

Why is it taboo to suggest that certain people may have a harder time growing hair than others?

It's just not accurate. Growth and retention are not the same thing. Two people may have the same growth rate, but retain hair differently which makes it seem as if one head of hair is "growing" faster than the other. It's likely that someone with straight hair would have an easier time retaining hair because they don't have the risk of having their hair break at each point that curls, like someone with afro textured hair would.

 

[Neith]

Where exactly are you getting your information from? Have you studied biology, Human biology? Anthropology? genetics?

Please feel free to educate me beyond what I've learned in University.

Some resources for general infomation.
hair biology index

No, I'm not a biologist or geneticist. Nor do I have to be one to post here or to come to a logical conclusion from what I've read about hair growth and structure.

Even in an article from the link you posted...

hair biology - ethnic differences in hair fiber and hair follicles

it says nothing about African American hair growing slower or having a shorter length potential.

Main question...

So... you've learned in your university that black people have different growth rates than other people? Have you learned that growth rate does depend on hair texture or ethnicity?

If you are in fact a geneticist, anthropologist or biologist or you're going to school to be one, it is you who should be educating me. lol

 

[LunadeMiel]

No, I'm not a biologist or geneticist. Nor do I have to be one to post here or to come to a logical conclusion from what I've read about hair growth and structure.

Even in an article from the link you posted...

hair biology - ethnic differences in hair fiber and hair follicles

it says nothing about African American hair growing slower or having a shorter length potential.

Main question...

So... you've learned in your university that black people have different growth rates than other people? Have you learned that growth rate does depend on hair texture or ethnicity?

If you are in fact a geneticist, anthropologist or biologist or you're going to school to be one, it is you who should be educating me. lol

That article was for general knowledge (hence why I put for general information)

No, I'm not a biologist or geneticist.. I never claimed to be. However, I have learned that our genes program all of our bodily processes (from the amount of calcium in your bones, how fast your eye lashes grow, to the amount of hair that grows out of your scalp...)
I would still like someone to show me how hair ethnicity has not effect on how hair is programmed to grow. Actually I know a geneticist, I'm going to ask him...


OP: sorry to derail your thread. I see no reason why you could not grow decently long hair. The average person should be able to grow at least BSL hair before reaching terminal length.

What's your regimen?

 

[Neith]

That article was for general knowledge (hence I put for general information)

No, I'm not a biologist or geneticist.. I never claimed. However, I have learned that our genes program all of our bodily processes (from the amount of calcium in your bones, how fast your eye lashes grow, to the amount of hair that grows out of your scalp...
I would still like someone to show me how hair ethnicity has not effect on how hair is programmed to grow. Actually I know a geneticist, I'm going to ask him...

Does nail growth or eyelash growth vary significantly based solely on race?

Individuals of all races have fast growing nails or thick and long eyelashes and vice versa.

It's a bodily function, something that every healthy person does. Some individuals have faster nail growth, some have slower nail growth... diet and lifestyle affect it.

The main difference with hair is the shape of the follicle and hair strand varies more. From straight to kinky.

Black people (or whatever group you want to talk about) as a whole produce hair differently than any other race? It just doesn't seem right.

Most functions of human body are very similar if not identical, because we are all human beings no matter what color or shapes (including hair strand shape) we come in.

I just thought of something else... why does this have to be a type 4 thing?

For example, not many people doubt that curly type 3 hair grows 6 inches a year on average and has a terminal length usually at least somewhere down the back. Just like straight type 1 hair. Even though type 3 hair is more fragile and dry than type 1 hair.

Kinky hair is tiny curls. It's a type of strand shape and curl size... not a genetic anomaly that doesn't grow from the scalp like other hair textures do. (as I sometimes feel is implied) .

I'm interested in what your geneticist friend says on this subject...

 

[FebeeSigns]

Well dang. I'm interested too.

 

[NicWhite]

I see it this way. As far as I know, most AA women have short hair (by this I mean shoulder length and shorter) because of bad hair care and health practices. Until this is overcome, as a race, I don't know if we can accurately stereotype the length that AA hair can grow. It is true that women from other races have long hair simply by doing nothing but maybe that is the key. Less is more. As many of you have proven, simple regimens (haircare practices) yield some of the best results. Women that grow their hair to long lengths (in other races) usually do not chemically alter the texture of their hair or use excessive heat. I am not saying that it can't be done, just saying that it is easier to retain length without the added stress to the hair strands, as long as you learn to properly care for you hair texture.

The OP wanted to see photos or hear stories of women of a certain decent that had the type of length that she wants for herself. I can't blame her. That's why I came on this site to see nice heads of hair so that I can be encouraged to continue to treat my hair and body right.

As I see it, as long as your hair is growing out of a healthy scalp it will be beautiful, no matter the length. I have seen enough be people of all races with long beat up hair that is very unattractive.

OP - I hope you get the encouragement that you need in seeing some fine heads of hair from South Africa, but remember that to see your full potential keep your hair clean and moisturized and take care of your body with proper nutrition, exercise and plenty of water.

 

[lesedi]

No-one is suggesting that Southern Africans CAN'T grow long hair.
I just don't believe everyone's growth rate is identical.

 

[LunadeMiel]

Does nail growth or eyelash growth vary significantly based solely on race?

Individuals of all races have fast growing nails or thick and long eyelashes and vice versa.

It's a bodily function, something that every healthy person does. Some individuals have faster nail growth, some have slower nail growth... diet and lifestyle affect it.

The main difference with hair is the shape of the follicle and hair strand varies more. From straight to kinky.

Black people (or whatever group you want to talk about) as a whole produce hair differently than any other race? It just doesn't seem right.

Most functions of human body are very similar if not identical, because we are all human beings no matter what color or shapes (including hair strand shape) we come in.

I just thought of something else... why does this have to be a type 4 thing?

For example, not many people doubt that curly type 3 hair grows 6 inches a year on average and has a terminal length usually at least somewhere down the back. Just like straight type 1 hair. Even though type 3 hair is more fragile and dry than type 1 hair.

Kinky hair is tiny curls. It's a type of strand shape and curl size... not a genetic anomaly that doesn't grow from the scalp like other hair textures do. (as I sometimes feel is implied) .

I'm interested in what your geneticist friend says on this subject...

I'm not talking about how the hair is made. We are discussing how fast the hair is programmed to grow. I see why you would say it's a type 4 thing since most people of African descent have type 4.... My hair is type 3/4. I have no issues with keeping the hair that I grow because I've mastered retention (plus God blessed me with some super coarse, wiry hair that can take a lot). I know for a fact that my hair does not grow as fast as some Indian girls that I know (from general observation). Does that deter me? Hell no! I just know that I will be be up on my retention game and treat my hair for what it is. Most people think that my hair grows fast when in fact it does NOT. I've just kept most of what I've grown

 

[Nonie]

OP, I don't think your question was dumb because just like I grew up around people with short hair and might've thought that it was my texture that made it not grow...I'm sure there are people who think that the more north you go, the longer the hair gets, whether due to environmental/natural/genetic reasons or whatever. And as you say, you don't come across many of your people with long natural hair so it's easy to feel that way.

Anyway, as you already know, 4B hair shrinks so if you see a big afro, chances are it's longer than what you see, unless the hair looks straight-ish which could mean it's been stretched or blown out. But if it's clearly unstretched, which is usually when it forms a perfect afro, then you know there's probably some long hair in there. Also keep in mind that growth and retention are two different things. Hair could be growing at a terrific rate but the way you handle it could lead to breakage so you stay at the same length. I know in my own lifetime, combing 4B hair dry was the norm and pieces falling all over the place were also just the norm. Since I've stopped all of that, I've seen what my hair can do.

Anyway, without further ado, hope these images inspire you:

Albertina Sisulu of South Africa (this afro looks pretty big to me so I'm guessing she's got some length hidden there):

There's a fine art print called "Zulu Dandies, showing the modes of wearing the hair" dated 1879 that shows Zulu warriors with some horn hairdos and again, I don't see hair that is ironed straight so I'm guessing they have some hidden length there too:

The Himba people of Namibia (Methinks their long hair is the result of low manipulation):

And really, since I have proven it is possible to lived over 30 years thinking that the longest my hair could ever be is 5-6 inches, but have learned differently since finding haircare info online, I'm sure the reason those you see around you from Southern Africa have short hair is:

• either they just have not yet mastered the best way to care for hair to allow it to grow long;
• or are just like my mom who couldn't care less for long hair. She likes it short and keeps it that way.

If you want long hair and take the time to understand your hair by learning from those with that type of hair and not going crazy trying every product under the sun that promises long hair, but trusting that knowledge (of your hair) is the secret to growing it long, you too will be able to defy what you have come to expect to be the norm.

 

[sithembile]

OP I'm southern African (Swazi), i have 4a/b hair and my hair is SL, it's been MBL at one stage but I've always liked bobs. Having TWAs in southern Africa is not taboo or a big deal, in fact in many schools girls have to keep their hair short, which may be why you haven't seen a lot of long hair.

I also wanted to add that narrowing growth patterns down to southern Africa does not make total sense as the majority of eastern, central and southern Africans are all of Bantu descent, the same broad ethnic group. The differences you'll see within the regions may be due to cultural & hair care practices.

 

[Need2gro]

South African Checking in - stayed their all my life - until I came to work in the USA last year. Both parents are from South Africa.

When I was younger I had waist length hair. Kept it short due to following "fashionable" trends. I went from shoulder length to mbl in a year thanks to LHCF (Had a setback here in USA - someone cut my hair very uneven ) Some ppl abuse their hair and then you get those that keep their hair short because its more manageable, But there is NOTHING stopping us from growing our hair long - A little patience, proper knowledge and tlc goes a long way!

 

[Naturel]

can, but i'm looking for testimonies/pics from people of southern african descent.
i am in south africa and almost invariably all the girls i've seen with long hair whether it's relaxed or natural are from some other part of africa, and not another southern african country.

before you all go off and call me ignorant let me explain why i'm asking.
i've seen lots of black girls with afro-textured hair. and by lots i do mean lots.
yes, african girls can grow long hair, i've seen their hair, what i'm looking for is someone from southern africa (angola, zambia, malawi, south africa, zimbabwe, botswana, mozambique, swaziland, lesotho, botswana, namibia) with relaxed/natural hair past armpit-length.
if your parents are both from a southern african country, even if you're living or were born somewhere else in the world please chime in.

please ladies, no lessons on how everyone is mixed with something etc etc i'm not about to go into that discussion, all i want to see is people of southern african descent who have successfully grown long hair.

I am from East-central Africa, and here is what I can tell you: Don't focus on finding out if people from certain ethnic can grow their hair long or not; focus on finding out if you can grow your hair long. I hope this is not confusing erplexed It doesn't matter where you're from you can grow your hair long or you can't. It depends on your personal ( not ethinical) genes and your hair care. I grow up in Africa. When I was in high school I lived in board, and I lived with more than 200 girls. We practiced the same hair care: Wash with soap, no conditioner, apply vaseline, comb, and that's it We were required to keep our hair in twas. Guess what some girls cut their hair at least 1/ 2 months because it grew so fast. Others could go six months without cutting their hair because it grew so slow or was fragile and broke. From this experience I know that some people can't grow long hair, but it has to do with personal genes.
I also believe african or AA people's hair grow at the same rate as of other races. The only reason our hair doesn't get long is because it breaks, not bcse it doesn't grow. It's matter of retention, not grow. IMHO, focusing on retentions if the key, not focusing on grow aids ( which I don't even think they exist unless they have to do with internal health).
Don't try to give yourself excuses that you can't grow long hair bcse you're from there or there . Just do the best you can and you'll get your conclusion based on your own observation. That's what I decided to do.

 

[anon123]

@mwedzi: Yes they can. Miss Mwedzi has some thick, beautiful, long hair. I am not sure what country she is from, though.
HTH

Thank you, but I'm not from southern Africa! It's only my screen name, from Shona. I'm American.

I have a question for the OP: coz I just remembered in our History lessons we studied how several tribes migrated from East Africa and settled in current South Africa and neighboring countries. It's so striking that certain languages I hear like Shona and Zulu have words that sound almost like Swahili and I can actually pick up on some conversations.

The question I wanted to ask is that is it ok for a South African professional woman to have curly natural hair or braids or locks or cornrows as a bank manager, lawyer, doctor etc? The reason I ask this is that in East Africa, it is not that huge of an issue, but in America it can be an issue. Some employers here will not hire a black female with natural hair. (Not all employers, but some). As a result of this, some women feel forced to relax their hair oir straighten it daily with heat and the daily heat use or too frequent relaxers can cause breakage. Sometimes this can be an explanation for shorter hair.

I saw many professionals in South Africa with natural styles. Mostly braids or TWAs. It was pretty uncommon to see long natural hair, or at least hair that looked long to me.

And yes, it was the Bantu Expansion, which originally started out of west Africa and spread along the coasts, then center, then down to the south.

Why is it taboo to suggest that certain people may have a harder time growing hair than others?

Because if your hair doesn't grow as long as others', you are less human than they are.

But for me, I have seen very, very little evidence of this. Even here on this board. The same 5 people with long 4b hair get talked about and I almost here of absolutely NO one from South or West Africa with long hair and to be on a hair forum of black women, that is saying something.

I feel like people sugarcoat this fact but there is no denying that if 4b hair can grow long it is going to take a damn good amount of time, patience, and struggles as opposed to everyone else. So while it may not depend entirely on geography, it does depend on genetics and lets be real, people in Western parts of Africa have very different genotypes AND phenotypes than those in Eastern African countries. I hope I'm not offending anyone because I do not say this to infer that Black women or Africans are inherently less superior than other races and I don't think this is any way indicative of any form of self-hatred. I'm just being honest and real about our hair issues. It is telling that we have to do so much to our hair and spend so much money on it to get it grow when people of almost every other race just wash their hair and go to sleep without thinking about it.

I agree. And the bolded part in particular, it really is telling that the same handful of people get brought up over and over again. I do think that group is growing (or I imagine it is) as more women get into hair care because, of course, it can be done. I honestly wish I was not part of the group of people people keep bringing up because my struggles with my hair say to me the opposite of what they usually want to prove. Yeah, I can grow my hair to a decent length. Do y'all have any idea how much effort it is? Have y'all heard Sera say how long it takes to detangle her hair? I mean, seriously, it is a test of will power. I'm currently in ongoing visits with a well known stylist. She offered to work with me on my hair and offered to do a service, and I opted for straightening. First we had 2 visits planned. Then she decided we needed 3. Right now we are up to 5! This competent and skilled woman worked on my head for 4 hours just to wash, detangle, and blow dry it without hurting me or breaking it and still ran out of time to finish styling it in twists. It is work!

Maracuja is Angolan and she has apl-bsl hair. If I think of any others, I'll come back and let you know. There aren't that many on this board to begin with.

 

[anon123]

I for one never said it's just as easy to grow type 4 hair as most other hair types. It's not.

You're talking to a person with very coarse 4a hair that DC's twice weekly and STILL managed to break off part of her nape over time by using a denman brush (correctly). Listening to other people - including people with my hair type - say it's just shed hair. lol

No, for some people it isn't easy at all. Including me.

My point is. The actual growth/terminal length part... pretty much the same for all human beings. You have some "super growers" and some slow growers across the board.

Growth and terminal length is not dependent on hair type. To say otherwise is just incorrect.

That was my main point.

Now see, what I tell y'all about that Denman? Wouldn't nobody listen. I just don't know how to use it. *sigh* Okay. But any common tool, procedure, or belief I challenge is just because I don't know.

By the way, how do you know the underlined part? Is that something you are assuming, or is there some study you are referencing that we don't know?

 

[Neith]

Because if your hair doesn't grow as long as others', you are less human than they are.

Absolutely not what I think.

My view is that scientists have said that the average growth rate for human beings is half an inch per month and that each hair grows for a few years, then falls out.

Human. Beings. Are black people not included in this category?

Yes, we have may a different texture, but what does that have to do with growth rate and terminal length?

Just so that people have it straight as to what my views are.


On a different note: I always did think you're American. It surprised me when your name popped up here. lol

 

[shunemite]

It most certainly is ok. There are a lot of women rocking fades, neat braids and cornrow styles. These styles are very very normal, even among professionals. Locs? I only know one guy who worked with locs in Southern Africa, but I think he's some sort of mining engineer which is a high demand profession, so I don't think any employer ever cared what was on his head! lol. He has cut them now though. But in general, I think locs have a bad connotation in this region ... someone correct me if I'm wrong.

So short natural hair is a norm, but Long natural hair? You wouldn't see it very often ... and you then get people doing the whole "so what are you going to do with your hair" thing

Ok, thank you. I didn't know and I didn't want to speak for South Africa as if it's the same way with all of Africa when I've never been there. In East Africa sometimes in school (primary and high school) we were not allowed to have relaxed hair as part of the school rules. Once people went to college, they got their first relaxer as I sign of "look how grown up I am".

 

[Urban]

More pics people. Seeing is believing. She did say she didn't want any lectures.

OP, like someone suggested, you may have better luck just starting a topic calling out Southern African women for pics or hair length.

On the other hand, I just remembered!!!! There's a lady on here called PacificPurinsesu who is waistlength+. She has a fotki where she states that she's from Zim, but for the life of me, i can't remember what her fotki name is. Hopefully she'll chime in. She was FOTM here: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/content/138-july-2010-feature-month-pacificpurinsesu.html

 

[Urban]

oh oh!!! I found it! YAY! http://members.fotki.com/aliahair/about/