AFRO WHISPERER: The Energy of Hair and Why Afros Speak to Me

Hair is an important part of self expression. Hair is political as well as artistic and it can determine how others interact with you. Whatever energy you want to portray can be done through your hair. 

Hair matters. Especially within the black community where perpetuating stereotypes are an everyday challenge. Black women often have to weigh in a lot of factors to decide on a hairstyle.

In my experience, having a natural hairstyle, versus weave or extension, especially a fro, will attract different people to you. The types of compliments I receive are quite distinct, the conversations that I find myself having are in my opinion much more refreshing. All of this is dependent of my hairstyle. 

The week of my graduation I had long, straight, sewn-in tracks. (My previous style was huge and I needed my cap to fit) During that short two weeks I had an entirely different genre of men offer me attention. This was not all negative attention, just an interesting contrast of what I was used to. Whether they were attempting to court me or not, I noticed a supreme change in the way men, especially around my age interacted with the non-fro me. If you change your hair too often to compare this theory you might want to consider trying it.

After my big chop in April of 2014 I have dedicated much more time and money to my hair than I ever anticipated. I do not see this as a bad result, but after being reliant on box perms and quick weaves, caring for my curls on a daily basis was overwhelming.

When I see a woman with a afro I acknowledge her with a unique sense of respect. I notice every curl, every kink, and every loop. I often have to catch myself from staring a little too closely as I mentally calculating her color and curl pattern. I internally try to picture what type of twist out she used to achieve her style for the day. My scalp empathizes with afros and big hair in general. Afros generate a certain sense of power and confidence. I love them all; from the floppy, uncontrollable manes, down to the cute TWAs. (Teeny weeny afros)

My personal goal is to have a crazy, stupid afro by the time I graduate. I want the kind of afro that enhances the beats when you nod your head. The kind of afro that makes you a foot taller and two pounds heavier. The kind of afro that any typical 80's b-boy would envy. They would have stopped me, pointed to my future fro, and exclaimed NOOICE!

When it comes down to it, when we calibrate our energy levels just right our crowns will reflect that. In any case I say The bigger the better and go with the fro!

Me, my future husband, and our love fros ^.^