Definition vs. Volume
I recently read an article that reminded me of a conversation that I once had with some natural friends. The subject in a nutshell was: Definition vs. Volume. Now, I have always been more a volume kind of chick myself but I find myself usually having the same conversation with new naturals: How do I get more curl definition?
The article poised the thought that our desire for perfect little ringlets is a result of conditioned thinking of what our natural hair should look like. Although I would love some Trace Ellis Ross curls showering over my face, I realize that my hair just doesn’t do that. I wonder sometimes if growing up with natural hair makes you more realistic about natural hair expectations than making the change after growing up with relaxed hair. 
Transitioning from a lifetime of getting relaxers for as long as you can remember and not knowing what more than a couple months’ worth of new growth looks like can definitely make us ill prepared. Especially since most of the natural hair products and bigger natural hair icons have little spiral curls cascading all about. Even I sometimes catch curl envy.
But, how can we truly grow through our natural journey if we spend the whole time trying to get unnatural curls? Becoming a definition junkie will hinder our hair journey entirely. We become so obsessed with buying new products and smothering our hair in gels and curl creams to get a look that we are still not born with. Now, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t explore. When I’m in a super curly mood, I throw in some small three strand twists and unleash the spiral curls but most of the time, I’m just rocking my semi curly puffy fro.
Long story short; don’t get caught up in all the hype. The point of the natural hair journey is to love yourself and your hair exactly as it grows. Maybe that’s with flowy curls or semi curly puffy fro, but that is the fun in all of this, your hair is uniquely yours!Are you all about the curls or a sucker for volume?
I love this article! It is so true, being a fairly new natural curl since I did the BC in March of this year and I know that was one of my big things, curl definition. LOL, like I know its in me to have it, yet I love that you are making this point and to not defeat the being natural process and just loving your own hairstyle by trying to run to another "accepted" view of natural curly hair. This helps me to go whew and just love my curls no matter what! Thanks hon, you rock curl!
ReplyDeleteI used to be all about the curls but you actually made me a sucka for volume and dry twisting. It gives you a "tamed" untamed look and it actually blows in the wind lol. Great article.
ReplyDeleteTamara, I'm so glad to read that! I remember our curl definition talks and I undersatnd, but I'm gla dthat you are moving past what we want natural hair to look like and just loving your hair naturally.
ReplyDeleteSunny, thank you! I remember our definition vs. volume talks as well. I am happy that you have found a new love for the tamed beast!