The natural hair movement has propelled many women, including myself, to embrace their natural tresses. We have reverted and are more than pleased with our curly/kinky manes. We have overcome the first hurdle and are no longer so taken with society’s opinion of our hair and thrived in our strong community of fellow naturals. But what about that “special someone” in our lives? Our husbands, our beaus, men we may be dating? We care about what they think! So here are a few ways to know he is feeling your natural mane.
Touching
Ladies, if he touches your hair often (even when you have a bomb hairdo that you’d rather not have messed up,) he loves it! My better half still touches my hair every chance he gets, even after stern warnings!
Can He Talk the Talk?
If he knows the meaning of terms like co-wash, ACV rinse, deep condition and other natural hair jargon, chances are he’s into your mane. These are key terms he’s picked up from conversations with you about your hair. The fact that he understands these terms is an indication that he’s listening and is interested in your hair.
New Do’s
Does he appear interested when you mention you might be trying a new look? Does he ask you to send pics once you’ve completed the style? Does he watch you while you’re caring for your crown? A few things could be going on in this case. Either (a) He thinks what you are doing is absolutely bizarre (b) He’s wondering why you would be putting a bendy colored thing (flexirod) in your hair, or (c) he loves your hair and is curious to see how this new ‘do will turn out.
Speak Out
Does he express a dislike toward weaves and wigs? Many men have voiced their aversion “additions” whether they be fake hair, fake nails, or excessive makeup. Some seem to prefer a more modest approach to beauty. If your beau falls under this category, you can be almost certain that he’s a fan of your natural tresses.
The Natural Mystic
Curly girls know all too well about shrinkage. Depending on its texture, our hair can shrink up to 70 times its actual length. If your beau is amazed by the length of your hair when straightened, he may liken your hair to some kind of Transformer—and we all know how boys feel about Optimus Prime! The versatility of our hair is not debatable and we shouldn’t find it surprising that those who are important to us are intrigued by it.
Get To The Point
Men tend to leave little room for guesswork. They’ll simply say, “I really love your hair.” More often than not when a man complements a lady, it’s safe to believe that he is being truthful. In my opinion, men would rather say nothing at all to avoid confrontation than be bearers of bad news!
It’s important that we stand by our decisions and accept that everyone won’t understand or support our journey. It would serve us all well to remember that ultimately, the road is ours and ours alone to travel.
