I posted this question last week on Facebook:

Black people (and maybe others) frequently label other black people’s hair as “good” or “bad.” But what makes “good” hair “good” and “bad” hair “bad” in your opinion? Is it the way it looks (straight, curly, kinky?), ease of style?

Personally, I think any hair that is healthy and well groomed is good- you take care of what you have. (Even though I think using the terms ‘good’ and ‘bad’ for hair is kinda weird. Maybe saying hair is ‘pretty’ or ‘ugly’ would be better, but I digress).

Of course, this whole hair thing is still an issue in the Black community, which I think is sad. I mean, to hear people say ‘such-and-such’ has good hair’ in 2009 is crazy to me, and it makes me cringe. I hope that one day soon, we can stop seeing nappy, coarse, thick hair as bad and realize that all hair is good and beautiful (as long as it’s taken care of it).

Here are some of the responses I got:

“I consider my hair good because it grows and is very easy to manage…by the way, it’s 4b!

~Brittany B. (btw, 4b is considered the kinkiest hair according to hair type charts)

“The health of someone’s hair. 

“If the hair is in good health & condition, then its good hair. If it’s in bad health, then that’s some bad hair.
Since you put it out there, anything outside of that is leftover slave mentality. We were taught to think and believe that our hair (& looks were bad) especially the darker our skin tones were. And so it went w/hair. We were taught and impressed upon that the kinkier our hair was, the more “bad” it was. All a bunch of ridiculous hogwash.

“It just is. Unfortunately, those ideas are still lingering amongst some of us. With self-love and acceptance, I believe that can change.”

~Cheris C.

“Over the years my definition of “good” and “bad” hair has changed. But I have ALWAYS thought that those labels were ignorant. When I was younger, “good” hair referred to someone of color who had semi-straight or curly hair. Now I say “someone of color” b/c I never perceived a white persons hair as “good” just b/c it was straight…And I never perceived my hair as “bad” b/c it wasn’t.

” “Bad” hair was generally associated with someone who’s hair was difficult to maintain. Whether that be b/c it was extremely coarse or whatever.

“NOW TODAY…for me at least. The issue of “good” and “bad” hair is quite simple. “Good Hair” is well cared for, be it natural or relaxed, long or short. It is neatly trimmed and conditioned and worn in all its glory no matter what style you’ve chosen. You carry it in confidence and make no apologies for it. If it works with your hair and agrees with your soul…Then well, HONEY YOU’VE GOT DARN GOOD HAIR!!!

On the other hand, if you neglect your tresses (i.e…Barely wash it, convet those raggedy ends and refuse to get a trim, etc…) Then Chick…you’ve got some “bad” hair. Not because of it’s texture…and not because of it’s length…but ONLY because IT’S NOT HEALTHY! And in today’s world, there’s no excuse. There are tons of online hair forums, blogs, and websites dedicated to the health of relaxed and natural hair.”

~Jessica B.

“I think every ethnicity can have “good or bad” hair… I am caucasian and have very thick coarse wavy/curly hair and without proper maintenance, it is horrid looking… I have to have it trimmed every 6-7 weeks and have to put deep conditioner on it once every two months… And my straightener is my best friend… I am blessed to be able to curl my hair or straighten it… But, regardless of color or texture, I think the real problem comes in with how you manage it. Everyone can have beautiful manageable hair if they just take the time and care to do what it takes to keep it up… People get too out of whack on judging others hair, and I think as long as you are comfortable in it then it shouldn’t matter what color or background you come from, whatever makes you happy is what matters!!”

~Kayla B.

“I think “good” hair is well maintained. Period. My friends are mixed with all kinda everything and everyone has a diff grade of hair, but no one in particular’s hair is better that another. I think I have “good” hair. Indeed. =) However, I have TERRIBLE scalp. lol This scalp eczema is a hot mess. lol”
~Audia J.

Feel free to post your thoughts below!

——

Jamie

mochawriter.com

Jamie Fleming