Do you ever stop to wonder why we come up with all these classification systems? What purpose does it serve? Without getting too deep, I want to call upon this message in terms of the natural hair community. Why is there a curl typing system? I think hair typing is just another way to promote separation within a community, shaming some while placing some on a pedestal. Case in point: looser curls are labeled as “good hair” while tighter curls are… not. Unnecessary.
More specifically, why are there products geared towards specific curl patterns? I think its quite bizzare, and nothing short of a marketing scheme. Hair texture and characteristics are as unique as fingerprints are. This was a very, very expensive lesson for me. I would follow the exact hair regimen of someone who’s curls were “identical” to mine. Because on paper, we both have “type x” curls, so these products and procedure MUST work for me, right? Blasphemy.
This is why when I give hair advice, I try my very best to place emphasis on a healthy hair routine, over products or hair typing. Because I’ve learned that the way your hair bends, curls or swirls has nothing to do with maintaining its health. Caring for your hair comes from understanding traits like its density and porosity. This article is a great reference for supporting why curl typing may be irrelevant.
So curlfriends, I’m just going to leave this here. Let me know what you think– do you curl type? Why or why not?
This is why I can’t fall into the natural hair product hype. I am slow to purchase based on the curl type the label says it’s good for. It’s always a hit or miss when I used that methodology. Great post jen!
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Exactly! I just can’t. It saddens me to think of the crazy amount of people buying into these gimmicks. Thank you love!!