7 Reasons you'll get a Side Eye or Blank Stare

7 Things you don't do or say to a person with Natural Hair or Locs

1.    Don’t EVVVVVVERRRR touch their hair with out permission.

You are liable to get smacked, get a serious side eye, or bring back a nub. That will be the day you learn a lesson in ethics. So NEVER touch our hair because we don't know where your hands have been or what type of energy you possess. Next time Ask before you Reach Out and Touch someone.

2.     Don’t assume they smoke marijuana.

With the sudden increase of people wearing locs and natural hair, it seems to be the image that most people think of are Rappers, Jamaicans, Rasta’s and etc. This stereotype is just plain asinine. Heck I know waaaaay more weave queens and barber cuts that indulge in that pass time. Please don't be rude by asking if a person smokes just because of how they chose to where their hair. 

3.     Don’t ask if their hair is real.

Yeah its pretty awesome that locs are in and more and more people want to take part in the trend. BUUUUUT just because Chiquita went and got faux locs and Keisha went and bought a faux Afro doesn’t mean that everyone with locs and Afros are rocking fake hair. The tell tale sign is always in the answer of the question: “How long have you been natural or loc’d?”

4.     Don’t put your nose in their hair.

Guess what most people with natural crowns keep their hair pretty clean. So if you walk by or are standing in line behind someone with a wonderful fragrance coming from their hair PLEASE DO NOT put your nose in it to get a better whiff. This may also constitute a major blank stare and eye roll. *Excuse me my hair is clean no boogers allowed, thank youuuuuuu.*

5.     Don’t give a back handed compliment.

Ok sooooo, you like a person’s hair and you decide to give them, what you deem a compliment, but then is followed by a negative statement. Like the following: “I like your locs, but I like to change my style.”  Or “I like your hair but it’s too natural for me.” Or this one: “I like your hair, but I like working better.” Wait excuse me, whaaaaat? *Inserts side eye, blank stare and eye roll* TUH, you are killing me with this one. Soooo changing of styles is: Wavy, Tousled Curls, Straight, Feathered Bob or High bun? I’m going to wait on this one… that’s 5 different ways to style a weave. How is that versatile again? I myself have worn all of those in a month’s time not to mention the plethora of French rolls, braided updo’s and coil styles. Oh and you do realize that many locstars are in management and upper management positions? *Pulls out chair... yes please have a seat while I sip this tea*

6.     Don’t say that you are natural under your sew-in.

Girl bye, at least locstars and natural queens are confident in our beauty.  I don’t give a rat’s arse if you are natural under that raggedy sew-in. See the women I know have their edges along with thick full tresses and they don’t hide under a mask of make up and someone else’s hair. Shout to all my beautiful locstars and natural queens rocking their hair out loud!

7.     Don’t refer to their hair as weave.

Yesssss this happens.  If you like a person’s hair, then just call it hair. I have had people, usually not black; say… I like your weave. *OMG Nooooooo, I wasn’t reeeeeady* (had to gain composure) Once again you will get a super major blank stare, eye roll and head tilt on this comment. Clearly you watch too much TV. And think that all black women refer to their hair as weave. Ummmm NO. It’s our hair, grown from the scalp that has been well cared for and falls down our back. *sigh* 

My mom always taught me if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all. Just simply helping those of you non-locstars, creamy crack addicts, weave wearers and barber cut fiends to understand proper protocol when addressing someone’s hair. Just be respectful and speak to others like you want to be spoken to.  I am here to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy while educating the masses.