Most people who are not of African descent usually don't think much of African hair. They think it's just hair and no big deal. This is where they would be wrong. Hair is a big problem in African society and is part of the collective struggle that Africans have faced since slavery. Most Africans, especially African Americans, wear their hair in an altered state, whether with chemicals or heat, and are afraid to show their hair as it naturally is. People of African descent should be encouraged to wear their natural hair because: chemical and heat styling of hair is harmful and unhealthy to the body, it is psychologically debilitating to try to blend in with others, and living as one was born is liberating. It's important to provide some background for those who aren't familiar with this topic. African hair is naturally curly. The degree of frizz in these curls will vary from person to person depending on their genetic makeup. It can range from loose waves to ultra tight curls that are barely visible, resulting in an afro (this is the most common hair type for African people). Early in American history, European settlers purchased African slaves to work plantations. Every aspect of the African, including his hair, was associated with poverty, stupidity and savagery. This has continued to the present day. “In the early 1900s, Madam CJ Walker received a patent for the development of the “hot comb” also known as the “pressing comb.” This device was the first of its kind to be marketed by a black woman to other black women and completely changed the hair game. However, once exposed to humidity, the straightened hair would return to its original state. In the 1960s, G...... middle of paper ...... aged and unhealthy for the body, it is psychologically debilitating to try to blend in with others, and living as one was born is liberating. In 2013, there is no longer anyone to force African Americans to conform to Eurocentric standards. It's time to move on to what's natural. It's time to truly be yourself. Works Cited Patton, Tracey O. “Hey Girl, Am I More Than My Hair?: African American Women and Their Struggles with Beauty, Body Image, and Hair.” NWSA Journal 18.2 (2006): 24-51. Comprehensive humanities international. Network. November 17, 2013. Sieber, Roy, and Frank Herreman. "HAIR in African art and culture". African Arts 33.3 (2000): 54. Humanities International comprehensive. Network. November 17, 2013.Thompson, Cheryl. “Black Women and Identity: What Does Hair Have to Do with It?” Michigan Feminist Studies 22 (2009): 78-90. Comprehensive humanities international. Network. November 17. 2013.