Can I go on a rant for a second?

This is a topic of discussion that is not new to us natural women. Yet, I feel as though it is my time to express my frustrations.

It’s not even the fact that people are so amazed by something that is so natural that irritates me. It’s the fact that people are so amazed that they feel the NEED to touch me.

Ever since I have embarked on this natural hair journey, I can not count how many times people have touched my hair without asking. And today was the last straw.

I went to the barbershop for my usual shape up. (I have the right side of my head shaved. A small yet noticeable characteristic about me.)

While in the chair, Barber #1 who was shaping me up and barber #2 who worked there began to compliment me on my hair. It was very innocent at first until barber #1 opened the flood gates and said “and it feels like a pillow.”

I’m not even going to address that reference he made. But once he mentioned what my hair felt like, that clearly was an open invitation for barber #2 to touch as well.

Barber #2 not only touched my hair down to my scalp, (like I felt his fingertips) but he also stretched a strand of my hair.

By that I mean he pulled my hair to see how long it was. (Natural hair does experience a lot of shrinkage, thus our natural hair length is not always representative through our natural hairstyles.)

For some people, this may have been a perfect situation to boast about how much they love their hair. However, for me this was my breaking point.

I am through with being America’s petting zoo for hair. I am sick and tired of people treating me like an endangered species.

I know I’m making all of these references to animals but that’s how I feel when people constantly approach me and touch me without asking.

What gives you the right to put your hands in my hair? I don’t know what’s underneath your fingernails. I don’t know if you washed your hands after using the bathroom today. I don’t even know you!

I remember riding the light rail one day and a guy literally put his hand on my shoulder just to compliment me. I know this sounds crazy and that maybe I’m being a little stuck up. But you have no idea what it feels like to have complete strangers constantly put their hands on you!

You have no idea what it feels like to constantly have people probe you like a science project. Not to mention their surprised faces when they realize how soft my hair is. I guess all black hair is supposed to be rough, nappy and dry. Who knew?

I have officially had enough and the next time someone touches MY hair without permission, I WILL be frank with them. I WILL speak up. I don’t care how they view me afterwards.

My sister always told me from when I was a little girl to never let people play in my hair. It’s time I start to take heed to her advice.