Tyra Banks Real Hair Dismay
In retrospect, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up. I shouldn’t have come into the new season of the Tyra Banks Show with expectations.
But I did. My bad.
Tyra's real hair, ZOMG!
For some reason, when Tyra announced September 8 would be “National Real Hair Day,” I confused “real” with “natural.” I assumed we’d be seeing a supermodel first — iconic beauty Tyra Banks sporting her hair as it grows out of her head. Embracing her hair’s true texture.
Wrong.
Instead, what we got was Tyra with her hair slick straight and dripping wet, a texture clearly chemically assisted. (PLEASE prove me wrong, if you disagree). And then she proceeded to introduce her hairdresser, Oscar James, who gave her a fancy blow out and used heat to style it into curls before a rapt studio audience.
It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one who was disappointed by this heavily hyped television event. During the show Tyra became a Twitter trending topic, and the consensus in the natural hair community seemed to be a collective meh, served with a generous dose of side eye.
I started out the episode with a heavy heart. From minute one it seemed that Tyra held some outdated hair beliefs — namely, length = beauty. I’m not clear on why her hair had to be soaking wet the moment she appeared – to the point where her back was wet too. The only thing I can think of is, to add to the appearance of length.
Every time Tyra insisted it was her responsibility to show young girls what real hair looks like, it made me cringe. And as Concrete Loop pointed out, why did she feel the need to repeatedly declare that she isn’t bald?
The potential was there for this show to educate women of color about the beauty they so often hide behind sewn in pieces and slathered on chemicals. Instead it quickly devolved into a self-aggrandizing display that (in my opinion) reinforced negative assumptions about black hair — further compounded by the other guests on the show. All of whom had their hair styled and styled and styled some more before their “big reveal.” And then it was time for the Perez Hilton interview and I swear, my hand up and flipped the channel all of its own accord.
I always try to look on the bright side… so I’ll end with this. Tyra’s “Real Hair Day” was the beginning of an important conversation. But myself and the many natural haired women I know, were left cold by the episode. Where were the women with kinky, coily, natural hair textures? Why not feature a woman with a TWA? Why not expose her hair as it truly is — unaltered texture and all? Maybe, despite the hype, Tyra wasn’t yet ready. And that I can almost respect.
Going natural shouldn’t be a fad — it takes dedication, committment, and courage. Maybe this was a baby step for Tyra. I’m gonna hold out hope that someday she’ll do an episode that truly displays a range of hair textures and explores the deep feelings associated with natural hair. If not now, then hey — there’s always the premiere of season six.
Photos are from Tyra’s Twitter page.
Category: Famous Faces, Hair, Issues
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
LMAO there must have been a reason I decided to check out Rich’s blog (fourfour.typepad.com) – he articulated what I was trying to say about Tyra perfectly:
“…I know it’s Beatles Day and all, but really, those half-dead mop tops have nothing on her panty-sopping properties. Sorry guys, Tyramania > Beatlesmania. And she deserves it — she works so hard day and night to innovate facial contortions, contradict herself, create arbitrary rules and to insert herself into any relayed story and/or situation. It’s a triumph of the human spirit, really: if you’re frustrated that the world doesn’t revolve around you, well, create one that does…”
I don’t mean to sound like Tyra’s number 1 hater, she was one of my beauty idols growing up, but dang it she makes me shake my head at her like, all the time.
Never did I once think that Tyra was going to grow out her permed tresses. I am sorry that several people had their hopes up.
I’ve come to realize that trying to convince some black people of the glories of natural nappy hair is a losing battle. I’ll just taken care of my own hair. I don’t have the strength to deal with folks like Miss Banks.
I expected this from tyra, she said real hair so I didn’t expect much. As a Nigerian woman, born and raised but currently live in the states, I can honestly say I don’t fully understand the anger towards tyra not having natural hair, in nigeria young school aged girls usually wear their short and in a fro, so I have had my hair very short/natural, long natural, relaxed short, and relaxed long, braids, I love natural hair and relaxed hair I can understand some of the anger more if tyra or any woman hated her natural hair texture, but for some ppl I don’t think relaxed hair means you hate your real hair texture. And to me having natural hair means no chemicals, so no hair color or relaxer period. I am a college student 21 and lots of girls are transitioning to natural hair and I love it but many do it as a trend/fad, I had natural hair for 3 years in college before it became popular this my last year i plan on graduate school so I got a relaxer and a hair cut that i felt would be easier to manage straight. I come from a family that embraces natural hair, relaxed hair, no hair so i get offended sometimes when some natural women say relaxed girls are suffering from self hate each individual case vary.
Ladies!!! I think some of you are taking this too far, its hair!! And yes we as blk women take that very serious (as do I) but come on… what Trya did was a good thing, was it what you hoped for NO! But it was a step in the right direction. I think many of you made yourselves believe that Real meant natural, I mean really, stop it, they are two different words with totally different meanings. Just stop it, lol! As a natural I think women need to stop trying to make this a revolution and focus on their what grows from there scalp alone. Yes trya texture is altered but its still her hair. What women choose to do with there hair is there business. I believe Trya wanted blk girls to that whats behind the lacefront… that he does have hair… and that weave is not there only option, that they too can grow long hair, each and everyone of them.
As we all know going natural is a choice, and a personal journey that is extremely emotional. Its not for everyone and doesn’t have to be. So give Trya a darn break, its really not that deep.
HHG
I’m not sure what I expected.
I’m sure Tyra means well though. As with most other issues she tries to tackle, she doesn’t really go deep into it.
What difference does it make if her hair is relaxed or not? I thought her point was to show her “real” hair minus weave. Just because people have relaxed hair doesn’t mean they are brainwashed into thinking that “natural” isn’t beautiful.
Moreover, instead of focusing on what she “didn’t” do, why not applaud her for having the desire and courage to do what she did no matter what the motive was behind it. At the end of the day it’s her hair and her show. Anyone who is attempting to help improve the view of what beauty encompasses should be applauded not mocked.
Natural hair isn’t for everyone just as relaxed hair, weave, braids, etc… isn’t for everyone either.
The implication that one way to style and take care of hair is superior to the other is just as bad as the message that only “this” (whatever “this” may be) is beautiful.
The message that women should be exposed to isn’t that only one way of choosing to do their hair is superior to the other, but that no matter what you suits your fancy you should be confident and work it.
i wanted to see the show… thank goodness i didnt. her concepts remind me of my youthfull days in the hood
. u remember the girls who grew their own hair out in braids or under a wig or good weave for a good amount of time- then when it comes to a certain length they want to show it off (thats the ~good~ way of growing the hair out 
). and p.s. everybody knows freshly permed hair looks longer and slicker after being soaked (really tyra). for most black women (sad to say) being absent from weave, wigs, or other hair pieces is considered natural. when i was growing up all of us black girls were focused on the length of our hair; being nappy was not an option. considering i was the first girl in my hood who abandoned the staight look or that so-called good hair curl for a fro, OOOHWEEEH, i got hell. and i was the source of jokes for the clowners. but i made my own definition of beauty. tyra is in a world where she conformed to a standard of beauty… and she obviously has some childhood pains 
.
Im glad Tyra did what she did, she’s only proving how bigoted black women are when it comes to hair. and the majority of comments above proves so.
“Why not expose her hair as it truly is — unaltered texture and all?”
She doesn’t have to, GET OVER IT.
I applaud VLew’s comment.
No offense, but after reading most of the comments on this site,I am extra grateful that I was raised in Africa. I come from a land where people rock Afros, green weaves and everything else under the sun. There never was a question of blackness, accusations of “whiteness”, standards of “nappiness” or any kind of stigma attached to how a person chose to wear their hair. You were free to be yourself.
I think that some of you are putting ourselves on some ind f natural hair pedestal and it’s really annoying. Another case hing another black woman. At least Tyra took a step in the right direction. After 25 years of wearing relaxers, I let mine go days ago and did the BC. I didn’t do it to be a part of some kind of natural hair elititst group. I did it because it was the right decision for me. Tyra can wear her hair however she wants-it’s her hair. She does a lot to give back to the community. Judge her by her merits, not her hair.
I think that some of you are putting ourselves on some kind of natural hair pedestal and it’s really annoying. Another case of black women bashing other black women. At least Tyra took a step in the right direction. After 25 years of wearing relaxers, I let mine go days ago and did the BC. I didn’t do it to be a part of some kind of natural hair elititst group. I did it because it was the right decision for me. Tyra can wear her hair however she wants-it’s her hair. She does a lot to give back to the community. Judge her by her merits, not her hair.
Stop the jealousy ladies. Tyra showed her real hair strand by strand. She has the right to wear a perm is she chooses. Bottom line it is still her hair. Many are just upset because they thought for sure she was bald headed and was hoping to see that. But she showed she wore weaves as a choice, not because she needs to and the haters are burning up over that. Go Tyra. They are fuming, but congratulations.
I wasn’t disappointed, nor surprised that Tyra had a perm. I like what she’s done and I respect her as a businesswoman, but I don’t expect much from her. I’m sorry, I just don’t.
We’ve seen a product of how shallow her depth is in past shows (namely the episode where she proudly donned cornrows in talking about the good hair, bad hair issue. And even though I’m natural, I see no problem with her having a perm. In the end it’s a personal preference, so do what you do.
Yes, Tyra does have a platform to talk abot a lot of things, but she will only go so far to the left. In the end the “Natural Hair Day,” was a ploy to get viewers and it worked.
I, for one, am sick of the hair wars. Women should have the choice to do whatever the hell they want to their hair. It doesn’t make one less black because they use relaxers. Give me a break!
As for the natural nazis (I dread using that word; but, it’s hard not to), you can’t claim natural when you flat-iron or press your hair to achieve the same look you hate on relaxed heads.
Peace
Ok I just don’t get it. To me her “real” hair looked the same it always does, just shorter with less volume. So what was the big deal for her to show her “real” hair? To prove she isn’t bald? That if she wanted she could walk around with her “real” hair but chooses not to? How sad for those bald women who don’t have that choice and wear weaves & wigs. Who cares Tyra if you are going to go back to wearing a weave and wig? What does it matter what is underneath? The end result of her real styled hair is the same as her fake styled hair.
She is an entertainer who rose to fame on her beauty and fashion, and she has to keep it up. So, I don’t care if she rocks a fro underneath or not. As a model you are “art” and that is always changing…so must she. She’ll rock a green fro or green straight hair because it is fashionable. That is her lifestyle and choices.
I think Tyra is gorgeous but as a talk show host, awful. I didn’t watch the episode and when I saw on the internet the results I thought they had an old picture of her. I mean I combed (pun intended, we are talking hair, right?) the internet for her in natural hair. I too thought “real” hair meant her hair unprocessed. I was extremely disappointed and then wondered why.
I am not a Tyra fan, I agree with the other posts that most of her shows fall too short to be innovative, informative, or inspiring. I mean if she didn’t have a diversity of “real” hair then what was the point?
I applaud the women above who appear to others as elitist natural voices. I am tired of the compromising voices in the middle. I wear my hair natural because although I believe hair is just “hair”, the world doesn’t believe that for black American women. Our hair is just “hair” if it is manageable and conforming. I wear it natural because I grew up being told there was such a thing as good hair. Even a standard for good “kinky-coily” hair. And I’ve been through various transitions of natural hair…texturized so it ain’t soo nappy, and now Bella I rock my big, extremely thick natural hair and finally LOVE it. Abd Bella, I absolutely loved and found inspirational your 8/26 post on the idea that there is a “nappy hierarchy”. Keep it up I agree that there is a void and you are filling it!
*Hmm so much for what was supposed to be a quick response.
Tyra has some serious deep seated hair issues, for real. That’s why she had such a problem with Yaya on America’s Next Top Model, the sista with the gorgeous head of full natural hair. I think she even said something about how her natural hair doesn’t make her real, or something of that nature to try to put Yaya down.
The discussion on here is interesting. Keep it going!
I’m jive tired of the hair wars as well *sigh* still doesn’t change the fact Tyra is one ditsy brawd, not only as pertains to this topic, but in general, and one need not be a hater to discern such, brain cells will suffice.
Another word I wish would die = hater…….folk really extra overly misuse the term.
When people claim that Black women on the African continent do not have the same issues surrounding hair as Black women in the West, it really makes me raise an eyebrow. It’s simply not true. I don’t think there’s as much dialogue about it but weaves, wigs and relaxers are just as big a business there as it is here. There is still the idea that straight and long is better. African women are not immune to or above these issues. Sure, some African women do make the choice to wear their hair naturally (no weaves and no relaxers) and more traditional cultures still do traditional natural styles. But in many cases, the trends and styles of the West are emulated heavily because they represent what is modern and chic. Of all my female relatives, I can count on one hand who wears their hair naturally–usually my much older aunties.
As for the show, I didn’t see it. I don’t watch the Tyra show with any regularity and I’m sorry it was a disappointment to you. I wouldn’t have expected anything more. Like others have said, Tyra tries to tackle complex issues but doesn’t seem to have what it takes to do them justice. She gets in, gets overwhelmed, does a haphazard job and leaves it at that. But it doesn’t bother me much because I take it as entertainment and nothing more. Not as educational at all. Same with Oprah or any other show.
Kels, if she really had a problem with Yaya, she could have 1) not kept her til top 2 or 2) not put her on the show at all.
Also, the only argument she had with Yaya had to do with Kente cloth, not her natural hair(which, she also could have braided up and put a weave on top of, if she wanted to).
I can understand the expectation of Tyra’s “real hair” being “natural”..but it almost feels like some ppl think she is obligated to go natural. And she is not. She never promised to show her natural hair…she was simply going to go without the ever present wigs/weaves she normally wears. I too was disappointed, but at the end of the day Tyra is a grown woman that chooses to relax her hair and she has that right. Why do ppl think in this chemical straightening minded society someone is just going to embrace their kinks and curls and that of others all of a sudden? Relaxed hair is the norm…so why expect anything less from Tyra Banks? I WISH it would have been about embracing our naps and showcased natural ladies of various lengths but she was certainly under no obligation to do that. Maybe one day she will, maybe not. At least she took 1 step. WE, the women online, the various hair blogs and sites are the ones that push natural hair. WE accept our hair and take it upon ourselves to be educated about it. WE dis-spell myths about black hair that are as old as they are false. WE are only a small part of society. WE can only hope more people will catch on.
Oh and if she kept declaring how she was not bald it is probably because some people assume that a woman that wears weaves and wigs all the time simply MUST be bald underneath. SMH I have heard this many times in my life.
I didn’t watch the show but after reading the comments I’m kind of confused why people thought she was going to be natural as well. I heard radio ads and other discussions about it and just thought that she was taking the weave out and encouraging women to go without the weave. Some of the comments on the page (e.g., it’s just hair) remind me of how and why this is an issue for women of color. I’m natural and have been for close to 10 years and understand (but then DONT understand) people who say it’s just hair. I guess because I sit on the side of the fence of people who don’t feel like it’s JUST HAIR perhaps. My hair is not WHO I am but it is PART of who I am and in my life, learning to love it has a direct correlation with learning to love me for me.
Totally disagree with this post. I have been natural for five years and as much as I love my hair, I do not for one second think that everyone else, famous or otherwise has to have natural hair too. I feel that many in the black community have hair issues, but just because Tyra has her own show and is rich and famous, I do not expect her to overnight become some natural hair guru. People forget that this natural hair thing is not only about changing your hairstyle, but your mindset. Not everyone has reached that point. The products that are actually good for our hair like oyin, kinky curly and the like are still very much an internet/forum/blog phenomenon and have not reached the mainstream, unfortunately. Cowashing and not trimming every second and actually letting water touch our heads often are still not widely accepted practices, outside of the hair blog, forum, youtube vids world. We still have a long way to go and placing such high expectations on someone who: a) probably doesn’t know better and b)has not reached the same place in their respective hair journey is kinda unfair. Money and celebrity doesn’t mean that co-washing and plopping are on your radar.
Serisously, LAY OFF OF TYRA. I thought that the natural hair community was all about positivity, community and support. It is afterall the TYRA BANKS show and this show was specifically about HER hair. Tyra’s hair is relaxed, so ofcourse when she shows her hair, it’s gonna be relaxed. I’m glad that as black women, we have a variaty of ways to wear our hair. Tyra’s reppin for HER choice. So just because she’s a fellow black woman, she has to wear her hair in the same way that you and I may deem to? That would be really sad. Most of us here, at one point prolly had relaxed hair, so lets not fake the funk. As your life progresses, your values and priority’s change. We didn’t always see our hair, in the exact same way that we do now. People are at diferrent places, at different times in their life. Give Tyra some space to be a human being. Lets support the fact that she did show us her NATURAL hair, relaxed or not. And about her hair being wet, that was done becuase if she’d of come out with it straight and dry, the haters would have been saying that she flat ironed it before she came out so it’s look more “sily” or some smack like that…. The poor lady was trying to be as “raw” as possible, and still can’t get out of the hater’s cross hairs. Tyra relaxes her hair, good for her. It doesn’t change my view of her and I’m proud of her for putting herself outthere. Can we please get ouf of this “them (chemically altered) vs. us (non-chemiclly altered) mentality”? She’s a beautiful black women that wasn’t sporten, Yaki, Kannekalon or Remi and for that she makes me proud!
She’s an ally, not an enemy so lets not feel so threatened…
meant to say: ‘silky’….
Why are some of you surprised and angered by Tyra’s revelation? She said she was going to wear her “real” hair, not her “natural” hair. Real to me means not a weave, wig, extensions, tracks, what have you. I certainly wasn’t expecting Tyra to unveil a kinky mass of curls-not naturally anyway…
why does everyone keep saying natural textured sistas are haters of chemically processed sistas? we’re not trying to turn the world natural; but if you want to present a topic, execute it. her hair is very beautiful- natural,no, but beautiful. im saying, black women have come a long way in our acceptance of natural hair, so for another black women to proclaim natural hair day without her natural texture is a waste of opportunity. am i really all that upset…ladies please, it’s never that serious. But i dont like wasting my time on half researched and presented topics. and yes, hair is just hair, and skin is just skin… and if everybody could only think like that their would be no need for blogs like this, no hard feelings if someone calls you a ni**er, or any purpose for civil rights laws. but the WORLD is very shallow, and those who search for knowledge and depth are disappointed when a presenter isn’t dedicated to presenting the subject at its full anticipation. its not about hating ladies; think deeper.
Tyra said REAL hair day not NATURAL hair day, it’s as simple as that.
Tyra’s show isn’t only geared towards black women, the REAL hair topic lends itself better to a wider audience.
While I don’t relax my hair I do dye it, so I guess I am not natural either.
While you may be natural and prefer natural hair, that doesn’t mean that everyone else do as you seem fit. That’s just like people who are relaxed feel that naturals should be as well.
It is just hair and getting a relaxer doesn’t mean that you are unknowingly, trying to be white, or ashamed of their race/ethnicity/heritage.
Relaxed hair may be better suited to their lifestyle. There are pros and cons to being natural or relaxed.
I have natural hair and thanks Tyra for affirming it isn’t “real.” Here we go again. It’s not about hating on Tyra; it’s about our hair and beauty standards becoming an oddity…Tired of it!
And don’t get me started on the Caster Semenya: bottom line–who determines if we look feminine and what does that mean? I don’t recall gender testing on other women of “non color”. It’s the old “Amazon” stereotype again… Short hair black woman with no make up must be a “man” or look like one…Why is our style under scrutiny more than other groups…. Just my 2 cents and my opinion is solid and not open to argument. Thanks for letting me vent!
It saddens me, but I understand why Tyra’s put on a pedestal. That’s what too many black folks do with black celebrities…and it has a lot to do with being starved for validation in mainstream society. Never mind the fact that certain TV shows are targeted to certain audiences…for a lot of black folks the simple FACT of being on TV is an elevation. Black folks basically deify these people and then spend thousands of words castigating them when they prove to be less-than-godlike.
I had to distance myself from mainstream media for my own sanity. They would have me believe that, as a dark-skinned nappy-headed natural black woman, I’m undeserving of love or any other attention given to other races/types of women. I see Tyra for what she is: an entrepreneur trying to make a ratings buck. Her wearing her real hair (regardless of its texture) means NOTHING to me because I’m going to keep on being me REGARDLESS.
I do not need Tyra or any other celebrity to be natural (or real, or whatever) in order to validate my existence and my choices. I do not need Tyra or any other celebrity to do ANYTHING to validate my existence and my choices. Why is it still so hard for black people to let go of this need for a messiah/savior? Would Tyra’s wearing her natural hair really have done ANYTHING significant to change black women’s minds about their own natural hair? As deep as this sh** is?
C’mon people…there’s nothing to see here…move along…
I think we’re suffering from an incredible case of projection when it comes to Tyra. Like you said, we assumed real meant natural. We’re chastising her for relaxing her hair (like we did just a few months/years ago and) like the majority of black women in this country do. We may have wanted to claim her “for our side” really badly, but Tyra can only be Tyra.
If she gets to the point in her life–like those of us that are natural–where she decides she wants to go natural, more power to her. In the meantime, she gave you what she promised—she took the weave off and showed you her own hair. Personally, I thought her hair looked fabulous. And honestly, if I had an Oscar to take care of mine and I had her length, I’m not sure I would have bc’ed.
I think she looks beautiful. Whether relaxed or straight. I don’t think our beauty or pride should be characterized by a hairstyle. Whether natural or not, it really shouldn’t define us. Though, I think she would look really cool with natural hair too. Either way, I’m just very happy she got rid of the weave cuz her own hair has its own fabulousity. Go Tyra!
WOW. What I am continuing to notice is the common thread throughout most of these comments is the belief the “MY black is beautiful” and I do not mean that in a good way.
I am sure most of you were appalled at the apparent racism during this past presidential, right? Well you are now participating in that SAME racism towards women who share the same race, origin, and nationality as you do just because their PERSONAL choice to do hair differently.
The argument can be made that mainstream media “teaches and shows” that “Kinky/Nappy” hair isn’t beautiful among other things and that those who relax their hair have bought into that same belief.
It is high time to stop placing blame and start educating ourselves and other young women and children that no matter what your physical appearance may be in comparison to what’s placed in front of you or what others may say, you ARE beautiful. Taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually should be priced above all.
After reading so many comments most are criticizing and wedging an even bigger gap between women instead of offering insight on how to maintain a healthy fabulous head of hair.
Instead of spending so much time berating those who don’t share the same opinions and beliefs about natural OR relaxed hair; why not use this discussion as a springboard to educate others on how to take care of your hair no matter what state it’s in.
1.How to properly moisturize to prevent breakage
2.What ingredients in products that may potentially be harmful vs. helpful
3.ETC….
India Arie said it best…”I am NOT my hair.”
Just wanted to point out that while Tyra owns her show she does not own the network her show is on. Therefore, the network probably shoots down many of her ideas as being too ethnic, so she compromises and gives a watered down version.
She is still breaking down barriers and starting dialogues even if it’s happening with a fisher-price hammer.
That said, I do agree with Evilangelfish.
As a black woman, what really makes me want to crawl out of my skin and be ashamed of my “blackness” is when I see the persistent and omnipresent division that occurs between black people. The need to constantly put each other down for various reasons…. from skin color to hair, money to religion. It seems black people refuse to find ways to come together rather than separate.
I won’t even speak to what Tyra did on her show directly, because it did nothing but show us how many black people must find the negative. Whats even more sad is that if she had been natural, there would have been even more blogs speaking out against her because of how bad she looks because she does not have relaxed hair. Or, it would have been about how she has that “good hair” or has “too nappy” hair and so on…. don’t people get tired of this nonsense?
Do you all get tired of making YOUR black the right black? perhaps, we as black people, need to simply educate our children (and ourselves) and let each person make a decisions on what is right and suitable for themselves. That way, we will not have to continue negatively stereotyping ourselves with lies that this person has self-hatred because of this and that person is a militant because of that.
Having the world be natural would not make all black people sing kumbaya and hold hands, as we insist on finding ways to may ourselves feel better by putting somebody else down. I would venture to say that it would not make ANYTHING better. what happens when one black person’s natural hair lacks kink…. she can’t even make an afro to be an afro bella, now what do we do? Back to division.
Educate those around, get off your high horse and lead the way sans being condescending. allow your fellow black sister and brother to know the joys of being natural without making it seem like they are a misguided fool for not being like you… Let them know that you enjoy your unprocessed hair and you think that they would as well, but if they do not want to go that route, it’s ok! And likewise, let them know that wearing your hair unprocessed is a decision that you are happy with and it does not make you unkempt, militant, or any more or less attractive then they are.
The state of your hair does not make you a saint ( or sinner) it does not make you nicer, improve your personality, or turn you into something you are not.
So if you really want me to be more conscious and embrace being black…. please stop embarrassing me by continually using physical and other trivial things to separate us.
Ladies,
Each of have different kink in our hair. They go from loose and curly to medium and curly to tight and curly, etc. We all have to embrace our kinks what ever it may be. Some fall in spirals and some don’t, some are tight to the head some is not. So I agree with above. Let embrace each other and help to educate each other on what products are good and bad and let our sisters decide what substitution best suits them.
Let’s embrace your kink and manage it the way you see fit.
However, educate yourself as to what is out there for our hair and how you want to show your locks.
Bless
As long as there is no weave or extensions or whatever, her hair is good.
It looks good.
She probably washed it, but all the same, in the end, it’s her real hair though.
So, what’s the beef?
While I respect your opinion on Tyra I am so tired of the natural vs. relaxed hair debate in the black community. Don’t we have other topics to focus on as opposed to who is more “real” due to relaxed or natural hair. What about those with alopecia? Do you expect them to say, “If I had hair I would be…” to determine their level of self love, or if they need to be programmed? Is makeup “natural” for our skin? Hair color is not natural and if I eat processed non home grown food am I natural. I really am tired of black women not being able to stand together without being cackling, catty and self righteous, no one in the public eye is going to live to please everyone. Let’s work on things which are of our own control, health, hypertension, diabetes, over weight issues which are destroying blacks far more than what’s on our head.
Peace and blessings x
Why are we so superficial, why are we as black people so hung up on hair texture.
Real doesn’t mean natural so why be disappointed….If someone decides to perm, blow dry natural hair, get their hair hot pressed, wear it bald, short, medium, long braided twisted, locked, permed, wig or no wig whatever however why is it a problem or us …
Lets get real up in here who doesn’t wear makeup, or perfume, or designer wear, it’s a matter of choice…who cares how Tyra wears her hair. I for one don’t!
Reaally interesting blog.
Please visit, comment if possible on my new blog on African Cinema. Thanks.
http://filmingafrica.wordpress.com/
Im sad about it too. I did my big chop about a month before her other hair show. I guess i was hoping that Tyra going real would somehow help me to stay real. She sooo didnt go real. But im staying real. Im loving my hair!!!! one day maybe Tyra will love hers too. May all natural haired sisters hold up torch for Tyra to one day see the light.
I’m looking at the top photo in the article, and I must say that Tyra’s hair looks as if it has been thinned out from wearing massive weaves and extensions. Her hair doesn’t even look healthy at all. It almost appears plastered to her head. And what type of image is she portraying to young black women, who look up to her, and can’t realistically fashion themselves after her. What about the young women who do wear their own natural hair, no chemicals, what are they to think when they see that photo above or Tyra with slicked down, obviously permed/relaxed hair?
And while she claimed in the beginning to want to show her natural hair, she failed flat, by doing what countless others in the media have been doing for years and that is feeding into the belief that straight, fine, Caucasian looking hair is more attractive than kinky/curly/nappy hair.
I mean seriously, why did she have to have her hair wet of all people? Again, wet hair and sex appeal go hand in hand, in the media. Just turn your TV on and look at the countless shampoo ads with white women and others flinging straight wet hair all around. Why couldn’t Tyra show how her hair looks, without it being blowdried straight, and slicked down with gel and water.
But even with all that said, I wasn’t even surprised that Tyra took the easy safe route. Ever since the Tyra Banks show has started she has come across as nothing more than a fast talking, self absorbed, hypocrite. Sorry but I had to call it like I see it.
glad i came back to look for your response to the show as i was anxious on twitter!
yes i agree with you that i thought she would come out with her ‘natural’ hair…not chemically processed and i tweeted tyra that.
again, i echo your sentiments in that she’s just opening up the important conversation that needs to be had on mainstream tv. i guess we’ll see what chris rock does.
by her comments i’m not sure if she really believes the negativity about natural course,kinky, or curly hair or was she just addressing the stereotypes? *sigh* she had a girl stand up and show off her ‘natural hair (that was really sans a relaxer)’.. she told her she was brave for walking out the house like that…???? hmmmmm tyra? but i still love her for trying!
I missed the episode but I am just starting to grow out my relaxer. Through prayer and self inventory I have finally come to a place where I truly love myself. I am shedding all those things I thought I needed. I refuse to damage the beautiful hair God has blessed me with anymore. I researched how to transition and I am not 2 months in. I did not go for the automatic cut off, I am growing it out. My husband loves it (of course, its less expensive to keep up) but most important I love it. Thanks Bella
I don’t think Tyra cares if Black women were upset by this show. Look at her in-studio audience, it’s at least 90% White. That’s the demographic she’s aiming for.
She’s trying to be the mini-Oprah.
So basically this was for the benefit of White women. And what would you expect if the show wasn’t for us?
I seriously think you should get over yourself. Your problem with Tyra is that she adheres to “others’” standards of beauty when it comes to her hair. Would you prefer, then, that she adhere to your standards of beauty? Black comes in all shades–nobody is more African than another based on their skin color. Similarly, Tyra should feel comfortable to showcase her style in any manner without someone judging that she isn’t natural enough. I’m assuming with your criticism, you use all natural products and would never color your hair, right? And you have dreadlocks, too, right? Because if you were to trim your hair into a style or use products in it, that doesn’t fit my standards of natural.
I think people misunderstood Tyra. I think she was saying that she was not going to wear weave. She showed her real hair. So everyone who are mad get a life!!!!
There are a lot of rude people on this board…anyway…I feel like people get way too concerned about what other people are doing to their hair and clearly many plain just don’t listen. The woman said REAL hair…she didn’t say NATURAL hair…she didn’t say varieties of natural black women’s hair…she didn’t say squat about this show being about black women lol matter of fact. Why assume she’s going to do all of these things?? The whole point was to show that not everyone that wears a weave is necessarily bald-headed that may be why she kept repeating that she wasn’t bald hmmmm. Also, so many think Tyra’s so dumb so this so that…since you’re so much smarter surely you have the business savvy to start your own show and be the change you wish to see in the world.