Don't Touch My Hair

By Dayna J. Francois

It’s a popular opinion that black girl’s don’t have to explain our hair to the world; however, being a woman of color adopted and raised in a non-black family and community, I often found myself doing exactly that. So, let’s talk about hair. Faux locs, asymmetrical bobs, box braids, afros, cornrows, high buns, marley twists, crochet braids, weaves, and a multitude of others to add to the endless list of styles. It’s not uncommon that women of color switch up our hairstyles often. And it is for that reason that our hair is oftentimes a spectacle of sorts that for whatever, uncommon reason perplexes and intrigues the rest of society. I regularly find myself dumbstruck by people's lack of manners and insane lists of never-ending questions. *Breaking news* My hair is not a petting zoo. However, I will admit that I, myself, am constantly being more educated about my hair type on a regular basis. Black women’s hair is a part of our identity. It’s a part of who we are. It’s a part of our cultures. It’s a gift from our ancestors. It is the gift to our future children grandchildren and great grandchildren. It is a gift to us from our Creator making us individually unique. Our hair is wonder. Our hair is spectacular. Our hair is legendary. Our hair is magical. Our hair is beautiful. Our hair Is our own .... and it’s not for you to touch..