Being born of a cosmetologist and having styled other people’s hair for years, I decided to write my last article on a pet peeve of mine: the natural hair trend. I wrote the article to make two points: natural hair is becoming a trend and everyone cannot wear it. That is all.

My article offended many people and I did not understand why. To be offended by what I said would mean that you obviously have a lack of confidence with how you wear your natural hair. Or is it a deeper self-esteem issue?  In that case, you need to look beyond my opinion.

For those people who do not know how to read before making assumptions and comments, I never said in any part of my last article that natural or nappy hair was a bad thing. I wear natural hair so how could I condemn it?

I believe that one should not attempt a style trend whether it be clothes, hair, or whatever that does not compliment them. A lot of people are walking around with style trends, such as natural hair, that does not compliment them at all.

Never did I “lump” anyone into a group “incapable of thinking for themselves”, nor single out any one person.

Furthermore, for those who do not know what an editorial is, it is defined as an article in a newspaper or other periodical presenting the OPINION of the writer. So in other words, I can write on whatever I want. No one has to agree with what I said, although many do, because it is in fact MY opinion.

As for the reason why I picked the natural hair trend to talk about, “of all the stupid trends that are going around on this school’s campus,” is because it needed to be said. If you have an issue with it you should stop complaining and come to Contributor’s meetings at 5 pm on Wednesdays in room 328 in GCB if you have something to say.

As far as nappy hair; it is not always a bad thing; however, it is not always presentable. Just because your hair grows out of your head a certain way naturally does not mean you can leave it that way. Everyone was born naked but that does not mean we can walk around with no clothes on and think it is acceptable. Men have natural hair but that does not stop them from wearing wave caps or getting it cut every other week. Women should take the same care and maintenance with their hair whether it is natural or not.

In today’s society, appearance plays a big part in the opportunities we are able to take advantage of, as well as how successful we become. Our appearance is taken into consideration when applying for jobs, going to interviews, and climbing the corporate ladder. Just because you feel like your nappy hair is fine because its natural does not mean a potential boss will find it as pleasing.

For those people who cut their hair off “way before it became a fad” I do not even know how to begin ripping that statement to shreds. I’m sorry but if you did not realize, trends repeat themselves over the decades and the trend is beginning again. Natural hair was a trend when your parents were in the 10th grade.

We live in a time where we have the resources to make an improvement to our bodies’ and appearance. Why shouldn’t we take advantage of that? Why shouldn’t we look as presentable as possible when we have the opportunity? You should not settle for a mediocre appearance when you can do so much better.

 There was a time when there were more leaders than followers. Now, there are more followers than anything. The bottom line is that natural hair is not for everyone and just because you have natural hair does not mean it looks good. It is clearly a reoccurring trend in which many people should not partake.

• Kamilah Blackston