Photo: CR Photographixs
I pose this question because I too have had the same question since I went natural on January 2, 2014. After I did the “big chop,” I was afraid to rock my TWA (teeny weeny afro) on the pageant stage 3 weeks later. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my kinks and coils, but I was unsure of how I would be received by the judges. Rarely do you see a woman of color flaunting a TWA, twist out, or finger coils in a competition. Yes, there are pageants designed for contestants with natural hair, but I believe a naturalista can complete in any system regardless of hair texture.
So how do you change the the stigma surrounding natural hair and pageantry? Well, you wear your hair in its natural state. Yes, it is that simple. Norman Vincent Peale said it best when he spoke these words: “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Change begins with you. If you always succumb to the belief that your natural hair will not be accepted, then that will always be your reality. Hair texture does not win a pageant; the individual wins the pageant. If you exhibit poise and confidence on stage, your hair will not be the focus. Being your true authentic self is what matters in a queen. Hair texture does not define you; it just merely enhances you.
So the next time, you are afraid to rock your natural hair in a pageant or during an official appearance, do it anyway. Just follow my lead because I will be that brown skinned girl rocking a crown on my natural pageant curls.
I’m Miss Natural Hair 2016 mother and I’m so glad the pageant and entertainment industry along with Hollywood are really beginning to accept us African Americans in our original bodies perfected by God. I believe the more we embrace it along with the confidence we’re displaying, it makes everyone curious about that beautiful blessing in front of them.
Thank you for the warm words. You are absolutely correct! Thanks again for commenting.