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Congratulations, you just failed the RACIAL PRIDE test

𝑬𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒆 𝑴𝒖𝒐𝒏𝒘𝒆𝒎 ♡

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Can you really tell someone’s racial esteem by how often they wear braids? In this natural hair commentary, I’m responding to the idea that avoiding braids, taking them down quickly, or even participating in certain TikTok hair trends can reveal how someone feels about being Black.

I talk about Black hair, braids, natural hair, hair damage, racial esteem, texturism, colorism and featurism, and why the way we view Black features may tell us more than the hairstyles we choose to wear. I also discuss the TikTok makeup trend, boho braids and the wigification of braids, while exploring the difference between loving Black culture and struggling with self image because of societal conditioning.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:39 Braids & Racial Esteem
7:44 Texturism, Colorism & Featurism

#naturalhaircare #blackhair #texturism #hairpolitics #afrohair #culturalidentity

20 Comments

@natura__essie Creator 2 weeks ago Pinned

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to Like, Comment (keep it respectful) and Subscribe!

@highlyexpressive8277 2 weeks ago

I went to school with women who rejected their black identity, constantly straightened or hid their hair texture, BUT would wear braids. I think it’s more of an indicator of racial pride if you wear your real hair WITHOUT constantly altering it with chemicals or heat.

@AshaHassell 2 weeks ago (edited)

I find it annoying that extensions are such a huge part of being black. Especially because they not talking about braids with their own hair! Low self esteem is thinking they can't wear their own hair without added hair !

@divinemsm716 2 weeks ago

For a generation of people that hate to be judged, how is it that we’ve created such arbitrary standards for judging other people. Inquiring minds want to know. 🤔

@IndigenousExotical 2 weeks ago

Asking why someone can’t wear a braided style past two weeks but it’s acceptable to go 4+ weeks without washing is absolutely insane

@purpleglitter9596 2 weeks ago

The fact that the braiding hair has become more and more toxic even after soaking it in vinegar means we shouldnt even be wearing them. It's been giving people fibroids.

@erin7945 2 weeks ago

It’s getting to the point where we as Black women have made this the “Black pride” olympics. There are so many elements to being proud of who we are besides our hair. I love the trends of going back to getting natural hair braids without added hair and embracing styling between protective styles but this discussion has now been so negative, demeaning and harsh for no reason.

@sibria 2 weeks ago

braids with extensions or just our hair? the real pride is doing them without extensions and embracing shrinkage. let's see that happening more!

@606514 2 weeks ago

This is such a weird take. I don’t wear braids bc I can’t sit for them and the hair makes my scalp itch. I’m curious to see if she likes her natural, unbraided hair in a wash n go. I think that’s the real test.

@mds7157 2 weeks ago

Not sure how not liking braids equates to having low racial self-esteem. I personally dislike braids because they’re heavy, too long, and too much of a hassle for me. It takes forever to install them and forever to remove them. It’s easier to do my natural hair.

@itoo4884 2 weeks ago (edited)

Threading, sculpting, and locks are also part of our cultures. Even so, such styles are only half the battle. True acceptance is when we can go out with low manipulation like everyone else.👏😊

@selinakoster5991 2 weeks ago

Get what she was saying but braids are not the default. Our natural hair is, so the whole thing is meh.

@HibiscusTea8995 2 weeks ago

We (those of us who wear our actual hair) are not the creator’s intended audience. She is talking to her fellow wig warriors or those who have taken a vow of eternal protective styling. To that crowd, braids are just about the most BLACKITY BLACK hairstyle they can fathom, because wearing their own hair is unfathomable. So for that crowd, braids are about as good as it gets for a hairstyle that signals comfort with their racial identity.

@Aliensanonymous_ 2 weeks ago

I’m ONLY wearing my natural hair. No hair extensions, never wigs, etc. I’m proud of my crown :)

@AbigailNduba 2 weeks ago

I don't agree with her take. Not everyone likes braids because of the hours it takes to install, some the pain, some because of their hair type.

Like me I try not to make braids more than once or twice a year because of my hair type and because I can't sit for long for those type of styles.

@netty06 2 weeks ago

Braids have nothing to do with racial pride. Let's cut the BS. Braids are just as much of a mask as a bust down especially since people tend to get it for the length. If people loved braids so much then they'd be willing to braid their own hair without extensions!

@Jennifer4Fitness 2 weeks ago

What the heck she talking about? I love my hairline waaayyyyy too much! All that tightness! Im 49 and still got ALL my hair, keeping it too!😂

@ChavahFullLife 2 weeks ago

Ppl want to have a hot take so bad lol. I understood the examples she used, but she was clearly speaking to women who wear wigs exclusively. Clearly wearing your natural hair is the actual “test” if one were needed… but one is not. THIS is bullying, and she doesn’t even seem qualified lol

@Mama_Minah 2 weeks ago

Honestly some black women are obsessed with this hair conversation. I can’t even listen to these things anymore. Like and comment tho I’ll see you in the next one 😂😂😂😂

@yujiml_003x 2 weeks ago

I’m pretty sure this whole “you can’t wear braids is a sign of low racial esteem” is directed to the wig warriors that ONLY wear wigs. I thought that was quite obvious cause obviously the “True” test of racial esteem is being able to walk out with your hair with little to no manipulation. Braids have a cultural background and history and I don’t think only wearing them should be seen as low racial esteem in the same boat as wearing wigs constantly.