A Man's P.O.V: Nafis

Name: Nafis

Age: 26

Location: Philadelphia 

How important is a woman’s hair to you? Especially if you are dating her, does she have to wear her hair a certain way to keep grab your interest? (i.e. which styles down vs. ponytail vs. bun, hair length? To me, hair is just hair; however, I do feel that no matter what hairstyle a woman wears it should always be well kept and neat. As I get older, I do see myself paying more attention to a woman’s hair now more so than ever before. At this stage in my life, I feel like everything comes into play when dating a woman including their hair. By me being a very active and adventurous person (i.e running, working out, water fun etc.), I need a woman who is ready and down for adventure just as much as I am without the restrictions of a hair issue. 

Do you think that there is a ‘Natural Hair Movement’ or trend going on these days? Why do you think so many women are choosing to go natural now, do you think it’s a fad? Right now it does seem like the natural hair thing is big. Honestly, I really don’t know why that is. There are a ton of natural hair blogs and videos out there now so I think that may add to it but also I think lot of times people just get bored and might want to try something different. I was told by a good friend of mine that, “only the strong survive. Having natural hair is a lot of work.” So with that said, I think that will separate the true natural women from the fad followers

Would you support your partner or family members (i.e. mother, sister, daughter) if she decided to become natural? Of  course! I LOVE women with natural hair. It says a lot about their character I think. To be honest, I think I’m more attracted to those with natural hair than those without it. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate and have love for all black women but it’s just something about a natural woman that I’m drawn to. Natural women have always stood out to me. They represent a part of our culture that has been stripped away from us. I feel we’ve been conditioned to believe what is considered to be beautiful, normal, or good-looking when it comes to women especially black women and their hair.  Natural women have my upmost respect because it takes courage and confidence to do what they’re doing and to me that speaks volumes.  I’ve been telling my mother for years to get locs. I think she’d look awesome with them but she won’t do it lol

How important is hair texture to you? If your significant other were to go natural, would the texture of her hair affect your opinions on whether she should remain natural or not? Texture isn't really important to me. Fine, medium, coarse, curly it doesn't really matter. Besides, I can’t be too picky about a woman’s texture when mine is like a Brillo pad lol

What is your definition of “Good Hair” and how do you feel about the word “Nappy?” Growing up, “good hair” to me always meant wavy, soft, straight or long hair. I think we as a people are forced to believe that. Now that I’m older I think that “good hair” is whatever kind of hair makes you feel good. Whether it be natural or weave, relaxed or loc’d, long or short. If it makes you feel good, rock out!

Would you rather your partner wear her hair natural or in a weave? Why or why not? As I mentioned before, I’m a very active person and I would like my partner to be also to a certain extent without her hair holding her back.  But above all else, I want her to be happy so if that means wearing a weave then that’s something I would have to deal with. However if I had to choose, it would be natural.

If you are involved with a woman do you think she should consult with you when it comes to making changes to her hair? Not really but I think that depends on the change. If she wants to go completely shaved after having a head full of hair, I think some type of heads up would be nice lol But after awhile, I think you kind of know how far your woman will go with her hair.

Why does it seem like some men are “hung up” on hair length? Does it matter to you? Again, I think this is something that has been forced on us through the media and everything else we as a people are so consumed with. The long hair fetish goes back decades along with this whole “light-skinned” non sense. For YEARS, they’ve been the only symbols of beauty for black people in this country. It’s been regurgitated and passed down from generation to generation. There was a time when a black person wouldn’t get a chance in Hollywood if they were darker than a brown paper bag. I think this way of thinking has stuck with us.   Her length is not important to me.

Would you be supportive in your partner’s journey to go natural?

Without a doubt.

What makes black women and their hair unique and beautiful to you? Everything about a black woman makes them unique and beautiful. Their lips, hips, ass (Can I say ass on here? Lol), sassiness, even their hair. They all represent beauty. This might sound crazy but to me natural women have a sense of “realness” about them that makes them unique. Immediately, you get the sense that they are down to earth, cool, and open minded. That right there alone is a beautiful thing.  There is nothing more beautiful and sexy than a confident, educated, curvy, down to earth, open-minded natural black woman.

Who is your favorite “curly girl?” (i.e. celebrity, actress, friend, ect.) Erykah Badu, Amel Larrieux, and Alexandra Smith all three of these women are dope and amazingly gorgeous.