Reasons Why I HATE The Hair Typing System

The WHAT System?

                                                                   

The Hair Typing System has caused a lot of controversy in the natural hair community. Whoever thought of creating a system that makes people question whether or not they have good or bad hair needs to be under fire. 

Why should a person need a system to tell them or remind them of the position their hair is on a very corruptive and disruptive chain?

HAIR is 4 reasons why I absolutely HATE the Hair Typing System:

1. It is Very Unrealistic

There are so many people in this world whose hair does not and will never fit in this so-called system. The reason why it is considered unrealistic is because it does not bring forth any real value and purpose to those who would like to be educated on hair; especially hair with tighter coily and kinky patterns. I am a part of so many groups on social media that are all geared towards natural hair. However, something that continues to bother me is the fact most people are more concerned about what is their hair type. The hair typing system has brainwashed so many of us that we forget sometimes that there are more to natural hair than the hair typing system. Finding out about important information such as hair density, porosity and the products that are suitable for the hair have served to be beneficial. 

2. It Makes People Feel Insecure

There have been people who are so insecure about their natural hair that you will never see them wearing it proudly. They either utilise wigs, weaves or braids constantly. Mind you, whatever a person decides to do with their hair is their business but when they are insecure to show their real crown, that is where the problem lies. 

Just yesterday I was watching an interracial couple's video on YouTube and the girl (who is of African descent) had to come on and explain that she is a simple girl who loves her hair just the way it is. I remember her explaining that she is not a hairdresser so she does the bare minimum with her hair. Her go-to hairstyles are a low bun or high bun. Two hairstyles that are super easy and low on manipulation. You could have seen it in her eyes that she was devastated that the hate she was getting about her hair was not from people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds. It was from people who share similar features like her own. Isn't it disheartening that you would bring down someone who shares some of the same struggles that you face daily? 

After I viewed that video I was so disgusted that someone could dislike you because of your hair. Now, you might think that this has absolutely nothing to do with the hair typing system but let me show you how I connect the two. People do not go on google to find inspiration from the hair typing system they go to see how high or low they are ranked on the system. This ranking can cause an individual to react in very differing ways. The people who were showing hate to the young girl of African descent are probably insecure with themselves and the way that they look. In turn, they try to find ways to make others who are content and happy with what they have feel terrible about themselves. 

Perhaps, it is time for the hair typing system to be abolished. For as long as it is in existence it will continue to generate hate, unnecessary comparisons and insecurity. Instead, there should be a system where anyone who wants to learn about the many facets of natural hair can go to for advice, inspiration, motivation and tips and tricks to help in their everyday life. Also, this programme should educate naturals on maintenance while wearing their crown proudly or protecting it with protective hairstyles. 

It can also be called "Virtuous Crowns"

This way it will counteract everything that the hair typing system stands for. 

3. It Causes More Harm Than Good

Have you ever taken a good look at the hair typing system? Every time I view it I squirm. It literally makes me feel uncomfortable. The reason why it does more harm than good is because it makes people believe that if you cannot successfully fit into any group you do not have good hair. Now, some might beg to differ. However, it is not expressly stated but it is implied. Take a quick pause right here. View the hair typing system as shown below. Look at it for a few minutes carefully. When you have completed the task, continue reading.

This picture does not show women and men with different curl patterns but it does show different strands of hair. It is completely understandable that most of us, if not all of us, have different hair types. That is crystal clear. But putting it on a chart and trying to tell people where their type of hair is located on the system is a terrible strategy. Many of us are still left confused and end up spending tons of money at beauty supply stores buying products and tools that are not suitable for our hair. Many have even gone so far as manipulating the hair often to look a certain way or like a particular individual's hair. This is damaging to the hair and the psychological makeup of the individual. So, the question still arises, what is the true purpose of the hair typing system? 

4. It Continues to Perpetuate the Superior/Inferior Ideology 

If you look at most hair typing systems it almost always starts with a particular hair texture first. Honestly, I tried many ways to accept this system but it does not matter how much I flip it, it still perpetuates a certain ideology. This ideology insinuates that the one at the top is the most important and most wanted whilst the one further away is less desirable and unattractive. Every time I look at this system I see the slavery of hair. Even though many are now starting to love their natural hair it is still not the hair that many want or wished they had. It is sad because some times the type of hair one has may determine what job they get or don't get. This totally disregards educational background, personality and ability to do the job. 

Always remember that your crown is more important than any hair typing system. Your crown is virtuous and requires and deserves all the tender loving care you can offer her. Stop comparing your hair to others. Learn to take care of your hair with little manipulation. Appreciate the diversity and versatility of the hair on your head. Remember, you have an upcoming generation to influence. What would you want them to know and love about their own hair?