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almond eyes – I think what you are saying is that it is all about balance and I absolutely agree.
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Guitarhero - “hair” is the (possibly quasi) pre-modifier in the expression “hair-nazi”, nazi is the main descriptor. I find it offensive. The fact that it is used in other contexts does not make it less so. There is a world of a difference between not brushing one’s teeth and using a relaxer. “Fact is you don't know who is where at any given time, even with those posting in this thread.” I agree, neither of us do. What we do know is that this forum (and many others) is bursting with people declaring a whole host of hair disasters including as it relates to relaxers. There are people here with varying degrees of self esteem issues because their hair is not long enough, thick enough, shiny enough, curly enough, is breaking, is shedding, is brittle, is dry, is hard. Many of us, me included, have had moments where confidence is lowered because you look nothing like what society lauds as beautiful. Feeling that way is ok.
Many visit a forum like this, pay their yearly subscription, and post pictures. LHCF members will either remind you of how wonderful your hair (or face is) or suggest techniques for remedying a problem, you feel encourage and a little better about yourself. If a reminder of how wonderful we all are is difficult to hear or if my “charge” is viewed with skepticism then the problem is not with me.
What I find mind boggling about all this is that the point is lost because we are distracted by what is perceived as an assault on the chemical relaxer. But why shouldn’t we be asking the developers of the relaxer to create a safer process and why shouldn’t we discuss it? One commentator said this is for the black owned businesses but fact is the owners of the major relaxed hair care brands are not black owed. The consumer has remarkable power to initiate change.
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drmuffin – why is talking about the dangers of a relaxer insensitive? Would I be insensitive if I talked about the dangers of excessive sun exposure or braiding your hair too tightly? Another common theme running through the responses is that we know this already, why remind us? But why not? There are more people that view the forum and are unable to respond, than there are actual members. They are perhaps less knowledgeable. One can never talk too much about the dangers of anything. By highlighting the risks and as I subsequently did, the ways to minimize them, you arm other women who are perhaps not as knowing with the tools to have beautiful hair whatever we perceive that to be.
Many thanks to all those who have responded to such an important issue.