This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SCAD chapter.

The natural hair community has grown and is continuing to as women of all backgrounds and ages are blossoming and being themselves (NATURAL). “You should straighten your hair.” This is said more often than, “you should wear your hair natural.” A female should not confine in the standards put in place by society. The ‘social norm’ should simply be, to be oneself.Hair is thought to be a superficial way to measure self confidence. It does play a huge role in society and how women see themselves. Little girls play with dolls that don’t have a similar hair type. Some tend to grow up wishing their hair was like others and not appreciating and loving the locks of their own. Teenage and young adult women read through fashion magazines and a variety of social media platforms to find ‘inspiration’ when most of the time they are being discouraged. It is disheartening to see young and old, beautiful and talented females dislike the way their hair is due to the fact that it is not an everyday propaganda they are exposed to.Hair for many is the root of assurance. Making sure that ‘if their hair looks a certain way they will be perceived a certain way.’ Unfortunately in some cases this is to be true in how women are assessed and distinguished from each other. Females at any age of any background are ridiculed and shamed for their hair because it may be different. Although, NEWSFLASH: No one is the same. Variety should be celebrated not condemned. Each individual should embody what makes them unique including their hair.Step out of the shower, wipe the mirror of its fog, look into it and smile. This shall be your new ritual. No more worrying about how much time it’s going to take for you to blow dry, flat iron, or rod curl your hair. No more worrying that if you wear your hair natural, will look good or not, because guess what? you will look great every single time! No more worrying about if people will stare or will people judge. If they stare, it’s because you are striking. Take it as a compliment, stare back, or ignore it. If anyone is judging you then they are essentially irrelevant. There will always be individuals who will try to shape and mold you to something you are not, but don’t let them. For every person who tells you “you should do this, it will look better” or “you look prettier with your hair this way”, there are 10 times the amount of people who will encourage you to “do as you please”, “do what makes you feel most happy”, or “be you, naturally you”.Curly hair is just as beautiful as any other. Natural is caused by nature which is alluring and superb in every way, so why alter it? Don’t be ashamed of what makes you special; accept it and love it. Teach yourself and others that waves, curls, coils, and kinks are extraordinary. Teach each other that twists, braids, curls, fro’s, etc. do not determine one’s future. Girls in curls, go against the odds of what some say is socially acceptable. Show them your natural state is all that it takes to make your own fate.

Photos in order by:

Ralph Evans https://unsplash.com/photos/ZSewicjFujE

Alessio Lin https://unsplash.com/photos/C6xuCzQEFB4

London Scout https://unsplash.com/photos/cykFL7IQCTk

Caique Silva https://unsplash.com/photos/uJgeZOKbB9k

Jonas Svidras https://unsplash.com/photos/jDDheOd-8XI

Guilherme Stecanella https://unsplash.com/photos/9qquJNwMOos