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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

White and box braids?

28 replies

Estavino · 08/01/2018 22:41

I have 3B curly hair and i've just had enough of it. Usually I shove it in a bun a day after it's been washed as it's just a nightmare to try to mane especially if i'm in a rush.

I've been considering box braids for years and now my hairdresser is offering it as a service I'm really considering it. However one thing holding me back is cultural appropriation/people thinking i'm trying to be something else. I'm caucasian, mid twenties and live quite rurally (worried it will look like i'm trying to make a statement but in reality i'm doing it for convenience.)

OP posts:
FlibbertyGiblets · 08/01/2018 22:58

Have you tried a Deva cut?

gobbynorthernbird · 08/01/2018 23:07

I wouldn't.

strangerhoes · 08/01/2018 23:07

Nope

sonlypuppyfat · 08/01/2018 23:09

Why not, if you want it done

CruCru · 08/01/2018 23:10

It's up to you and no one else what you do with your hair. I would be surprised if you even got any funny reactions - most people only think about themselves / what they look like.

If you aren't sure, what about putting your hair into double dutch braids?

llangennith · 08/01/2018 23:12

As I have similar hair I can see why you’d be tempted but I’d advise against it. Just keep scraping it back into a ponytail or bun. (In our family we say ‘scragging it back’. Is that a real word?)

LyraPotter · 08/01/2018 23:30

I think it would be appropriative, sorry OP. I think it shows that you're a decent person to be aware of it. Maybe see if your hairdresser has other suggestions / solutions? X

ButteredScone · 08/01/2018 23:34

The cultural appropriation stuff is total bullshit. I think it is extremely unlikely that you will get any hassle. People might ask you about it though.

AngeloMysterioso · 08/01/2018 23:41

For fucks sake, it’s just a hairstyle!! Put your hair in braids if that’s what you want to do OP.

mirandasings · 08/01/2018 23:46

Do what the fuck You like. It’s a hairstyle. Interested as to why pp have said “no”

Are black women not allowed to have straight hair, because, you know “appropriation”

The fuck is this nonsense all about! 🙄

doubleshotespresso · 08/01/2018 23:48

If you have been fancying this for a while, then why not try it/ Like any other style you can change it afterwards if you like. I really don't think you should worry about cultural appropriation, there are far bigger things to consider in the world these days really. Your hair your choice

Duchy0fGrandFenwick · 08/01/2018 23:49

It’s hair, people of all cultures and countries have been fucking around with it, putting it into all types of styles for thousands of years..isn’t cultural appropriation.

wooster16 · 08/01/2018 23:49

Blooming hell, it’s just hair! Go forth and braid if that’s what makes you happy Smile

TessoftheDoobieBrothers2 · 09/01/2018 00:04

No-one owns a hairstyle.

I used to compete in a sport where for health and safety reasons grips/ clips etc weren't allowed. If you had long hair the only sensible option was braids (if you just tied long hair back it would come loose and obscure your vision). I'm not aware of anyone getting any hassle for it.

Have whatever hairstyle you want.

Moanaohnana · 09/01/2018 00:07

Oh Jesus. It's not cultural appropriation. It's a sensible and practical way to manage types of hair similar to yours. Get it done. Only a total bellend would think anything of it.

KC225 · 09/01/2018 00:09

Its hair. Do it.

quencher · 09/01/2018 00:11

What is wrong with Mn tonight. Some black people have straight hair too.
Op, do whatever you want with your hair.

Sologirl1982 · 09/01/2018 00:33

Wear your hair however the feck you like!!

Original poster
estavino · 09/01/2018 01:00

I've been rocking double dutch braids for years but I honestly look like a teenager wearing them. I also travel abroad a fair amount, and when i'm near the coast it's impossible to do anything with it as it becomes quite corse.

I've tried the curly hair method, and because I live miles away from a big city there's nobody around here that specialises in the deva cut/curly hair. Before i've been nervous to do it as i'd have to go into a afro specialised (not sure of the term) salon.

I think i'm going to bite the bullet and just do it. If I don't like it I can just take it out.

OP posts:
LemonysSnicket · 09/01/2018 01:05

Cultural appropriation is when something is imitated in a way that either mocks the origin culture or refuses to acknowledge its origin culture. You are doing neither, you are dealing with your hair.

HannaSolo · 09/01/2018 01:08

I think the term cultural appropriation is actually quite dangerous.

In and of itself it both implies and supports segregation. It can be taken to extremes that actually undermine the values I suspect the phrase was trying to protect.

I prefer cultural respect. So for example, using Native American headwear - that has a deep spiritual and cultural significance - as a festival fashion statement, is disrespectful. Copying verbatim Maori tattoos with no understanding of the the significance aka "I liked the pattern" is imho similar.

However, wearing (non religious/spiritual) clothing or hairstyles (or taken to the extreme, cooking food) because you both like and appreciate it is to my mind an example of cultural diversity.

Personally I think much progress and understanding is based on cultural cross fertilisation. Think music, food, art etc...

Braided hair isn't a sole preserve of one culture. In Roman times the Vestal Virgins had very complex braided hair. There are many, many other examples where complex and all encompassing braids have been used through history by many different peoples.

In short, wear your hair in a way that suits you....

LemonsLemonsLemonsLemons · 09/01/2018 01:11

Oh my gosh get them! I’ve had them done twice and it was a total game changer. I also have very curly hair that I generally just scrape back, and it was so nice to have a set of braids that I could pile on top of my head, plait in one big braid over my shoulder, turn into a French braid, have loose but tied back with a scarf etc. I had them done for weddings in West Africa both times (I was working there) and kept them in for 6 -8 weeks after back at home. Loved them! In terms of the cultural appropriation aspect, it maybe made it more explicable that they were done for a specific event each time BUT I loved wearing them back at home and never had any negative reactions. I worked with a lot of West African families back in the UK and they thought it was hilarious - some thought it was weird but more in an endearing than an offensive way iyswim?! Do it! I got extensions braided in to make it look fuller, and because I wanted to make a more elaborate style for the weddings, and I recommend that. Keep us posted!

Christmascardqueen · 09/01/2018 01:15

French braids, dutch braids, corn row, it's all just braiding something done for centuries do what works for your hair.

WyfOfBathe · 09/01/2018 01:34

Go for it!

Nobody owns braiding. Braids have been used by different cultures, with different skin colours and hair types, for centuries. They're different to cultural symbols (e.g. native American headdresses or Buddha images) which have a very specific meaning in one society.

DD is mixed race but (so far) has very thin hair. In terms of protective hairstyles and daily management, it makes more sense for you to have box braids than it would for her.

condepetie · 09/01/2018 01:38

Don't. It's appropriative and looks ridiculous on white people.