It was the “crunch crunch crunch” heard 'round the natural world.... and hours after the web was on fire this weekend with (VERY VOCAL!!) opinions about JoAnn Robertson's natural hair video tutorials for TypeF, the new fashion and beauty platform inspired by Tyra Banks.
The videos were a topic of many discussions at the beCHIC Natural Hair Appreciation Luncheon this weekend (For pictures, check out Miss Moon's Musings on FaceBook). When we were not talking about the videos, we were rolling and shaking our heads at some of comments about the video. I myself will even admit to my own snarky comments (Sangria brings it out of me! lol).
But I agree wholeheartedly with Cassidy of Natural Selection, we shouldn't be all full blown "Mean Girls" on someone whose intentions were to do something positive. It's easy to say "Girl, bye!" and roll your eyes (I admit it, I did it too sitting at my laptop), but I think what's really needed is some constructive criticism (with an emphasis on CONSTRUCTIVE!).
I think that JoAnn (Who from viewing her website appears to be an accomplished hair stylist) perhaps is new on her own personal natural journey. She's had years of formal education on how to style hair, and is maybe having difficulty marrying her training with her own natural hair (training that no doubt got her the gig at TypeF).
But as we all know (And maybe JoAnn is newly discovering this) being a licensed Hair stylist doesn't necessarily mean you're qualified to be considered an expert at natural hair. I mean, isn't this a common complaint from the community... not enough hair stylist that know how to care for naturally textured hair? If the bulk of your professional experience came from doing a specific type of hair, I could imagine it'd be daunting to dive head first into some beautifully thick 4A or 4B hair.
I think that perhaps TypeF should re-conceptualize the videos: Having more learned naturalistas (YouTube is full of them!!) share their knowledge and have JoAnn chime in with the professional expertise on why doing [INSERT TIP HERE] would be beneficial.
And if I am correct in my belief that JoAnn is newly natural, another concept would be for her to discuss her journey and how many of the rules and applications she's been trained to put into practice do not work on her hair.
All in all, I'd love to see videos in the future of her hair becoming less dry and lusterless and slowly look more healthy and well cared for. That would be the best education, not only would they show the tools and the application technique, but also the long-term results.
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I agree, I don't think we should be flat out "mean girls" in our approach. However, these videos were so riduculously full of bad and damaging "natural hair" advice that I honestly thought it was a spoof.
ReplyDeleteI did to, I have to be honest! I thought Tyra was spoofing YT Hair Tutorials at first! lol
ReplyDeleteOkay. I vaguely remember seeing something referring to this over the weekend but didn't look into it. I'll definitely be checking this out to see what the deal is.
ReplyDeleteI do have to say...and I know you know this Audrey that people who begins to embrace the natural path assumes its the same as when their hair was chemically treated...it's not. I know I went through several trial and errors since I went natural in 1995. Now Tyra should have screened this before it got out there...and if she is beginning her journey she should not give professional advice, especially via video tutorials, for she herself is not a professional in this respect. Well consider this a lesson learned for her. As humans we fail to take a step back and asses her situation before making a comment...instead in haste we pass judgment and harshly criticize (I was going to do a post on my opinion, but I don't like posting a subject matter 1000 other blogs post, even if it is to give my own take on it) What we need to do is put down the pitchforks and torches, cancel the angry mob rally and assist the Sista...and Tyra too. *jumping off soapbox*
ReplyDeleteWell said, J.!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree sis though I don't think natural divas voicing how bad these videos are is exactly mean because it's true that they are not acceptable. However, believe all this criticism is meant to be constructive. A lot of natural divas, including myself, would love to see Type F videos reviewed and improved upon. And as you rightly said, I would also love to see the JoAnn speak about her personal journey and admit her challenges instead of pretending to know what she's talking about. Nevertheless, I do encourage her and the Type F videos and pray they get it right next time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing sis!
DatFunkyFro