Despite pressures from society and the media, many black women at Emporia State choose to wear their natural hair in order to show their pride in their culture and promote self-confidence.

“(Wearing) our hair in its natural state is a sign of activism because we’re going against society’s expectations,” said Ceanna Trice, junior organizational communications major. “I’m actively loving me and letting my hair do what it wants to do and I don’t care how (others) feel about it.”

Trice claims that there is no need to try to fit in by straightening or curling her hair, as it is naturally kinky.

“Straightening damages your hair and isn’t your natural you,” Trice said.

Trice has also stopped getting perms since her sophomore year in high school, as it is dangerous to her hair.

Some popular products to keep dry, kinky hair moisturized include Cantu, Shea Moisture and Curls Unleashed, according to Trice.

Students Kristian Gilmore, freshman elementary education major, and Tria Brown, sophomore communications major, agree with Trice, as they also choose to wear their natural hair to connect with their culture and display their pride.

“It’s part of who I am… It’s my identity,” Brown said. “I never use chemicals in my hair, it is always in it’s natural state.”

As a child, Brown’s mother conditioned her hair regularly.

“Growing up, it’s something that was always teased and talked about, but I didn’t let it get me down,” Brown said.

Brown twists and braids her hair to wear it in a variety of ways.

Due to its tight, coily state, black women’s hair is prone to dryness. In order to work with their hair, Gilmore says it’s a good idea to experiment with different conditioning products and try different methods. She also knows how to twist and braid her hair.

“(My hair) wasn’t something I really liked at first growing up… but now I love it because I’ve learned to (embrace it and be me),” said  Gilmore. “This is my ethnicity. This is what I was born with.”

Gilmore recommends getting hair trims every month, drinking water and taking vitamins in order to keep hair healthy.

“Love yourself, first and foremost,” Gilmore said.