Dear Minister Peneux,
As a frizzy hair expert who has studied this hair type for years, precisely because I myself have suffered from hair loss as a result of using relaxers to smooth my frizzy hair, I am happy to give advice when it comes to dreadlocks and etiquette. I do this not because I do not respect authority or believe that anything goes. No, I do this precisely because I am convinced that if an honest etiquette is maintained that respects frizzy hair in its natural state, we will all benefit.
The current etiquette regarding hair is, in my opinion, unfortunately still based on straight hair, which is structurally different from frizzy hair. This can be demonstrated with a simple example: A braid simply stays in frizzy hair, while this is impossible with any other hair type. A braid automatically comes loose in straight or curly hair if it is not held together with a hair band or something similar. What I want to demonstrate with this is not only that the hair types are extremely different, but also that hairstyles are naturally related to a hair type.
As an advocate for afro hair, who has tried almost every possible hairstyle and has been wearing dreadlocks for two years now, I can confirm from personal experience that dreadlocks are the most natural hairstyle to grow afro hair. You will probably be surprised to learn that what we know as the comb, which has been used for centuries to supposedly make afro hair presentable, is not suitable for afro hair. Research has shown that combs “break” afro hair. The idea that afro hair needs to be combed to look neat is therefore fundamentally wrong.
The rule to ban dreadlocks is also based on persistent stereotypical ideas that it is time to get rid of. This is seriously urgent because these outdated ideas that never seem to go away have resulted in, among other things, Black women suffering disastrously more from hair loss than other population groups. Not because afro hair is genetically weaker, but purely because women are forced to comply with rules that are based on a hair type that is genetically structurally different.
Dreadlocks are nothing more than hair strands that have grown together. A more natural hairstyle, especially for frizzy hair, does not exist. No unnatural objects such as a comb are needed and especially no harmful chemicals to care for the hair. Dreadlocks are mainly shaped and cared for by hand.
Assuming you were not aware of this information, I hope you will reconsider the rule banning dreadlocks from schools, while maintaining all your other rules, of course.
Dreadlocks can meet etiquette just as well as any hair type. Whether it concerns hygiene, length, color or figures. If blue hair is forbidden, blue dreadlocks are of course also forbidden. If long hair is not allowed, long dreadlocks are also not allowed, of course with the exception of Sikhs and Rastafarians because of their religious beliefs.
What is essential is that dreadlocks as a hairstyle should not be banned as such because it is the most natural hairstyle that goes with frizzy hair. A fact that many people do not know.
Yours faithfully,
Drs. Mireille Liong-A-Kong
If you would like to know more about me and my background, you can read my extensive bio here or visit one of my sites: going-natural.com , blackfollicles.com , badhairuprooted.com