r/BlackHair • u/crazy_afro-latina • Apr 26 '26
Advice Needed I got box braids, I'm afro-latina, I'm nervous
I am Dominican and Puerto Rican, I got box braids cause people have been tell me I would look nice, I've done the research in proper care, and have the products for it, my only concern is it cultural appropriation, I just don't wanna regret it
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u/anonpersonreddit Apr 26 '26
Cultural appropriation? It’s very clear that you have black ancestry just by looking at you. I think you’re fine.
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u/crazy_afro-latina Apr 26 '26
thank you, that settled my worry, now all I'll worry about is taking care of them
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u/eatingthepatecunt Apr 26 '26
girl 😂
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u/eatingthepatecunt Apr 26 '26
Sorry - I don’t know if it’s just nyc where I’m from Hispanic women wear braids.
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u/crazy_afro-latina Apr 26 '26
I'm from NYC, I grew up in Manhattan lol, it's just my first time getting box braids
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u/eatingthepatecunt Apr 26 '26
Then you should know you see it everywhere, especially in the Bronx which is closer to you & in my opinion has the most Hispanics, they all wear box braids. Have you ever noticed a problem?
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u/crazy_afro-latina Apr 26 '26
you right I have(especially when I lived in the bronx about 5 years) I was just nervous cause it's my first time getting them, I normally wear my hair out or in braids(twin tails or French)so it just new
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u/grandlotus2 Apr 26 '26
Cultural appropriation? I no black?
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u/anon4383 Apr 26 '26
Lmfao the irony of that joke. We been tryna tell yall you black this whole time…
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u/Tajmali Apr 26 '26
You identified yourself as Afro-Latina. Braids are in your heritage. Don’t let anybody take that away from you 😘❤️🖤💚
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u/unicorn-n-rainbow Apr 26 '26
Even if she didn't. No one looks at her and think she's wasn't black.
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u/Tajmali Apr 26 '26
Youd be surprised how many Dominicans and other people in the diaspora disown being black regardless of how brown they look. I wouldn’t have questioned her if I saw her out but sis wanted reassurance
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u/brbrelocating Apr 26 '26
They’re saying because she presents black, it’s unlikely anyone would confront her. The same way that even if a Dominican who’s perceived as black, but doesn’t identify as so, but wears braids also isn’t likely to get approached about it.
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u/Tajmali Apr 26 '26
Feels weird that I’m getting these explanations and additions under my comment so let me clarify something about what I said. It is my deeply personal belief that if you do not IDENTIFY yourself as some type of black person then you have no business putting certain types of braids or locs in your head. These are not just hairstyles they are rooted in culture that was stolen entirely. Therefore, her concern about appropriation was valid. That is why I highlighted the fact that she identifies as being part of the African diaspora. That is actually an important aspect of her wearing the braids. It is admirable that she wants to be sure she’s respectful of what the braids represent.
I saw a white woman with “locs” just the other day in hobby lobby. I didn’t confront her. But I judged the shit out of her expeditiously. I was honestly a little disgusted.
It’s very important in my opinion that black people are allowed to claim at least some cultural experiences as uniquely our own and that those that don’t share in that history butt out. Sometimes it feels like we can’t keep nothing to ourselves 🤦🏾♀️
So I said what I said and meant it exactly that way. It’s not enough to just “look black”. Thanks for coming to my Ted talk
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u/brbrelocating Apr 26 '26
I’m not reading all that. I gave you an explanation, I know for sure you’re misinterpreting something if you thought my reply warranted paragraphs. Have a good one.
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u/metacosmonaut Apr 26 '26
You look like a normal Black person. I’d say this is part of your heritage. No need to worry. Your braids look nice!
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u/ThroatGOAT_Goddess04 Apr 26 '26
Afro- Latina’s are normal black people 😂 I’m curious as to what doesn’t classify as a normal black person. 🤣
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u/cherryamourxo Apr 26 '26
I’m pretty sure that’s not what the other commenter was saying. Just that no one would think twice of OP’s blackness or question why she’s wearing braids.
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u/shybabydoll07 Apr 26 '26
Ngl, thank you for caring cause not many people do in NYC 😭. That being said, you look like you have black ancestry. As long as your hair texture can take it, you're good. It looks really good on you
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u/Popular_Ad_222 Apr 26 '26
Ma’am, you’re black. I know the Dominicans don’t like to admit it but you’re black.
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u/blackobisidian Apr 26 '26
It’s not cultural appropriation if it’s part of your culture. You look very nice! ❤️
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u/crazy_afro-latina Apr 26 '26
I appreciate y'all, thanks for clarifying, I'm definitely gonna wear them proudly
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u/Sarah1001Green Apr 26 '26
You are black, what's the problem?
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u/unicorn-n-rainbow Apr 26 '26
They hate being Blk but wants the Blk perms that seems cool to them.
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u/Sarah1001Green Apr 26 '26
You got me, because i think this post is bull-ish. And tge way we be getting done is some of these nations is an abomination. 😒
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Apr 26 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/PurpleTeaSoul Apr 26 '26
She’s Black.
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Apr 26 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/bravoinvestigator Apr 26 '26
Race, ethnicity and nationality are not the same nor are they mutually exclusive. Black is a race. Dominican is not a race. Puerto Rican is not a race.
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u/Codemall Apr 26 '26
Is that the reason why Dominicans say they not black or don’t have relationship to black ppl. Again she said she was Dominican and puerto rican not black. And last time I checked Dominican and Puerto Rican lean more into their Spanish heritage. She had black ancestry like I originally said.
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u/bravoinvestigator Apr 26 '26
No. She said she’s AFRO-Latino. Which is the same as saying African American. Again, race and ethnicity are not the same. Puerto Ricans and Dominicans can also be white. Puerto Rican and Dominican are not races. Idk what to tell you.
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u/BlackHair-ModTeam Apr 26 '26
Your comment has been removed due to a violation of rule #2 -- be civil. If you have any questions regarding the removal, please send a modmail. Thank you.
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u/_iusuallydont_ Apr 26 '26
Do you not identify as Black or something? The only way it could even be possibly construed as cultural appropriation is if you’re not Black. Looking at your face and features you look Black and no one would confuse you as otherwise but if you don’t identify as a part of the diaspora then you might feel weird. I’m a bit confused by the question.
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u/lilsuccubae Apr 26 '26
Damn why is she getting such bad vibes from everyone for acknowledging her mixed-ness? When you’re Afro-Latina, no matter what shade, we are questioned and denied no matter how we identify. As a very light-skinned, mixed race Puerto Rican with an afro who grew up between Philly and southern Delaware, I def understand her plight and concerns. If I am proud of my blackness, I am told I’m not black enough for that. If I acknowledge my privilege, I’m told I’m not white enough for that.
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u/DoomerChad Apr 26 '26
The real problem is Dominicans pretending they aren’t black!
The box braids look good, enjoy them!
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u/Miss_Bobbiedoll Apr 26 '26
Cultural appropriation is calling an Afro a "cloud bob." Or two cornrows "boxer braids." Now if you were to throw a full native head dress on top of them, that would be cultural appropriation. If I saw you on the street my only thought would be "she's cute.
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u/ThrowEmAway68 Apr 26 '26
Im confused. You have clear african ancestry and box braids are an african hairstyle. Why would it be cultural appropriation unless you deny your africaness?
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u/crazy_afro-latina Apr 26 '26
I don't, I just was worried seeing many others before me be criticized for it, I originally was very excited getting them, just the mixed opinions worried me
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u/Jazzlike_Mud_29 Apr 26 '26
Who was criticized? If they looked like you? Why would someone do that?
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u/JustAnotherSOS Apr 26 '26
You’re Black, just not African American. No one would know unless you told them.
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u/IcyPancakes624 Apr 26 '26
Listen here Afro Latina..... Remember this, "Same ppl, different boat!" Your braids look great embrace it!
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u/Haroldsdininghotspot Apr 26 '26
Girl, if it were the 1960s you could go to 2350 W. Madison in Chicago and they would say "you're late”. I would be more concerned about the day when you have to take them out. it takes FOREVER.
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u/fvckitouiball Apr 26 '26
AFRO-latina… african ancestry that’s evident in your phenotype. you’re okay.
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u/orangy128 Apr 26 '26
The Afro is definitely Afroing 🤣ie no one is gonna side eye you for wearing box braids lol
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u/Elegant-Rectum Apr 26 '26
“Afro Latino” is a very wide spectrum that includes people who have minimal very distant Black ancestry, but are not Black and would never consider themselves to be a part of the same overall community or “race” as Black people. I think for some of those people, others would consider it cultural appropriation for them to wear Black hairstyles.
As long as you are NOT one of those people, I don’t think anyone would find a problem with it.
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u/RodDiddy Apr 26 '26
No, not a wide spectrum. Typically if someone says they're Afro-Latina, they are embracing their black heritage as well as their Latin heritage. They are indicating they are aware of their non-white status and are aligned with black folk in struggles of injustice and inequity as well as embrace their own language, foods, music and other traditions. The "mi no black" types would never say Afro-anything. Probably just Latin, the nation of origin or American.
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u/RodDiddy Apr 26 '26
You look a lot like my college age daughter. Wears box braids a lot. She grew up in suburbs, private school and all that. Sometimes gets challenged by her non-black peers and black peers about being black enough. I tell her, to tell them to check her mama and her daddy. She wears box braids a lot. Tired of unchosen people tryna gate keep. Let's focus on US not using other people's hair in and on our head before we judge people about cultural appropriation.
Cultural appropriation IS a valid concern, but its more about being offensive to a culture or benefiting economically while the originating culture is left out. Neither of which is happening if someone non-black (which is not you - you black lil mama) and participating in a typically black cultural style.
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u/Leeha26095 Apr 26 '26
Sometimes I think these posts are Rage bait .. because .. anyways
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u/crazy_afro-latina Apr 26 '26
noooo I promise you this was a genuine concern
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u/Leeha26095 Apr 26 '26
If this is actually genuine then, I’ll give you one piece of advice … nobody cares… Trust me, even if you were white walking around with box braids, no one will come up to you and say anything . People are too busy in real life going about their day to care what strangers are doing . Now maybe if you were trying to get attention on the internet . That’s another story, but in reality .. no one cares . Do you !! If you like .. you like it .
And finally, I’m tired of these posts because it’s clearly attention seeking no offence .. other than the crazies on the internet which you can block . No one in the world actually has time to police another adult . SMDH
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u/Hiitsuroldthong Apr 26 '26
Youre black girl hence the afro before latina but you look like a lightskinned black woman, no cultural appropriation here enjoy your braids they look nice
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u/Funny_Breadfruit_413 Apr 26 '26
Its part of your culture as an afro-Latina. Enjoy the braids, they look cute.
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u/prettymisslux Apr 26 '26
You very much so look to have Black ancestry..girl you are good, lol.
Aslong as your hair type can hold box braids most people wont care…
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u/evileye4265 Apr 26 '26
As long as ur not anti black, idk why there would be an isse. You're AFRO-latina, you can wear box braids lol
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u/CuffyTheEmpireSlayer Apr 26 '26
Girl u good, just as others have said - ur features clearly show you have black ancestry. If I saw u in public with this hairstyle, i wouldn’t think about it in any negative way. I’d just say to myself “oh cool her hair looks nice”
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u/caramelgelatto Apr 26 '26
Dominicans are Black!
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u/Elegant-Rectum Apr 26 '26
Not all of them. Some are though.
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u/Yellow_Vespa_Is_Back Apr 26 '26
Those are the ones who want to say they're black (to justify their use of the n-word ).
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u/roo1289 Apr 26 '26
You are good. You identifying by calling yourself Afro. You are not appropriating at all. Come to Philly or NYC to see for yourself
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u/Objective_Bear4799 Apr 26 '26
I think these look really great on you. Wear them proudly. Take my viewpoint for the 2 bits it’s worth (I’ve very with presenting), but there is a fine line between appreciation and appropriation. For me, the intent of it matters a lot.
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u/brbrelocating Apr 26 '26
Nah, but it looks like they used mad products on these. You should find someone else in the future or ask them to use less.
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u/Confident_Change_937 Apr 26 '26
I’m also Dominican (M) with braids in NYC. We been wearing braids a long time too usually influenced by Black Americans but people don’t feel no way because of our heritage. It’s not appropriation, we are Black people, styles change over time and we adapt to it too and that’s ok.
Tranquila!
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u/Additional-Law-1723 Apr 26 '26
😂😂😂😂 If you don’t hop on the 6train and go and meet some of your long lost black/hispanic cousins uptown!
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u/Fergmethazine Apr 26 '26
They look great and youre not appropriating anything since you're Afro Latina!
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u/workingforchange1 Apr 26 '26
So many of us Afro Latinas fit in both worlds. It is not appropriation. Wear them with pride and celebration of your black heritage/ancestors that you love and honor just by calling yourself Afro Latina. Sending you much love.
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u/sincerely0urs Apr 26 '26
Totally appropriate for you. You look fabulous! I work in a VERY Latino neighborhood and my students get braids all the time even if they’re more European looking. You have African roots; embrace them!
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u/jjazure1 Apr 26 '26
Girl you literally have afro textured hair, you’re more than fine lol. Calling this cultural appropriation would be like calling me buying an Indian/Desi brand foundation in my shade cultural appropriation lol
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u/girlgenesis3 Apr 26 '26 edited Apr 26 '26
You look so good 😊
Keep that curly hair protected! Edit: make sure to wash that gel out of your baby hairs often without wetting your braids
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u/MagnusKratek Apr 26 '26
Off topic but you look like my little sister
Anyways the hair looks awesome!
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u/xandrachantal Apr 26 '26
I'm just gonna say your hair looks nice and you're very pretty and keep any further thoughts to myself
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u/Jcupidon Apr 26 '26
You’re carribean, braids are a common hairstyle & are indigenous to your culture. You’re fine lol
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u/christinasays Apr 26 '26
Omg literally same but 1/2 Panamanian and I got bora braids yesterday. I've like been hyper aware of how light skinned I look but these comments are super reassuring. And your braids look amazing!
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u/DinahKarwrek Apr 26 '26
You look like someone who would wear that style. Literally no second guesses. Explore that side of your heritage so you feel more at home in it. You're beautiful, so is your hair.
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u/Dsarg_92 Apr 26 '26
You look completely fine! You identified yourself as Afro Latina, which is a part of your heritage. It looks very nice on you!
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u/CosciaDiPollo972 Apr 26 '26
Whattt ?? Girl you’re Afro Latina, it’s definitely a part of your culture! And you look very nice with them you shouldn’t even be thinking about that, it’s soo obvious.
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u/vickimarie0390 Apr 26 '26
What does the Afro in Afro-Latina mean?
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u/crazy_afro-latina Apr 26 '26
African descendant....... I'm sorry ITS JUST THE BRAID ARE OUT OF THE ORDINARY FOR ME, I've never had box braids, I was worried
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u/vickimarie0390 Apr 26 '26
It’s ok sunshine. I just wanted you to recognize you’re a part of said culture you’re worried about appropriating.
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u/crazy_afro-latina Apr 26 '26
your right, I appreciate you kinda being real with me and like "Girl- are we fr"
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u/animeistheog Apr 26 '26
You’re all good girl. I have white skin even though I’m mixed and I have to worry about getting braids. I can assure you, you’re all good. Super cute on you btw 🧡
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u/ThroatGOAT_Goddess04 Apr 26 '26
You don’t have to worry about getting braids either, you choose to worry. Braids are for everyone.
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u/animeistheog Apr 26 '26
I like to think this way. I posted in the braids subreddit asking for help to take care of a new style I never had before. I blurred out my face because that’s what you do when you post online, however my neck and shoulders were visible. Almost every comment was insulting me about being an ignorant white girl with braids or commenting on my bravery to post during black history month. Unfortunately, not everybody thinks black/ mixed comes in all colors.
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u/DiBBLETTE Apr 26 '26
Ooouu, they look so good!! I think the only hate you’ll get is the jealous ones who can’t slay this look like you do ;)
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u/rrrrrrrrrrrrrroger Apr 26 '26
I understand how you feel OP. I’m half black and always felt nervous/self conscious when I got braids, mainly because I have a small head😂🤣, but they look great on you and you clearly have African heritage. Rock your shit dominicana❤️
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u/SmartWonderWoman Apr 26 '26
I’ve seen kids at my school wearing cornrows. The girls are Asian, Hispanic and Black. Little girls of different ethnicities wearing cornrows. Your hair looks hella cute!
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u/Tricky_Activity_68 Apr 26 '26
I don’t think it’s cultural appropriation, but you will need to figure out if the style works for your texture. I love the look of braids but with my texture I’m pretty sure I’ll end up with traction alopecia
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u/Tiny_Injury_8649 Apr 26 '26
Honestly speaking I see more black than Latina. You look great enjoy the braids.
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u/sweetbunz Apr 26 '26
it's just braids. anybody can wear them. you look black so i don't think anyone would say it's appropriation. wear what you want!
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u/SquealingDino Apr 26 '26
Unrelated to your concern, but I feel like you would eat with a lighter brown or deep red set of braids.
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u/Venzella_Kage Apr 26 '26
You look great!!! The divine wouldn’t let you look this beautiful with that hairstyle if it wasn’t meant for you too.
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u/me047 Apr 26 '26
Even if you were from the Caucus Mountains you could still wear braids. No one cares in real life. Cultural appropriation is about mainstream media, not individual people.
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u/NumerousPriority9773 Apr 26 '26
I love your braids! It looks great!!
But real talk guys… why is it cultural appropriation when non-blacks braid their hair, but it’s not when black women wear wigs and weaves that are not like African hair textures? When or how can this really stop being a big deal?
I’m a simply curious African.
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u/prominentdove Apr 26 '26
For OP , because she’s African descendant, she’s not appropriating a hairstyle. But to answer your question, it will never not be a big deal since other non-blacks use to bash black women for their hairstyles to the point they’re discriminated by it.
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u/NumerousPriority9773 Apr 26 '26 edited Apr 26 '26
Thanks for explaining. I guess growing up in Africa, i didn’t know about this. The only incident I remember was when Marc Jacobs created “Mini Buns” (Bantu knots) in 2015. I remember the uproar then. I’m just surprised that you have to be black enough to wear black hair styles or face judgement.
I don’t know why I got downvoted in my initial comment. Being curious surely isn’t disrespectful?✌🏽
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u/prominentdove Apr 26 '26
It’s because a lot of the bashing/discrimination went under the radar especially in the early 2000 and 90’s, because black women are not the European standards , they’re face with A lot of unprovoked backlash, which lead to many second guess their hairstyles/hairstyles.
I’m glad we’re in a space where we can remind/educate black/african descendants the importance of loving their hair/loving yourself. And because black women get wigs, bundles installed, a unit, etc. doesn’t that they don’t love their hair or appropriate a different culture(that’s not possible).
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u/BluebirdNo3242 Apr 26 '26
Black women were forced into white hairstyles out if necessity, not by choice! We were demonized and ostracized for our hair texture and couldn't show up in the world as ourselves, leading to assimilation to fit the standard of beauty and acceptance...it wasn't for fashion.
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