Unraveling the Roots of Rastafarianism's Natural Hair Movement

The Rastafarian movement has been an active part of the natural hair debate, particularly in regards to the discrimination faced by people of African descent for wearing their hair naturally.

The Rastafarian movement began in Jamaica during the 1930s, inspired by the teachings of Marcus Garvey, a black political leader who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Garvey's message was to unite blacks with their land of origin and he prophesied, "Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be your Redeemer." This statement became the foundation of the Rastafarian movement, as it was soon followed by the crowning of Emperor Haile Selassie I in Ethiopia, which Rastafarians see as the fulfilment of Garvey's prophecy.

The religion takes its name from Haile Selassie's original name, and his coronation was seen as a pivotal moment in the movement's development. The Rastafarian belief system emphasises the importance of natural living, including the rejection of Western beauty standards, which is why the movement supported the natural hair debate.

Rastafarians believe that the wearing of natural hair is a reflection of their African heritage and cultural identity. As such, many Rastafarians reject chemical relaxers and other treatments that alter the natural texture of their hair, instead choosing to wear their hair in dreadlocks or other natural styles.

The Rastafarian movement has been a strong supporter of the natural hair debate, advocating for the acceptance and celebration of natural Black hair as a symbol of African identity and resistance against societal oppression.

Many Rastafaris grow out their hair in dreadlocks to symbolise the Lion of Judah’s mane. The key verse quoted in defence of this practice is Leviticus 21:5.

5 They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh. KJV

Dreadlocks continues to be seen as a symbol of defiance towards the demonic influence of “Babylon.” For Rastafaris, Babylon refers to all the spiritually deadening forces of the materialistic world.

How Rastafarians Celebrate Cultural Pride

For Rastafarians, the wearing of dreadlocks is not just a hairstyle, but a deeply symbolic act that represents the rejection of Western beauty standards and the embracing of their own cultural identity. In the Western world, dreadlocks have often been stigmatised as unprofessional or even dirty, but in the Rastafarian movement, they are viewed as a sacred and natural form of hair. The practice of growing dreadlocks is often accompanied by a belief in the importance of natural living, including a plant-based diet and the avoidance of chemicals and artificial additives.

By embracing their own cultural identity through their hair, Rastafarians aim to challenge the dominant cultural narrative that values Eurocentric beauty standards above all else. In this way, the wearing of dreadlocks serves as both a political statement and a spiritual practice for the Rastafarian movement.

Rastafarian Advocates Who Amplified the Movement

There are several leading Rastafarian advocates who have made significant contributions to the movement and helped to promote its ideals and principles. One of the most influential figures in Rastafarianism is Bob Marley, whose music and lyrics helped to spread the message of Rastafarianism to a global audience. Marcus Garvey, the black political leader who prophesied the crowning of Haile Selassie I, is also considered a key figure in the development of the Rastafarian movement. Other notable Rastafarian advocates include Leonard Howell, who founded the first Rastafarian community in Jamaica; Peter Tosh, a musician and activist who advocated for the legalisation of marijuana and the rights of oppressed peoples; and Mutabaruka, a poet and social commentator who has spoken out on issues of race, social justice, and cultural identity.

These advocates, along with countless others, have helped to promote its principles of natural living, spiritual growth, and cultural identity.

The Rastafarian Movement's Reverence for All Things Organic

In recent years, the movement has become increasingly vocal in its support of the natural hair debate, advocating for the right of individuals to wear their hair in whatever style they choose without fear of discrimination. This has become a rallying cry for many in the natural hair movement, and has helped to bring greater visibility and acceptance to afro-textured hair.

This also includes the use of natural herbs and oils for hair and skin care, as well as a focus on a plant-based diet and sustainable living practices.

Rastafarians understand natural skin care is part of the natural hair debate. This is because the products used for hair care can also have an impact on the health and appearance of the skin.

Many hair care products, particularly those that contain synthetic ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, and silicones, can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and other skin problems. In addition, some hair care practices, such as excessive heat styling or tight hairstyles, can cause damage to the scalp and lead to inflammation or infection.

On the other hand, natural hair care products that are free from harsh chemicals and contain nourishing ingredients such as natural oils, vitamins, and antioxidants can help to promote healthy hair and scalp, and may also benefit the skin. For example, ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil can help to moisturise and soothe dry or irritated skin, while tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can help to prevent acne and other skin infections.

Therefore, as part of the natural hair debate, Rastafarian believe it is important to consider the impact of hair care products and practices on both hair and skin health, and to make choices that promote overall well-being.

Living Naturally

In conclusion, the Rastafarian movement has played a significant role in the discussion surrounding natural hair and has helped to promote and bring awareness to this issue. By rejecting Western beauty standards and embracing their own cultural identity through the wearing of dreadlocks, Rastafarians have demonstrated the importance of celebrating diversity and promoting self-love.

Their emphasis on natural living and the rejection of chemicals and artificial additives has also helped to highlight the potential dangers of certain hair care practices, particularly for those with curly or coily hair textures. Additionally, the Rastafarian movement's emphasis on the spiritual and cultural significance of hair has helped to challenge the notion that hair is merely a superficial aspect of one's appearance.

By bringing attention to the natural hair debate, the Rastafarian movement has helped to create a more inclusive and accepting society, one that celebrates diversity and values the unique cultural identities of all individuals. Rastafarian have also served as an example of how wearing natural hair is a form of self-expression and pride in one's culture.

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Do you think society's perception of natural hair has changed over the years? How important do you feel it is for individuals to have the freedom to wear their hair in any way they choose without fear of judgment? Have you made the decision to embrace your natural hair? If so, what inspired you to make that choice? If you found the above post useful share your insights in the comment box below.

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Blog picture courtesy of adomonline and victoria-nieto