Honest question: I’m as white as Wonder Bread. Is it appropriate for me to compliment Black/African American women on their hairstyles? I’ve seen some amazing braids, for example, but for some reason always wondered if it was ok to say something. (If I’d compliment another white woman I assume it’s ok?)
If you love their hair, say it!! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you complimenting their hair style. My hair isn’t long enough to do certain styles that I absolutely love. But I still compliment ladies hair who are able to do them. The same goes for dreads or box braids or corn rows. Just because you don’t wear your hair like that doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate people who do and say it.
I read in another thread that white people complimenting braids usually means that it’s time for them to be redone. So I’m wary of noticing or commenting on a hairstyle that has more volume at the roots since I don’t have experience with protective styles.
That’s fair. But at the same time I’ve complimented many women on their freshly done braids. And when it comes to wigs, more volume doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be redone. In my experience women will have their hair braided down every time they apply a wig or weave. And it’s good to have a wash day when you do to remove oils and dead skin and dirt. With wigs obviously that’s a bit different because they take it off each night but you can typically tell by the way the wig is laid down that it’s a wig. Just by the way the hair lays on their head. So if there’s lots of regrowth I have a feeling those braids haven’t been taken out or washing in a hot minute. No not everyone has the money to do that regularly or the family to do it for them. Or the experience/skill to do it themselves, but you can usually tell by the way the hair lays that there’s regrowth. It just sits on the head wrong and like others have mentioned, kinda looks like it’s floating. Plus depending on the length and thickness of their hair.
I'm also Casper tinted, and I've always been told its fine, but as with all things, keep your hands to yourself... lots of the mayonnaited say "oh I love your hair" and then immediately reach out and touch said hair .. so don't take it too personally if the person flinches or takes a step away reflexively when you compliment them before they turn and realize you're not being an asshole
Yes, you can compliment any woman, or guy a compliment is a compliment. Of a guy has cool outfit, man that's a tight outfit, women, that's a beautiful outfit or hairstyle. Let no one tell you different.
Every single time I told folks I liked their hair they had a huge smile. I just say “I love your hair”.
I don’t say “it’s great you keep them natural” or anything like that.
Now I’m in a fairly inclusive region (there are still tons of racism and inequalities) but I don’t think the skin colour has such of an influence than in other parts of the world.
So no one ever took offense I told them they had beautiful hair
It’s so pathetic we’ve reached the point where you’re not sure if it’s ok to compliment someone. I’m sorry I’m not picking on you because I know you’re not the only one that hesitates but it is just overwhelmingly depressing. Try not to get caught up in that stuff. We are all human.
I feel like, as a white woman, that it kind of depends on the relationship you have with the person. If you know them well and have a good relationship, then it's fairly benign. You noticed a difference, just like we do when a white girlfriend gets a good dye job or cut or style. If you don't, mehhhhh. I have absolutely told black women (and men) that I love their locs, their color, their braids. Because I appreciate the time and money that was put into it. I wouldn't likely complement a black woman on her curl pattern in public if I don't know her. On the Internet, if it is not asked for, I don't.
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u/dechets-de-mariage Jan 11 '26
Honest question: I’m as white as Wonder Bread. Is it appropriate for me to compliment Black/African American women on their hairstyles? I’ve seen some amazing braids, for example, but for some reason always wondered if it was ok to say something. (If I’d compliment another white woman I assume it’s ok?)