What is the correct and NON DERROGATORY way of referring to African American hair?

Question

I am developing a customizable product for the African American market but I do not want to be perceived as politically incorrect. I just want to give an option of hair styles. I would refer as "curly" the way little Victorian girls had their hair done; how do I offer the African American type of curly? Thanks!

I am talking about baby's hair, by the way, so I don't know if Afro or dreads would apply. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO'S ANSWERED!!

Answer 1

coarse or nappy.

Answer 2

That's a tough question because not all African Americans have one grade of hair. Some have curly, some have coarse, some have soft(straight) hair on and on. I myself have thick, curly hair.

Is there a way that you could market the product without referring to a certain type of hair.

Maybe just say it's for natural hair? Or African American hair?

Because if you market it to people with coarse hair everyone won't feel like it's something they could use for their hair.

Answer 3

I like Dick's answer, African-American curls. However, unless you intend to market the product only in the United States, I'd call it African curls. Not all Black people are Americans! (I've seen dolls for sale - Haitian dolls - and you had a choice of white or African-American!)

Answer 4

ALL TIME Sidney Potier Morgan Freeman CURRENT Morgan Freeman Denzel Washington Honorable point out All Time Hattie McDaniel, who will have had extra braveness than some other black actor

Answer 5

Best person to ask is an African American. If he/she says it's called kinky, then so be it. If it's nappy, ok. If it's afro, then use it. If it's curly, well curly it is.

Answer 6

Very course hair but don't stereotype all black people with having that type of hair I myself have very fine hair with natural waves but I most definitely would not say I have white hair to me white hair feels like wet straw sorry no offense.

Answer 7

I call it nappy, cuz that's what they call it, but I'm sure there will be a law soon that a white woman can't say nappy.

It's nearly impossible to refer to anything these days without being accussed of being racist, so good luck!

Answer 8

I don't think Afro is derogatory. I have heard the style called a 'natural' too.

Answer 9

I call my hair hair. the diffrent styles are something else.

Answer 10

you kinda said it for yourself African American curls. who would be offended? or black and beautiful or . bold,black and beautiful curls.

Answer 11

course

I like the term jerry curl myself though