Words run deep. Not just in what you say but how you say it. Whether you’re talking about your own hair or complimenting someone else’s, the right word choice can mean speaking and instilling confidence, love, and acceptance. 

When we use certain words or labels without intention, knowledge, or empathy, they can sting.  

As someone who has curly–coily hair, I know that sometimes these words can stick with a person through their whole life! Little girls and boys that didn’t like their curly hair because it was called wild and unruly, grow up to be women and men that endure their hair being labeled unkempt and unprofessional. They live their whole lives believing something is wrong with their hair.  

As a professional, it has been my personal intention to speak pride into curly–coily hair whenever possible with the language I use when educating and speaking to different hair types.   

All hair is beautiful and deserves to be appreciated and celebrated however we choose to rock it. Below you’ll find a guide of some words with a negative connotation or complex history around them along with some words that are empowering alternatives when you’re looking for the right thing to say.