I think anyone has the right to change up their looks when and how they want. I have never thought of how a black woman's hair should be, I have only ever thought they should wear it how they like it. 

Hair is hair.

Do whatever you want as long as it makes you feel pretty!

It's there to enhance your looks.

This is kindah like the whole debate between makeup or no makeup. ;d

I think it's beautiful either way.  Choose what best fits you, and just be proud! 
Relaxing your hair doesn't change who you are, it just gives you more possibilities for style. =D

I love big beautiful hair on black women. It's your hair--your choice.

if someone gives you crap for changing your hair, smack 'em around! =) 

this is the same as asking if white people should get curly perms IMO.... BUT at the same time, I do understand the political statement behind black people's hair.  I think it's ridiculous and you should wear your hair the way you want.  If you wear your hair natural b/c your friends think you should to prove pride in your heritage, you are still conforming to what others want.  Just wear your hair the way you want to wear it.

I'm Asian and most Asians (especially the Japanese) have stick straight hair and I don't.  I've been chemical straightening it for the past 7 years and it was NEVER about trying to look more Asian or to be accepted.  I just feel more polished and sophisticated and it's easier to keep up.

So damn those who always think they're "thinking ahead".  That's b*ll.

it's your hair; so do with it what you like.  I've done it all to my hair, and if anyone doesn't like it; they have the choice to look away.  Have you ever thought of getting the brazilian keratin treatment?  It doesn't chemically straighten your hair, but it's a treatment that keeps your hair straight for 3-4 months.  You eventually wash it out and since there's no chemicals you don't damage your hair.  Some people relax, and then do the treatment the same day.  I've done this and loved it, I'm puerto rican and have ver tight curly hair.  it made my hair straight and it was so healthy and didn't dry out my hair.  However, it does have formaldehyde(sp?), and the amount approved by the fda amunt is .2%. So if you ever consider it be sure that there is no more than .2%, and that your stylist knows how to do the BKT. Maybe it's something you would like to look into.

@makeupjunkie -   I"ve done it too, and loved it.  My hair has gotten healthier with each treatment, and I love that I can color and to the BKT all in the same day.  You are correct in saying that you have to be sure that your stylist knows what he/she is doing.

  If Caucasian woman got a perm; would it mean she is ashamed of her straight hair?  Just because you want something different it doesn't mean you're ashamed, and if it's easier to manage why not?  God gave you your hair, and its yours to do with it what you want.

As a guy I can honestly say that I don't find a woman's hair particularly important.  The reason is simple enough: Girls don't go out with awful looking hair.  Sure.  You see bad hair styles on TV where some cracked up hair dresser goes off the deep end to try something new.  That happens.  But in real life?  I can't remember the last time I saw someone in person with a hairdo that I would consider horrible.  Even some 30 second job is going to be better than a wacky comb-over.

tl;dr = Don't worry about it because you will know if it looks bad.

That little fro was totally cute on you! (I'm very much a fan of the mini fro!) Your hair looks good since you've changed it as well. I would say that you are not ashamed of your natural hair since it's not like you never rocked the natural look. You seem pretty secure in your roots (of hair). Don't listen to negative comments.

THANK YOU.