A performer, photographer, and model, Nejhé Ryutt is 24 years old from Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica. Nejhé Ryutt is embracing the natural beauty from the female’s to his hair. At this time of his life he learns to love everything about his hair, however it was not always like that. He explains the struggles of growing up with the peer pressure of how hair is “supposed” to be. From Relaxed to Natural.
Photo by Urban Shotz
A performer, photographer, and model, Nejhé Ryutt is 24 years old from Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica. Nejhé Ryutt is embracing the natural beauty from the female’s to his hair. At this time of his life he learns to love everything about his hair, however it was not always like that. He explains the struggles of growing up with the peer pressure of how hair is “supposed” to be. From Relaxed to Natural.
One of the reasons I started the Video Diaries is to see how we Black people relate when it comes to natural hair; what we have in common, what our issues and our differences are.
Although I expected some overlapping what I really didn’t foresee is that Black men and women practically have the same hair issues growing up.
Nejhé says he relaxed his hair because he was ashamed of his hair. He believed that his peers with a softer texture had a better chance than him because of his hair. So naturally this Jamaican born was looking for girls with “pretty” hair to balance out his really really nappy hair.
It was only after the relaxers caused so much damage that he got great response and started to appreciate his natural hair. I wonder how many of you, men and women can relate to this part of the story as well as to the part where he is talking about looking for girls with the “pretty hair.
Not too long ago I heard the beautiful Gabrielle Union on Oprah saying that growing up she always felt threatened by the light skin girls with the curly hair. And wasn’t it Akon who didn’t want to hire dark skin models but rather “half caste”? Please share your experience or how you can relate.
You can see more about this model at his Tumblr page One Nejhé or Youtube Channel
This video is part of our online documentary “The Going-Natural Video Diaries.” Our goal is to picture the Natural Hair Movement while it’s happening.
Please “Like and Share” or leave a comment to let us know what you think and help make this documentary a success.
We also welcome submissions. So if you want to be included in our series here is how to submit your video.
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