In a recent Instagram Live session, Doja Cat, the 28-year-old rapper whose real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, addressed internet trolls who have been making disparaging remarks about her natural hair. The backlash came after she shared a close-up image of her curly hair in anticipation of her upcoming single, “MASC”.
During the Live session, Doja Cat expressed her frustration, highlighting a troubling trend in her comments section where some users likened her natural hair to “carpet” or “sheep’s wool”. She condemned these comments, emphasizing that such comparisons are not only hurtful but perpetuate negative stereotypes.
“It’s not even questions… some people are being like, that’s what it is,” she remarked during the Live session, as reported by Pop Crave.
Despite ongoing efforts to encourage Black women to embrace their natural hair texture, Doja Cat noted that criticisms persist. Specifically, she pointed out remarks comparing her natural 4C hair pattern, characterized by tight curls and dense coils, to “sheep and pubes and carpet and popcorn and s*** like that.”
In urging her followers to move forward and grow beyond such prejudices, Doja Cat emphasized the importance of individual autonomy. “We gotta move forward. Let’s move forward. Let’s grow,” she encouraged, while acknowledging that she can’t dictate others’ actions.
This isn’t the first time Doja Cat has faced backlash regarding her appearance. In 2022, she received criticism after shaving her head and eyebrows. Despite initially expressing joy over her new look, she later called out critics who prioritized her sexual attractiveness over her artistic achievements.
“I won a Grammy and travelled the fking globe, I’ve had a #1 and I went platinum. I make hit after hit after hit and you all want me to look fkable for you … go f**k yourselves,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in response to the backlash.
Explaining her decision to shave her head, Doja Cat revealed her long-standing discomfort with hair and the challenges she faced with wigs, particularly during physical activities. “I, like, don’t like having hair. I never liked having hair,” she disclosed during the Instagram Live session. She expressed relief at finally embracing a hairstyle that aligns with her preferences and lifestyle.
“I’m really liking this… I’ve never felt so f***ing happy… It’s very funny how much of an effect taking my hair off my head has positively influenced me,” she remarked, emphasizing the newfound freedom her shaved head offers for activities like swimming and exercising.
In conclusion, Doja Cat’s response to criticism regarding her natural hair underscores broader societal issues of beauty standards and self-acceptance, while also championing individual empowerment and autonomy.
