Caucasian Lady catches flack for wearing Box Braids but Is She Wrong?

A Caucasian woman by the name of Star Soloway went viral on social media when she uploaded a video on her Tik Tok page sporting blonde box braids and cornrows.  

The video opens with her saying, “I just wanted to come on here and sincerely apologize to everyone who was offended by me having braids. I didn’t think anyone would really care um but I’ve decided to cut them out because I think it’s really disrespectful…” before she proceeds to change the tone and begin administering expletives to the audience, essentially saying that she doesn’t care what anyone thinks.  She further went on to say that everyone complaining should kiss her “white [expletive]”

@starlasoloway Replying to @💸 😔 #fyp ♬ original sound - Starla Soloway

@starlasoloway Love!! 😍 #fypage #braids #houston ♬ Gorgeous - Tee Grizzley & Skilla Baby

Soloway showed the before of her hair as it was styled long, blonde and straight! Afterwards, the audience saw her sitting in the stylist’s chair getting her braids installed.  The braids looked nice though it would have looked even nicer if the stylist had used extensions that matched her hair color. 

Many commenters were in outrage that the young lady had the box braids installed into her hair.  Some mentioned black women’s turbulent history with their natural texture and it being seen as unkempt in the past.  

One commenter @thealexis_ said, “nah I just think its weird that yt people made it illegal for black women to wear their natural hair out in public at one point in history.  Now they literally want to rock our hairstyles. but remember they outlawed it lol & they still will try to make fun of our hair.”

Commenters like this one obviously take issue with the idea of another race wearing styles that have deep cultural roots within the black community.  They may feel that it isn’t okay for another race to wear hairstyles like this when these same styles were often used to oppress black women and make them feel as if their naturally kinky textures and hairstyles were inappropriate and less than beautiful.

A few commenters discussed the contradictory nature of some of those expressing outrage at Soloway’s choice to wear box braids.  

Commenter @sherizle noted, “Black Americans and their misplaced priorities.  Y’all wear wigs and weaves made out of actual white or brown people’s hair yet you’ve the audacity to complain about others wearing braids.  That’s some cognitive dissonance right there.”

Commenter @2manytatts said, “Blk folk really be out here embarrassing us…when we be out here getting all types of European style wigs all the [expletive] time.  Please let Becky do whatever df she wants to do.”

Should a person who never wears black hairstyles or textures (whether that be their own hair, wigs or weaves) express outrage at a woman of another race who chooses to wear afro hairstyles?  Here we have a person of another race who likes the look, loves the texture and wants to wear a style that is considered to be a black hairstyle.  

Black women should opt to only wear naturally kinky and curly textures and wigs as other races are now choosing to own the look and do not care if they offend you.  They love it and think it’s beautiful but yet many black women will reach for other textures that aren’t similar to their own.  

Whether it’s your own naturally kinky texture, a wig or a weave, be proud of that texture and be boldly YOU. 

Sound off in the comments below and let us know if you think Ms. Soloway is wrong!

-Essence Wigs

Visit us at https://www.essencewigs.com and purchase from our collection of afro, kinky, curly and braided wigs.