African-American women have been straightening their hair for as long as Caucasian-American women have putting curl into theirs.
I thought Caucasian curling predated the founding of America, and thus the existence of "African-Americans" at all, but am no expert.
None of my elderly female relatives is balding ... most African-American hair-care practicioners are well trained in how to provide a woman with the hairstyle she desires without risk to the hair or scalp.
Certainly this is an extreme result. But, many women - including my dear MIL - can't afford "practitioners" and must make do with hair straighter from Walgreens.
People have been modifying their looks since the dawn of history, and, no doubt, they will continue to.
Indeed, and more power to them. I admit that I find straightened hair on black women attractive. But, having seen first hand how artificial it is, for me it ranks up there with breast implants and toupees on the list of modifications which I'd rather not see done.
I thought Caucasian curling predated the founding of America, and thus the existence of "African-Americans" at all, but am no expert.
I said Caucasian-American.
Certainly this is an extreme result. But, many women - including my dear MIL - can't afford "practitioners" and must make do with hair straighter from Walgreens.
I do believe that, therein, lies the problem. Self-perm/self-straightening is, emphatically, a no-no, as far as I am informed.
Could not you and the wife (along with whatever other siblings your wife has) make your MIL a periodic gift of a decent hairstyling every quarter or so ?
Indeed, and more power to them. I admit that I find straightened hair on black women attractive. But, having seen first hand how artificial it is, for me it ranks up there with breast implants and toupees on the list of modifications which I'd rather not see done.
More power to you.