Indian rapunzel, thickest braid ever!

[MissHair]

I was googling flaxseed oil for hairgrowth and came across this site and this pic:

[pic deleted, risk of attracting creeps to this site]

[PolarCathy]

I was googling flaxseed oil for hairgrowth and came across this site and this pic:


I've come to terms with not ever being able to grow hair this thick. But it's still inspires me to look at these kinds of pics. These women have extraordinary genes!

Insane!! She must go to the gym every morning or else she'd collapse!

[vintage88]

Oh wow! That is the thickest braid i've ever seen! Amazing:)

[Sisgoldenhair65]

I would love to see it down...wow!

[lunardaydreamer]

That's incredible! :agape:

[holothuroidea]

It might be photo shopped? Something about the way the braid connects to the head doesn't seem right, and the shadows the braid is making seem weird to me too.

Also, is anyone completely creeped out by the random white guy arm reaching out for her braid?

Sorry, sometimes my inner cynic just cannot be tamed.

[auburntressed]

I've seen this pic before and others similar, and I always wish they would come with a caption stating their pony circ!

It never occurred to me before that these things may be shopped; but it seems a logical possibility.

[MissHair]

Oh I dont know about that... That man reaching for her hair could well be her husband too. I guess you never know with the web! Could be fake.. Edited to add, oh I just saw the ''lack'' of shadows on the right side. I hear what you're saying! Thats weird.

[ravenreed]

I thought the same thing. Her scalp hair would be puffier if that braid size is to be believed, wouldn't it? It just looks off to me.



It might be photo shopped? Something about the way the braid connects to the head doesn't seem right, and the shadows the braid is making seem weird to me too.

Also, is anyone completely creeped out by the random white guy arm reaching out for her braid?

Sorry, sometimes my inner cynic just cannot be tamed.

[schweedie]

It might be photo shopped? Something about the way the braid connects to the head doesn't seem right, and the shadows the braid is making seem weird to me too.
Agreed. As pretty as it is, it looks 'shopped to me.

[BeckyAH]

It might be photo shopped? Something about the way the braid connects to the head doesn't seem right, and the shadows the braid is making seem weird to me too.

Also, is anyone completely creeped out by the random white guy arm reaching out for her braid?

Sorry, sometimes my inner cynic just cannot be tamed.

It's not just the shadows of the braid - look at the floor around her, and the shadows, blur, color demarcation and angling from there. Also, she is casting shadows on the wall, but HER shadow isn't on the floor, either, and there seems to be a shadow coming from the opposite direction (toward, rather than away) from her, on the floor (a big, blocky, one). And yeah, the attachment to her head/at her neck looks blurred/darkened out. Plus, while there are a couple of places the braid casts a shadow, in most places it doesn't - and the edges look slightly odd.

That's not to say it 100% is photoshopped for braid-thickness , but there are some problems with the photo that make me wary.

[jacqueline101]

Its amazing hair but how do you get hair that thick. I'm wondering if its not a wig or hair piece.

[holothuroidea]

It's not just the shadows of the braid - look at the floor around her, and the shadows, blur, color demarcation and angling from there. Also, she is casting shadows on the wall, but HER shadow isn't on the floor, either, and there seems to be a shadow coming from the opposite direction (toward, rather than away) from her, on the floor (a big, blocky, one). And yeah, the attachment to her head/at her neck looks blurred/darkened out. Plus, while there are a couple of places the braid casts a shadow, in most places it doesn't - and the edges look slightly odd.

That's not to say it 100% is photoshopped for braid-thickness , but there are some problems with the photo that make me wary.

It looks to me like someone took a close up photo of a braid and superimposed it on the farther away photo of the woman. Since you can't make it look like the braid falls across her back that way, they inserted random white guy arm to make it look like he's holding it away from her body. Actually, it looks like the original photo is the man's arm, and the others are layered into that photo which would explain why her shadows are strange.

I think this is really sad, actually. I have no idea why anyone would make a picture like this, except to make a "freak show" of Indian women. Yes, a lot of them have beautiful and very thick hair but they are not abnormal. There are white people with thick hair, too. I think that if this was a photo of a white woman people would know it was not possible and therefore would say "photo shop!" immediately without hesitation.

This might just be me being very cynical and having no sense of humor but it is just how I feel about it.

[littleizz]

I'm no photo-shop expert, but besides the fact that the braid is friggin' aMAZing, I think the photo looks plausible. I don't see anything weird about the way it connects to her head and... about the shadows, it looks like they are from the camera flash, in which case it WOULD only be on one side and the other side would look very flat and shadow-less.

[lora410]

Look at the shadows of her scalp you can see it was Photoshopped and the shadow on the flooring is not the same pattern.

[Honeyfall]

I am with those that say it's photoshopped. How small would your actual head have to be to look that size with that much hair? Even in the tightest braids and updos the sheer amount of hair should make your head look pretty big, right?

Not that this dims my desire for super-thick hair like that in the slightest. ;)

[BeckyAH]

I think this is really sad, actually. I have no idea why anyone would make a picture like this, except to make a "freak show" of Indian women. Yes, a lot of them have beautiful and very thick hair but they are not abnormal. There are white people with thick hair, too. I think that if this was a photo of a white woman people would know it was not possible and therefore would say "photo shop!" immediately without hesitation.

This might just be me being very cynical and having no sense of humor but it is just how I feel about it.

I feel like it's done as a ****** thing, and that there are some strong racism going on right along with it.

And agree entirely in your supposition about how it was done.

[BeckyAH]

Yeah, but look at the floor - that is (part of) the problem. If you look at the whole pictures, strong shadows are coming from two directions (ETA: I looked again. There are shadows coming in at three directions and that's not even touching the weirdness of the floor). That's just not possible in a camera flash.

[Amethyste]

I think she braded it, then brushed the curls out and then made a loose braid... THat's just my opinion

[Maiken]

Earlier today i was talking to my boyfriend about my hair, and how i want it to be long and beatiful. He then told me about the time when he was living in India, and how the women used flaxseedoil in their hair, and had the strongest and shiniest hair he had ever seen. So there must be something about it..

That braid is really.. Well.. Just too much.. I wouldn't like to walk around with that much hair on my head:) Must give some pretty anoying headaches.

[holothuroidea]

I feel like it's done as a ****** thing, and that there are some strong racism going on right along with it.

And agree entirely in your supposition about how it was done.

I hadn't considered a ****** thing, but now it seems pretty obvious. Especially the "INDIAN RAPUNZELS" title, and the camera angle for random white guy arm. This is starting to get pretty disturbing, actually. :shudder:

[mzBANGBANG]

Random verdict... I think the picture was photoshopped, however I don't think it was for purpose of making the braid bigger. It looks like the left side of the photo was shopped in order to add a caption and remove something else that was in the picture (why the door on the right doesn't match the floor to the left).

I also think there is a perspective issue. It reminds me of when my brother takes pictures of the fish he catches.... he holds it as far in front of him as he can, so that the fish is closer to the camera and his body is about 3 feet further away, making a 12 inch fish look twice as big. It's possible someone shopped the braid a little bit (they were already shopping the left side so why not for *wow* factor) but I don't think too much was done to the hair itself.

and that's my $.02. lol

[BeckyAH]

No, agreed, that is real hair.

It's just not real hair that's as thick as it looks/the image isn't representative of reality. The perspective issue with some layering of images is most likely seeming to me. Also, seriously really not okay with the ******ization of a *race* that's going on with it.

No. Just - no.

[ratgirldjh]

Her braid reminds me of this indian women I met at the temple here who told me she only used home-made herbal oil and water on her hair! Her hair was insanely thick!

[Madora]

Yes, it certainly has been photoshopped.

What got to me is that the edges of the braid where it meets the bright red color were too perfect. It looked unnatural. There should be some evidence of tiny hairs escaping from the braid down it's length..because that's the way most braids usually look unless they have been well oiled beforehand to tame the tiny hairs that escape in a braid.

Also, the entire appearance of the braid looks suspect. Her hair appears to be coarse but the braid just doesn't look right. The fullness has also been exaggerated by pulling out the braid sections to make them appear larger than they are in reality.

[savannahlove]

Definitely shopped, and there's something a little off about this whole thing. :/ Kind of odd.

[Majala]

Wow, I think I'd be jumping of joy if my braid was 20% as thick.

[thirstylocks]

Am I the only one that things the ends of her hair look like..idk...a horse's mane? It doesn't look so good to me.

[UltraBella]

Probably photoshopped but even if it's not, having that much hair would be miserable in my opinion. I would never ever EVER want that much hair.

[Beatnik Guy]

Yes, that's certainly a photoshop image.

Others are right to mention racism and ******ism too though. There are many websites featuring 'exotic' long haired Indian women. They are ummm delightful (although the hair is usually more real than this). :rolleyes:

[Aliped]

I thought the same thing. Her scalp hair would be puffier if that braid size is to be believed, wouldn't it? It just looks off to me.

Yup, I definitely would expect puffier scalp hair!

[Unicorn]

I thought the same thing. Her scalp hair would be puffier if that braid size is to be believed, wouldn't it? It just looks off to me.
Same thoughts here.

Unicorn

[mzBANGBANG]

I just used "src-img" to find the original picture and I'm going to say

1) That hair is all real.
2) I wish I could erase how I found out.

[cheetahfast]

I just used "src-img" to find the original picture and I'm going to say

1) That hair is all real.
2) I wish I could erase how I found out.

Oh gosh!
Anyways, that looks like so much hair to deal with. Mine's thin and I'm actually okay with that.

[holothuroidea]

I just used "src-img" to find the original picture and I'm going to say

1) That hair is all real.
2) I wish I could erase how I found out.

:( :( :( :(

You have no idea how much I wanted that picture to be photoshopped.

[barely.there]

It might be photo shopped? Something about the way the braid connects to the head doesn't seem right, and the shadows the braid is making seem weird to me too.

Also, is anyone completely creeped out by the random white guy arm reaching out for her braid?

Sorry, sometimes my inner cynic just cannot be tamed.

The connection from the hair to the braid does seem odd. However, the man is not white. I have seen many middle eastern men and they look exactly like this. They do not have black skin, but tanned. Thick black hair that grows all over their body. (oh gawd...those images from my Caribbean vacations :uhh: )

[Mrsbaybeegurl]

Whether it's real or not the original picture (not from the link the OP posted) is from a ****** site no doubt b/c I ran across a short only few second video on youtube of a really long haired indian woman brushing her hair and it was an ad for indianrepunzels not to long ago when I was searching for reviews on indian oils for long hair growth...anyways I clicked on the site...all I can say is it is not pornographic or anything but very creepy and yes, def a ****** site with nothing but pictures of women brushing their long hair or whatever....creepy n gross and highly likely a photo shopped picture for some who get off on that. blaahhhh :puke:

But on a different topic than the picture itself I will say that in general, yes women from India have amazing genes and have beautiful hair and their wisdom on haircare is valuable.

[Mrsbaybeegurl]

I just used "src-img" to find the original picture and I'm going to say

1) That hair is all real.
2) I wish I could erase how I found out.

Similar experience...and me too!! :(

[holothuroidea]

The connection from the hair to the braid does seem odd. However, the man is not white. I have seen many middle eastern men and they look exactly like this. They do not have black skin, but tanned. Thick black hair that grows all over their body. (oh gawd...those images from my Caribbean vacations :uhh: )

I will concede that it is imposible to tell the man's ethnic origins from his arm in this picture, although I would not argue that he is not white. My DH is Italian-American and has a similar skin tone and body hair but nobody would ever say that he is not white. My mind jumped to ''white'' because something about the way he's grabbing her hair, the angle, and the title gave me really serious heebie-jeebies and I went immediately into analytical cynic mode.

[mzBANGBANG]

I will concede that it is imposible to tell the man's ethnic origins from his arm in this picture, although I would not argue that he is not white. My DH is Italian-American and has a similar skin tone and body hair but nobody would ever say that he is not white. My mind jumped to ''white'' because something about the way he's grabbing her hair, the angle, and the title gave me really serious heebie-jeebies and I went immediately into analytical cynic mode.


I can confirm that that man is Indian. Lol.

ETA: I'm getting a little worried this thread may surge some unwanted visitors if it shows up in search results :(

[holothuroidea]

I can confirm that that man is Indian. Lol.

Well, there you have it.

Ugh :(

[ladylowtide]

I think that the loops of the braid are pulled out a bit to enhance the look of it, but I do not think this picture is photoshoped. I think that some ladies are just suffering mega hair jealousy... :p IMHO
I surprised at the hostile response towards this image. We just have to come to grips with the fact that some people just have better hair genes, that's all. :)

[BeckyAH]

Sites like these make me want to cut my hair like nothing. I don't mind people having ******es at all, but the websites, prevalence of people who take images of hair without permission to post on them and and old thread about a woman finding 'stuff' in her hair? Yeah, no.

And I don't care what race the man is. The 'Indian' is being ******ised too and that IS squicky,

[holothuroidea]

I think that the loops of the braid are pulled out a bit to enhance the look of it, but I do not think this picture is photoshoped. I think that some ladies are just suffering mega hair jealousy... :p IMHO
I surprised at the hostile response towards this image. We just have to come to grips with the fact that some people just have better hair genes, that's all. :)

Nobody cares about her hair genes, at least I don't. I only care about the apparent exploitation.

Yeah, I'm so jealous that some creep posted ****** pictures of her on the internet.

[Othala]

My mother, who is Indian born but of Afghan ancestry, had a braid that thick down to her knees when she was in her twenties. I've seen the pictures.

My cousin, who is half Indian and half Yemeni has an oiled hair ponytail circumference of 7 inches (yes, definitely inches and not centimetres as I measured it myself last year).

Indian people come in a range of colours and the guy's hand is well within that range. There are Indian people much fairer skinned than him!

Sorry guys, but that ladies hair is not at all implausible.

ETA: Here is a video of an Indian woman with long thick hair, probably down to her knees when standing up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5o1ZCwefiQ

I think if the woman in the video was to loosely braid her hair, she would have a braid that looked similar to the image the OP posted. FWIW, I would love to have this length and thickness of hair. Not all Indians have these fantastic genes unfortunately.

[BeckyAH]

Dude, you could not pay me to deal THAT much hair. My issue is with the ******/sexual aspects. Of her hair and her race. Yuck.

[BeckyAH]

The thing is, She can do what she wants and is apparently aware, but the fact that some jackass is getting off on her hair, and other jerks take pictures for these sites without the consent of the owners of the hair, and the racism inherent in 'IndianRapunzels' and. Yeah, screw jealousy, I'm grossed out,

Plus what I think you're picking up on in the angle and hand. It's proprietary, objectifying her and insinuating other things going on with him.

[ladylowtide]

I wasn't trying to offend you holo. I am very sorry if I did. I was also referring to my own hair jealousy, because my hair pretty thin, so I would die if I could have such lovely hair. I do agree with you, there is a slightly disturbing, and voyeristic quality to the image, and that arm... eww. But the braid is lovely.
Once again, no offense meant.

[mzBANGBANG]

Seeing the video it is obvious to me she was consenting and aware of what was going on and what power she held in her hair. It's not for me, I've dealt with ******ists before and would be too crept out. What I'm getting at is she definitely wasn't forced to do it, and just like what I would consider "normal" pornography, it doesn't bother me.

[holothuroidea]

I wasn't trying to offend you holo. I am very sorry if I did. I was also referring to my own hair jealousy, because my hair pretty thin, so I would die if I could have such lovely hair. I do agree with you, there is a slightly disturbing, and voyeristic quality to the image, and that arm... eww. But the braid is lovely.
Once again, no offense meant.

It's alright, I was just defending my grossed-out position.

I live in a place with a very large Indian population and there is plenty to be envious of around here. :) I try to focus instead on the beauty of my own hair type, because it is beautiful in its own way and I have had many numerous Indian ladies compliment me on it and tell me they would die to have silky feather-hair. The grass is always greener, right?

[whitebengal]

Wow! The hair in the video is so beautiful, long, and healthy! :crush:

[ladylowtide]

I totally agree with the grass is greener on the other side thing! I personally love hair that is very different from my own hair type.

[Beatnik Guy]

Sorry guys, but that ladies hair is not at all implausible.
Indeed not. The composition of the image is a bit odd though too. :shrug:

Awesome hair in the video. She clearly knows the power it has too.
:D

[beautifulending]

Oh my lanta.:agape::thud:

[caadam]

I don't believe it's photoshopped. There's a large population of Middle Eastern and Indian families where I live, and I've SEEN hair that thick more than once, usually braided or hidden under a hijab (just the size of the lump of hair under the hijab is enough to tell the amazing thickness).

There's one lady across the street from where I live who has a braid that size. No joke, and no exaggeration.

So no... I think it's very real. :p

[MissHair]

I don't believe it's photoshopped. There's a large population of Middle Eastern and Indian families where I live, and I've SEEN hair that thick more than once, usually braided or hidden under a hijab (just the size of the lump of hair under the hijab is enough to tell the amazing thickness).

There's one lady across the street from where I live who has a braid that size. No joke, and no exaggeration.

So no... I think it's very real. :p

Im from arab descent myself, so I wanna tell you that some women with big hijabs actually fake the thickness of their hair. ;) They use extensions or even wrap their bun with a towel to give the illusion of thickness, when actually their hair is really short. Tutorial can be found here. ;) Youtube Video Link (http://youtu.be/1_np5r1hVEg)

[jeanniet]

According to my father, who is very well read on the history of India and the Indian subcontinent, Indians are caucasians. He's always been very adamant on this point, and in fact noted that Aryans are not the Nordic blonde/blue-eyed types favored by the Nazis, but people from the Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas (and therefore dark-skinned). Anyway, the site looks like it originates from India, so while it may be a f*tish site, I don't think it's particularly racist.

There's no way in hell I would want hair that thick, though. No. way.

ETA: Oop, forgot to say that my father is Indian, hence the extensive interest in the history. Lots of discussions on this point among my relatives when I was a kid. I miss the discussions in mixed English/Punjabi!

[MissCoco]

Well, the braid is pretty massive, but knowing how densely thick Indian hair can get, as well as being really fluffy and thick stranded, and the fact that it may have been blow dried and brushed out, I wouldn't say it's photoshopped while being 100% certain, personally.

However, for a more realistic braid photo, I would say this is a better example of thick Indian hair:
(image deleted)

[MissCoco]

(deleted...)

[MissHair]

Wow. Well the second photo you posted of the woman sitting down I actually don't think it's photoshopped. All because the hair at the ends seem incredibly puffy and it seems like their hair make up for the thickness of the braid because it's airy, or puffy.

[MissHair]

According to my father, who is very well read on the history of India and the Indian subcontinent, Indians are caucasians. He's always been very adamant on this point, and in fact noted that Aryans are not the Nordic blonde/blue-eyed types favored by the Nazis, but people from the Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas (and therefore dark-skinned). Anyway, the site looks like it originates from India, so while it may be a f*tish site, I don't think it's particularly racist.

There's no way in hell I would want hair that thick, though. No. way.

ETA: Oop, forgot to say that my father is Indian, hence the extensive interest in the history. Lots of discussions on this point among my relatives when I was a kid. I miss the discussions in mixed English/Punjabi!

True. And if Im not mistaken, I learned as a child that Persian people are also Aryans. I could be wrong but that's what I learned.

[holothuroidea]

I don't really care if it's photo shopped or not. I don't care if these ladies consent or not. I am not comfortable with images from a hair ****** site being posted on this board.

Please excuse my complete lack of a sense of humor about it.

I'm did NOT say that I thought the first photo was 'shopped because I am jealous, I said it was photo shopped because the picture really creeped me out and I really didn't want it to be real.

[Mrsbaybeegurl]

I don't really care if it's photo shopped or not. I don't care if these ladies consent or not. I am not comfortable with images from a hair ****** site being posted on this board.


I agree. I'm sure some ****** people visit this site to see what they can view, luckily we have really good moderation to keep that at bay but I think by posting these pictures we may not knowing be attracting search engine results that direct people here for purposes other than that intended by LHC, and I for one don't like that idea of attracting anyone here who is not personally interested in maintaining, caring for and growing their own hair. :scared:

EDIT: In addition, I found this under our terms of service and guidelines for LHC and this thread may be in violation just because each picture has the name of a ****** site on it.

"4. Post Content
Since minors are allowed to be members at TLHC, a “PG-13 rating” standard applies. Violent/sexual language, dating/sexual propositions, profanity, nude images and links to them, haircutting (except styling illustrations), pornographic or ****** videos/sites are all prohibited. Cross-posting, spam, commercial self-promotion, fundraising, libel, and copyright infringement are prohibited. ..."

I KNOW this was NEVER the intention of the OP but given what this thread has become it may be best it it's deleted.

EDIT 2: And just so you all know, I am not trying to cause any issues I just value OUR rights for all of us on LHC and our privacy is important as well as holding up the integrity of our community here. I understand it's all innocent talk for us but it can easily drive unwanted visitors to this site just by keywords or Google image searches, if we have the pictures posted, we are opening the door to more trouble than this convo is worth IMHO.

[MissHair]

Definitely, I hear you. I'll take the pic off just in case, I don't want any creeps here.

[jeanniet]

I'd actually like to see the thread removed, because if you google "Indian Rapuzel" one of the first hits leads here. I know it wasn't intentional on the OP's part.

[BeckyAH]

Agreed with removing this site - and the pictures with the site name all over it!

[cheetahfast]

It googling back to us is CREEPY!


According to my father, who is very well read on the history of India and the Indian subcontinent, Indians are caucasians. He's always been very adamant on this point, and in fact noted that Aryans are not the Nordic blonde/blue-eyed types favored by the Nazis, but people from the Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas (and therefore dark-skinned). Anyway, the site looks like it originates from India, so while it may be a f*tish site, I don't think it's particularly racist.

There's no way in hell I would want hair that thick, though. No. way.

ETA: Oop, forgot to say that my father is Indian, hence the extensive interest in the history. Lots of discussions on this point among my relatives when I was a kid. I miss the discussions in mixed English/Punjabi!


True. And if Im not mistaken, I learned as a child that Persian people are also Aryans. I could be wrong but that's what I learned.

Aryans are actually a linguistic group. There are also the Dravidians, both of which were in India from ancient times. It has nothing to do with skin-color, however it has been noted that Aryans are believed to have been of lighter skin than the Dravadians were (not necessarily caucasian). The northern Indian continent speaks languages with an Indo-European or Aryan root and the southern part speaks languages with Dravadian roots.
Hitler misunderstood and misused aspects of Indian history. He created the misunderstanding that Aryan meant a certain race or skin tone.
I've studied Ancient India pretty extensively :shrug:.

[Unicorn]

Both White people and Indian people fall under the discripter of caucasian, it doesn't refer to the skin colour, the bone (skull) is the main criteria.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucasian_race

Thought I'd get in before the thread is deleted, which I also agree it should be... :)

Unicorn

[lolot]

oh i found the photo in google, it is photoshop and a bad one, but why are you guys deleting and saying something about creepers, whats the big deal?

[holothuroidea]

oh i found the photo in google, it is photoshop and a bad one, but why are you guys deleting and saying something about creepers, whats the big deal?

The website that the photos came from (as indicated by the giant captions on the pictures) is a hair ****** site.

[sun-kissed]

Amazing hair, but I fourth-fifth-sixth-whatever what has already been said: This thread should be deleted.
I feel very uncomfortable with the fact that the LHC is sixth on the google search for the ****** site's name.

[jeanniet]

It googling back to us is CREEPY!





Aryans are actually a linguistic group. There are also the Dravidians, both of which were in India from ancient times. It has nothing to do with skin-color, however it has been noted that Aryans are believed to have been of lighter skin than the Dravadians were (not necessarily caucasian). The northern Indian continent speaks languages with an Indo-European or Aryan root and the southern part speaks languages with Dravadian roots.
Hitler misunderstood and misused aspects of Indian history. He created the misunderstanding that Aryan meant a certain race or skin tone.
I've studied Ancient India pretty extensively :shrug:.
Right, I didn't mean to imply that Aryan was a race, just that the Nordic concept is incorrect. My dad encountered quite a bit of racism when he first came to the U.S. in the late 40s. I actually ran into my share of racism as a child, when I lived in very white suburbs of San Francisco. The ironic thing is that those communities have become very upscale, and must have quite a population of professional Indians now. At the time that we lived in Tiburon in the 1970s, we were the minority family. I don't think there was anyone else. But I digress...

[midsummernight]

how do you know if the website is a ****** site? I just went on it and didnt see anything sexual just lots of pic of long hair. Am I missing something?

[Othala]

how do you know if the website is a ****** site? I just went on it and didnt see anything sexual just lots of pic of long hair. Am I missing something?

Unless you were a hair f3tishist you would not see anything non-PG. The vast majority of images are clothed and respectful. The dodgy bits are the posters in their forum and the odd male hand in the odd photo.

What some people who are making accusations of racism and f3tishism seem to be unaware of is the cultural position of long, thick, black hair in India. It has strong emotional connections of many of us.

To be brief, traditionally, such hair (and the woman possessing such hair) is hugely valued and admired. Mothers and grandmothers went to great effort to provide daily cleaning, massage, oilings and protective styles for their little girls to achieve the kind of hair you see on that website. Most Indian traditional (and some modern) Indian women would be proud to have the type of hair that is being displayed and I know many women who find the images on that site an inspiration and are thankful it exists, LOL. Yes, the men can be creepy, but without those men that site would not exist.

Indian culture is complex and it would take too long to describe long hair mythology, symbolism and the poetry that long hair inspired historically, but most if not all Indians are aware of the value their older relatives and recent as well as ancient ancestors placed upon it.

Nowadays, as India become more modernised and developed in the Western model, lots of women are chopping off their hair and no longer follow the good care practises. Their hair is dyed unnatural colours, permed, blow-fried and abused in a way that horrifies the elders and makes men (who have all the normal connections to long-haired women as well as the cultural ones) long for those long-haired women and their lovely locks and all the cultural symbolism that is destroyed when the women get their modern haircuts and start behaving in "modern ways". I am generalising of course, to give you the gist of what is going on.

Personally, I don't feel that website is racist at all. I also don't think that it is a f3tisht site because all the hair is attached to women and the fantasies on the forum (which I find hilarious and even quite worshipful of long haired women) involve encounters with various women, some of whom these guys know e.g. their aunties, etc. In real life, I know many Indian guys who mourn the loss of the long haired Indian woman who appears likely to pass into myth and legend.

[midsummernight]

Thanks for explaining. I am Indian and I do know about the importance of hair in Indian culture.

And yeah you are right. I didnt check the forums on that website and I have no to intention either. I guess thats where the ****** stuff is.

And where did racism come from? How is showing long hair of Indian women racist?!! This is just baffling. Are people considering it racist because they aren't other cultures' hair included? I know that you dont consider the website racist but I just want to know the perspective of someone who thinks that it is racist.

[Othala]

TAnd where did racism come from? How is showing long hair of Indian women racist?!! This is just baffling. Are people considering it racist because they aren't other cultures' hair included? I know that you dont consider the website racist but I just want to know the perspective of someone who thinks that it is racist.

I don't get it either, as you know.

Can someone please enlighten us about what they perceive as racism on that site?

[jeanniet]

Yes, the men can be creepy, but without those men that site would not exist.

But that is exactly why it's a f*tish site.

[sfgirl]

Anything outside the norm is a ****** site (is ****** a bad word on here? weird, because it has more meanings than the sexual one, involving magic, ect) Long hair is outside the norm. There's some creeps, but I don't think having a ****** makes you a creep, as long as you act n it in a consensual way. I think if any of us had husbands or bfs who found our hair sexually attractive, we wouldn't mind. It's the few perverts who ruin it for everyone.
****** isn't bad, just certain people do not know how to control or act upon them. Unfortunately even the mainstream ****** community doesn't really cover hair, and it's them who usually put together the proper "etiquette" websites and books.

[lolot]

oh i see, i google indian rapunzel and saw the picture from lhc so i didnt notice it came from a ****** site, how creepy, i honestly didnt realize that it could be something for ******, im a bit disgusted right now, but i think the dialog about indian importance to hair is very interesting.
im pretty ignorant in this matter, but does all indian women have their hair long? what happens or how is socially accepted if a woman dares to cut her hair to her shoulder, does that even exist?
thanks for sharing cultural information to others in advance

[midsummernight]

im pretty ignorant in this matter, but does all indian women have their hair long? what happens or how is socially accepted if a woman dares to cut her hair to her shoulder, does that even exist?
thanks for sharing cultural information to others in advance

No, not all Indian women have long hair. But most people have longer hair than here in the US. In my parents generation and before long hair was the norm, anything shorter than BSL was probably considered short. But now there are tons of women with short hair.
Edit: There is also no problem with social acceptance with short hair. But I forgot to add that certain religious groups have rule about not cutting the hair at all. So for those people their might be an issue of being not socially accepted.

[Othala]

But that is exactly why it's a f*tish site.

Here is the definition of F*tish on dictionary.com. Which of these definitions do you think applies to the site and why is it a problem? Do you have another definition that I am missing?

"F*tish  
noun
1. An object regarded with awe as being the embodiment or habitation of a potent spirit or as having magical potency.
2. Any object, idea, etc., eliciting unquestioning reverence, respect, or devotion: to make a f*tish of high grades.
3. Psychology . Any object or nongenital part of the body that causes a habitual erotic response or fixation."

Personally, all three definitions fit my personal feelings for long hair, so I guess I must have a long hair f*tish :roll eyes: ;).

ETA: I always thought it was getting a sexual response to disembodied long hair that was a ******, not when it was attached to a woman and the errr fulfilment of the f*tish involved the woman not just the disembodied hair. If the site was showing cut-off lengths of long hair and people writing in with their erotic fantasies about it, then I would consider it a f*tish site. As it stands, I think it is a site for Indian long hair appreciation/devotion/eroticism. If naked women were involved I would call it a porn site, but there aren't so it isn't IMHO.

[Aveyronnaise]

Unless you were a hair f3tishist you would not see anything non-PG. The vast majority of images are clothed and respectful. The dodgy bits are the posters in their forum and the odd male hand in the odd photo.

What some people who are making accusations of racism and f3tishism seem to be unaware of is the cultural position of long, thick, black hair in India. It has strong emotional connections of many of us.

To be brief, traditionally, such hair (and the woman possessing such hair) is hugely valued and admired. Mothers and grandmothers went to great effort to provide daily cleaning, massage, oilings and protective styles for their little girls to achieve the kind of hair you see on that website. Most Indian traditional (and some modern) Indian women would be proud to have the type of hair that is being displayed and I know many women who find the images on that site an inspiration and are thankful it exists, LOL. Yes, the men can be creepy, but without those men that site would not exist.

Indian culture is complex and it would take too long to describe long hair mythology, symbolism and the poetry that long hair inspired historically, but most if not all Indians are aware of the value their older relatives and recent as well as ancient ancestors placed upon it.

Nowadays, as India become more modernised and developed in the Western model, lots of women are chopping off their hair and no longer follow the good care practises. Their hair is dyed unnatural colours, permed, blow-fried and abused in a way that horrifies the elders and makes men (who have all the normal connections to long-haired women as well as the cultural ones) long for those long-haired women and their lovely locks and all the cultural symbolism that is destroyed when the women get their modern haircuts and start behaving in "modern ways". I am generalising of course, to give you the gist of what is going on.

Personally, I don't feel that website is racist at all. I also don't think that it is a f3tisht site because all the hair is attached to women and the fantasies on the forum (which I find hilarious and even quite worshipful of long haired women) involve encounters with various women, some of whom these guys know e.g. their aunties, etc. In real life, I know many Indian guys who mourn the loss of the long haired Indian woman who appears likely to pass into myth and legend.
Wow Othala , this is so well written and beautiful. I just finished reading an abridged version of the Mahabarata and I loved the imagery and story. Are there any other books you could recommend even on just symbolism or cultural topics not just the vedas , something like companion guides ?
Thanks in advance for any ideas .

[carolinaberry]

And where did racism come from? How is showing long hair of Indian women racist?!! This is just baffling. Are people considering it racist because they aren't other cultures' hair included? I know that you dont consider the website racist but I just want to know the perspective of someone who thinks that it is racist.

Most Americans, being products of public schools, are subtly brainwashed to see everything as racist. If you read some of the initial posts, they assumed it was a white man exploiting the Indian woman in some way. Because, we all know only white men ever exploit women. So, the gut assumption, after years of being told over and over that white people, especially white men, are evil racists, is that white men must be running the site. From what was indicated above, it is actually a site that Indians frequent and maybe run, and that the women willingly participate in.

(*internet tone clarification* the above statement is not meant to offend or criticize any of the previous posters. We are all manipulated by schools and by the media into having certain beliefs and to be watchful for certain things. ALL of us have various ingrained assumptions, this is just one possible one.)

[PolarCathy]

Most Americans, being products of public schools, are subtly brainwashed to see everything as racist.

LOL I've been accused an infinite number of times with racism and only and exclusively by Americans. Even here on LHC, in private messages when I wrote that in my opinion *** hair is weak/fine in general compared to *** hair (two countries mentioned). How is that racist? Whatever. Ah and it was a member from the US.

Now I've some special glasses I put on when I see "racist", "fet*s*h" and so on because I think it's an exaggeration. Like now, in this thread. I've had many associations when reading the original post but "fet*s*h" or "racism" were about the last words that came into my mind. LOL

[auburntressed]

Most Americans, being products of public schools, are subtly brainwashed to see everything as racist.
I am not a product of public schools, but I have certainly seen the tendency to view things that draw any attention at all to race or to the idea that one group is different in any way than another, as "racist."

I think a lot of that is cultural backlash against problems with racism that we have historically dealt with.

And, of course, real racism still exists as well.

[Jesabel]

Reading this thread and people saying if you google "Indian rapunzel" it leads you here which attracts creeps. But, if someone had a long hair f'tish and they googled "long hair" it'd lead you here anyway given the title of the site...? I understand the guidleines to protect the site and all, but yeah..

Plus I don't see why the guys hand in the photo is creepy, probably just the person taking the photo (with permission) putting her hair in place, not like these are stalker shots of their hair unaware.

[auburntressed]

Reading this thread and people saying if you google "Indian rapunzel" it leads you here which attracts creeps. But, if someone had a long hair f'tish and they googled "long hair" it'd lead you here anyway given the title of the site...? I understand the guidleines to protect the site and all, but yeah..

I think you misunderstand. What they are saying is that there is an internet website out there that is called, "Indian Rapunzels." So it already has a following of creeps. Therefore, if one of those creeps or one of their friends gets it in their head to find pictures on the site by googling "Indian Rapunzels," and they see OUR site pop up in that search, it could direct their attention here - which we don't want. It seems logical to be concerned about that. How many times do we google something with, "LHC" in the qualifier, in order to find something on our site faster?

[Jesabel]

Thanks, I guess it's just odd to think that people can have a f'tish about this and turn something that was probably meant to be an appreciation site/inspiration into a "f'tish" site, if it is one.

I have an Indian friend who has long beautiful hair and has never cut it, not even a tiny trim because she thinks of her hair as part of her, as a body part and would not cut her hair so much as she would not cut off a limb - and the women in her family are the same.

[Othala]

Wow Othala , this is so well written and beautiful. I just finished reading an abridged version of the Mahabarata and I loved the imagery and story. Are there any other books you could recommend even on just symbolism or cultural topics not just the vedas , something like companion guides ?
Thanks in advance for any ideas .

Thanks Aveyronnaise!

There are a whole load of Indian cultural ideas relating to long hair.

A book I have read many times and recommend is "Hair: Its Power and Meaning in Asian Cultures". This is an anthropological work with many contributors and deals with hair in China, Korea, Japan and Nepal as well as India. But not just long hair, all hair.

In respect of long Indian hair specifically, there is no single book or companion guide out there that I know of. There are just a whole load of references in literate, art and so on. Maybe I should pull them all together and write a book!

I would suggest that people who are unfamiliar with Indian culture need to check their assumptions and educate themselves so that they learn how one cannot make cross-cultural statements and value judgements.

For example, here is the bare-breasted long-haired goddess Kali:
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k298/simiyusef/goddess_kali_pk11.jpg
Jai Kali Ma!

What do people make of this image? Is she being exploited? Is she being sexualised/******ised or whatever in this image? Most if not all Indians will recognise Kali-ma and many will worship her daily. We have a culture that is rich in symbols and metaphors and these are all open to people who want to understand. The Hindu culture is also a Goddess-worshipping culture and all those powerful goddesses AFAIK have long hair.

The guy who created the Indian Rapunzels website is from Kolkata where there is a lot of Kali-worship and two of the most famous Kali temples in India (Dakshineswar and Kalighat for those who may be interested). Mothers, grandmothers, daughters, etc are sometimes themselves worshipped as the embodiment of Durga/Shakti/Kali.

Anyway, I am going off on a tangent now, so please forgive me.

[auburntressed]

Anyway, I am going off on a tangent now, so please forgive me.
Actually, I find all that really fascinating. A thread about different cultural significances of hair might actually be a pretty cool idea.

[hellucy]

I googled the pic - OMG how much hair must she have to make a braid that thick? *major hair envy*

[holothuroidea]

I don't know if anyone was brave enough to browse the forums on that site and I did and I have absolutely no doubts that its a site I would never want my pictures on. Plus, you have to pay for the "good" videos (hint) and I don't need to see nude pictures to know when something is exploitative.

Having a ****** is not creepy, what is creepy is having a ****** and then gathering pictures of your ****** subjects and making a website about it. If you look at the forums, it's a place where a man who gets sexual pleasure from brushing his sister's hair can come and find people that tell him that is totally normal and okay and he should continue to enjoy his sister's hair. I mean, if that's not creepy I don't know what is.

I don't have qualms with the website existing, personally, because people are within their rights to be creepy as long as their subjects are consenting adults. No crime is being committed here. But I do have a problem with the LHC being on the front page of a google search for it, because there are a LOT of women here who would not consent to people using their pictures for unsavory purposes and while we cannot prevent this 100% of the time, it's a good idea to do what you can and to send a big message of "we don't want this to happen" by deleting the pictures.

My opinion.

As far as racism, I don't now. Exploiting a person based on their race is technically discrimination but I don't think I'd call it racism as the Indian race is clearly not seen here as "lesser" even though it is being objectified. Its a complicated issue and I don't really know the answer.

[holothuroidea]

I am completely culturally ignorant when it comes to India, but I don't think I buy the cultural hair "appreciation" aspect that Othala is talking about.

There are a lot of Indian people where I live, and none of them have hair as thick as is featured on that website. Do they only appreciate the exaggeratedly thick and long female versions of Indian hair? Why so many videos specifically about hair brushing and oiling, as it is clearly a site for men where men are solicited to buy the videos and the men don't have long hair to take care of and wouldn't need tutorials?

[Aveyronnaise]

Is there any evidence that these women don't want or know why their pictures are on this site?

[Diamondbell]

I am completely culturally ignorant when it comes to India, but I don't think I buy the cultural hair "appreciation" aspect that Othala is talking about.

There are a lot of Indian people where I live, and none of them have hair as thick as is featured on that website. Do they only appreciate the exaggeratedly thick and long female versions of Indian hair? Why so many videos specifically about hair brushing and oiling, as it is clearly a site for men where men are solicited to buy the videos and the men don't have long hair to take care of and wouldn't need tutorials?

Just because you don't see such thick hair where you live it doesn't mean it doesn't exist! Such "exaggeratedly" thick here is quite normal here (India) - just so that you know!!

[Othala]

holothuroidea here is a non-creepy Indian long hair appreciation site, especially for you, LOL.

http://indianlonghairworld.in/index.html

Also, the women on the Indian Rapunzel's site are paid for their photos. If you go on the blog you will see the relevant post there. I don't see any evidence of exploitation.

[holothuroidea]

holothuroidea here is a non-creepy Indian long hair appreciation site, especially for you, LOL.

http://indianlonghairworld.in/index.html

Also, the women on the Indian Rapunzel's site are paid for their photos. If you go on the blog you will see the relevant post there. I don't see any evidence of exploitation.

Haha, thank you for that. I do recognize that there is a special appreciation for long hair in Indian culture.

I don't think we are using the same meaning of "exploitation" here. I'm more concerned about the objectification, culturally endorsed or not. Again, this is just my personal opinion. :flower:

[Othala]

Why so many videos specifically about hair brushing and oiling, as it is clearly a site for men where men are solicited to buy the videos and the men don't have long hair to take care of and wouldn't need tutorials?

I'll let you into a little secret, my dear. Every man I have been in a relationship with has washed, combed, conditioned and oiled my hair. They have all had to be trained in how to do this, DH being no exception. If only I had had these videos 20 years ago I would have saved myself a lot of explaining and demonstrations, LOL.

Also, the knot-bun videos are great tutorials for those of use who want to know how these ladies make a bun without sticks and pins.

As an "Indian" woman, I love that site. The images are respectful, the women are on the whole clothed and you do not generally see their faces so their identity is protected. I am not interested in men getting off on fantasies about long hair but then I have no objection to it either, each to their own as long as it hurts no one.


Do they only appreciate the exaggeratedly thick and long female versions of Indian hair?

It is not exaggeratedly thick and long IMO. The thickness is a normal reality for many. When I was a teenager I had to have my hair razor-cut to reduce the thickness, sadly ignorant of the blessing it was. The length is down to personal choice and there are Chinese women, European women and women of other races who also grow their hair to floor length and beyond. There are people on LHC who are going for terminal length hair.

When you love something, it is normal to seek out the most beautiful type of that thing. I love art and I seek out the most beautiful paintings and sculpture. I don't see the difference.

[Beatnik Guy]

I am completely culturally ignorant when it comes to India, but I don't think I buy the cultural hair "appreciation" aspect that Othala is talking about.
India is hard to grasp without having spent time there. Indian people away from India is nothing like India. :twocents:

[Othala]

Just because you don't see such thick hair where you live it doesn't mean it doesn't exist! Such "exaggeratedly" thick here is quite normal here (India) - just so that you know!!

...and you just have to check out Diamondbell's beautiful thick locks to see the truth.

[Diamondbell]

...and you just have to check out Diamondbell's beautiful thick locks to see the truth.

:o :lol: Thanks Othala but my hair is just average about 4" circumference. I can't compete with those women ;) but I hope with some diet changes I can improve the condition :)

[heidi w.]

Um the link in the original post seems to be missing as of 4/15/2012 10:10 am Central Standard Time.

heidi w.

[MissHair]

Thanks Aveyronnaise!

There are a whole load of Indian cultural ideas relating to long hair.

A book I have read many times and recommend is "Hair: Its Power and Meaning in Asian Cultures". This is an anthropological work with many contributors and deals with hair in China, Korea, Japan and Nepal as well as India. But not just long hair, all hair.

In respect of long Indian hair specifically, there is no single book or companion guide out there that I know of. There are just a whole load of references in literate, art and so on. Maybe I should pull them all together and write a book!

I would suggest that people who are unfamiliar with Indian culture need to check their assumptions and educate themselves so that they learn how one cannot make cross-cultural statements and value judgements.

For example, here is the bare-breasted long-haired goddess Kali:
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k298/simiyusef/goddess_kali_pk11.jpg
Jai Kali Ma!

What do people make of this image? Is she being exploited? Is she being sexualised/******ised or whatever in this image? Most if not all Indians will recognise Kali-ma and many will worship her daily. We have a culture that is rich in symbols and metaphors and these are all open to people who want to understand. The Hindu culture is also a Goddess-worshipping culture and all those powerful goddesses AFAIK have long hair.

The guy who created the Indian Rapunzels website is from Kolkata where there is a lot of Kali-worship and two of the most famous Kali temples in India (Dakshineswar and Kalighat for those who may be interested). Mothers, grandmothers, daughters, etc are sometimes themselves worshipped as the embodiment of Durga/Shakti/Kali.

Anyway, I am going off on a tangent now, so please forgive me.

You make great points. Also I want to say that not all ethnic long haired groups are exploited. Some of them may well actually just be patriotic and proud of where they come from and want to share their cultural beauty. Where I descent from, everyone always makes a big deal that we got arab hair. That arab hair being special and something to be proud of. It has at least in my experience, nothing to do with exploitation.

[MissHair]

I also want to say that I completely understand the policy of not using words that could be googled on the search engine by creeps that look for f*t*sch images. But is all people that google the word ''rapunzel'' or ''indian rapunzel'' or ''super long hair'' considered to be a slimey creepy man? I happen to be a young lady who is absolutely fascinated by rapunzel-like hair and it has nothing to do with bad intentions when I google them, but only to get a source of inspiration.

[PolarCathy]

(...) I happen to be a young lady who is absolutely fascinated by rapunzel-like hair and it has nothing to do with bad intentions when I google them, but only to get a source of inspiration.

Two days ago I PMed a member here and asked her to e-mail me her braid in high res. Why? Fet*s*h? Hell no. She has "my" braid, just longer and with no taper! She has something I want to grow up to. Like clothes that are too large but one day they will fit. She said yes but she still didn't send it, probably she finds it creepy, I hope not, I explained it to her. But what I know for sure is whom NOT to ask ever to e-mail me her braid. Fet*s*h. LOL! This thread has made me laugh so hard today. But I'm off now! ;)

[MissCoco]

Just wanted to mention that I realized it was wrong on my part to have included two images from the website in my posts and deleted them just now. It wasn't my intention to violate the rules here and I truly apologize if I did. :flower:

[midsummernight]

Most Americans, being products of public schools, are subtly brainwashed to see everything as racist. If you read some of the initial posts, they assumed it was a white man exploiting the Indian woman in some way. Because, we all know only white men ever exploit women. So, the gut assumption, after years of being told over and over that white people, especially white men, are evil racists, is that white men must be running the site. From what was indicated above, it is actually a site that Indians frequent and maybe run, and that the women willingly participate in.

(*internet tone clarification* the above statement is not meant to offend or criticize any of the previous posters. We are all manipulated by schools and by the media into having certain beliefs and to be watchful for certain things. ALL of us have various ingrained assumptions, this is just one possible one.)

Thanks for explaining. I saw the picture OP posted and I have to tell you I dont even think the guy is white.

I think most of us are freaked out over something without even getting all the facts. Think about it, according to the definition of fe**sh, I would say a good majority of us has a hair fe**sh. LOL! Also since we dont actually know if the ladies on the site are exploited we should make assumptions just because some creep made a comment on their forum website. Maybe the problem is as simple a moderator of that website not doing his/her job properly.

[MissHair]

Thanks for explaining. I saw the picture OP posted and I have to tell you I dont even think the guy is white.

I think most of us are freaked out over something without even getting all the facts. Think about it, according to the definition of fe**sh, I would say a good majority of us has a hair fe**sh. LOL! Also since we dont actually know if the ladies on the site are exploited we should make assumptions just because some creep made a comment on their forum website. Maybe the problem is as simple a moderator of that website not doing his/her job properly.

That's what I tried to say too. And for all we know, that mans hand may have been her husband. We just don't know. I don't think we should jump to the conclusion so fast that the picture was taken without her conscent by some creepy so called ''white man''. Race also has nothing to do with the subject. So what if her husband happened to be a white man? Or her brother took the photo? We just dont know really.

[humble_knight]

Reading this thread and people saying if you google "Indian rapunzel" it leads you here which attracts creeps. But, if someone had a long hair f'tish and they googled "long hair" it'd lead you here anyway given the title of the site...? I understand the guidleines to protect the site and all, but yeah.

I just tested your theory and simply doing a search for 'long hair' on Google results in this website being 4th. Men and WOMEN interested in Indian hair may be directed to that other website everyone's been talking about, but it would be pretty naive to think such 'creepers' are not already using this website.

[Othala]

Also I want to say that not all ethnic long haired groups are exploited. Some of them may well actually just be patriotic and proud of where they come from and want to share their cultural beauty.

This is exactly how I feel.

Thank you, MissHair.

[MissHair]

I think the problem is that as soon as we discuss an ethnic group, whether that's praising them for their beauty, knowledge or values, we (as in some people) automatically look down upon them as ''victims'' or ''exploited''. I think some need to remember that these women are actually more powerful than we think. One minority I come to think of immediately are the Amish women. Some view them as surpressed and victimized but I see them as goddesses who have a very useful and powerful position in their communities.

[Beatnik Guy]

holothuroidea here is a non-creepy Indian long hair appreciation site, especially for you, LOL.

http://indianlonghairworld.in/index.html


Awesome hair here. :bowtome:



A book I have read many times and recommend is "Hair: Its Power and Meaning in Asian Cultures". This is an anthropological work with many contributors and deals with hair in China, Korea, Japan and Nepal as well as India. But not just long hair, all hair.

Checking this book out at Amazon. And nice Kali pic. I have several postcards of her (and others in the Hindu pantheon) that I picked up in India, ;)

[holothuroidea]

This is a topic I clearly don't understand.

I will just say that I am sorry if I inadvertently offended anyone, and now I am going to sit back and read and learn. :)

:popcorn:

[Debra83]

I'm pretty sure the picture is real.

[jeanniet]

If you read the forums on the site, the people there clearly have a sexual fascination with hair. It may be an extreme coming from the cultural aspect, but it's definitely sexual. And btw, I don't see anything wrong with being turned on by hair, or feet, or whatever consenting adults want to do, but that's not what this site is for, which is why we protect against f*etishes.

[holothuroidea]

If you read the forums on the site, the people there clearly have a sexual fascination with hair. It may be an extreme coming from the cultural aspect, but it's definitely sexual. And btw, I don't see anything wrong with being turned on by hair, or feet, or whatever consenting adults want to do, but that's not what this site is for, which is why we protect against f*etishes.

Yes! Thank you for saying exactly how I feel about it!

We might be able to argue whether or not that site is sexual based on cultural perspectives until the cows come home, though. It seemed obvious to me but I am not Indian.

Also it blows me away that men take care of women's hair. I don't know how I feel about that, seeings how hair seems to be somewhat sexualized. Frankly, I am quite confused. LOL, back to lurk mode :D

[mzBANGBANG]

I totally expected this thread to turn controversial and I just wanted to say I appreciate all the information everyone posted, including their personal opinions. It's been a very interesting read. Also appreciate the asterisk in certain words, I learned something new there, too. :)

[midsummernight]

Also it blows me away that men take care of women's hair. I don't know how I feel about that, seeings how hair seems to be somewhat sexualized. Frankly, I am quite confused. LOL, back to lurk mode :D

I personally have never felt that hair is sexualized. Do you mean only in the context of that particular website or in general everyday life? I am not criticizing your view so please dont feel bad. It is interesting to learn how people from all walks of life view a topic differently. From my view point there is nothing sexual about hair and I dont see anything unusual about men taking care of women's hair. My dad used to do my hair in the morning before school when I was a child and I still ask him to give me scalp massages. I for one cannot fathom how hair can be considered sexual as there were never any sexual connotations associated with hair in the culture I was growing up in.

[holothuroidea]

I personally have never felt that hair is sexualized. Do you mean only in the context of that particular website or in general everyday life? I am not criticizing your view so please dont feel bad. It is interesting to learn how people from all walks of life view a topic differently. From my view point there is nothing sexual about hair and I dont see anything unusual about men taking care of women's hair. My dad used to do my hair in the morning before school when I was a child and I still ask him to give me scalp massages. I for one cannot fathom how hair can be considered sexual as there were never any sexual connotations associated with hair in the culture I was growing up in.

I meant for Indians, just judging from the comments of this thread which I might be taking in completely the wrong way. Like I said, I'm pretty confused. But it sounded like the sexualization of hair in India is a normal and positive thing for them. Which I then had trouble connecting to men taking care of women's hair.

I don't see anything sexual about hair, either. But I also don't see anything sexual about breasts and they are completely accepted as sexual in American culture.

Have I managed to make a complete ass out of myself yet?

[midsummernight]

I meant for Indians, just judging from the comments of this thread which I might be taking in completely the wrong way. Like I said, I'm pretty confused. But it sounded like the sexualization of hair in India is a normal and positive thing for them. Which I then had trouble connecting to men taking care of women's hair.

I don't see anything sexual about hair, either. But I also don't see anything sexual about breasts and they are completely accepted as sexual in American culture.

Have I managed to make a complete ass out of myself yet?

Oh no you aren't making as ass out of yourself. But yeah growing up in India, I dont think there is any sexualization of hair. Long hair is indeed considered beautiful in Indian culture but it isn't anywhere close to how how breasts are sexualized in America.

[holothuroidea]

Oh no you aren't making as ass out of yourself. But yeah growing up in India, I dont think there is any sexualization of hair. Long hair is indeed considered beautiful in Indian culture but it isn't anywhere close to how how breasts are sexualized in America.

Oh okay, I didn't understand correctly. I got the impression from some posts that the content of the website in question was considered normal when to me it was obviously sexualized (the forums, the videos solicited to men, the angles in some of the images and vids).

Just as a disclaimer, I don't think the existence of sexual websites is a bad thing, but to be perfectly honest the focus on one particular body part and with very specific proportions creeps me out on a visceral level.

[Diamondbell]

Oh okay, I didn't understand correctly. I got the impression from some posts that the content of the website in question was considered normal when to me it was obviously sexualized (the forums, the videos solicited to men, the angles in some of the images and vids).

Just as a disclaimer, I don't think the existence of sexual websites is a bad thing, but to be perfectly honest the focus on one particular body part and with very specific proportions creeps me out on a visceral level.

But you didn't have any problems with the bare back thread here! :confused:

[holothuroidea]

But you didn't have any problems with the bare back thread here! :confused:

:dizzy:

Why should I have a problem with it? The whole point of that thread was insisting that bare backs are not any more sexual than any other part of the body.

I am so utterly confused. Ugh.

[Arya]

I think we should acknowledge that creepy hair guys already know about this site. We have a superb team of mods, strict site rules against unwanted hair cutting vids, and we're not making the 'pornier' hair videos that these types seem to like. But seriously, I'm sure the weirdos know all about us, they can just get the specific fix they're looking for (videos of women lustily brushing their shining locks, or making sultry faces while shampooing) easier elsewhere.

[Othala]

Why should I have a problem with it? The whole point of that thread was insisting that bare backs are not any more sexual than any other part of the body.

Wow! Not to de-rail this thread or anything, but naked skin on the torso IMHO is more sexual than hair. The photos of the bare backs I found too much like pornography, especially when you have the impression of the persons silhouette, a hint of breast and the hips and some provocative poses. I found it disrespectful and exhibitionist.

Anyway, a question for you holothuroidea, if *that* website did not have a forum where men wrote about their fantasies, would you still find the images sexual or objectionable?

Does the fact that it is only Indian women with long hair on that website make it more or less sexualised, in your opinion?

I'm trying to pinpoint the source of your feelings about it and hopefully gain a better understanding of where you are coming from.



Also it blows me away that men take care of women's hair. I don't know how I feel about that, seeings how hair seems to be somewhat sexualized.

When I was a child I massaged the heads, shoulders and feet of my elders, including my father. My Dad actually requested that I walk up and down his back after he came home from a hard days work and I remember doing this until I was about seven years old. We were both fully clothed, BTW! My sister, niece, cousins all did the same. All of us girls had our entire bodies massaged with oil by our mothers, aunts or grandmothers, every day from birth till we were five years old. My father plaited my hair when my mother was too busy or when he was on holiday to give my mother a break.

I cut my husband's hair and oil it and comb it when it is out of place and he is too rushed to notice. Did the same for my ex-boyfriends. They tended my hair originally because I asked them to as it was part of my behaviour pattern and it turned out to be something that they told me they had found very nurturing and bonding.

All the above was non-sexual. It was caring and utilitarian.

[Sammich]

Um, shouldn't we keep this thread more nicey nicey and respectful. It seems like everyone's ganging up on Holo for her opinions.

LHC has become such a drama fest. o.o

[Othala]

Um, shouldn't we keep this thread more nicey nicey and respectful. It seems like everyone's ganging up on Holo for her opinions.

Holo has her opinions and has expressed them many times on this thread as have others. We are in the process of having a discussion and I for one am trying to understand where Holo is coming from.

It is unfortunate that you feel that people are ganging up on her; that is not the case.

Some of us come from different cultural backgrounds or from the same background but with differing points of view. That is what is being explored and shared here.

[Sammich]

Holo has her opinions and has expressed them many times on this thread as have others. We are in the process of having a discussion and I for one am trying to understand where Holo is coming from.

It is unfortunate that you feel that people are ganging up on her; that is not the case.

Some of us come from different cultural backgrounds or from the same background but with differing points of view. That is what is being explored and shared here.

Alright, thanks for clearing that up. It just seems like she's upset. 'tis all. I don't like people getting upset. It just seemed like she was getting targeted.

[Othala]

Alright, thanks for clearing that up. It just seems like she's upset. 'tis all. I don't like people getting upset. It just seemed like she was getting targeted.

I don't like people getting upset either. I think this thread has been challenging for many of us.

After your post, I went back and re-read my last words to Holo and edited them out. They were a bit challenging to Holo personally, so I appreciate your intervention, Sammich.

[holothuroidea]

sammich, thank you very much! Although I am not upset, just confused.

I think I'm being targeted because of my ignorance, I expect that to happen and knew it was going to happen when I posted. I'm just trying to understand something that is completely foreign to me.

[holothuroidea]

Wow! Not to de-rail this thread or anything, but naked skin on the torso IMHO is more sexual than hair. The photos of the bare backs I found too much like pornography, especially when you have the impression of the persons silhouette, a hint of breast and the hips and some provocative poses. I found it disrespectful and exhibitionist.

Well I don't think hair is sexual at all, and I don't think nudity is sexual either.

However, there are times when it is clear that both can be made to be objects of sexual desire. I do see that in the original picture here, and I do NOT see that in the bare back thread.


Anyway, a question for you holothuroidea, if *that* website did not have a forum where men wrote about their fantasies, would you still find the images sexual or objectionable?

The first one posted here, yes. It made me uneasy and my mind went immediately to racism but when I saw that wasn't the case it was clear to me that it was objectifyingly sexual. Some of the pictures and videos on the website seem sexual to me and some of them do not.

Again, I don't think sexual websites are a bad thing- the focus on one particular body part and one particular expression of that body part makes me feel queasy but I don't object to its existence. I just didn't think the pictures should be posted on LHC.


Does the fact that it is only Indian women with long hair on that website make it more or less sexualised, in your opinion?

Neither. It does bother me that there is only one particular kind of Indian hair on that website- very thick and very long. I imagine a website dedicated to exclusively very curly and very red hair being equally squicky to me.


I'm trying to pinpoint the source of your feelings about it and hopefully gain a better understanding of where you are coming from.

I appreciate that and thank you for not dismissing my feelings out of hand. It is a subject I am ignorant about. Thank you for helping me to understand. :flower:

If I pinpoint the source of my feelings I will let you know, lol! When I talk about being creeped out or feeling squicky, these are visceral feelings with no known source. Gut feelings. I recognize also that my feelings about it don't matter. It's fairly easy for me to just avoid the website. I don't really have a problem with its existence, like I said.


When I was a child I massaged the heads, shoulders and feet of my elders, including my father. My Dad actually requested that I walk up and down his back after he came home from a hard days work and I remember doing this until I was about seven years old. We were both fully clothed, BTW! My sister, niece, cousins all did the same. All of us girls had our entire bodies massaged with oil by our mothers, aunts or grandmothers, every day from birth till we were five years old. My father plaited my hair when my mother was too busy or when he was on holiday to give my mother a break.

I cut my husband's hair and oil it and comb it when it is out of place and he is too rushed to notice. Did the same for my ex-boyfriends. They tended my hair originally because I asked them to as it was part of my behaviour pattern and it turned out to be something that they told me they had found very nurturing and bonding.

All the above was non-sexual. It was caring and utilitarian.

See, what I gleaned from your other posts was that the sexualization of hair in India is commonplace. That's not necessarily a bad thing, and many cultures attribute sexual desire to non-sexual things. But I was having trouble reconciling that with the fact that men are expected to take care of women's hair, believing that hair was sexualized. It turns out I was wrong on all accounts and I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.

The concept of taking care of another person's hygiene is very strange to me because I grew up in a culture that exhorts independence. Most American children can't wait until they can take care of things for themselves and parents encourage it. My mom didn't touch my hair past the age of 7 or 8 when I was able to care for it myself and now I would never want anyone else to take care of it. When people here need massages they go to "professionals." LOL

I don't think one way is better than the other. They both have their pros and cons and I can see what a wonderful bonding experience it could be and how it contributes to family unity. It's clear to me that it is in no way sexual, I was just confused about the way you described the appreciation and exalted beauty of hair in India.

I also have a feeling that "sexualized" means something completely different there than it does in the US.

[Othala]

Hi holothuroidea,

Thanks for your extensive response. I understand your confusion a little better now, LOL. I hope my questions have not been too much of an ordeal for you.

I'm sorry if anything I have said has been unclear or misleading.

Different cultures have different customs and it is hard sometimes to get into each others mind-set and understand what is going on. :shrug:

I'm a funny hybrid...an eastern woman who has grown up in the western world. I never thought having my romantic partner tend my hair and me to tend his was weird. Every guy (all of them white I might add in case this is construed as a cultural thing on their part) seemed to embrace this aspect of mutual personal grooming and all expressed enjoying it. One of my ex-BFs even complained to me years after we broke up that he and his wife didn't look after each other in the ways we did and stated that he especially missed the head massages and now had to pay for them, from a professional as you say, LOL.

[holothuroidea]

Not an ordeal at all, Othala. :)

I understand a little more now, not completely, though. That's okay, I don't need to understand everything! Although I generally really really want to. :laugh:

[Beatnik Guy]

I think we should acknowledge that creepy hair guys already know about this site. We have a superb team of mods, strict site rules against unwanted hair cutting vids, and we're not making the 'pornier' hair videos that these types seem to like. But seriously, I'm sure the weirdos know all about us, they can just get the specific fix they're looking for (videos of women lustily brushing their shining locks, or making sultry faces while shampooing) easier elsewhere.



Exactly. I think it's also worth saying that not all ******ists are creeps and not all creeps are ******ists.

[mzBANGBANG]

Exactly. I think it's also worth saying that not all ******ists are creeps and not all creeps are ******ists.

It's a valid truth to accept. If they aren't personally trying to contact you or anything of that manner, then there really isn't a problem.

It's worth noting there are tons of obsessions, I finally pulled a video of myself smoking on youtube because of the lewd comments it got for years, lol. Don't get me started about the comments on my shoe collection..

On the other hand, those who are bothered by it should be aware that the guest list is usually twice as big as the regular users list. Be aware of what images you post, making sure they are in your album and not linked from photobucket.

[lapushka]

On the other hand, those who are bothered by it should be aware that the guest list is usually twice as big as the regular users list. Be aware of what images you post, making sure they are in your album and not linked from photobucket.

Can I just say: best advice ever! :)