As we all know, the endless hair war began with a simple question, natural or relaxed? It is a battle that can never be won by a single snip, or the solution found embedded in a natural curl pattern atop the mane of many a hair testimonies. There is no right or wrong style because personal preference allows room for a multitude of diverse answers.

But yet in still, the battle continues.

With a million dilemmas impacting the face of Black America, we seem to always find time to strike up another hair war with our peers. Like any other week in the world, this has been one filled to the brim with transition. Although I’d like to steady you with a myriad of enterprising headlines, it appears that the hottest topic as of late in the cyber community, isn’t just the situation that occurred with the black professor at Harvard, but in fact it’s a density that lies at the helm of a few simple snips.

I guess it’s all in a haircut, or so the critics of the world seem to think. In case it’s news to you, allow me to be the breeze of enlightenment coasting through your hair. While Michelle Obama was opting for an adoring little pixie cut, Beyonce’s little sister, Solange Knowles, was braving through the after effects of completing the Big Chop.

In my opinion, more power to the girl for opting to go natural. It’s not an easy hair conclusion for most and one that is afforded solely to a brave individual or those who are ready to cling to the beauty of their roots. Although other celebrities are steadily cutting off the drama, the backlash toward Solange Knowles has been an ugly sight to see.

So what is the problem with going natural anyway?

Is there anywhere in the beauty handbook that states we must conform to a relaxed style or are we as women still allowed to express ourselves fitting to our own predilection?

Either style fits the bill for me, as I have tried both, quite like most of you, but at times it seems that women get more criticism for opting to chop rather then chemically enhancing their look. It makes me wonder if the media’s definition of beauty weighs heavily under a bias for a manufactured look. Well, maybe I already know the answer to that question.

But really, it goes further than just women relaxing their hair, that’s as normal as going natural in my opinion. What I’m solely referring to is the media’s love for over the top extensions and extravagant colors versus a quiet, yet clear vision of beauty that comes from the softening touch of being au natural. It really isn’t just the media that takes issue with a silent attractiveness either, it’s some of us too that forget beauty has no single identity.

So what, Solange cut her hair off. Is it because she went natural that we find this choice a problem?

So what, Solange cut her hair off. Is it because she went natural that we find this choice a problem? I’m sure it wouldn’t even be a topic of discussion had she dyed her hair 3 different colors. I’m sure we wouldn’t be spewing negative responses in her direction had she opted for a look like Michelle Obama’s, which I also find lovely, but I guess when you break apart from the masses there is always an issue with change.

Before we sign up to give our opinions, we have to remember what side of the scale we’re standing on. Maybe, the natural hair world will embrace the look and praise Solange for opting to make the transition or those that aren’t natural may take issue with her new look, because it’s easier to shout from across the ocean, then respect the beauty of the tide between us. Whatever the argument, I think we all need to remember one thing before we embark upon the journey to impose our will and opinions on someone’s personal hair decision; when you look in the mirror it’s not me you should aim to please, but rather the only one who matters, self.

Genuinely, there is nothing wrong with going natural or choosing to relax your hair. It’s a circular argument that should be washed away by the only solution; do whatever it is that works best for you without knocking others for opting to do the opposite. I personally believe beauty is best projected through the spirit, so as long as you feel good about your look, no matter what the world thinks of it, what is naturally there wont get lost with any transition.

Instead of riding on the coattails of her famous family’s success Solange is taking her destiny into her own hands, carving out an identity for herself that’s both distinct and extremely likeable. She’s resolutely her own woman.

Solange has clearly come of age. Married at 17, a mother at 18 and divorced at 19, the 21-year-old Texan has experienced many ups and downs but has dealt with life in a goldfish bowl with grace, dignity and self-assuredness well beyond her years. Now she is wholeheartedly embracing independence and quietly claiming her shine.

Beautiful, talented and free-spirited, the singer, actress and entrepreneur took time out to talk frankly to Clutch. She discusses her life, loves and intriguingly titled new album SoL-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams. With refreshing honesty and no-nonsense zeal, Solange’s down-to-earth nature shows that being real, like being a Knowles, is her signature style.

Clutch: Tell us about your new album? Great title!
Thank you. Hadley St. Dreams is a collection of 60′s and 70′s influenced songs that tell stories of where I have been the last couple years. It was really important for me lyrically to touch on things more than relationship journeys because life is more than that.

Clutch: How is it different from your previous work and from everything else out there at the moment?
First off, it is my job as an ARTist to create art. So many people use that term loosely and sell a voice or a visual that has no creative backing. When I was 15, 17, 19 most of the time I made records, films or was attached to projects because of the opportunities and the checks. Not because it was a creative, stimulating piece. Everything from my artwork to my video to the music itself has to have a message and not because it’s “hot” or it looks sexy.

Clutch: What’s your favorite song on the album and why?
“God Given Name” tells my story of where I am today more than any other. I said unapologetically who I am, and I didn’t spare any vocab.

Clutch: How do you combine music and motherhood?
Well as an artist, seeing the fearlessness and bravery in my son has inspired me; I’m my workplace. I see life through different eyes now. Being a mom turned me from girl to woman. I definitely have lived.

Clutch: What has being a mother taught you?
Motherhood has been the best thing that ever happened to me. All of the minor problems that were so major before seem to fade away easier. I have reason more than ever to want to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It has also made me tough. If I have a bad day or a disappointing event in my life I have to put on my brave face for Julez. I’ve had my share of breakups, and I have to be a big girl for my baby. He’s worth every second of the day.

Clutch: Has it made you see your own parents in a different way?
Definitely, I used to think parents weren’t allowed to make mistakes. I appreciate them in a whole new light of wisdom and sacrifice.

Clutch: How hard is it dating when you’re in the public eye?
Hell yeah! Folks are so interested in that area of your life. Famous, non famous—people love to be in the cut of peoples’ relationships. Most of all being a mom and a divorcee has made me have low tolerance for BS. You get about two strikes around here, but you have to be careful because people will try to make you look crazy if you switch them out instead of celebrating someone who doesn’t settle. Hehehe. I’m young, I’ve been married, and I’m an attractive, successful young lady. Of course you’re going to see me dating.

Clutch: Is there any sisterly rivalry between you and Beyonce?
Not at all. Too many years apart I think.

Clutch: Who are you currently listening to on your iPod? Who are your favorite artists?
Loving Adele, Sia, Justice, Bjork. I listen to a lot of electronic music. Most of my favorite artists are from other countries. I’m always listening to Zero 7, John Mayer. Recently a guy pissed me off, (LOL) so I put in the Destiny Fulfilled album and Brandy’s last one—great “get over a guy” albums. R&B is always good shit-talking music.

Clutch: What do you prefer—singing or acting—and why?
They are both forms of art that express me well. I actually feel like writing is my first true love and the one I’m best at. I could definitely use more experience in acting considering I have played a 17-year-old girl in a car and a cheerleader [LOL].

Clutch: What’s the biggest misconception about you that you’d like to correct?

EFF misconceptions, pardon my French. I like a good laugh every once in a while. I stopped trying to “prove” and “undo” misconceptions a while ago. I’m unexplainable. Most Humans are. :)

Clutch: How would you sum up your outlook on life?
I’m in a good place right now. I look at life like a canvas and I choose the colors and as I grow to finish it, I figure out which strokes to use. I am pretty fearless right now. I think confidence is one of the best qualities to have. I’m not making apologies or begging for people to like me. I’m very optimistic that God has plans for me. When you truly find peace with yourself and who you are becoming it’s a beautiful moment.

Clutch: Describe yourself in five words.
I am . . . water, mass, blood, melanin, bones.

Clutch: What do you do to relax?
Write, go to the beach . . . the ocean is where I am most serine and at peace. Discover new wines, but most of all PRAY.

Clutch: You’ve taken to blogging a lot. Are you a techno nerd?
Not at all, I’m actually halfway blonde when it comes to computers. I just like my voice to be heard every once and a while. I’m the best person to tell my story, and technology is another alley to express that.

Clutch: What’s next for you?
My album will be out August 26th. My video is coming out early June. I’ve also been doing some writing on a few albums coming out this year. Constantly growing and evolving as an artist and most recently as a performer. I’m on tour with Chrisette Michelle and Raheem DeVaughn.

Clutch: You’re going on a big night out with your girls. Who do you roll with and what three things do you carry in your clutch?
My Phone, my credit card and my I.D.

For more information on Solange please visit www.solangeknowles.com and www.myspace.com/solange. To purchase/pre-order Hadley St. Dreams please visit www.itunes.com and www.amazon.com