I wonder if imami realized how much response this post would get. The discussion is still interesting. I think that I've come to a conclusion about the matter for myself (not that it matter much, since I'm a guy).

I don't have to deal with the issues that come with your hair, so who am I to say "You need to be natural" when all you really want is to make it less of a job to take care of?

But.

If it is not for the sake of "manageability", please question yourself. God gave you beautiful hair. Dig deep and ask yourself whether what God gave you seems ugly to you; whether you find long, straight hair to be aesthetically more pleasing; whether the more African it seems, the less positive you feel about it.

Like my girl India Arie is saying, c'mon and love yourself.