We all have those days when our curls won’t curl right, frizz has taken the wheel and some ignorant person makes a rude comment about our God-given crowns. But today is a day all about love, and while showing your mind, body and soul some good attention, we’ve devised a plan to help you show your natural hair some love too! These jams, old school and new, will make you feel like yelling: “These hairpins can’t hold me back!” (cc: Rick Ross). Enjoy the perfect playlist to help you show extra love to your natural do.

Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey Rae

There is almost nothing this song can’t fix. There’s just something about cute Corrine riding her bike around Heaven Knows Where, England, that just makes me happy.

“Don’t let those other boys fool you, gotta love that Afro hairdo,” she sings, and she’s right!

Luxury: Cococure” by Maxwell

I’ll probably say these two things often. I love Maxwell and I have romantic moments with my hair. Yes, I do. All the time, and you should too. Whenever I wash my hair, I have “Cococure” on repeat, especially when I shampoo. If you’ve seen the video you understand why. The song is like a trip underwater, and my hair feels like the most luxurious thing ever. Honestly, a lot of his songs make me love my hair. “Sumthin’, Sumthin’ ” is another keeper. Maxwell himself rocked a luscious ‘fro, so he understands us! Besides, I’ll be his cococure any day.

Video by India.Arie

Alright, I know what you’re thinking. The obvious India.Arie song choice would be “I Am Not My Hair,” right? Wrong. There’s something about “Video” I truly love. No one else has or should have control over how you feel about yourself. “I’m not the average girl from your video, and I ain’t built like a supermodel/But I learned to love myself unconditionally because I am a queen.” Yasss, India. This song makes me feel the same as it did when I was younger: empowered, fun and happy with my damn self.

Golden by Jill Scott

Jill Scott is a powerhouse of confidence, as well as being comfortable in your own skin and embracing everything about yourself (including your hair). Her hair is like a halo around her head and it makes you really appreciate the little things. Every kink, curl or knot in your strands will be a sign that you are golden.

Beauty Within by dead prez

My friend suggested this one, and I have fallen in love. After hearing a lot of ignorance from men when it came to my hair, it was nice to hear someone compliment and show adoration for our hair. The video ends with iconic women with natural hair and the lyrics will make you smile and even give yourself a pat on the back just for being you.

“This Hollywood world so pretentious, every other girl got a perm or extensions/But you don’t even rarely wear lipstick, still your beauty is a natural mystic.”

You Gotta Be by Des’Ree

Throwback! I was reminded of this one: “You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser/You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger.” This song makes me want to jump in the mirror and dance.

Black Stacey by Saul Williams

This one is heavy. This is for when someone really throws some ignorance your way and you need to calm yourself.  Poet and musician Saul Williams shares his struggles with his skin complexion, and being “too black.”

Afro Puffs by the Lady of Rage

I rock rough and stuff with my afro puffs…”

Rock on with ya bad self! This song is so chill and makes me feel invincible. It makes me want to scream, “Yeah, I like to put my hair in pigtails at night; I deep condition with avocado and exfoliate my scalp… So what?”

Mess with my puff, I dare you.

Afro (Freestyle Skit) by Erykah Badu

“Pick yo Afro daddy, ’cause it’s flat on one side.”

Those words had me sold. This is a little freestyle Erykah did on the Baduizm album. It’s jazzy, and I always find myself humming it as I fluff my ‘fro. It also hits me with tons of nostalgia for times I’ve actually had to pick my dad’s afro… because it was flat on one side.

Don’t Upset the Rhythm by The Noisettes

First, I’d like to say this London indie band makes amazing music, and their lead singer, Shoniwa, rocks the fiercest natural hairstyles you will ever see. The song is upbeat with a 1970s vibe, and her raspy, rich voice adds some soul. It’s a great party-prep that you play before you step out on the town with your girls. You won’t upset the rhythm or your curl pattern.

Mind Your Manners by Chiddy Bang 

This is a wild card. This song will make you love not only your hair but everything about yourself, because at the end of the day, natural hair or not, there is no one like you. I play this song when I’m nervous, when my feelings have been hurt, or when I’m just happy.

— Sofiya Ballin