A New Black Hair Narrative: Black Hair is Not Problematic

Hello Meltingpot Community,

Once upon a time, I wrote a book called Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. I wrote Hair Story with my friend Ayana Byrd, way back in the late 1990s. The book covers the history, culture, politics and business of Black hair and was released in 2001.  In 2014, we updated the story with two additional chapters to cover the momentous changes – the birth of the Natural Hair Movement and the invention of the Internet – in the world of Black hair. While I knew at the time that there was a fascinating story to tell about Black hair, I had no idea that the kinky strands growing out of Black peoples’ heads, would literally be the focus of my life’s work for the next twenty years.

Changing the Narrative: Black Hair is Not the Problem

During the past two weeks, I have been interviewed for two international radio documentaries about Black hair. One in Canada, and one in England. To me, this is exciting because it’s not even Black history month and these mainstream news outlets – the CBC and the BBC – want to talk Black hair. In my mind, that means someone finally read the memo, Black hair matters. But here’s the catch. The only story that the media seems interested in, is the one that characterizes Black hair as problematic. I mean, Black hair has always been demonized in white spaces, so why is this news? I say, let’s not wait for the rest of the world to decolonize their thinking about Black hair.

How about we spend more time highlighting how amazing Black hair is, and less time reinforcing the negativity narrative.

Black Hair is Beautiful. Period.

Me personally, I’m ready to do my part to honor and celebrate the beauty and diversity of Black hair, instead of rehashing the prejudice and discrimination logged against our mighty strands. I want to help people – both Black and non-Black – recognize the strength and resilience in our hair. I want to show people the beauty and versatility of our kinks and coils. I want to highlight the innovation and creativity of the people who create products and art that centers Black hair. The bad news will always garner attention, so, I’m going to be over here using my voice to amplify the good news. Black hair is beautiful. Period.

Five Books that Showcase the Beauty of Black Hair

Now, I’m clearly not the only one who thinks this way or know this truth. There are many beautiful books that don’t waste words on negativity. They simply showcase the beauty of our trendy tresses. Here are five gorgeous, new-ish books that show off the beauty of Black hair. Buy one and remind yourself of this truth every day.

1. Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty
2. Hair Love
3. Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair
4. The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion
5. Kwame Brathwaite: Black is Beautiful