Reviving Black Culture Though Hair

The Afro hair is a mystery that many are fascinated with. Distinct from many other hair textures, the Afro grows upwards and is attributed to people of Africa descent. Why are we talking about hair? More importantly why is there an ongoing discussion on the natural hair narrative across the globe? The natural hair movement is aimed at encouraging women of African descent to embrace and celebrate the natural characteristics of the kinky, curly hair texture, leaving behind the mentality that relaxed hair is more beautiful.

Obviously there is an existential crisis faced when it comes to the matter of the Afro hair. During the era of slavery, Black Americans used different methods to straighten their hair through methods such as hot combs and relaxers to “cure” their curly hair. It was perceived to be abnormal as well as their skin colour. To fit in, your mane must sleep! A revolution started quietly when a movement started with Black Americans going back to their natural roots, embracing their identity and defying the standards of beauty.

It became a trend with the introduction of cultural music, art and fashion seeping into the mainstream. This brought the disco era and the “Soul Train”, which popularised the Afro hair and lifestyle from the likes of Diana Ross to Jackson Five. The phase fizzled out as the option of using weaves and extensions took over. The cream crack (relaxer) was back and with it the expensive weaves and extensions all in the bid to fit in.

“Don’t touch my hair” – Solange Knowles

Going back to their roots, many women of African descent have embraced the “The Big Chop” or transitioning movement. A process that is a healthier option for women as the health issues surrounding relaxing and straightening your natural hair are endless and to what end? In 2009, Solange Knowles cut off her relaxed hair and started flaunting her natural hair. In that year, Chris Rock released a movie “Good Hair”, which explores and criticises the dependence of chemical straighteners and explores what really goes into making these products that became the definition of our hair existence.

The culture is changing, more women are embracing their natural hair as we have more influential people rocking their natural hair like Janelle Monae, Fredrique Tietcheu, Erykah Badu, Lupita Nyong’o, Solange Knowles, Tracee Ellis-Ross and Viola Davis etc. Over here in Nigeria due to the incessant need to imitate and keep up with trends, we have also started this journey and joined the conversation of one of the pillars of identity in the community – hair.

“I am not my hair” – Indie Arie