My work colleague once asked how much time and money it takes for me to switch my hair as much as I do #HairCharmeleon, you guessed right, she’s white. Little did she know that all the different hairstyles she’s seen on me were mostly wigs worn over my real hair except for the times I rock braids. As you know if you wear wigs consistently, your edges will start to erode (for anyone who doesn't know: edges eroding is like having Alopecia in the front and sides of your hair – but in this case self-inflicted). Anyways after explaining the process and the investment, she was alarmed. I asked her how often she visits the hair salon and she said twice a year.
Me: What?????
Some research claim that black women spend up to 6 times more on hair & beauty compared to their white counterparts. Soooo.... do you guys think this is because black women ain’t got nothing better to do with their money? they are more vein than other women? or just plain old stupid?
Truth is; we have the most unique hair type in the world!. Unlike my work colleague, I can't just wake up in the morning and simply stroke my hair in whatever direction I like and just walk out of my house - NO.
Although it feels like I can't wear my hair whichever way I please in the corporate world, this hair is so unique that you can go wild with your creativity – your limit is your imagination.
However, one thing you CAN NOT do with this hair type is just leave it be. Many have exploited this reality by introducing various types of products to help better manage this hair type. Products containing some of the most dangerous chemicals on the market and just like my mother before me, I have used some of these products too and my hair has suffered the consequences over the years (will spare you the details)
This may seem trivial to many in the grand scheme of things but if you understand how much impact this has on the self-esteem, self-confidence, self-worth on your fellow human being then you may understand the plight of the black girl reimagining herself in a white world.
"Hair is beauty. Hair is emotion. Hair is our heritage. Hair tells us who we are; where we are going" Sarah Breedlove aka Madam CJ Walker
Question: How do you think we can save other little black girls from experiencing this? Educate them about the science of their natural hair and how to better manage it?
What about the cost of managing the hair better- this is NOT a couple of visits to the hair salon a year, it is more of a fortnightly affair. How can technology play a part in this?
What are your thoughts? Comment below
By Hannah A.