by CHICHI MORRIS
Glorious hair patterns, versatile in all ways, ranging from curls, coils, spirals and even loops. Evolved to grow towards the sun, a sign of deep affection for the rays and alignment with the elements, yet understanding the mission to grow in all directions so as to create a gravity-defying thick cocoon strong enough to protect the soft scalp of any descendant of the African continent. Black hair is so gorgeous and very well deserving of the awe it receives when revealed. It is phenomenal and show-stopping, it has the magical power to make people stop and stare, and wonder how this hair stands firmly in a class of its own- there is nothing quite like it.
Black hair, so strong yet at every bend of a curl, coil, loop or spiral is a potential weak point prone to breakage, hence why we are implored to treat this type of hair like an egg- life-giving yet so fragile.
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Protective styling is the magic wand needed to protect Black hair. A hair type so beautiful yet sometimes it does require shielding from the elements, wrapped up for the night in silk to avoid friction exacerbating breakage. Other times, braided in cornrows while infused with deep leave-in conditioner to feed the roots, nourish the tips and lock in moisture.
The beauty of the range of protective styles available to Black women is the ease it offers in maintaining a healthy head of hair. From braid extensions, weaves, wigs, clip-ins to crochet locs, Black women enjoy a wide range of different looks. Beauty products now curated specifically for Black women have seen the hair and beauty industry grow in leaps and bounds with more attractive choices.
It’s little wonder that Black hair is a big deal and a whopping $2.51 billion hair care industry!
The indulgence in versatile protective hairstyle regardless of pattern, colour and type should be seen for what it is – a protective hairstyle choice not an identity issue. Black women reserve the right to protect their hair using whatever means they deem fit, without questioning regarding their love for their natural curls.
A certain narrative that frames the argument that black women somehow engage in self-loathing by using creative means to protect their hair is false. A black person can love their hair and still rock a curly wig to a diner party, all done up to the nines and by the morning, their hairstyle may look like a knee-length braided cornrow wig, coffee in hand and ready to run errands for the day.
Black hair which one can liken to a bold form of self-expression in itself is an art form, a language understood by most, however, misunderstood by some. A storyline interpreted through the eyes of the beholder with the promise of new and ever-changing variety, and why not?! Seeing as they say variety is the spice of life!
Black people change their hairstyles often because they can- it’s a winning attitude and refreshing, to say the least. Do not be alarmed when you see hair that you may think has magically grown overnight, it’s part of the Black Girl Magic.
Hair Advocates
Hair advocates want to normalise seeing Black hair in magazines, on screens and in spaces of influence. This helps to demystify black hair which can sometimes be viewed as an extraterrestrial element, landing from outer space with a strange quest from the spectator to prod it so as to verify its realness.
This is the ignorance hair advocates are keen to cure, one that is a result of the failure of society to educate its citizens about hair diversity.
Black people in the entertainment and fashion industry have voiced their concerns regarding the hair challenges they are faced with. Actress Jodie Turner-Smith recently said “it’s important that filmmakers go the whole length of what that means. If you are hiring a diverse and inclusive cast, you must also hire people who know how to deal with their texture of hair.”
During a recent Vogue “powerful conversation” about hair discrimination hosted by Vogue contributor Funmi Fetto, it was suggested that to qualify as a hair and beauty expert, it is important to show ability in caring for black hair and skin, “this should be a prerequisite to gain a qualification”, thereby proving an all-encompassing knowledge of diverse people.
Paola
Founder and creative Paola believes “perfection is boring. Life is art. Beauty is everywhere”. She is the Director of @famndjamn a head wrap movement sweeping across the internet with colourful momentum.
Paola recently made a captivating video in which she titled “a letter to my younger self” where she succinctly described black hair and its marvelous nuances. The different ways black hair can be worn, every style beautiful in itself. She also highlighted protective styling narrating in the sense that “hair so beautiful sometimes it needs protecting and sometimes should not be left alone”.
Freddie
Freddie Harrel describes herself as “On a mission to drive change in the beauty world with @RadSwan“
@RadSwan “The conscious beauty brand built with, and for the Global African Diaspora”.
Freddie has been lauded for her innovative hair brand on various hair and beauty platforms like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Freddie who is the founder and brain behind the phenomenal hair product range that promotes a range of curl patterns and was created specifically with “fibers that are soft, lightweight and mimic natural hair textures”. Her hair products advocates for hair inclusivity and offers a shape shifting range which promotes the versatility of Black hair.
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Keratase ‘Curl Manifesto’
Keratase @keratase_official ‘Curl Manifesto’ product range has swept into the beauty scene with a pledge to make people fall head-over-heels in love with their curl pattern. Public opinions have rated this product range highly, and the word on the lips of many is, this is one heck of a revolutionary curl-care solution, that has delivered on its promises.
As they say “it does what it says on the tin”.
It is refreshing to see an influential beauty brand take on the task of providing luxury curly hair products and winning at it. An area within the hair industry that is still heavily lacking.
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Black hair in all its glorious versatility should be dignified with products specifically curated to suit its wide range of curl patterns.
Black hair education should also be taught across the board and protective styling which is alive and well, and here to stay should be viewed as what it is – a means to protect hair so strong it defies gravity, but yet so fragile at every curl bend, it requires protecting.
The inaccurate narrative that black hair is sometimes viewed as “unprofessional” should be smashed to high heavens. All Black hair types are beautiful and professional, space must be created for this glorious type of hair and given the opportunity for full visibility.
Black hair is what Black hair says it is – believe it when it is called Beautiful, Appealing, Versatile, Glorious, Alluring, Charming, Elegant, Delicate, Professional, Classy, Trendy, A Standard of Beauty.
Chichi is a Writer, Lifestyle Creative and Mum, who uses word artistry to paint pictures of life’s simple luxuries, whilst in the same breath harnessing the power of storytelling to encourage positivity.
She is the Founder and Creative Director of @mumsnation, a platform where she shares celebratory stories of fiercely fabulous mums.
Her work can be found on chichimorris.com and her social media @thechichimorris @mumsnation
