Black Women’s Hair Representation in the Media

Black women’s hair offers a great amount of diversity, curl patterns, prosperity, density, width, and lengths. Despite the natural beauty of their hair, many young Black women grow up rejecting their beauty as they experience a lack of representation in society. As a result of this, some Black women may develop self-hate towards their natural textured hair. The majority of Black women like to switch up their hair to try new hairstyles, however, some may get their hair pressed, permed, and even put a wig on. The sad truth is that these women were taught and ingrained to do so because they were told that it looked better that way.

The self-hate that some Black women share across different ages, is they have not been taught to truly love and express their natural hair as much as they should. There are many Black women who shy away from wearing their natural hair because they fear judgment, death stares from others, or remarks such as, "Oh girl, why isn’t your hair done"? Comments like these make Black women feel as if something is wrong with their hair. Black women of all skin shades, hair textures, and body shapes are damaged by the effects of the acceptance of Black Inferiority taught horrifically through slavery. Thus, being hurt, ashamed, and having a desire to be acceptably pretty, may affect Black women’s decision to wear their hair naturally.

This is why we cherish hashtags such as #BlackGirlMagic and #BlackIsBeautiful to shed light on Black women as it is rarely seen in mainstream media. If Black women do not have access to the full range of images that represent them in skin tones, hair surfaces, shape, and size, they will find themselves believing that their identity is certainly not represented by what is ‘’mainstream’’.

Some Black women do not embrace their natural kinky hair and if they do, they do not feel accepted while doing so. Black women experience a lack of exposure and representation in society, and as a result some may unknowingly develop self-hate towards their natural kinky, tightly coiled textured hair. The level of judgment Black women receive, not just from society but from their own community as well, causes pressure into altering themselves of European ethnicity as they are told they look better as such. 

Most Black women wear weaves and wigs as a fashion statement or as a protective style, however, there are some women who wear weaves to contribute to a Eurocentric standard of beauty, rather than a desire to love themselves with a new look. When wearing these styles; wigs, weaves and braids, Black women have been told that they do not love themselves and that they should wear their hair natural. When Black women wear their hair natural, they are told that their hair is not professional and that they should add extensions to make their hair longer and thicker. 

What a refreshing change of scenery! Spring is upon us! Warmer weather, brighter days, and more sunshine are all signs of spring! Which means, a change in our natural hair care is a must. If you are trying to maintain healthy and hydrated hair this spring, then these five tips will help you flaunt your curls effortlessly. 

1. The less products the better

Reduce your use of heavy products in the spring. As we sweat more in the spring/summer months, limiting product buildup on your scalp, and keeping your hair from looking weighed down, will prevent you from needing to shampoo your hair constantly.

Co-washing is beneficial for curly and dry hair types because it still obtains the natural oils it needs to remain hydrated and silky. Massage small amounts of conditioner into the scalp coating the strands from root to tip. Apply the conditioner to the hair now, leaving it on for five to ten minutes until it has been absorbed fully, and then rinse and style.

2. Special Shampoo

Depending on how active your lifestyle is, it might be necessary to shampoo more often. After participating in outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, running, and biking or anything that involves sweat, saltwater, or chlorine getting in contact with your hair, you should wash your hair with a sulfate-free, clarifying shampoo. Maintain healthy hair and scalp with this Sisslet Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Shampoo, Tea Tree Shampoo, or Liquid Black Soap while your curls and coils are left feeling light and fresh. 

3. Wear your bonnet, hair scarf or durag!

Satin Bonnets are perfect for protecting your natural curls, locs, braids, and weaves neat and tidy. The smooth and slippery surface of satin makes it the best material for hair care by locking in moisture, preventing split ends, and reducing hair breakage.

4. Keep your hair moisturized.

The heat tends to strip moisture away from your hair, and shampooing more often makes it worse. We recommend a hydrated moisturizer or leave-in conditioner. Maintaining your hair's moisture and investing in some intensely moisturizing products will lead to healthy hair. If you apply the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, and Cream) to your hair care routine, you will help to seal in moisture. Keeping your hair moist and safe from loss of moisture by applying a cream or oil product will also help to seal the hair cuticle. 

5. Drink water and mind your business

Take care of yourself by drinking lots of water and eating healthy foods! Natural 3a to 4c hair benefits from an abundance of moisture and hydration, in contrast to most fair and straight hair. If your body is dehydrated or malnourished, the same is true for your hair. Most doctors propose ingesting at the least sixty four ounces of water a day, that is 8 glasses of water or 32oz water bottles. Water is the best way to hydrate your hair, whether it's drinking it every day, applying it directly to the hair, or as an ingredient in products you use. Remember if you’re sweating, you want to drink even more!

Ashley