Black hair is life!
Black hair has been a significant part of the black culture and heritage over the years. In the past, Black hair was used for different reasons. It was used symbolized one’s family background, sex, Tribe, Spirituality, social status, social ranks, spirituality, and marital status. This continued well into the African diaspora. People of African descent use their bodies as canvases and style their hair as a means of expression and resistance to oppression.
Symbolism of black hair
In African countries, tribes would (and still do) style their hair for more than just fashion; the intricate patterns often symbolized societal ranks. In tandem with this tradition, slaves in the New World used these pattens to send messages among themselves and slaves on neighboring plantations.
Slaves also used their hair as a means of self-expression, you could tell how sad or happy one was based on their hair. Hair was used in rituals and celebrations.
Negative connotations associated with black hair
People of African descent bare a legacy of shame of their hair. The hair chemical industry profited from their need to achieve “acceptable” hair.
Black women spends millions per year on their hair care with a significant amount going to texturizing and straightening products. These two process get the hair straight and soft. This process usually take at round two to three hours. This last a woman for at least two to 3 months there after she have to start the process over again.
Black women also use hot hair pressing iron to straightening their hair These process are tedious and also pain staking however a lot of black woman do these daily out of hair shame.
Hair acceptance
Since about the year 2015 black people have been accepting their hair and started realized the damage that the harsh chemical has done to our hair. People start to wear their hair natural or with weave, braid or wigs. This products doesn’t alter or change out natural hair in any way.
Black woman also use hundreds of different types of braids in their hair. These braiding process can take from one hour up to 10 hours based on how big or small the braids are that are being done. Braids are usually done in various styles and techniques such as sewing, plait, cornrow, crotchet and threading.
There are various types of braids such as microbraids, rope twist, plait, cornrow, threading. There are also multiple braid, single braid. lace braid, lattice braid and the list goes on.
Black hair has evolved over the years from people wearing natural hair, to using a lots of harsh chemicals to straighten their hair. Then to the use of wigs and braids. Now, there is a big movement about hair acceptance where people are wearing their natural hair.
