Examination of hair experiences among girls with Black/African American identities

Henning, Taryn; Holman, Mel; Ismael, Layla Qasim; Yu, Kimberly; Williams, Lovoria B.; Shelton, Stacie J.; Perez, Marisol

doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.05.009

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Although efforts have been made to promote the acceptance of Black hair, it remains scrutinised (Moloko, 2020). Hair discrimination affects Black woman in different areas of their lives, such as school, work and the media (Henning et al, 2022). Moreover, there is a lack or representation of Black women with natural hair in the media, and a lack of positive imagery (Mbilishaka & Clemons, 2020).…”

Section: Problem Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contribution of Social Media in Shaping Self-Perceptions: A Case of Black Women

Nkuna

2024

IJHSS

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Purpose: This study aimed to explore how social media representations of Black women’s hair shapes their sense of identity, self-concept and hair care practices. Methodology: A qualitative cross-sectional approach was employed, with a sample size of five Black women in South Africa between the ages of 20 to 29 years old. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online with research participants that were purposively selected from social media platforms Twitter and Instagram. The use of these platforms to select participants also offered convenience to the researcher as these participants were readily available because they are already active in social media. Thematic analysis was used in data analysis while the Social Identity Theory (SIT) was utilised as the theoretical framework to interpret the findings. Findings: Four themes were used to cluster the findings, namely self-categorization, social identification, perceived positive social identity and self-esteem restoration. The findings highlighted the role of social media in perpetuating the stereotypes which is traced to the slavery; and then highlight how the social media is used to reverse the systematic oppression of the Black women based on their hair. They also revealed that positive representations of Black hair on social media creates an attitude of self-acceptance and empowerment among Black women. Similarly, social media provides a space for Black women to connect, discuss their hair and share hair care tips, fostering a sense of belonging within the community. However, this study identified a gap in representation, as there tends to be an overrepresentation of one specific hair texture, leaving some Black women with limited or no representation, mainly those wearing dreadlocks. Unique Contribution to the theory, practice, and policy: The research makes a unique contribution by highlighting the importance of diverse representation in South African advertisements and social media marketing for hair products, as Black women’s hair textures and journeys are not a monolith. The findings concomitantly highlight the role of social media celebrities and/or social media influencers in the social media regarding the matter under investigation from the perspective of South African women. The study also noted the need for awareness and education about the cultural and historical significance of Black hair to reduce cultural appropriation. The findings further highlight the human rights element regarding the discrimination faced by Black women due to their hair texture, this knowledge may contribute to creating inclusivity in both society and social media spaces.

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Section: Problem Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contribution of Social Media in Shaping Self-Perceptions: A Case of Black Women

Nkuna

2024

IJHSS

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“…Hairstyles are also an entry point for identity formation in school and in hair care settings for Black people. Often, schools are sites of racial and gender marginalization of Black girls based on hair texture, style, and length (Apugo et al, 2022; Henning et al, 2022; Mbilishaka & Apugo, 2020; O’Brien-Richardson, 2019; Sapouna et al, 2022). Black women and girls reported hair shaming from teachers, administrators, and peers, which caused long term embarrassment and anxiety about natural hair.…”

Section: Black Hair and Identity Formationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“I Remember My First Relaxer”: Black Women Voicing Psychologically Engrained Practices of Chemical Hair Straightening

Mbilishaka,

Hudlin

2023

Journal of Black Psychology

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Chemical hair straightening is a statistical norm for Black girls and women, but due to the toxic combinations of chemicals in these products, many Black girls suffer from hair damage, breakage, and loss during a critical stage of identity development. The existing psychological interpretation of hair straightening centralizes self-hatred without accounting for the complex psycho-social impetus as told through the stories of Black women. Using the Guided Hair Autobiography, researchers elicited and analyzed the narratives of 38 Black women who underwent chemical hair straightening during their youth. Achieving “manageable” hair, community belongingness, and maternal choice were the identified reasons for chemically straightening hair. Both physical harm and psychological conflict were consequences of this beauty practice. These narrative insights offer clinicians a critical context for the role of early memories in body image and family dynamics. This study highlights the role of chemical hair straightening embedded into the identities of Black women, complicates the internalized narratives of racialized embodied aesthetics, and invites deeper examination of toxic beauty practices in Black female relationships and identity development.

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