Hair combing interactions: A new paradigm for research with African-American mothers.

Abstract

The hair combing interaction is proposed as a naturalistic observational research paradigm, within the conceptual framework of attachment theory, for understanding the socioemotional domains of African-American mother-child relationships. A pilot study of 11 mother-daughter dyads explores the validity of the hair combing context for assessing strategies of racial and gender socialization of children, evolving mother-child relationships, and the formation of internal working models of attachment relationships. The model is discussed as a method for research into enduring qualities of the mother-child relationship.

“No [Right] Way to Be a Black Woman”: Exploring Gendered Racial Socialization Among Black Women

“…In some cases, participants described their parents' disapproval of certain hairstyles, including short hair, natural hair, and brightly colored hair, as fear that they would be perceived negatively and/or experience discrimination in various settings (e.g., school, work; Russell et al, 2013). Researchers (Humphrey, 2008;Lewis, 1999) suggest that family messaging about hairstyle preferences appears to begin early in life through the emblematic ritual of Black mothers styling their daughters' hair. This process of styling the hair is a major vehicle through which standards of beauty and physical attractiveness are conveyed, effectively delivering a message about daughters' hair texture and style.…”

Parents' ethnic-racial socialization practices: A review of research and directions for future study.

“…Caughy et al's (2002) finding that observational measures of an Afrocentric home environment predicted cognitive outcomes, whereas parents' self-reports about ethnic-racial socialization did not, serves as a reminder that parents may not consider all relevant aspects of ethnic-racial socialization when responding to self-report measures. Lewis's (1999) description of hair combing as a culturally relevant context for ethnic-racial socialization in African American families is also a reminder that self-report measures may not capture the many subtle but relevant messages that are embedded in families' cultural practices and daily routines. Thus, to fully understand the range of messages that parent transmit, self-report methods need to be complemented by more holistic and culturally anchored methods.…”

“Hey Curlfriends!”: Hair Care and Self-Care Messaging on YouTube by Black Women Natural Hair Vloggers

“…Black women with tightly coiled hair often face more discriminatory actions in the work place, by family members, and in mate selection (see Capodilupo, 2015; Lewis, 1999; Opie & Phillips, 2015). Black women with tightly coiled hair may first experience rejection from family members, especially during their early hair combing interaction with their mothers (see Lewis, 1999). Black parents, formally and informally, teach their children the significance of their hair texture through exchanges while combing their hair, with words and touch that range from extremely harsh to gentle (Lewis, 1999).…”

“…Black women with tightly coiled hair may first experience rejection from family members, especially during their early hair combing interaction with their mothers (see Lewis, 1999). Black parents, formally and informally, teach their children the significance of their hair texture through exchanges while combing their hair, with words and touch that range from extremely harsh to gentle (Lewis, 1999). Some women with tightly coiled hair recall being called “nappy headed” or hit with a comb during hair grooming; it is during these early childhood episodes, that Black women get ranked into the categories of “good” and “bad” hair and internalize the ease or difficulty of grooming their hair texture (Lewis, 1999).…”

“…Black parents, formally and informally, teach their children the significance of their hair texture through exchanges while combing their hair, with words and touch that range from extremely harsh to gentle (Lewis, 1999). Some women with tightly coiled hair recall being called “nappy headed” or hit with a comb during hair grooming; it is during these early childhood episodes, that Black women get ranked into the categories of “good” and “bad” hair and internalize the ease or difficulty of grooming their hair texture (Lewis, 1999). Lewis (1999, p. 508) argued “if children have been teased, denigrated, or constantly criticized about race-related physical features by a significant attachment figure, they may feel some degree of stigmatization, shame, and rejection in consequence.” In adulthood, Black women have identified long straight hair as the esthetic preference of heterosexual men, and believe long straight hair will improve their chances of being selected as a mate (Capodilupo, 2015).…”