THE MYSTYCISM OF AFRO-AMERICAN HAIR: To Touch Or Not To Touch

"You Can Touch My Hair"

Explores Fascination With Black Hair, Sparks Debate (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

MAJOR READ : 

Black Women's Hair And The Human Zoo: Admiration, Exploitation And Othering

Gabrielle Dunkley @lgabriellel

 

 

 

As a black female I'm torn between the "exploitive and the admiration" merely because growing up there has been an emphasis on "black hair" and what to do with it. It's a shame to say what it felt more like a hassle and detriment than anything else instead of a prized naturality of my make-up. For years it was about pressing combs and relaxers until I experienced hai thinning and loss a few years ago where my hair was thinning at the crown and showing in other areas that I became "natural". I honestly didn't know what my own hair felt like until, shame to say, as an adult. Even now I'm not sure if I could allow anyone to just "feel" my hair even though there's nothing to be ashamed of. It is my natural hair...but it's a mind-set. It's psychological. When you grow up with black women around you bringing attention to their hair, how it looks, feels, and when it's time to get it done (and yours too!) it forms your way of thinking about it. It automatically asserts me into realizing my cultural and racial difference, from Caucasians most definitely. I'm sure many black females can say the only people they have felt comfortable with and allowed to touch and manage their hair are the women who know and understand the same hair they have, the sistas at the hairdresser. The hair stylist who knows how to make it look "good". To have a random person just put their fingers through my hair and "dig in" for a feel I'll admit has never happened and I don't know how to feel about it. When there's a purpose behind the touching (washing, conditioning, or styling) then there's no anxiety. For many of us we're unhappy with our own natural God-given hair that we are uncertain if someone else will accept it. As if it is an extension of who we are, which it is, but it doesn't define our character and what is essential about us. Maybe we feel we'll be unliked if it's not "pleasing" to someone with straight hair I don't know. It's a rather personal thing, hair. When it's cut or colored it's a personal thing no matter what race you are. Much like Samson when his hair was cut, losing his strength. I commend this exhibit. It stirs up thoughts and creates a necessary discussion. Definite praise for this! Continue on and don't stop :)