Self Esteem And Black Hair Care - It's A Big Deal!
Hair is an area that holds special significance for African Americans. Today, myriad styles are prominent. For men, some wear fades, short afros, dreadlocks, French braids, bald heads, etc. For women, there are sister locks, zillions, wigs, weaves, French braids, relaxers, natural hair, finger waves, etc. The style flexibility is incredible. When an African American is having a great hair day, there are lots of smiles.
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There is a trend where African American children are being raised by parents or guardians who may not know much about combing curly/kinky hair. First, this can occur if a black child is adopted by a non-black family. Second, if an interracial couple has a child, perhaps the primary caregiver in the relationship knows little about managing curly/kinky hair. Third, a hairstylist I once met said it best: "My mother, who is black, did not know how to comb hair." This hair stylist vowed as a child that she would not embarrass her children by sending them out in public with unkempt hair. Oprah Winfrey has told of the fond childhood memories of her grandmother oiling her scalp. Yet Oprah now questions whether "oiling the scalp" helps at all.
The result of a lack of skill and knowledge in combing black hair is visible on a daily basis. I have walked past children with African ancestry who had badly damaged hair from too much heat and/or over processing. I have seen children who cut their fifteen inch curly/kinky hair to four inches because they did not know what else to do with it. In addition, I have seen children practically bald at the hairline from braids and ponytails being too tight. Bad hair days can take a toll on a child's self-esteem.
Take a look around and notice the hair of African American or bi-racial children. It's a big deal. To avoid bad hair, seek out a licensed black hair care professional. Starting early in a child's life with hair maintenance can help adults and children of African ancestry learn how to properly care for curly/kinky hair.
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Email recco@richardsonsconsulting.com for questions or comments about this article.
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Recco S. Richardson holds an earned doctorate and is a Licensed, Board Certified Professional Counselor. Currently he has over 20 years of counseling experience and 10 years of clinical supervision experience. He has a keen eye towards helping individuals remove emotional and social barriers.