Black Hair Documentary: Professional, Personal, and Pretty 

I love my hair as is, in its natural state. No one will convince we to cover my hair with a wig. Extensions are nice but my natural hair is tight and pretty. I was not raised in a household where our hair was described as good or bad - just that is a central part of our beauty.

@; but as a black woman that went natural in 1999; before it became this big trend I was criticized by black women more than anyone." I've experienced this, too. I was told I my hair was "disgusting" by other Black women. I never felt so hated in my life and feared getting a beatdown. That's how much they hated my hair and they were VERY vocal about it. 😢

Mama always said, "Good hair is hair that covers your head."😊

Love my natural hair, I look at it as a huge bouquet of flowers when in it’s worn in Afro, it’s so beautiful and unique and I know it. Not many of population have it, so I fully embrace, appreciate and love it.

That intro hit hard. Working somewhere with psychological safety means working somewhere you can be your authentic self in all aspects. This was a powerful documentary ❤❤

Very well done documentary! As a black professional woman, I started wearing my natural hair to work and faced some backlash from other black woman. However, some black women now to look to my hair with pride and wear their fros out too. Not always easy given how we grew up and were conditioned but definitely worth it

I love my natural hair. Our hair is totally unique to other hair types.

I love being a part of the natural hair community! Thank you Kara for this documentary.

My mother would not allow us to even use the words “good hair”. She would say if you have hair on your head, that’s good hair. She didn’t believe softer or straighter hair was good hair.

I went to Cosmetology School in 2015..Graduated 2016. In Skills class the 1st 4 wks..I learnt about relaxers and the ingredients..when I learned that it had Drain Cleaner in it I immediately that afternoon I Cut all my hair off in the 2nd half of the day on the salon floor..It took some adjusting and learning what works for me as far as products (natural based is what’s best for me) but I’ve been BarberCut ever since I was in my 40’s now I’m 54 I’ve been every color under the sun n then some experimenting I have now been color free 3 months and I’m embracing my gray. I don’t do wigs or hair not mine bc I love the women I see in the mirror..What REALLY made me feel proud was to see a Black Female Anchor in Columbia SC wear Braids on the air..That to me was the best moment in my hair journey..then I slowly started seeing all the black women anchors wearing their OWN hair and I get thrilled when I see it bc they too have embraced themselves and on a journey especially the appearance in their professional environment!

I think we look so much more beautiful with our natural air or textures that are close to ours.

Im a white man. I grew up with afros.I was shocked when i learned that some of my coworkers were nearly bald after a lifetime of using relaxing chemicals. My only complaint about Michele Obama is that she straightens her natural hair. High level black women all seem to wear their hair straight. It's sad. I make a point of complimenting young girls who dare to wear their hair natural.

❤ Thanks for this documentary, I have been told my hair is bad all of my life. I know from the last 7 years of being natural that this was just not true. Thanks for sharing!! My hair is amazing and beautiful and it took being natural to know it inside and out!! ❤

We need part 2 on this absolutely brilliant documentary, especially on people like me in the corporate world. Love it ❤❤❤

This was beautifully and professionally done- thank you. Im left feeling inspired and encouraged to be even more unapologetic about my natural hair- especially in its short state. A lot of food for thought- thank you for empowering our community.

Once you embrace your hair for who you are you have won the race. Thank God.

I grew up during the 60s and 70s. My remember Melba Tolliver on channel 7 Eyewitness news. She wore her natural hair as I recall. The Afro was big during the 70s. I went into the Army in 1977 I cut my hair but stayed natural through basic training and AIT. Over the past 60 plus years I've been relaxed, Jheri curl, braids, locs etc. For a time when I was in my 30s I relaxed my hair until it started breaking and falling. Panicking I made a vow to God that if he healed my hair and scalp that I'd never relax my hair again. I've been natural ever since. Over 30 years. I've been fortunate to have worked in nonprofit organizations so my hair was not challenged. I thought it eye opening that now relaxers are seen as carcinogens.

I love this. I'm so happy it was on my feed today to watch. We need to love ourselves. And visit Africa! It was great to see US on all the billboards!

If I had to have a law to wear my hair I would feel like something is wrong with how I looked. I’ll never know the painful subsequent thoughts caused by discrimination. Some of these experiences are quietly dealt with. I can only imagine their mental health feels tarnished along with the damage to their hair. After years of suffering I’m certain the question was brought to mind if they are beautiful. Also, there are so many topics of discussion such as who defined what is,”good hair”? Your documentary is a huge eye opener for me and I truly enjoyed it babygirl. 10 out of 10!

Ignorance is such a major problem in humanity. I fail to undetstand why these black women are being forced to damage their hair simply because some European American bosses do not like the texture of their hair. I have never heard of this in my entirw life. It goes to show the level of hatred towards these people in that society.

Thank you for the effort, time, care, compassion and thoughtfulness put into this documentary. In NY, I had my period of trying to fit in, now I wear my hair based on the style I feel like wearing, currently short, so often combed out in a styled afro. I can't deny the unacceptance I encounter, so I'm grateful I grew up already confident and comfortable in what I look like.. I hope little girls, and boys with similar texture see their hair is lovely simply combed out, braided, twisted, in loc or in other styles, and also confidently go around this world comfortable in all the physical attribute bestowed on them, and enjoy it as they wish.

Please let go of the phrase good hair. My grandfather who was born into slavery told my mother that Good Hair was the hair that stayed on your head, not stuck in the comb or brush. We never used that phrase, never.

Awesome job Kara! Excellent and informative documentary!

Loving all of this Kara! Great job on the documentary! Super enlightening

🖤I have been natural for about 10 years and I’m so happy I decided to go that route because relaxers & perms were destroying my overall health. Now I’m seeing advertisements about perm/relaxers are link to some cancers 😢. It’s a shame that we are conditioned at an early age that everyone should look the same. We even tell ourselves that permed/relaxed hair is easier to manage when in fact it’s Not! Weekly touch up, Not being able to wet the hair with vital moisture such as water, is damaging! Nonetheless being natural is work like all things true & dear to one’s self care 💆🏾‍♀️ Meanwhile other cultures don’t have to conform or bend there beauty standards by putting harmful chemicals. There edged remains intact! Products such as perms/relaxers, glue, lac fronts, wigs, irons are sold to us 👩🏽‍🦱 but who are the makers of these products😒

Awesome documentary! So relatable.👏🏽

I love my natural hair.❤

All my life my mum has advocated natural hair and being confidence in yourself. Since then ive always been natural. However,i use to wear braids and weave as time went by. I also use to straighten my hair during college day's. Now I have stop with the heat, weaves and braids. I style my hair in its natural state and I love it completely. I have grown confidence in wearing my hair. I get compliments from all sides. I havent had an issue of work degrading my hair. With this boost of confidence I feel so empowered. 😊

Type 4C and lovin' it!🤪👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Thank You so much for this video! This will blow up!

This documentary is so important! Loved it! Been natural for 9 years and I'll never go otherwise!

Being a black woman in America is exhausting!!!! All of the hairstyles worn by these women are neat and beautiful but deemed unprofessional? Get a day off. The US won't let my people breathe. WTH!

Well done! Thank you for this! ♥

This was REALLY good! Thank you for this.

I really enjoyed watching this❤

Black hair is so diverse and beautiful😊

The first few minutes of the video reminds me of when I'm doing job interviews and they ask if there's any questions and I take some time to explain how I normally wear my hair and ask if it would be a problem.

Thank u for this beautiful video

I really enjoyed watch this.

Very interesting, I hope women cross the world learn to accept their and stop feeling under pressure

Beautiful documentary!

This was so well done! 👏👏👏

It's unfortunate that this exists. I'm glad to be in a part of the world where natural hair is celebrated m

Always wear your hair as natural as God mean you to always do so. 💕💕🙏🏿💕🙏🏿💕🙏🏿💕

I have 4c .. 1 of my daughters also. The comments hmm From blk women too

I used to have a very hard time with my 3c/4a hair in the past especially as a teenager but now as a grown woman in my early 20s, I’ve learned to love it and figure out exactly how to take care of it and other people compliment how pretty it is❤

This was so encouraging and validating with long found Truth.

Excellent documentary, Kara. S.C.

im not black, im filipino, and literally ITSV and ATSV (spider-man) made me wanna study about black hair and culture so this was a really nice video to watch to further learn and research the uniqueness of black hair, embracing it, and all the troubles black people have to go through to just be themselves and embrace their hair, very nice documentary :D

This is so unfortunate! Our crown of beauty is just so unique & greatly coveted, people tend not to be able to take their eyes off it, I think for that reason certain “people” are jealous & envious! It’s a “distraction” because it’s unique & beautiful!💜♥️💕

Awesome we're the best😊

Loved it and a very informative documentary!! 👏👏

I wear my hair in its natural state to embrace my texture more.Sometimes i stretch it to give it that straighter look.

I love the black hair. So gorgeous to look at.

Absolutely love this!

This was good! 👏🏾 I started wearing braids as a form of "cultural reclamation" in 1979 after a hit movie called *10* featured a white, blonde, blue eyed Bo Derek with beaded *cornrow* braids that Hollywood started calling "Bo Derek Braids" 🧐 After that, Black women went all out with traditional and extended braided styles. I had just entered corporate America and thankfully they loved my braids, I think in part, because I didn't have beads. 🤷🏾‍♀️ Whatever, I wore braids 1979-2003. Now in 2023, I'm back to braids because they work for my type of hair!

Damn I wear mine natural and short it fits perfectly and gets so many compliments you had to know how to treat ,wash and what chemicals not to use like #1 hard water and most over the counter products mainstream

Would a Caucasian woman have to explain her hair choices? Do better America.

Thank you ladies My hair is pretty 2

Great conversation #Beautifulcrown

I like that the people who are talking about the hair, are not having any afro on their heads. 😁😁

Not having the right to wear your own hair how you see fit, how crazy is that? Seems like that would be protected under the 1st amendment. State and government rule over restrictions on hair is crossing human rights at the least. As a white man I've always been a hair person and love all styles if that makes sense. It does effect your livelihood. The power tripping over hair has got to stop. Be yourself, live and let live.

It’s sad that some of the biggest oppressors towards natural African hair were and still are black people who have deep rooted, internalised hate…..more often than not, we are each other’s biggest haters, FOR REAL🤦🏽‍♀️

Tampa loves Deanne ❤️

It really shouldn’t matter as long as you have a polished look in the work force. Outside the the work force do as you please.

The hair natural always will be beatiful. El pelo natural siempre será hermoso.

Gratitude.

Let me intervene. When I look ordinary with my hair straight there was no complaints and twhen I look glamorous, Or change my style sometimes. The women especially white women were intimidated because white men were around. I wasn't worried about them but obviously, I was a threat. They ask me why I dress up!. I said

My Mom was a beautician. I was 2 years old when my hair was permed.

Merci😊

I loved listening to this and I may get back lash per my comment; but as a black woman that went natural in 1999; before it became this big trend I was criticized by black women more than anyone. I work in HR and not low level HR and still do today and still natural and a white person has never (to my face) said anything about my hair. I have been promoted etc. I keep my hair well maintained on some days and on others I let her roar by going big; again well maintained….4C!!! A lot was said but I would ask; when the ladies were talking about getting emails about their hair; do she know who was sending them, were they labeled white people on the email; because again our color can be the hardest in us especially old generation our color. Secondly; my hair is ALWAYS professional and well maintained; when it was relaxed and down my back to now as natural it shrinks to a tiny fro….. Again I will say no other race has called me out in those early days in 1999 or now except for women that look like me. What do we do about our own race hating my hair because they hate themselves because that exists more.

This is amazing! ✊🏿

I think they knew these chemicals would cause the women issues it has, fibroids, uterine cancer, etc.

There's another RU-vid where they had a video on cutting over that for a hair. Do we cut our natural hair because we are not willing to deal with it. Are we ashamed of it?

Thank you for this. An excellent presentation, thought provoking, eye opening, and it made me think of many of my own stories where hair discrimination affected me as a white woman, even though it was nothing compared to what black women go through. It trickles throughout society. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part.

Check shampoo ads from back in the day. They literally picture a white woman with frizzy ish hair and call it a Bad Hair Day… then out comes miss clairol…

❤💪🏾✊🏾

I’ve always worn my hair they way I wanted. I just don’t like “people” 👀 trying to touch my hair…because “they” always want to touch my hair.

Yeah, I wish the Crown Act didn't team up with Dove. Because of this, I can not support it. If they did not team up with Dove, I would have supported them, but I can not (because they associated themselves with Dove). It is wonderful that an organization believes, and is actively trying, to make it acceptable for Black women to not have to straighten their hair for work. That's great! But why did they team up with Dove? 🤨 They should dissociate themselves with that company (Dove).

I wear my hair the way I choose, no one has ever said anything about my hair except for my own race

😮

I think most complaints regarding black women on news stations/news the complaints come from the dominant culture.

Why do you have to ask? Just wear your natural hair b/c you want to.

Who do I complain to that more black women should wear the natural hair on the news. It's important for a station to embrace their audiences by allowing a visual reflection of themselves.

The only hair discrimination I have ever dealt with is mono racial black women saying my hair looks like dirty sheep wool.

Why this obsession over black women's hair? How come no one has done a documentary on white women and tanning salons?

I'm thinking about getting a permr again. I have not had a perm since 1999.

Us blackwomen are GORGEOUS! Fck'm do us.

WHEN WE WERE KIDNAPPED, AND PUT ON SLAVES SHIPS. wt people knew what our HAIR LOOKED LIKE. FAMILY WE DID NOT COME, TO AMERICA FOR A BETTER LIFE. 🛑 STOP THE GAME.

Wear your the way you want under that wig, but when you off duty take that sucker off, get that check, I support the crown act movenent❤

The Crown Act in America is amazing, I wish they had it in the UK. However, Id rather have cat aids than work in a white corporate workplace again. Remote working for me, my mental health matters, i need to limit the karens in my life

@2:15 that is not "4a" hair....

Nothing but jealousy

I was work everywhere with my natural hair never have problem with caucasian people, with my parents neither too. This is black I seen put that in 1993 in west Indies my mom never made bad things in is head onl😢 vaseline certains time my mom was had soft hair some all of have smoothie hair too depend people. Okay don't matter about hair this is good😂 healthy is important...

I shaved it all off, then there was nothing to talk about.

Why is having natural hair so much more important than wearing natural eyelashes or nails? Make it make sense. Fake is fake. Enhancement is enhancement. Embrace it.

There's so much that this documentary could have Focused and done a thorough research on , the documentary is shallow and fails to show the beauty of embracing type 4c hair or other black defined hair ....a 4/10 documentary.

I'm old. I use to be secretary in a professional office for over 20yrs. I usually kept my hair natural smooth back in a bun or in a curly style rockin 4c hair. I found that I could wear my natural 4c hair professionally styled neat and had no problems. I wasn't at work to be worrying about my hair. I was at work to make money. I locked my hair for the last 15yrs I worked and it grew past my butt. I found ways to make it look professional and not distracting but still you'll get questions. Because black women wear so much fake hair everyone thought my locks were fake! If I had to do it all over again, I would give ceasar what is ceasar's and give GOD what is GOD's. I always kept in mind that I was working for GOD not caesar. So work wasn't so hard. It was the people I worked with that made work hard. Like I said if I could do it over I would wear a wig for the 8 to 9 hours at work to satisfy "their" idea of professionalism, giving caesar what is caesar's and after work I take that "hat" off and be me and give GOD what is GOD's. If that's not good enough for someone who thinks it's easier to make waves over "hair" when there are plenty of solutions....then that person isn't working to make money and have a living. That person is bringing their own personal issues to work and focussing on that, in stead of the provision you need for living expenses. I don't think its that serious or critical unless You make it that way by doing the opposite, getting noticed for it then getting upset then fighting about it. I don't see the benefit. when your outside of work you can be who you want. You don't need to destroy your hair or get a weave. This is REALLY all about someone's low self esteem about their hair. GOD made it, LOVE IT. If you have to cover for caesar it to make his money so what. If you care that much then work totally for GOD and wear your hair 24-7 how you like.....and guess what sistas some of you are still going to weave it, braid it, perm it, and glue wig it. Cause you still don't much like your natural hair. If you want people to totally accept your hair....you must totally accept your hair...your real hair. Kinky not nappy. Nappy is when its dry and a little matted. The word professional is for caesar's world, not GOD's WORLD. So what do you expect. We all know what professional looks like ...sheesh. You can't change that game...

I was way more distracted by the long, bright, red nails.

To me, there's nothing like good hair or bad hair, when Elohim created us, He said everything was good, from head to toe, I think we got this good hair bad hair came about through slavery, with the slave masters.