Courtney: We’re talking about hair. And we’re talking about race. Two things that might not immediately strike someone as being related. But lately there’s been a lot of discussion about the natural hair movement and white people appropriating black culture. One instance I’m thinking of in particular is when Amandla Stenberg—the actress who portrayed Rue in The Hunger Games—called out Kylie Jenner, who posted a pic of herself with cornrows yet never acknowledges any other aspects of black culture on her profile, in particular movements like #BlackLivesMatter.
On top of the racial implications, hair has long since been a complex source of both power and objectification for women. The way we fashion it or don’t fashion it. If we wear it up or down, curly or straight, covered or uncovered, long or short or completely shaven, or blonde or brunette or redhead. Our hair says things about us, whether we want it to or not.
When the world sees you, Bulaong, what do you want your hair to say?
Bulaong: Oh my hair! We’ve had such an interesting twenty-six years together and the messages I’ve sent with my hair have changed over time. I’ve absolutely fallen in LOVE with my curls over the past year and have immersed myself into that natural hair community to learn more about growing and maintaining healthy hair. I’m a wash-and-go kind of girl, literally meaning that I wash my hair, detangle it in the shower, toss some organic coconut oil or shea moisture product on it, and head out the door. I set a goal to have a year of no heat—no straightening or blow-drying my hair.
I guess if I would describe my hair in one word, it would be “carefree.”
Read More “Between the Behaviorists: Hair and Race”
