BLACK HAIR

Segregation in hair carae must go.

I must admit, it is hard to believe in this day and time when we no longer see signs that read, “Whites Only” or “Blacks Only,” we can walk into a store and go down an isle with signage that reads, “Black Hair or Ethnic Hair Care.” SMH

When I walk down the isle with signage that simply reads, “Hair care,” I am pleased with photos of different textures, types and hair styles. For it is that image that helps shoppers with making their decision on which product to buy or make the right choice.  When I walk down the “Ethnic” isle, I cringe. On every product, with the exception of hair color, all the photos consist of people of color with black (as in the color) hair, donning only 2-3 different hair styles, with the same photo-shopped air brushed finish photos on the product bottles and boxes.

The image on the bottles, boxes or posters play an important role in helping the customers know which product to buy.  The images used to promote hair care for women of color do not reflect the consumer who is making the purchase. Purchasing the correct product for your hair is very important to anyone regardless of race. But (there is always a but), for people of color; many do not rely on or use the images and posters seen on the product to help them make a decision to buy or not to buy a particular product.

The purchase of hair care products for most women of color and women with textured hair begins via word of mouth. Before he or she enters the store and walk down the aisle; they have a general idea of what they are looking for. Ironically, most of what they are looking for is probably the wrong product. Why? More than likely, the visit to the store is driven by a word of mouth promotion; which is great in theory, but horrible in practice.

When it comes to matters of hair care and how to style it, a live and DIRECT consultation is the best way for the those who honestly do not know or is looking for a new direction in the right way to care for their hair (textured or not). Word of mouth advice does not quite capture what an in depth conustation can. Removing or eliminating the expertise of a trained professional to assist with how to properly care for hair is like removing the lawyer from the court room. Do not do it.

Chemists and makers of hair care products rarely use images of people to help them formulate. To be honest, the color of a person's skin is at the bottom of the equation when creating a formula. Actually, they rely on the science of hair and chemicals when formulating hair care products. Many companies no longer or simply refuse to test on animals too (ain't life grand). As a result, it would only make since to promote and influence the consumer to visit a professional to assist them in making purchases without the influence of image.

While it is biologically true that Africans have a unique coil in all textures where African descent is evident; however, the physiological characteristics of the hair is not the same for every person of the same race regardless which side of the continent they came from. It is impossible for every man, woman and child of color to have the same hair (textured or not). So it should be illegal to be allowed to promote or sell a product that reflects otherwise. End segragation in hair care.

Europeans would not allow a day to end to have to shop in a store and make purchases of hair care products that have bottles, boxes and posters where everyone has blonde hair and blue eyes. All White people do not have straight blonde hair with blue eyes. Just as all people of color do not have the same color of black hair, straightened hair or kink patterned hair with brown eyes. End stereotypes in hair care.

Hair is as unique as the head on which it lies. There is no such thing as “black" hair as it relates to buying hair care products. There is also no such thing as a white doctor or white attorney not being able to provide their services to people of color. The same standard of practice needs to exist in hair care. The days of a White stylist not doing locs and an African American cosmetologist not being able to service a Asian customer cannot come soon enough. Why are we surprised to see a White person palm rolling locs and Asian person braiding corn-rows? The segregation in hair care needs to be put to an end.

End segregation in hair care.

In a country that is calls itself a “melting pot,” how can segregation still exist on any level? We can all eat together, vote together, shop together, breathe together, pray together and sleep together; but you can’t do my hair?

Really?