Jeepers! Michelle Obama as First Lady ignites NPR discussion about black women and hair

I just listened to NPR’s News and Notes podcast entitled The “Obama Effect” On Black Women’s Hair Issues.  I’m personally over this particular discussion but recognize that there are plenty of readers out there do not feel the same way as I do.  The reason I say “jeepers!” in my post title is because I have long experienced conversations in workplace and social settings where my hair is the center of discussion.  Imagine that as the First Lady!  For those of you who aren’t aware, it can get to be frustrating for black women to engage in more conversations about our hair over the many other facets of ourselves…particularly in the workplace where it borders on and frankly sometimes is just prejudice and/or discrimination when these conversations trump our work contributions.

During the podcast, Allison Samuels from NPR and guest/celebrity stylist Marcia Hamilton critique Michelle Obama‘s current hairstyle while proposing various other looks from her such as a weave or wearing her hair natural (not chemically straightened).  There’s also a short section where they discuss Sasha and Malia who have appeared publicly sporting cornrows at times and press ‘n curl styles at other times.  Allison and Marcia bring up an interesting point that is inherent in African American culture- the tendency to press children’s hair straight for special occasions like church but where it natural during other times.  Is this another way that we are conforming to white status quo?

Additionally, Allison and Marcia brought up the long debated good hair vs. bad hair.  For those of you who don’t know, some African American women refer to good hair as hair that is more fine in texture– a loose curl that you find in mixed race women all the way to straight as typical white hair.  India Arie did a fantastic job making a long needed statement in her song I Am Not My Hair.  That was my anthem for a long time, and still is now that I think about it.

If you’re just curious or interested in some basic hair tips, this NPR broadcast worth a listen. My About Me page is another source for my perspective on this matter.

In the last part of the broadcast, Allison and Marcia discuss the expansive black hair care market out there.  Again, with our hair being of so many textures coupled with the fact that more curly hair is organically more dry, brittle, and prone to breakage when not cared for correctly.  As a result, I believe this contributes to why we African American women wear a wide variety of styles including braids, cornrows, weaves, and  relaxers.  Accompanied by vast array of styles and textures are hair care products (conditioners, pomades, serum, gels, etc) promising to get our hair exactly the way we want it.  With that said, you can see why there’s a huge market out there globally when it comes to black hair care.

I don’t know if the same holds true for other ethnicities in the same say, but I think hairstyle is integral to our culture.  It’s like an accessory, expression, and even art form.  Our hair’s ability to stay in place allows us to experiment with a variety of looks that would be more difficult or impossible with very fine, straight hair.  To me, it’s something to celebrate but not overshadow the person.  Again, there’s a time and place and extent for these conversations.

Here’s the link to the article on NPR.  Read the comments as well.  There are many who expressed a similar sentiment as I have in this post.

THE “OBAMA EFFECT” ON BLACK WOMEN’S HAIR ISSUES

The link to the podcast can be found on that webpage.

How do you handle questions about your hair at work? when out socializing?Have you felt discriminated against because of how you wear your hair?

Are you pleased to see the Obama children wear their hair in different styles?

Is Michelle Obama a hair fashion trendsetter?