Black women so often exist in a world of stereotypes based on their presentation. A Black woman’s hair is always a topic of conversation. Be it thru curiosity or judgment our hair always lands right in the middle of the discussion.
At a young age, Black girls are taught that our crowns are anything but beautiful. For generations, a Black woman’s hair has been called, depicted, and seen as too nappy, too ghetto, too unprofessional, too black! Our natural textures, kinks, and coils aren’t celebrated, but rather seen as something that needs to be altered, or simply “bad hair”. If shaming of our hair, our crowns isn’t enough, we are then encouraged to use chemicals and products to straighten our hair so that it fits what society deems “good hair.”
A Black masculine of center woman’s or humans journey comes with even more sets of challenges. Not only do we have to navigate the same stereotypes as our heterosexual and trans sister, but we actively have to try to find the strength to not be affected by other constructs placed on us because of our identities and presentations.
I spoke with some amazing humans about their hair journey and how their transformations have also empowered their style. Here’s what they had to say.
Char Bailey (She/Her)
Source: Char Bailey
Char Bailey is a Diva Magazine features writer, Autism & Mental Health advocate, and an award winning community campaigner with UKBlack Pride. She stands for kindness and believes we are all one!
How was your hair transformation possibly liberated you?
“My hair transformation has liberated me by helping me to embrace my intersections. I didn’t invest in my hair because I feared being too… Too black, too queer, too butch, too “ghetto”. Now I feel like all those intersections that I was afraid of and that made me small, now make me feel bigger than ever. When I hear the clicks of my hairdressers’ nails as she braids my hair, I feel free!”
How has it inspired your style in any or all ways?
“Now I’m more experimental with my hair, I definitely lean into that with my clothes too. There’s nothing that makes me feel sexier than getting fresh braid and a fresh suit. I like to switch it up now that I embrace braiding and the masc energy. I love to play with styling. I used to stick to all black everything mostly and had a strict idea of how to perform gender. Now I’m in control of my personal narrative so now my gender identity is female for sure, but my gender expression is whatever the heck I want it to be. And I’m unapologetic about it, because wearing the clothes I like is nothing to apologize for.”
Can you share a few words of encouragement for someone who might be struggling with their identity out of fear of how others might judge them?
“Your power is the fact that you are unique. It took me a long time to stop listening to the world and start listening to the highest version of myself. Start the work from within and you won’t ever go without. You are not alone there are so many people who are afraid and it’s okay to be afraid sometimes. Just know that those feelings are temporary and you’re doing great!”
Egypt (She/Her)
Source: Egypt
Egypt is an emerging artist and muralist from Los Angeles, California. Throughout her work, Egypt uses portraiture as storytelling. Her paintings consist of people or moments that have inspired her, untold stories that deserve to be heard. Egypt is well known for her vibrant colors and powerful images. Today, Egypt continues to work on numerous projects and commissions while exhibiting her artwork around the world.
How has your hair transformation possibly liberated you?
“Growing up, I’ve always felt that my hair was a form of self-expression. Sporting an afro, untamed curls, or a short/buzz cut, my hair has always been a representation of how I admire being different and avoiding the stereotype that women should have long, defined hair. Recently making the decision to cut my hair off entirely has allowed me to feel liberated because although my hair is my crown, you don’t necessarily need hair at all to be beautiful or attractive.”
How has it inspired your style in any or all ways?
“My hair transformation has inspired my fashion by standing as a reminder that I can also be free and bold to wear anything that I desire. My hairstyles have had a tremendous influence on what I wear. I feel that when your crown is well-maintained and looking good, you should feel the same about your entire attire. Having an edgy haircut, I enjoy matching my outfit the same way; Unique, edgy, and unapologetic lol. Hair and clothing come hand in hand with self-care for me, when you look good, you feel good.”
Can you share a few words of encouragement for someone who might be struggling with their identity out of fear of how others might judge them?
“The freedom of having no hair, yet feeling confident despite what anyone else thinks is the most glorifying feeling I could ask for. I would tell anyone who’s currently struggling with their identity out of fear of judgment, to not worry about what others think. As long as you feel good with how you present yourself, that is what matters most. Don’t be afraid to express yourself and live life in your most authentic form. Life is too short not to freely express yourself and live in your own skin.”
Mary Mac (She/Her)
Source: Mary Mac
Mary Mac is a Program Director with a background in counseling who is currently making her transitioning from Virginia to Atlanta, VA.
How has your hair transformation possibly liberated you?
“At first I felt very free from my locs as they were unhealthy and I had tried everything to keep them. I also felt very masculine in my hair cut. I still feel very free and liberated but sometimes I don’t feel as “unique” without my locs so that has been a struggle.”
How has it inspired your style in any or all ways?
“It has changed my style for sure and I wear more collar shirts as it looks better, I can’t wear too much oversized clothing anymore cause it just makes my head look small. I’m still trying to work out and play with articles of clothing to really get my style together.”
Can you share a few words of encouragement for someone who might be struggling with their identity out of fear of how others might judge them?
“I would encourage someone to go for it. It’s hard… I wanted to cut my hair for years and finally did it. Also the person I’m with was supportive and also encouraging so that helped. It’s an adjustment for sure and I definitely miss my locs from time to time but it’s hair and I know I can grow it back!”
Christin (She/Her)
Source: Christin Brown
Christin is an entrepreneur, hair stylist, former Le Cordon Bleu alumna, colorist, wife, mother, trauma survivor, and masculine-androgynous (masc-andro) presenting dope human. As someone who works on various people’s crowns daily she is constantly reminded of her own progress. She’s a human that has evolved and is becoming better everyday. She is a movie buff rolled into a goofy rom-com wrapped into an Aries that just wants to be heard, understood and experience life with incredible food.
How has your hair transformation possibly liberated you?
“Like most black folx, our hair has been a source of either empowerment or despair. The moment that I actually became liberated with my hair was maybe two years after giving birth to my daughter. I was unaware, but I had been threatening myself with cutting all of my hair off for just over 5 years. I knew that I was ready to cut it all, but as a hairstylist, I was also aware that I was growing my hair out for others. Not healthy nor conducive to my own growth, personally. When I did my own big chop, I knew that there was no looking back because this was the enlightenment that I had been looking for the whole time. My hair transformation catapulted me into the masc presenting human that I am today because finally, for the first time in my life, I feel like me. I see me.”
How has it inspired your style in any or all ways?
“Me chopping my hair and also working in the beauty industry has created new narratives over how I view myself and how I hold space for others. The moment that my hair was shorter, faded, and dapper, I saw my personality and persona blossom. I became the gentlewoman that I always wanted to be, so now I just needed the clothing to catch up with my swagged-out haircut..”
Can you share a few words of encouragement for someone who might be struggling with their identity out of fear of how others might judge them?
“The crazy thing about taking that leap toward defining yourself is that you typically will come out on the other side not regretting it. Sure, do we have moments of self doubt and “what ifs’? Naturally. Absolutely. What we’re not always prepared for is the person that we discover on the other side of change. Whew. It’s a whole life-changing moment and we should be preparing for the joy versus the “what if” moments.”
Sprat (They/Them)
Source: Sprat
Sprat is a Boston Native, born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts. As a multidisciplinary artist working across various mediums both in front of and behind the camera, they refuse to be placed in any type of box; and as a human who is unabashedly themself in every space they occupy, you can expect them to be rawfully honest and intentional about creating that space for other artists as well.
Professionally, Sprat has served as a Model, Creative/Art Director, Stylist, Style Consultant, Head Merchandiser and Social Media Curator for many clothing brands as well as other artists. While their creative vision has been lent to many, the self-proclaimed “colorful individual” also enjoys customizing their own clothes, tending to their many plants, traveling to learn about other cultures and working on their music.
How has your hair transformation possibly liberated you?
“I used to hate my hair and my hair texture because I didn’t see a lot of people with my kind of hair. I wanted it to be straight. Even when I started liking it, I was still afraid to try certain styles like Bantu knots or cornrows because they were typically seen as unprofessional or for kids. That was such a huge insecurity of mine. I wanted to be seen as professional, you know?
As I became my truer self inside and was able to be honest with myself about my sexuality and really thought about how I wanted to present… I took a leap. I felt activated. I felt like this is me. This is who I am. There’s no limit in terms of how successful I can be because of my hairstyle. No matter the color, the length, the texture. There’s no limit. That just makes me proud. I wear my hair so proudly now. I feel like it represents me and my culture.”
How has it inspired your style in any or all ways?
“First off in the most surface-level way, I am able to decide what types of accessories or outfits I want to wear based off my hair. If I’m wearing an Afro, I might wear one thing but if I’m wearing braids, I can wear a hat or add threads or beads and switch the colors and have fun with the patterns. The beads have really stuck though. It makes me feel like I’m pleasing my inner child and helps me feel playful.”
Can you share a few words of encouragement for someone who might be struggling with their identity out of fear of how others might judge them?
“My advice is to really— everyone is going to have something to say. Everyone is going to have their own opinions about what you wear or how you present. That has to be separated from your own feelings. When you feel the excitement over a certain shirt or something, lean into it. That’s your own style and it’s not for everybody. That’s for you. It might take a little while for you to find that place but when you do, I think it’s going to come with a lot of pride. Every time you unlock a new layer of yourself, you’ll gain more confidence and get more comfortable in your skin.
Anytime you’re wearing something, that’s you. Any time someone doesn’t like it or doesn’t think it fits your personality just know that is you. You know you.”
What do you think?