BAD Hair Uprooted

Featuring never-seen-before braids, cornrows, Afros, and locs styles, this exhibition makes a compelling case that equal hair rights are essential, not just for healthy hair, but also for a healthy mind and economic prosperity.

The detrimental ramifications of not being allowed to wear hairstyles natural to our God-given texture have not been limited to our hair. The recent lawsuit against relaxer companies that revealed the link between fibroids and hair relaxers is proof of that. The generational trauma of not having the fundamental human right to wear natural hairstyles in society’s institutions like workplaces and schools has yet to be unpacked, as does the economic impact.

I started taking portraits of natural hair at BAM Dance Africa back in 2002, where, for the first time in my entire adult life, natural hair was not only prevalent, but the styles were also breathtakingly beautiful! Never had I seen styles like these before.

It was mind-blowing to see my own type hair in a whole new light. Two years into my natural hair journey, I saw visible evidence of what my hair could actually do! Baffled by the beauty and versatility of natural Black hair, suddenly "bad hair" had a new meaning; these styles were BAD! Like super BAD. Michael Jackson BAD.

To share this unforgettable, overwhelming experience with everyone who would ever have the slightest interest in Black hair, I captured as many of the amazing styles as possible. And to this day, I shoot natural hairstyles wherever I go.

For more visit https://whatnaturalslove.com/blogs/bad-hair-uprooted/

Host or Publisher Mireille Liong