Black culture has been recognized for its beauty and creativity in hairstyles. Black women have long employed their hairstyles in order to display their individuality and show their evolution over time. This evolution has led to increasing Black women accepting their natural beauty, which includes the "fro", hair wraps and braids. However, it doesn't escape controversy. The topic of beauty, and particularly hair and hairstyles, in Black culture has been a sensitive topic of discussion for decades with roots that stretch back to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.

Recently, the connection between identity and hair has been the subject of attention and much debate within the Black community. Following the launch of a new campaign, Shea Moisture (a Black-owned hair brand) has found itself at the forefront of the debate. Since its beginning, the company dedicated itself to providing its consumers especially Black women, with a range of natural hair products that cover all hair types -- including loose, bountiful curls all the way to curly kinky strands. Historically, the brand has prided itself on filling in the gap in beauty by normalizing and increasing awareness of Black beauty while also providing Black women with beauty products that could not be found in traditional retailers.

Their most recent digital advertising campaign generated a lot of controversy when the company attempted at appealing to a more general audience by including non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) and excluding representation of their main Black audience. Particularly, the ads appeared to ignore the social and historical hardships Black women have endured due to black hair stereotypes when compared with other groups. To discover more details on society, you have to browse black restaurants website.

Like every other subject that provokes passionate reactions, one should consider the relationship between hair and cultural identity in Black communities. There are many Black women have had to cover their hair for centuries due to social oppression, abuse and discrimination based on race. Hair wraps were commonly used prior to the time of emancipation, as a way to allow Black women to appear less appealing to their owners and to signify an oppression or social status. A lot of Black women felt forced to wear more elaborate hairstyles once they joined the workforce. The traditional Black hairstyles like dreadlocks are not allowed in certain places, industries, and workplaces. This can lead to the termination of a job.

In order to better understand the impact of hair's emotional meaning on Black cultural and societal identity It isn't necessary to look far into our Black communities to comprehend the consequences. Each woman has her own tale or "hair journey" often marked by struggles that go from childhood. As a Black woman, my struggles to accept my hair as it is are part of my cultural identity. As a young girl, I was often subjected to teasing because of my big "puffy" hair; however, my mom promised not to harm my natural curls by using straighteners or relaxers made from chemicals.

This cycle of viciousness continued through my senior year. I became fed up with the effects these chemicals caused on my hair, and decided to get out of their clutches. I spent hours researching and trying out different products and spending hours at the salon until I could figure out what was best for me. Looking back this was the most beneficial choice I've made, and it was coincided with a larger moment in my life, an increased confidence and acceptance of who I was becoming.