Black hair is something extremely important within black culture. Black men and definitely black women take their hair very seriously. With black men making sure that they have the best haircut, shape-up, and the list goes on. However, black men don’t have the same struggles as black women when it comes to their hair. Although both can face hair discrimination in places like work, schools (hence The Crown Act being created in 2019), etc, it’s black women that have to go the extra mile when it comes to dealing with hairstylists.
When you mention “dealing with hairstylists”, more specifically referring to the bizarre policies some hairstylists have when dealing with black women’s hair. Even though these hairstylists do have the right to set up their own policies, many clients also have the right to question the hairstylist policies.
THIS IS THE LAST STRAW!!! pic.twitter.com/S4Xw27XKe1
— 𝔐𝔦𝔤𝔲𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔡 𝔊𝔥𝔬𝔰𝔱 🇭🇹 (@JustttBiancaa) February 18, 2021
On Feb. 17th, Twitter user JustttBianca posted a tweet of a hairstylist stating that she will no longer be providing service to women who cut their hair a certain way or within the last year. This tweet sparked a debate on the ridiculous policies many hairstylists have. Some people that are experienced with braiding hair did point out that it can be a bit tricky to braid hair that’s been cut in a blunt style. The hairstylist did defend her policy stating that she doesn’t know how to “tuck” when it comes to braiding, which is a method that eliminates the extreme color contrast that can often feel so visually disjointing in braids and twists. She also stated that she makes it known that she doesn’t tuck the braids before starting a client’s hair.
Some people took it upon themselves to search for more policies this particular hairstylist had. Which the policies only got more insane than not servicing people that cut their hair a certain way or recently. From stating that you must come with your hair wash and blow-dried to have a hair length requirement to braid. This hairstylist isn’t the first or last who gets criticized for their policies they have to serve someone.
Many black women who search out for new hairstylists usually have to deal with policies like straightening their natural hair for it be easier to braid, hair having to be a certain length for styling, you must come washed and blow-dried yourself, and the list goes on.
The video that started it all.
A hairstylist demands all her clients come with straight hair. #MCTVTRENDING #Braiders pic.twitter.com/F4x96UTIzE
— MCTV (@MoChunksTV) January 23, 2020
A lot of black women faces the challenge of finding the best hairstylist that fits not only them as a client, but for their hair also. However, you can’t really do that if you’re dealing with hairstylists that have crazy policies. This shows that when it comes to black women’s hair, they not only have to find a hairstylist that can actually handle their hair texture, they also have to make sure their hair is even deemed acceptable by a hairstylist according to some written policies made up by them.
It’s not a complete answer on why hairstylists have these types of policies. Some people assume it’s because a lot of them aren’t officially licensed to do hair. As many black women continue to love their hair, it would be nice for them to have a hairstylist that don’t have so many policies that make their clients uncomfortable and frustrated.
