loving every kink and curl

“For me, [my hair] represents and is deeply intertwined with my pride in my salient identities. However, I think what makes my hair especially important is the fact that it has taught me to be more comfortable with change and letting go, while also teaching me to be patient and kind to myself.”

— Sophia

Hair, in all its forms, is undeniably beautiful and unique. It is an intrinsic part of our identity as Black people that has deep and rich roots throughout the course history. Black hair has long been a means of survival, joy, and, expression for our people. But it is also important to realize that society is not always fully accepting of our hair, and even the Black community often perpetuates texturism, featurism, and colorism, thus making it harder for us to remember the beauty of being authentically ourselves. Despite this reality, these young Black womxn work every day to reject shame and to instead embrace and love every kink and curl.

This article hopes to highlight its beauty and the role it plays for these Black queens. In their own eloquent words, their hair is “powerful,” “versatile,” and “a blessing.” They candidly share what their hair means to them, what products (many of which are Black-owned) work best for their curls, and how they like to style it. No matter the texture, no matter the length, and no matter the color, their hair is unapologetically a part of who they are, and no one and nothing can take away that pride. As queens, they undoubtedly wear their crowns.

Click each of their pictures to read more (and click the small white circle in the bottom right-hand corner when viewing on a phone).