Protecting natural hair: Students explore Black hair at salon as lawmakers consider the Crown Act
Antonisha Woods always found comfort in braiding hair. She mastered cornrows and single braids at a young age and labels these protective styles as her favorite to style on customers. She is conscious that Black hair salons and communities are safe spaces but once customers leave the community or clock into work, they are at risk for discrimination. Photo by Azalea Petry-Towns
Text and photos by The North High Journalism Club
Lawmakers in Saint Paul are currently considering a number of proposed laws, from codifying reproductive rights for women to allowing undocumented residents the right to a driver’s license.
They are also preparing to vote on another important right – protecting Black hair texture and styles from discrimination.
Bills in both the House and Senate were introduced this month to amend the Human Rights Act’s definition of race to include “traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and hair styles such as braids, lots and twists.”
The so-called Crown Action would be a huge win for African Americans who have to alter their hair in ways considered “presentable” in the workplace or perceived as “professional,” which usually is shaved down, or straightened and always excludes the natural hair textures of Black people.
Students in the North High Journalism Club, led by North News, are learning about photography and have an interest in hair and cosmetology. They recently spent time after school visiting and photographing stylists at the Lions Den barber shop and hair salon located in the Real Believers Faith Center on West Broadway and Fremont avenues.
Melik Tolbert has cut hair at the barbershop for more than 20 years. As much as hair means to women, a fresh cut means just as much to the Black men that come into the shop. Photo by Samaaj Clark
They talked to hairstylists about the definition of "good hair" and how it has changed over the years.
“When I was a teenager, ‘good hair’ meant you had straight hair, or loose curly long hair, it was never my 4C type hair,” hairdresser Enia Kyle said.”My hair would have been considered ‘nappy’ or not presentable.”
The hairdressers are optimistic that "good hair" won't just mean straight hair anymore. They anticipate the Crown Act will serve as further confirmation of such and motivation for future generations to focus less on style and texture, and focus on maintaining a healthy head of hair.
Antonisha Woods always found comfort in braiding hair. She mastered cornrows and single braids at a young age and labels these protective styles as her favorite to style on customers. She is conscious that Black hair salons and communities are safe spaces but once customers leave the community or clock into work, they are at risk for discrimination. Photo by La’niya Osborne
Makeup artist Makeda Williams grew up always looking up to her fashion-forward mother. “I love what hair and makeup does,” she said. “It enhances what's already there and it makes you feel good about what you already got.” Enhancing natural beauty is a specialty of the salon, catering to all hair and skin types even when most beauty industry products don’t. Photo By Kiya Darden
Williams noticed that makeup brands don’t often have products that are made for darker skin and warm skin tones, so she mixes her own to match each individual client. Aja Conteh
Hair is an extension of the expression of Black Culture. Braids, twists, locs, and other styles that Woods specializes in are typically discouraged in non-Black spaces in order to be considered professional. Photo by Kiya Darden