Embracing Natural Beauty: The Intersection of Hair, Identity, and Wellness in the Black Community

Embracing Natural Beauty: The Therapeutic Power of Hair at The Natural Hair Experience Salon

Tampa, Florida — “Doing hair is like therapy,” says Mica Wilkins, the passionate owner of The Natural Hair Experience Salon. Nestled in the heart of Tampa, Wilkins has become a beacon of empowerment for her clients, particularly Black women, who are embracing their natural hair. “I like to bridge that gap between self-care and overall mental wellness. That’s the most rewarding part of my job,” she adds.

In a recent conversation with Scripps News Group Correspondent Larissa Scott, Wilkins highlighted the growing trend of the natural hair movement, where individuals are increasingly opting for styles that celebrate their natural texture rather than resorting to chemical straightening. “People are getting more comfortable wearing their hair,” she notes, pointing to a shift towards protective styles like braids, locs, weaves, and wigs.

Aisha Durham, a professor of Communication at the University of South Florida, attributes this resurgence to the pandemic. “Women, particularly Black women, didn’t have the social pressures and workplace expectations to conform to traditional beauty standards,” she explains. Durham, who specializes in cultural studies and representation in media, emphasizes that Black hair has long been a canvas for creative expression and political identity, even if it hasn’t always been accepted in mainstream culture.

“When we talk about Black hair, we have to think about it as political, social, and cultural,” Durham states. She points out that hair serves as an ethnic signifier, marking difference and often leading to discrimination. “Over time, there’s been a policing of Black hair,” she explains, noting that many have felt pressured to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.

The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, was introduced to combat race-based hair discrimination. While it has been passed in 27 states, Florida remains a notable exception. “We should not be discriminated against based on hair,” Durham insists, highlighting the disproportionate impact of such discrimination on Black women, who are 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional due to their hairstyles.

Maurisa Riley, a client at Wilkins’ salon, echoes these sentiments. “I’m always self-conscious about what my hair looks like in a professional setting,” she admits. “It draws so much attention.” Wilkins, a staunch advocate for the CROWN Act, believes it is essential for fostering acceptance of natural hair in professional environments. “Our hair does not define us, even though it is a part of us,” she asserts.

In response to the ongoing challenges, Wilkins has initiated classes for youth aged 10 to 18, focusing on the beauty and care of Black hair. “Our hair is unique to us,” she explains. “It’s more than just doing hair; it’s about teaching kids to love themselves and understand their heritage.” Wilkins aims to empower the next generation, showing them that they can be both professional and proud of their natural hair.

Durham also emphasizes the importance of education, not just for the broader public but within the Black community itself. “We need to understand the creativity and versatility of our hair,” she says. “Hair care and styling have historically been avenues for social mobility for Black women.”

As the natural hair movement continues to gain momentum, both Wilkins and Durham are committed to fostering understanding and acceptance. They believe that embracing natural beauty is not just a personal journey but a collective one, paving the way for future generations to celebrate their identities without fear of discrimination.

For those interested in supporting Wilkins’ mission to educate the community, she has set up a GoFundMe page to help provide classes for families in need. Together, they are working to create a world where natural hair is celebrated, not stigmatized.

This story was originally published by Larissa Scott with the Scripps News Group.