In the midst of excitement for the Black excellence on display at the U.S. Olympic Trials, there’s also a far less celebratory conversation taking place. Now more politicized than ever, Black women and how they wear their hair has (again) become a point of debate.
With the rise of talented track star Sha’Carri Richardson, some have called more attention to her appearance rather than her athletic ability. Her bright orange tresses have been deemed distracting and “too much.”
Just yesterday, it was also revealed that swim caps created for those with voluminous hair (read: Black people) would not be permitted in the Olympics.
This is more proof of the unfortunate reality that Black women have yet to be allowed to be great without extensive conversation or rebuttal.
No matter how Black women present themselves, a statement is being made. So much that a House bill was passed to protect women and their natural curl pattern in the workplace.
Black women continually set trends with their hairstyles, and many are using their platform to show that variety should be celebrated. In an attempt to normalize Black women with any hair style, here are three extraordinary Black women with fierce hair to match.
Cheslie Kryst
Cheslie Kryst (Miss USA 2019) is known for her curls. Not often do we see Black women compete on the Miss USA stage and win with their natural hair. Kryst’s bold statement, along with being part of the Black excellence trifecta of pageantry, has helped revolutionize pageantry standards and the “look” you’re expected to have.
Chizi Duru
As a content creator, Chizi Duru is helping Black women be more confident in their braids and natural tresses. With tutorials on her Instagram and YouTube, Duru is making natural hair care easy.
Tāi’jā Kerr
Model Tāi’jā Kerr rocks short hair and is unashamed of it. As an Afro-Hawaiian woman, her culture is deeply imbedded in her content. When she became the first Afro-Hawaiian to shoot for Sephora beauty, Kerr helped redefine the standard of beauty and what statement hair makes in that process.
Through time, we hope Black hair can simply exist as it is, without conversations about what’s appropriate or acceptable. Perhaps Sha’Carri Richardson will dare to do more in Tokyo and the positive transformation in how others view Black women and their hair will begin. When Black women show up—in any hairstyle—consider that, rather than attempting to make a statement, they’re mostly just existing. Let them.
