Natural hair mini-documentary in the New York Times

[Lafleur]

Terrific piece:

"When I set out to make a documentary about black women who are “transitioning” — cutting off their chemically straightened hair and embracing their natural kinky afro texture — I had no intention of appearing in the film. I felt I was an objective observer and really just wanted to highlight a growing movement. (Of the 50 or so women I struck up conversations with randomly on the street, the vast majority had gone natural within the last three years. According to one industry study, sales of chemical straightening kits, which can be harmful, reportedly dropped by 17 percent between 2006 and 2011.) But including my own story forced me to examine how I felt about my hair with more honesty than ever before."

ETA: I see TalkingYam in the vid! Her locs are gone and she's got a dope soft updo with cornrows on the side.

[swingbolder]

Thanks for posting. When I saw this article on the front page of the Times this morning I was like "meh," thinking it was just another "black woman pathology" piece that the white mainstream media loves to feature when they can't think of anything else to write about.

But on your recommendation I went back and watched the video (5 minutes) and was pleasantly surprised. The women in it are really beautiful and and the filmmaker looked so great with her TWA it actually made me think about BC'ing again!

[Lafleur]

Thanks for posting. When I saw this article on the front page of the Times this morning I was like "meh," thinking it was just another "black woman pathology" piece that the white mainstream media loves to feature when they can't think of anything else to write about.

But on your recommendation I went back and watched the video (5 minutes) and was pleasantly surprised. The women in it are really beautiful and and the filmmaker looked so great with her TWA it actually made me think about BC'ing again!

I also give a strong side eye to "black women are this and that" articles as well, but this doc was affirming. And I've been happily nappy for 11+ years. Her TWA is giving me ideas...!

[crimsonpeach]

This was an awesome read and great video. Thanks for sharing!

[CoilyHairedBeauty]

I enjoyed the video too!!!!!

[CajunCutie]

I liked the video a lot! It was very well done and left me wanting more. I dont necessarily feel like part of a revolution, but if I am an unknowing participant, then that's okay too!

[Fedyfro]

Very nice...

[sharynleigh]

I love it. Watched it twice. Thanks for sharing

[newlife2169]

Informative and inspirational article and video! That 17 percent drop in chemical straightening sales is telling!

Thank you for posting the story.

[Crescendo]

I LOVE this clip. Blogs, vlogs, etc. really are used to affirm the beauty of natural hair. I can't stop cheesing!