Hi Meltingpot Readers,
I'm sure most of you know that I'm obsessed with Black hair. Not so much the styles, but rather the culture, politics and history of our 'crowning glory." It amazes me how much Black hair amazes other people. So much so, I co-authored a book in 2001, Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America to further investigate the impact Black people's hair has had on popular culture since Black people arrived in America.
The book came out over ten years ago, but Black hair continues to make headlines. Case in point, the latest Guinness Book of World Records -- the 2012 edition -- for the first time has cited the world's largest Afro. Take a look:
I love it! And to prove my point as to just how much of an impact our hair has, check out the following clip from the BBC as they interview Ms. Dugas about her world-record hair. Notice how giddy the interviewer is? Notice how much she wants to reach out and touch it as if this woman's hair were almost other-worldly? Even across the pond our hair makes waves. That's significant and that's why my co-author and I are working on an updated edition to Hair Story, to chronicle what's been going on in the world of hair these last ten years.
If you have any suggestions about what Black hair moments, events, styles and/or trends need to be covered in the book, let me know. I'm listening.
Peace!
5 comments:
I wish my Afro was that huge.
I think it's awesome that you are going to revamp Hairstory. Maybe you can cover natural hair products in the new version, or product junky-ism.
When I saw Chris Rock's movie sometime ago, I was utterly in shock at how big the black hair business is in the US. I know it is a "culture", but first spending more than half a day in a salon is not my idea of fun, nor do I understand spending nearly half a month's wages on a hairdo.
Even in Europe the black hair business is big. It is an experience to be sitting in a hair salon in Europe watching people decide on what type of hair to buy; how long, what color, what texture, etc.
I'm excited about this second edition. My hair has changed so much in the last ten years, but I'm proud to say, I've finally settled for a natural hairstyle. There are so many beautiful natural hair options, I'd love to hear about natural hair trends.
Evelyn,
You know we will.
Anon,
Black hair truly has a culture of its own. It is fascinating.
SWW,
Congrats on your hair journey. I'm excited about the new version too :)
hahaha what strange record! indeed this girl have an awesome afro!
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