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Naturally: Black Hair Journeys & Stories (SC)

A library guide that highlights the beauty and significance of textured hair, also known as natural hair or Black hair. This Libguide was created because there are far too few conversations and not enough awareness about the impact of natural hair.

Films & Documentaries

*newly added!* An African American washerwoman rises from poverty to build a beauty empire and become the first female self-made millionaire. Based on a true story.

Available as a limited series on Netflix

Pelo Malo (2013) (English Translation: Bad Hair)

A Venezuelan boy's (Samuel Lange Zambrano) desire to straighten his curly hair leads to friction between himself and his desperate single mother (Samantha Castillo).
 
Available on Tripod

Hair Love (2019)

Hair Love is a 2019 American animated short film written and directed by Matthew A. Cherry and co-produced with Karen Rupert Toliver. It follows the story of a man who must do his daughter's hair for the first time.
Available on YouTube

Nappily Ever After (2018)

A soulful barber helps a woman piece her life back together after an accident at her hair salon makes her realize she is not living life to the fullest.
 
Available on Netflix
 

Daughters of the Dust (1991)

At the dawn of the 20th century, a family in the Gullah community of coastal South Carolina -- former West African slaves who adopted many of their ancestors' Yoruba traditions -- suffers a generational split. 
Available on Tripod
 

The Big Chop (2016)

The Big Chop, a short film, follows the journey of a 10-year-old girl who once has a great love for her afro, then gets a relaxer.

Available on YouTube

Hair Piece: A film for nappyheaded people (1984)

This is a short, animated satire that unpacks the stereotypes associated with Black hair texture and styles, and the ways in which Black hair is made to be non-normative. 

Available on Tripod

Our Hair-itage (2016)

Our Hair-itage features a collection of stories from women in the African-American community who inspire others by sharing some of their experiences with their natural hair journey.

Available on YouTube

My Nappy Roots: A Journey Through Black Hair-itage (2010)

"My Nappy Roots" explores the politics, culture and history of African American hair. Is there such a thing as "Good and Bad" hair? How has the Eurocentric ideal of beauty influenced black hair through modern history?

 

More information available on WorldCat

 

Good Hair (2009)

Prompted by a question from his young daughter, comic Chris Rock sets out to explore the importance of hair in black culture. Rock interviews celebrities such as Ice-T and Raven Symone, and visits hair salons, stylist competitions and even an Indian temple to learn about hair culture.
Available on Tripod
 

In Our Heads About Our Hair (2012)

In Our Heads About Our Hair, produced by women, examines issues Black women confront regarding hair and self-esteem. Despite a current natural-hair trend in some urban areas, many Black women say conforming to mainstream beauty standards makes it easier to find mates and corporate employment. This feature documentary celebrates natural beauty and also offers opinions (and wisdom) from people making other hairstyling choices.

Available on Culture Unplugged