Afro

More Than Just Texture: Exploring Black Hair in Cinema

Okay, let’s talk about hair. Specifically, Black hair. It might seem like a trivial thing – strands of keratin growing from our heads – but it's so much more than that, especially when viewed through the lens of film. The way Black hair is portrayed (or not portrayed) on screen has historically been fraught with politics, stereotypes, and unfortunately, often painful limitations. And thankfully, we’re seeing a beautiful evolution in how these stories are told.

Think about it: for decades, portrayals were largely confined to either hyper-stylized "exotic" images or, conversely, depictions of “unruliness” needing to be tamed – reflecting societal anxieties and prejudices. It's easy to see why – hair has always been a powerful symbol; consider how hairstyles are used to define eras in films like Saturday Night Fever (the feathered look!), or how characters’ hair changes often signals transformation. But for Black women, natural hair, textured hair, our hair, was frequently presented as "problematic" within mainstream narratives.

Then came a film like Hair Love, and honestly? It felt revolutionary in its simplicity. Seeing a dad, struggling but determined to learn how to braid his daughter’s gorgeous curls, wasn't just heartwarming – it was validation. It normalized the everyday beauty of Black hair care and highlighted the deep bond between parent and child, free from any agenda beyond love and connection. It's a perfect example of reclaiming narrative power.

This isn’t new territory entirely; Spike Lee’s films have always played with symbolism in this way. Remember Rosie Perez’s defiant afro in Do The Right Thing? It wasn’t just a hairstyle; it was a statement – an act of self-love and resistance against systemic racism. Even earlier, we see echoes of this in Pam Grier's iconic roles in blaxploitation films like Coffy - those gravity-defying hairstyles became visual shorthand for strength and independence.

The conversation is expanding too! Films like Hidden Figures, while focusing on the incredible achievements of these brilliant women, also subtly acknowledge the constraints placed upon them – including expectations around how they presented themselves. And we’re seeing more nuanced portrayals everywhere. It's an ongoing journey, but witnessing this shift in cinematic representation—seeing Black hair celebrated for its diversity and beauty—is truly something to celebrate.

What films about Black identity or culture have resonated with you lately? I’d love to hear your thoughts!