Synopsis of "Good Hair"
As you may or may not have seen Chris Rock produced a documentary called "Good Hair". He traveled all over the country and even the world to find as much information he could about hair. Boy do I have a lot to tell you. I recommend everyone watch it and please tell me how you feel about it.
Chris Rock interviewed several celebrities throughout the documentary such as Ice-T, Nia Long, Raven Simone, Paul Mooney and many others. They told their hair stories and were asked a series of questions. What is good hair? Do you have a weave and where is the hair from? and so on. It was nice to see and hear the celebrities so open about their hair; even Ice-T (who was famous for rocking the Shirley Temple curls with no shame).
Paul Mooney says in the film "When your hair is relaxed, everyone is relaxed. When your hair is nappy, everyone ain't happy". This was sad to hear. Chris Rock interviewed a group of young ladies who said it would be easier to get a job because your hair is straightened rather than wear it in its natural nappy state. To one young lady nappy hair symbolizes the person is "unkept" and she would not be taken seriously for the position. We have been conditioned to believe that "creamy crack" also known as a relaxer is the better way to go.
I now say "HECK NO!!!!" He interviewed a scientist who showed us the harsh affects of lye. Lye is made out of sodium hydroxide which is a very corrosive substance. The scientist applied lye to a chicken breast with the skin still attached and this corrosive substance eat right down to the meat. Is this something you want to have on your head??? Imagine what this chemical is doing to your hair follicle. Every time it is applied it is stripping your hair of it's natural curl, texture, and character. Most common side affects are burns on the scalp (which may be severe), hair loss, hair thinning, and breakage. I have had burns on my scalp and breakage and I am so I know all about it.
Some women who were interviewed said they could never get off the "creamy crack" because they don't feel they could ever go back. Some think they can not deal with their hair in its natural state. They may believe it is more beautiful, or may have been brought up that way. There were little girls getting relaxers at the age of 3 and 4!!! I could not believe that. What do you tell your baby girl??? Oh I can't deal with your hair so we are going to put a corrosive substance in your hair to keep it straight. Of course she may not be able to understand but that is pretty much the reason.
Weaves, wigs and pieces were talked about as well. Chris Rock flew to India, which is the biggest hair market. When I say hair market, I mean where the hair is exported from to make the human hair weaves, wigs and pieces. Hair is worth more than gold in India. There is a religious ceremony called "tonsure". While women are sleep their hair is shaved off and given as a sacrifice. The hair is then taken, washed, thoroughly combed through and packaged properly to be shipped and sold in America.
Chris Rock traveled to several different hair salons to ask African American women about their weaves and I was blown away. Some weaves can cost from $1,000 to $3,500 or more. Some stylists offer payment plans. You can start paying on a weave in small increments and once it is completely paid for, then you may have one put in. This is ridiculous. Some women use their money for hair before paying bills.
Chris Rock also traveled to some of the leading African American hair companies such as Dudley Beauty Corp, LLC. Greensboro, Carolina is where this company has its headquarters. Dudley not only makes all its products and sells them but they also have a beauty school. They take much pride in having everything African American owned and sold.
The Bronner Brothers Convention is a huge hair show in Atlanta, Georgia and Chris Rock interviewed the leading contestants and took us along their journey of preparation for the competition. There is so much that goes on there. The competition is one of the biggest part of the show but there were also hundreds of companies their to sell products. Asian companies were the majority of all companies represented.
After watching this film, I have confirmed my decision to stay natural. It is healthier, more financially appropriate for myself and also allows me to appreciate my culture and ethnicity more. My final note to you is to be confident no matter what. Don't let your hair define who you are a person and individual. Please do not let it get in the way of your bills and responsibilities. Learn about your hair and what is best for it and watch this film!!!!
