The natural hair movement has gained more traction in recent years, but Black people say they’re now facing more discrimination over their hair, according to new research.
Hairbrush brand Tangle Teaser has found that 46% of people surveyed with 3C-4C hair believe unjust judgement has increased when they wear their hair naturally.
This comes despite there being more campaign groups promoting the celebration of textured hair.
Young people are more likely to come up against discrimination, as 72% of 18 to 24 year olds surveyed have experienced this first-hand in the form of microaggressions, while that drops to 30% for those over the age of 60.
It’s possible that the rise in people showing their hair texture as it is has resulted in more exposure to everyday racism.
However, 43% of Black people with 3C-4C hair types do feel their personal confidence, when wearing their hair naturally, has increased.
Many also said the movement has helped them to embrace their hair more.
While these statistics cast doubts over how effective the natural hair movement has been in educating non-Black people about hair types, they do suggest it has served the confidence of those with 3C-4C hair – empowering them to wear it as they please.
More than 80% of Black British people surveyed said they love their natural hair and 46% say it’s a part of their identity.
Evidently, attitudes towards afro and kinky hair types still need plenty of shifting.
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