Hair to stay

Though Good Hair is no longer in theatres, hair is always a hot issue, says Chris rock

BY: Geena Lee

Chris Rock's foray into the documentary arena was prompted by his young daughter, who wanted to know why she had "bad hair." "Bad hair" is a common term used in the black community when classifying the quality of one's hair texture; the less kinky and curly and more straight the hair, the better. If the texture approximates that of a "white" person's hair, it is considered "good." Although Rock showered his daughter with love every day, her self-esteem was still effected by her exposure to these ideals. "She was only five at the time, and she was already having concerns about her hair — she was already having hair envy. I felt I needed to understand more deeply how these issues are related: African-American women and their hair...."

Thus came about the making of Good Hair, a candid exploration of the practice and attitudes surrounding black hair care.Rock's research took him from salons and barbershops in Harlem to temples in India, where each year more than 10 million people sacrifice their hair in a religious ceremony called tonsuring. These offerings are transformed into weaves and extensions and then sold to international hair dealers. "Seeing people cutting off all their hair and getting it sold for more than their houses are worth... that was mind blowing." Rock was also surprised at the amount of money some black women spend on hair pieces, with costs ranging from $400 to $4,000 and up, "...and when you consider how much they make, it's like a humongous proportion; it's rent... and hair. It's literally their second biggest bill."

Throughout the film, Rock interviews several black female celebrities, getting honest insights from actresses such as Nia Long, Raven Symone and Toronto-born Melyssa Ford, who spoke freely of the pressure to maintain "good hair." Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton is also featured and, while admitting his own use of hair relaxers (also referred to as "creamy crack"), declares that black people are being oppressed through their dependence on a billion-dollar hair-care industry of which they are largely the consumers, not owners. Rock agrees: "He's right. You would think we'd have a little more say in the business of this, but it's not our hair."

So what does Rock consider good hair? "Whatever hair you're comfortable in.... Judging a woman for a weave is like judging a woman for a hat; it's an accessory." When asked how his daughter feels about her hair now, he responds, "She's fine with her Afro puffs."

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