BOOK REVIEW


Nicole Moore through book, inset right, has given black women a platform to debate the issue of black hair


there which talks about its dangers. They must also ask why they are not affirming themselves in spite of external forces, since it is claimed that beauty is skin deep.” Based on the experiences of the women whose


voices we hear in the book, the negative relation- ship with their hair and skin started at a young age, as Moore, Nicole Epe and the other contributors talk about their painful hair days. Moore points out that contributors share how they had no control over their hair and were often on the receiving end of negative comments about their hair, especially if it was hard to ‘manage’, with a profound effect on their identity. “This leaves a legacy of continuing the journey of trying to ‘manage’ hair usually with the use of chemicals. Black women then have to undo the socialisation, which is a real challenge and usu- ally one that they have to confront single-handedly. I think it is crucial that we as adults don’t use terms such as ‘good’ hair, which often means straight hair, because black hair is naturally curly and there is nothing wrong with that.” Some of the strongest themes that come through


in the book are ‘acceptance’ and ‘empowerment’. “Acceptance is essential as you do have to like


what you see when you look in the mirror and it is important that you have a choice. Acceptance of ourselves, first and foremost matters; no one


98 | NEW AFRICAN WOMAN | WINTER 2011


“It is crucial that we as adults don’t use terms such as ‘good’ hair, which often means straight hair, because black hair is naturally curly and there is nothing wrong with that”


should feel under pressure to wear their hair a par- ticular way to be accepted, just like no one should feel the need to lighten their skin,” says Moore. She concludes: “The more we challenge the ster-


eotypes which seek to influence our lives, the more society will be forced to accept us on our own terms and that can only happen when we collectively share and confront our own fears of wearing our hair the way we want to.”


Hair Power Skin Revolution: edited by Nicole Moore. Published by Troubador Publishing Ltd, UK. ISBN: 978-18487-63937 For more info visit: www.shangwe.com


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