The Influence of Colorism on the Hair Experiences of African American Female Adolescents

Lakindra Mitchell Dove

doi:10.3390/genealogy5010005

Abstract

This article addresses the prevalence of colorism among the hair care narratives of African American female adolescents. Eleven interviews were conducted to explore the connection between hair and sense of self and self-esteem. During data collection and analysis, the theme surrounding colorism emerged, as many participants discussed its influence on hair, recalling traumatic hair and colorist experiences. This article focuses on the analysis of these narratives using the colorist-historical trauma framework. Three themes emerged: (1) colorist experiences; (2) perceptions of good hair; and (3) the influence of White beauty standards. These themes reflect how participants conceptualized the implications of colorism and its impact on their psychosocial and emotional well-being. The article highlights how colorism is embedded in their lived experiences and how participants combated the presence of colorism perpetuated by family, peers, and society, to embrace their identities. The article outlines the implications of collective efforts to decolonize hair and promote healing and liberation through actions such as the natural hair movement, legal efforts to protect hairstyle preferences in schools and the workplace, and overall awareness of the perception of Black women in media. It also discusses shifts in attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs regarding hair among younger generations.

Highlights

African American girls experience racial socialization and are conditioned to view the world through a particular lens
This study explores colorism and hair in the context of the emergence of colorism, the significance of Black hair, colorism in the media, and the colorist-historical framework
Purposive sampling was used to identify and recruit female adolescents who met the following eligibility criteria: (1) each participant between the ages of 13 and 17; (2) each participant self-identified as African American; (3) each participant was under the guardianship of the Department of Human Services (DHS) for at least one year

Summary

Introduction

African American girls experience racial socialization and are conditioned to view the world through a particular lens. According to Lesane-Brown (2006), racial socialization is defined as specific verbal and nonverbal messages passed down to younger generations about personal and group identity. These messages speak to values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding the meaning and significance of race. African American girls typically embrace a relational and communal worldview (Belgrave 2009), which assumes that others are important to sense of self and well-being and that attitudes and behaviors are influenced by others. How African American girls view themselves impacts other aspects of their lives, including self-esteem, body image, and sexual identity (Abrams et al.2020; Belgrave 2009). The complexities of colorism are embedded in the experiences of African American girls and impact identity development and sense of self.

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