On the 24th and 28th of March, the Undeb held its first ever hair training event for students with textured hair. BAME students have recognised hair as part of their cost-of-living concerns as some have to travel a long distance to get their hair done, or source products catered for their hair texture. Hair shouldn't be a worry for students who are trying to focus on academics, employment and managing their own wellbeing. However, due to limited resources in town, many have had to rely on friends or self-taught initiatives to maintain the health of their hair. Many thanks to all those who made this event a success, from the skilled professional to the curious student. Your contributions will forever be valued - Tanaka (Wellbeing Officer).
As natural as it is, nothing is more impactful to our image than our hair. While facial features are central to a person’s first impression, hairstyles have specifically been tied to our cultural identities. Braids for example, is a style that ranges from the Celtics to the Mesoamericans.
Unfortunately, because of diluted beauty standards, the production and marketing of hair products are either too broad, or too limited. It wasn’t until the later stages of my adulthood that I had realized how important hair care is and, despite the promises of one of those three-in-one magic shampoos, a more catered routine has to be applied.
One thing I learnt is that the environment plays a huge part too, not just what you alone do to your hair. Cold or warm water, hotter or cooler temperatures, and what you eat. You truly will look as healthy as you feel and act on, therefore balance is the key. On top of that, learning your hair type and getting the right brush, accessories, and shampoo for it is like scheduling the appropriate sleep schedule. Sleep too little and you will feel tired and inattentive; sleep too much and you will feel groggy and disoriented. Both leave you feeling in a bad mood. It’s the same with hair. Over washing it will make your scalp irritated and cause breakage but waiting too long will make it oily and limp. Certain textured hairstyles aren’t meant to be brushed out, or at least not in the traditional way, while not brushing your hair without knowing if it was meant to will result in knots and hair loss. Going off simply what’s marketed and a lack of support is greatly damaging to a person’s dignity and health.
The free hairstyling demonstration done by Oluwabukunolami and Grace was exactly what I was looking for. I picked up on a lot of hacks and even got to practice styling someone else’s hair. These are the kind of events that communities need to throw on a regular basis. This is just as important as any other public healthcare initiative. It builds confidence in ourselves, and in each other. We begin to care for ourselves when we see our community giving back to us and caring for us. It’s a full circle.
- Dr N.B. (event attendee)
On the 24th of March, there was a hair training event, for people with textured hair, this event was welcoming for all ethnic people that wished to understand their hair better and learn how to take proper care of it.
At the beginning of the event a member of staff came and discussed the importance of not undermining the skills learnt from the event. As many student and adults downplay the skills they gain in events such as these. They also discussed the different porosity of each hair and the importance of knowing what type your hair is to take care of it further.
Although the event started small, over time many others joined in hopes of learning how to properly take care of their hair; additionally, the event presented a demonstration on how to braid and twist hair for those who may struggle or don’t know how to do the techniques, providing insight into some hairstyles that keep their hair healthy. They even had a student volunteer model, as they demonstrated how to use the techniques on someone, encouraging them to help in little ways to understand.
The members of the team leading the event were very considerate, as during the demonstration they invited the audience up to have a closer look and attempt a go, while also giving advice on what to improve on. Moreover, acknowledging that the event was lengthy they provided drinks and food for all those that were attending.
At the end of the event, they gifted a limited amount of hair creams, conditioner, combs and many other products that help with their hair growth journey to each person that attended, ensuring that they took the correct items to aid them. Overall, the hair training event, was very insightful on how to take care and properly manage different hair and was a very enjoyable event with a welcoming environment.
- Annaliza Bekoe (event attendee)