As Africans, one might expect us to embrace the natural growth of our hair and encourage the younger generation to do the same, but unfortunately, that’s not the reality.
Students are frequently mandated to maintain very short hair, a practice thought to minimize stress and distractions, enabling them to concentrate on their academic pursuits. Nonetheless, some teachers have resorted to extreme measures, such as snipping students’ hair with scissors, in their zeal to enforce this stringent hair policy. It appeared that the authorities were quite adamant about ensuring that students maintained exceptionally short hair.
Moreover, within many households, the older generations hold disapproving views regarding the preservation of Afro hair. For women, the choice often boils down to either getting a perm or opting for a short haircut, while for men, maintaining a low cut is seen as the standard, regardless of personal preference.
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This generational aversion to Afro hair within African communities is rooted in historical circumstances, notably the prevalence of lice in the past. During a period when lice infestations were rampant, keeping hair very short or tightly braided was seen as practical solutions. Lice were highly contagious and easily transmitted from one person to another, causing significant discomfort. This led to a time when lice had become a grave and uncontrollable issue, making haircuts and tight braids a necessity for those living in that era.
As a result, older generations embraced practices such as short haircuts and tight braids to control the spread of lice. With the advent of colonization and globalization, perming creams (hair relaxers) were introduced as a solution to this problem. Permed hair gained popularity and was widely accepted, even among men.
As time progressed, advancements in hair care offered various methods to maintain clean and lice-free Afro hair. However, the cultural preference for shorter hair persisted among older generations, despite the availability of more modern and effective hair care techniques.
This aversion to Afro hair has been handed down through generations, becoming a deeply ingrained cultural preference. Many elders may not even be aware of the historical origins of this preference; it is simply a dislike that has been inherited from their ancestors. Consequently, even though there are now numerous ways to maintain Afro hair in a healthy and hygienic manner, the long-standing cultural bias against it continues to linger in some communities.
Recognizing the historical context behind these attitudes is crucial, and efforts should be made to promote acceptance and understanding of diverse hair types within African communities. Education and awareness about modern hair care practices can help bridge the gap between generations, fostering a more inclusive and accepting society where individuals are free to embrace their natural hair textures.