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Natural Hair: a Vital Component to Black Women’s Health

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Abstract

Hair is a barrier to physical activity engagement for Black women. Eurocentric and straight hairstyles have shown to compromise Black women’s health; yet, the health implications of these hair practices have garnered little attention. This study examines the impact of natural hair on physical activity behaviors and health profiles among Black women. Sixty-nine Black women (ages 18–51) affiliated with a large predominately White institution completed demographic and hair questionnaires, Godin’s Leisure–Time Exercise questionnaire, Rosenburg’s self-esteem scale, and the Bankhead-Johnson hair-esteem scale. Body composition was assessed using waist circumference and body mass index. Descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, and percentages were employed to determine health status in each measure. Correlation analysis determined associations between each variable. Black women with natural hair were physically active, and had positive hair- and self-esteem profiles. Body composition was high; however, BMI metrics used are inappropriate for Black women. The authors conclude that natural hair may be a catalyst for Black women to improve mental and physical health. Afrocentric approaches that include affirmations of natural hairstyles are recommended to increase the effectiveness of health and physical activity promotion efforts that target Black women.

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Acknowledgements

Thank you to the University System of Maryland’s Women’s Faculty Forum for supporting this research project.

Funding

The University System of Maryland Women’s Forum Faculty Research Award.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Burdick Hall 121L, Towson, MD, 21252, USA

    Tara B. Blackshear

  2. Department of Psychology, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA

    Kelsey Kilmon

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The lead author contributed 70% and the co-author contributed 30%.

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Correspondence to Tara B. Blackshear.

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Blackshear, T.B., Kilmon, K. Natural Hair: a Vital Component to Black Women’s Health. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 8, 1573–1582 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-020-00922-4

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