The Natural Hair Movement
(Inspired by the article: A Career in Beauty Care with Mrs. Arlette Knight-Olton)
We recently sat down with the President of the Barbados Beauty Professionals Association (BBPA), Mrs. Arlette Knight-Olton. She is the owner and operator of 101 Style Salon in Barbados, and a highly trained and experienced cosmetologist and trichologist. During our time together, she noted that natural hair is clearly being embraced more now than before, even in corporate settings where it had faced some resistance in prior years.
Is Natural Hair for Me?
If a person wants to wear their hair ‘natural’, this should indeed be accepted as a personal choice, hairstyles should not be based on someone else’s opinion. The key thing is that your hair is healthy regardless of its natural or chemical state. Arlette noted that people are now more open to wearing their natural hair in ways that may not have been embraced before. However, regardless of the current trends or movements, only you can determine if going natural works for you.
“I agree there is a movement. However, I realize that we must come to terms with the capabilities and limitations of our natural hair. Unless this happens, we’ll continue to see and feel this wool-like textured hair as a burden.”
Lana Layne – LaBraids Salon in Barbados (246) 249-7552 or (246)434-7243
Hair in the Corporate World
Arlette believes that as long as the hairstyle is tidy and professional, it should be allowed without debate. We have noted that many more people in banks and corporate offices are seen wearing their hair however they choose.
This newfound acceptance of natural hair is driven by a growing understanding of its cultural implications. For some people of colour, their hair is not just a fashion statement, it’s an expression of a shared experience and identity that has often been marginalized. The widespread embrace of natural hair in the workplace is sending a powerful message that this kind of diversity is welcome and encouraged at all levels.
Still, there are limits to what is considered acceptable in professional settings, as employees should still be mindful not to go too far with extreme colours or highlights that could potentially be distracting for customers or colleagues. All in all, it’s clear that attitudes towards natural hair have shifted radically over the past few years, encouraging individuals to celebrate their unique identities without any fear of judgment or persecution.
“It is difficult to find a salon that offers the services of caring for this textured hair, without the use of direct heat via blow drying and pressing/hot comb. I often have to reassure clients that it’s ok if their genuine length doesn’t show without pulling on the hair. Our hair is likely to stretch more than it shrinks. In fact, this is the natural state of the hair of melanin-dominant people. So much damage has been done to us psychologically. Subconsciously, some people who have reverted to their natural hair by choice or force still somehow expect it to respond like it’s chemically altered. Yes, the natural hair movement has happened. Unfortunately, the shift represents the replacement of straightening hair by chemicals/relaxers with straightening by heat, instead of embracing our natural curls.”
Lana Layne – LaBraids Salon in Barbados (246) 249-7552 or (246) 434-7243
Natural Hair and the Younger Generation
There has been an increase in the number of beauty salons that specialise in styling Afro-textured hair, providing a space for people to explore different hairstyles without judgement. Schools and other institutions are also recognising this, everyone should be able to wear their hair however they choose, without fear of discrimination or ridicule. This includes allowing students with Afro-textured hair to attend classes without feeling the need to chemically alter their hair or cover their heads because our hair is part of who we are. As this trend continues to grow and spread, more individuals will be given the opportunity to embrace their unique hairstyles and feel proud of who they are.
At the end of the day, your hair should never limit your career prospects or prevent you from achieving success in whatever field you choose. Everyone should be allowed the freedom to express themselves through their hairstyle without being judged unfairly because of outdated expectations, by creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels accepted regardless of their individual style choices, we can help ensure that every professional has equal opportunities regardless of how they choose to wear their hair!
Are you a beauty professional looking to grow more, consider joining the Barbados Beauty Professionals Association!
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