Hair and Mental Health

Our mental health can significantly impact our physical health, including our hair. Stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to various hair-related issues such as hair loss, thinning, and scalp conditions. For Black individuals, the unique texture and care needs of Afro hair can further complicate these issues.

How Mental Health Affects Hair

Stress and Hair Loss: Chronic stress can trigger hair shedding and conditions like alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles. This can be particularly distressing, leading to a cycle of stress and further hair loss.
Scalp Health: Mental health issues can lead to poor scalp health. Conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis can flare up due to stress and anxiety.
Hair Maintenance: Low mood and depression can result in neglecting hair care routines, leading to dryness, breakage, and overall poor hair health.

Afro Hair and Stress

Fragility and Breakage: Afro hair is naturally drier and more fragile. Stress can exacerbate these issues, leading to increased breakage and hair loss.
Styling Stress: The societal pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards can lead to damaging styling practices, such as excessive heat use and chemical treatments.
Discrimination: Experiencing discrimination and microaggressions related to natural hair can impact mental wellbeing, creating a negative feedback loop affecting both hair and mental health.

Managing Hair and Mental Health

Regular Hair Care Routine: Maintaining a consistent and gentle hair care routine can help manage stress-related hair issues. Use moisturizing and nourishing products suited for Afro hair.
Protective Styles: Embrace protective styles like braids, twists, or buns that reduce manipulation and stress on your hair.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to improve overall mental wellbeing.
Professional Help: Seek support from mental health professionals if you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression.
Community Support: Join communities or support groups that understand and celebrate Afro hair, providing a sense of belonging and encouragement.

Looking After Hair During Low Mood

Simplify Your Routine: When feeling low, simplify your hair care routine to the basics—cleansing, moisturizing, and protective styling.
Hydration: Ensure your hair stays hydrated. Use leave-in conditioners and oils to lock in moisture.
Scalp Care: Massage your scalp regularly to promote blood flow and relaxation. Use scalp-friendly oils like tea tree or peppermint oil.
Seek Help: If maintaining your hair becomes overwhelming, consider visiting a professional stylist who understands Afro hair.

Afro Hair in the Workplace

Discrimination and Microaggressions: Black professionals may face discrimination for wearing natural hairstyles or protective styles, leading to stress and anxiety.
Professionalism Standards: Unwritten rules about ‘professional’ appearance can pressure Black employees to alter their natural hair, causing mental distress and hair damage.

Afro Hair in the Classroom

Peer Pressure and Bullying: Black students may experience bullying or pressure to conform to certain hairstyles, affecting their self-esteem and mental health.
Dress Codes: School dress codes may unfairly target Afrocentric hairstyles, leading to disciplinary actions and further stress.

The Law on Hair Discrimination

United Kingdom

In the UK, there are robust legislative measures in place to protect individuals from discrimination, including discrimination based on hair and hairstyles that are culturally significant to the Black community.

Equality Act 2010:

Overview: The Equality Act 2010 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that consolidates previous anti-discrimination laws. It provides a legal framework to protect individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.
Protected Characteristics: The Act covers nine protected characteristics, including race, which encompasses ethnicity and cultural heritage.
Direct and Indirect Discrimination: The Act protects against both direct discrimination (treating someone less favorably because of a protected characteristic) and indirect discrimination (policies or practices that disproportionately affect people with a protected characteristic).
Application in Employment and Education: Employers and educational institutions are required to ensure that their policies and practices do not discriminate against individuals based on their race or ethnicity. This includes hairstyles associated with Afro-Caribbean heritage.
Key Points:
- Harassment and Victimization: The Act protects against harassment related to race and victimization of those who complain about discrimination.
- Reasonable Adjustments: Employers and educational institutions must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate individuals, including those related to hair and appearance.

United States

In the US, several legislative measures protect individuals from discrimination, including hair discrimination, which disproportionately affects Black individuals.

Civil Rights Act of 1964:

Title VII: This section of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Application to Hairstyles: Courts have interpreted Title VII to address certain instances of hair discrimination, though its application has been limited and often requires evidence that a grooming policy disproportionately impacts a particular racial group.

CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair):

State Legislation: As of recent years, multiple states have enacted the CROWN Act or similar legislation to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots.
Objective: The CROWN Act aims to address gaps in existing federal laws by ensuring that Black individuals can wear natural hairstyles without facing discrimination in schools and workplaces.
Coverage: The Act applies to employers, schools, and housing providers, ensuring comprehensive protection across various sectors.
Key Points:
- Federal and State Collaboration: While federal laws provide a broad framework, the CROWN Act offers specific protections at the state level, reflecting the evolving understanding of cultural and racial discrimination related to hair.

Practical Steps for Protection

Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the protections offered by the Equality Act 2010 in the UK and Title VII and the CROWN Act in the US.
Document Incidents: If you face discrimination, document instances with as much detail as possible, including dates, times, and any witnesses.
Seek Legal Advice: Consult with legal experts or organizations specialising in discrimination law to understand your options.
Report Discrimination: In the UK, report incidents to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). In the US, file a complaint with the EEOC or relevant state agency enforcing the CROWN Act.

By understanding and utilising these legislative protections, Black students and professionals can better navigate and combat discrimination in educational and professional settings, ensuring a more inclusive, safe and respectful environment.

Resources

Hair Love by Dove: Supports the empowerment and acceptance of Afro hair
The Halo Collective: Championing the right to wear Afro hair without discrimination
NHS Guide on Stress and Hair Loss: Information on how stress affects hair health
PsychoHairapy: Connecting the Afro hair salon and mental wellbeing
CROWN Act Information: Official CROWN Act Website
YouTube: Natural Hairstyles for School/Work

Understanding the link between mental health and hair is crucial for Black students and professionals. By recognising the impact of stress and low mood on hair health, adopting effective strategies for care, and seeking support when needed, you can maintain both your mental well-being and the health of your hair. Remember, your natural hair is beautiful, and caring for it should be a source of pride and empowerment.