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Showcasing Black hair isn’t only a fashion statement but a political statement as well. Since African-American’s existence in America, our hair has always been targeted. In the 1700s, the Tignon laws forced Black women in Louisiana to cover their hair. Until the recent passing of the Crown Act, it wasn’t illegal to discriminate against Black men and women due to their hairstyles.
One USC student is helping her fellow Black Trojans to showcase and love their hair.
Gabrielle Chenault: Why was your introduction into doing hair?
Ariel Davis: My mom would teach me how to do my hair all the time. She would constantly remind me, “I’m not gonna be able to do your hair forever. So you’re gonna have to learn how to take care of it.” During quarantine all the hair salons were closed so I began to teach myself. I literally just watched YouTube videos and practiced all summer. Once I got out here, I was like, I could do this!
Gabrielle: Why do you feel that it was important for you to specifically bring this skill to USC students?
Ariel: We don’t have a lot of money, we’re college students! So I decided to bring my abilities in a cheap way to help recreate this Black girl college experience that many of us desperately want.
Gabrielle: I know for myself getting my hair done has always brought a feeling of joy or even Black Girl Magic. It’s definitely a self esteem boost. So, how do you help to transfer this feeling of Black joy?
Ariel: There’s something really beautiful about taking care of yourself but also just taking care of your hair as a Black woman. We’re so connected to our hair and it’s something that we take pride in. A lot of the time I try to encourage my clients to try new styles. You never know what kind of joy that could bring you to realize the potential of your hair.
Gabrielle: What was the experience of your first time doing a student’s hair and in a sense transforming them?
Ariel: Actually, I was nervous just because I had never done anyone’s hair besides my own. It was really just inspiring to see the impact I could have on someone’s day. I did my friend’s hair first and she told me it was the best braids she’s ever gotten! Getting your hair done in LA is so expensive so to help out one of my classmates and bring this idea of Black joy to them made me want to keep doing it.
Gabrielle: My final question is, what advice would you give to Black women who are interested in learning how to do their own hair and do other’s hair as well?
Ariel: Honestly, watch youtube videos and keep practicing. Even if it seems hard and your arms are tired, you just have to keep doing it. One thing about Black women, Black hair, anything about us, it’s resilience. And so if you want to get something done, you just gotta do it.