Watch Hair Love and Racism

Hair Love is a 2020 animated short film that explores racism and the complexities of Black hair. The movie has been directed by Matthew A. Cherry and stars Jon Blaq, Amber Dawn Fox, and Krystal Foggie Gardner. The story follows a young girl called Zuri, who is trying to do her hair for a special event. She is inspired by a video of her mother doing her own hair, and so decides to try and create the same hairstyle for herself. Zuri struggles with getting her hair to cooperate, and at one point even considers giving up. However, with the help of her father, she is eventually able to complete the hairstyle and arrives at the event feeling confident and proud. The themes of Hair Love are complex and intricate. At its core, the film is about the relationship between Black women and their hair. For many Black women, hair is more than just an aesthetic choice – it is a symbol of their heritage and identity. As such, the process of doing their hair can be incredibly meaningful and emotional. This is particularly true for those with natural hair, as they navigate a world that often tries to flatten their hair into Eurocentric standards of beauty. Hair Love also tackles the issue of race and racism in America. Although the film does not explicitly mention racism or any specific incidents, it is clear that the characters are living in a world where their Blackness is othered and devalued. For example, Zuri's father buys her a hairpiece that features a white girl with straight blonde hair, which is a stark contrast to Zuri's own natural hair. This incident demonstrates the way in which Black children are often taught to aspire to white beauty standards from a very young age, which can be incredibly damaging to their self-esteem. However, the film also offers a message of hope and resilience. Zuri's father is a particularly uplifting character, as he serves as a loving and supportive parent who encourages his daughter to be proud of her hair and her heritage. His willingness to learn how to do Zuri's hair and his eagerness to support her despite his own struggles with styling her hair demonstrate the importance of being an ally to those who experience discrimination. Overall, Hair Love is a poignant and thoughtful film that tackles complex issues in a way that is accessible for all viewers. Its unique blend of humor and realism makes it a heartwarming and memorable film that will resonate with audiences of all ages.