The pencil test still colours the rainbow nation illusion
This latest racist hair fiasco is just one more thing that all the darkies in me are tired of defending and explaining
Black Hair
Detangling kinks in the hair industry
The natural hair community in South Africa is growing. However public knowledge of what to do with my hair is still stifled
Hair-raising six hours every six weeks
The writer spends some hours visiting a hair salon where clients have the options to dye, curl, braid, relax, straighten, extend, or cut their hair.
Going black to its roots: People embrace their crowning glory
The resurgence of women embracing their natural hair has made way for a market in natural products
Long may these fires burn
We must continue to rise up with purpose, not just in anger, in our desire to create a just society.
Draw up basic ’hair codes’ and get on with teaching what is important in life
How should policies change, and are schools infringing on children’s constitutional rights?
Hairgate: We must look at language too to get to the root of the problem
Black women’s hair is deeply politicised and education experts are mulling over the significance of the learner-led protests in Pretorias.
From slavery to colonialism and school rules: A history of myths about black hair
When it comes to black hair, “common sense” is the least reliable tool for decision-making.
![[From our archives] Five good reasons to ditch chemical hair relaxers this December](https://wp.mg.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/bcad1028-00-pretty-dangerous-five-good-reasons-to-love-and-care-for-your-natural-hair.jpeg)
[From our archives] Five good reasons to ditch chemical hair relaxers this December
Black women, beware: your pursuit of straight, silky locks may be detrimental to your health.
Shani Crowe unlocks braids as high art
Milisuthando Bongela spoke to a Chicago photographer whose work pays homage to the art of African hair braiding.
Warfare and difficult hair days
Black women’s hair care is still fraught with shame and politics, to start with hairdresser’s annoyance at customers not using chemicals.
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Sometimes your locks run out
Alopecia or hair loss can devastate your self-esteem, unless you hold your head up high.
Africanness goes deeper than the skin
The definition of an African has become a burden for women, some of whom are required to portray their Africanness in hairstyle and skin colour.
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Going natural is a hairy issue
It’s futile to categorise the relationship black women have with their hair.
Hair dos and don’ts
Women who wear an Afro or dreadlocks sometimes sneer at me, telling me they feel "liberated" by their natural hair, says <b>Ayanda Sitole</b>.
Hanging up my wig
Personally, I’d always been a fan of natural hair and have kept my hair in either an Afro or dreadlocks for most of my life, writes Nikiwe Bikitsha.
