Good Hair
Can I say that I can not wait to see the movie “Good Hair” by Chris Rock. Chris Rock is my favorite comedian. I loved him from since I saw him in the movie “I’m gonna get u sucka”. I saw that movie back in the day in a movie theater and I just could not stop laughing. I thought they would throw me out of the movie theater. I laughed so hard that I was on the ground in the theater. In the month of October he is coming out with the documentary “Good Hair” about the black hair industry. See a preview trailer:
Back in 2006 there was an online documentary by Aron Ranen on the black hair industry featured on youtube.com:
This information is not new to those of us who have worked in the black haircare industry. The only difference now is that it is being exposed. I myself can personally write a book about the emails, telephone calls and also threats, yes that’s right, threats I have received here in Holland. Also there is the political nonsense that happens in the background. I was naïve to this dark side of the industry. I was the first one out here in Europe with a webshop for people with curly, afro and mixed hair. I had no idea that I would upset people who wanted to keep the industry the same way. Damaged breaking hair is big business! Ebony magazine has done a feature article exposing who owns the black hair care industry. When I was visiting the states, I picked up a copy of that issue. Again, nothing that I do not already know.
A friend of mine has seen the film “Good Hair” during a Hollywood screening and she LOVED it. She said that I will love it as well. So I will not say anything about the movie to spoil it for you.
I write this blog in English so that all customers of different backgrounds can read it.
You, the consumer have the power to change this.
I will speak more about this subject. I will no longer be quiet. I do this business out of my love and passion for transforming the lives of curlies one head at a time.
Lori
Love Your Hair!
Lieve Lori,
Ik ben blij dat je dit onderwerp aan blijft snijden. Toen ik hoorde over de film ‘Good Hair’ was dit voor mij icing on the cake. Wie kan het lief en leed in dit bizarre wereldje nou beter vertellen dan Chris Rock! Ik heb samen met een vriendinnetje wat research gedaan en zoals het er naar uit ziet verschijnt deze briljante docu niet in de Nederlandse theaters/ filmhuizen. Beetje teleurstellend
. Waar we wel achter zijn gekomen is dat de DVD vanaf 16 februari 2010 verkrijgbaar is via Amazon.com. Let wel op dat je een regiovrije DVD-speler nodig hebt om het af te kunnen spelen en dat er verzendkosten bij komen voor het verzenden buiten de States. Ik hoop dat jullie hier iets aan hebben.
Een warme groet aan alle krullebollen en de niet krullebollen!
Hallo lieve schat! Happy New Year! Ik heb de film gezien en het maakte me verdrietig. Echt. Veel zwarte dames zijn boos op Chris Rock omdat zij denken dat hij hun geheimen (over nephaar) heeft blootgelegd. Ik vind het grappig dat deze zwarte dames die klagen denken dat niemand kan zien dat zij met nephaar (weave) rondlopen. Waarom zijn zij boos op Chris Rock? Omdat hij laat zien dat veel mannen graag het haar van een vrouw willen strelen terwijl deze vrouwen dat niet willen (vanwege de weave)?
Er is een webshop hier in Nederland, http://www.blaac.com, waar je videos bestellen uit Amerika kunt bestellen. Kijk ook bij de Amerikaanse boekwinkel hier in Nederland, http://www.abc.nl. Kijk wel eerst op google of je je dvd speler regio vrij kunt maken. Ik geef mijn complimenten aan Chris Rock. Jammer dat de film niet hier te zien is. Je kent mij, ik hou van open discussie. Het is het snelste manier om te groeien.
Love Your Hair!
Lori
Hello Lori,
Last year I saw Chris Rocks’documentary on ‘black hair’, and I actually liked it a lot, especially the part where he showed the damaging effect of NaOH on chicken skin. It wasn’t untill 5 months ago that I myself decided to stop using relaxers, after burning part of my scalp. (And this while my sister has been natural for years and my brother is sporting twists al the time…)For so long I thought that my hair was just not manageble and looked ‘unprofessional’ in its natural state. Many people still think this way because 1) ‘nappy’ hair is not amongst the beauty standard in western society, and therefore 2) people are being kept ignorant on how to take care of their hair.
So I spent (and still do spend) hours on the internet gathering information about taking care of ‘nappy’ hair, and I am happy that there are people like yourself that own a company promoting natural hair care.
What I don’t understand I why Asians in America have been dominating the black hair industry for so many years. In the Netherlands and Surinam Indian-originated and Pakistanis dominate the black hair industry! I can go on and on discussing this subject, but I basically think this is ridiculous!
I just needed to get this off my chest.
Lori , keep up the good work,
Kind regards,
Janice
Hi Janice,
Thanks for the compliment. These past 7 1/2 years with Mariposa Import has truly been a learning experience. I am glad that you have stopped using relaxers. If one really wants to straighten their hair, they can do it without a relaxer. We do not know fully the long term effects of using such harsh chemicals on our bodies. I have worked in corporate with natural hair before it came back in style. For me wearing my hair natural is not a fad, or a trend. This is who I am. We as people are color, have to stop looking outside for self-acceptance. Love starts from within. I am so grateful for the many sistas who also share their knowledge on YouTube videos. The hair industry is sticking their head in the sand. They do not want to let go of relaxers, extensions and Keratin straighteners. Bald black women is big business.
I have been harassed by the folks you mentioned in your post with my business. I have gone to shows where they have stuck their fingers in my face. I have been at events where I had to call security. The only reason some are in it is for the money not for the care or love. I have experienced pure nastiness. Did you know that less than 10% of black hair industry is owned by black people?
As for myself I would not support a store that follows me around like a criminal. If I walk into a store and they begin to follow me around, I walk out immediately. Sometimes I yell, is the reason you are following me around the store is because I am black and you think I am going to steal something. I will not engage in a cat and mouse game. Respect is only given to those who demand it. I know who I buy from whether it is my clothing, food, hair products. Janice, please continue these discussions. Only awareness combined with action will make the change. I am a people loving person but the hostile practices must end. It is time.