Hair Esteem, a Missing Piece in Mental Health

"Recently, people around the world marked World Mental Health Day, a time to reflect on how we care for our minds and bodies. Yet one dimension of mental health remains virtually absent from the conversation, one that sits in plain sight, on our heads. For women, Black women, and girls, in particular, hair isn't just a style; it is a crucial part of mental health and well-being."

"Mainstream mental health discourse continues to ignore what many Black psychologists, clinicians, and women have long understood: how we see, feel about, and care for our hair is an overlooked component of psychological well-being. For Black women and girls, hair becomes a source of judgment, exclusion, or fear, and the consequences extend far beyond appearance. They shape life outcomes, discriminatory experiences, and, by extension, self-worth, safety, and identity."

"Research shows that hair-based bias starts early and runs deep. The Crown Research Study found that Black women are 3.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional because of their hair, and over half of Black girls experience hair discrimination before age 5. A Duke University study reinforced this reality: identical resumes were rated differently depending on hairstyle, with natural textures judged as "less professional.""

Hair influences mental health, especially for women, Black women, and girls. Mainstream mental health discourse overlooks how hair perception, feelings, and care contribute to psychological well-being. Hair becomes a source of judgment, exclusion, and fear, affecting life outcomes, discrimination, self-worth, safety, and identity. The Crown Research Study found Black women are 3.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional because of their hair, and over half of Black girls experience hair discrimination before age five. A Duke University study showed identical resumes received different ratings based on hairstyle, with natural textures judged as less professional. Chronic vigilance about hair creates stress that erodes self-esteem and belonging.

Read at Psychology Today