Good Hair Vs Bad Hair Summary

Madame C.J. Walker rejected the idea of Black is Beautiful, and in her opinion the pressing comb and chemical relaxers are oppressive since they symbolize the shame associated with black hair in its natural state. Straightening of the hair also became representational of the self-hatred theory in the Black Panther movement, since wearing natural hair was deemed as a decision to challenge mainstream descriptions of beauty.

The second point that I will review is how each book evaluates what society defines as “Good Hair” and “Bad Hair”. Rooks specifies how the advertisements during the Progressive era was mainly comprised of products that guaranteed straight hair and bleaching creams to lighten dark skin. The language used in the description

for these products depicted how skin that was dark, hair that was kinky, and did not flow loosely was considered as “Bad” features (pg. 35). Rooks states how beauty advertisements made explicit claims regarding the necessity of obtaining straight hair and its relation to social and economic advancement.
Therefore, it is evident how Black women began to feel undesirably towards their features and felt pressured to modify their image for societal acceptance. Rooks also included statistics that helped confirm her philosophies, one of which that stated, in 1992, according to cosmetic industry publications African Americans in the United States represented 19% of the cosmetic market, and bought 34% of all hair care products designed to straighten the hair.
As opposed to Rooks, Banks data was conceived through ethnographic research.

One of the benefits of an ethnography is the fact that there are no assumptions being made. It allows the researcher to assess and record the authentic and individualistic opinions of the individuals pertaining to the research topic. In Banks case, it provided the reader with an uncensored opinion on natural hair. Hence, most of the women reiterated the theories of the “Good Hair” and “Bad Hair” debate. In chapter 1, during a conversation with a Woman named Sheila and Raine they both have constructed their own distinctions between the two variances. Sheila describes “Good Hair” as a marker of privilege in the eyes of those who have it as well as those who

don’t.
On the contrary, Raine states that individuals with long straight hair are more favorable than those with shorter, kinkier and nappier hair. Raine continues to say that individuals with nappy hair are less favored and she believes that it was passed on during slavery when darker skinned and nappier hair women worked out in the field while the lighter skinned and longer hair women remained in the house. This indicates that there was a favoritism that White men enacted on and an ideology that Blacks have adapted. Both Women validate the point that Banks was expecting to imply which is that Black Women’s beauty is molded through an understanding about hierarchies that are based on hair and skin color.
The third point that I will review is how each book relates hair to power. Rooks declared that Walker’s encouraged others to shift themselves away from being financially dependent on men and to control their own capital. Walker contributed to the racial uplift of Black women. This era in history called for a broadening of women’s participation in the public realm and critiqued ideologies that women should remain solely in their homes.
During an interview with Banks and a woman named Indigo, she specifies how power for Black women in choosing to wear their natural hair is somewhat of a revolutionary act, since it is going against the grain and against societal standards of appearance. Banks clarify how Black women are taught that nappy hair is a badge of shame and relates power as in the confidence Black women have once they decide to wear their hair as is. By Indigo expressing that her stance is to reject mainstream notions of beauty and external validations. Indigo’s comments demonstrate the relationship to the broader social and political concerns of Black women.
Banks and Rooks both articulate the meaning of power distinctly from one another. Rooks defines power as the ability to challenge dominant social and political ideologies, and how hair can be used as a method to gain economic independence. On the other hand, Banks research participants define natural hair as an act of empowerment for the individual. One thing both Authors have in common is that they are both cognizant of the correlation between hair and power for Black women.
Although, Hair Raising provides awareness on the vital role of the media in projecting biased perceptions of beauty, there was no focal point from her text. There was a multitude of information conveyed, but unfortunately, only a few topics were briefly expanded on. Consequently, it created gaps for the reader and on their understanding of her ideologies. Although her book flows in chronological order there were gaps in the historical data that did not explain the advancement into a new era. Rooks provided insignificant details about Walker, without stating the connection to the subject, it often appeared as if she had abandoned the topic altogether. It mainly followed the life of Walker so intently that its assumptions could have been inaccurate, and the assumptions were solely based on Walker’s life experiences assuming that It represented the majority of Black women.
Banks ethnographic study was very thorough and she allowed the research participants to discuss their feelings in everyday settings to allow an informal discourse to occur as she theoretically analyzed the feelings of Black women of diverse backgrounds and various ages. In contrast Rooks decided to take a personal approach and allow the life of Madam C.J. Walker to theoretically predict the logic of other Black Women and their hair decisions. Banks ethnographic research is shaped around the real-life experiences of Black Women, while Rooks makes more assumptions on how Black Women felt. However, Banks only provided a small synopsis on opposing views from interview participants and gave more elaboration to those who aligned with her overall views on the topic.
Banks and Rooks both classify that hair is a way people not only define others, but how they define themselves as well.

Even though, both authors articulate their thoughts in dissimilar ways both of their theories agree on the main theme that hair is a badge of cultural pride that reflects notions about perceptions, identity, and self-esteem. Although both authors had great claims, Banks research entirely verified my reasoning on how the stigma surrounding hair is based on preconceived notions of westernized laws of beauty. To understand the shame on natural hair we must recognize the historic connection between Hair and the Black Women’s Social Identity. Once you assess society’s definitions of “Good Hair” and “Bad Hair” only then will one perceive the reasoning on society’s pressure for Black Women to alter their natural hair and adapt to dominant ideologies of beauty.

Banks and Rooks research on Black women’s beauty occurred in the 1990’s. As time has progressed, so has the politics surrounding Black women’s hair. Both Authors create an opportunity for discussion, and provides a foundational framework for modern scholars to investigate the current laws of hair for Black women in America. Since much has changed, while certain ideologies have remained stagnant. Despite the controversy on natural hair, going natural was the best hair decision that I’ve made thus far. I have never felt more beautiful, or freer from society’s limitations and stipulations on

beauty.
“Oh, the happy that I have found in my nappy”.