This is why the older generation frown against afro-hair

Students are often required to cut their hair very short, which is believed to reduce stress and distractions, allowing them to focus on their studies.

However, teachers went as far as putting scissors in the hair of students and cutting a part of it just to get them to cut their hair.

it looked like our authorities were too keen on us keeping the hair very low.

Also, in most homes, the elders frown on keeping the afro hair, for women it is either you get a perm or cut it short and for the boys, it should always be a low cut no matter what.

The dislike towards afro hair among older generations in African communities is rooted in historical reasons, specifically the prevalence of lice in the past.

In the days when lice were a common problem, keeping hair very short or tightly braided were practical solutions.

Lice were highly contagious, easily spreading from one person to another, causing significant discomfort.

There was a time when lice had become a serious and uncontrollable predicament and haircutting or tight braids had become a must for people living within that era.

As a result, older generations adopted practices like cutting hair short or braiding it tightly to curb the spread of lice.

With the advent of colonization and globalization, perming creams (hair relaxers) were introduced as a solution to this problem.

Permed hair became a popular choice and was widely accepted, even among men.

Over time, advancements in hair care have provided various methods to maintain clean and lice-free afro hair.

However, the cultural preference for shorter hair persisted among older generations, despite the availability of more modern and effective hair care techniques.

This aversion to Afro hair has been passed down through generations, becoming an ingrained cultural preference.

Many elders may not even know the historical origins of this preference; it is simply a dislike that has been inherited from their ancestors.

As a result, even though there are now numerous ways to maintain afro hair in a healthy and hygienic manner, the deep-rooted cultural bias against it continues to prevail in some communities.

It is essential to recognize the historical context behind these attitudes and work towards promoting acceptance and understanding of diverse hair types within African communities.

Education and awareness about modern hair care practices can help bridge the gap between generations, fostering a more inclusive and accepting society where individuals are free to embrace their natural hair textures.

Check it out here!

Afro-Hair: Why the older generation frown against it

Even in educational settings, this historical preference for short hair has translated into strict grooming policies in schools.

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