Melissa Harris Perry- How black hair matters

[@AceofSpadesgirl]

Her silver afro is everything!

[@christinetomaro5399]

Zahrea Hill yes absolutely beautiful 🤩

[@Rhonpatout30]

Gorgeous afro! Work it sista!!!!

[@allycinb]

I think its beautiful that everyone at the table has a different style but each is gorgeous!

[@si44ll26]

That beautiful grey hair!

[@ayolovephat]

I know right. Beautiful, glorious, elegant silver ball. I love it!

[@LeahandAmyLindsey]

Thank you for being honest on air about this important topic. I am a white foster parent of black children who does their hair. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to open dialogue with history and true emotions described. Amazing video. It is unfortunate that most people are ignorant about this subject. Thank you!!!!!

[@YouTubeUzername]

Melissa's twists are EVERYTHING!

[@figphil2874]

Anything, that few people have, is unique and special. If your hair looks close, to black culture hair, you have to have some kind of Black blood down the line, in you we are the only people with this, type of hair. The animals that are included are the sheeps, and certain type of dog (poodle and sheep dog) Everybody, eventually fits into the melting pot, except us.

[@howcanyoudothistome1]

i love our hair. i think its the best. We have the ability to do sooo much to it that others ccan't and now we are learning to embrace it .

[@robinstuart1989]

People constantly ask to touch my hair, AND People ask me if its real When I get braids, white people, and latinos constantly complement me I encourage natural hair, and boycott weaves This topic is a crucial one and needs to be discussed more I know many black women are afraid to wear their hair naturally... SAD

[@chinouyamale]

can I say that I love that this sister's got a lisp!I so respect that her intelligence and professionalism is so powerful!

[@Spottychan]

African American hair has always fascinated me. As a Caucasian female, I can go to any store and just grab a single bottle of product, spend 15mins in the shower and go on my day. African American woman just can't. The amount of time and dedication they must take to keep their hair strong and healthy is amazing. I am mesmerized watching the KZbin videos of women of African decent going through the daily care of their hair and the hair for their daughters. It puts my "struggle" to get my own daughter to just brush out her hair every morning into a new perspective. I think women, regardless of race, should be able to wear their hair as they desire, without guilt or shame.

[@albertareid8776]

Dana Taylor Thank you I agree

[@albertareid8776]

Dana Taylor That whats they choose to do

[@memesow1834]

Thank u . U are the small percent of whites that understand thank very muchPeace ✌🏾 blessings 🙏🏾and 🌴 coconut oil

[@sheilaorangd1967]

We sometime as a people I'm talking about all people if it doesn't look normal it's not good we have to remember there was laws that said we could not wear our hair uncovered because it was so ugly and we still have that mentality if you color your hair is because you want to especially in the summertime so that the sun won't get to your hair or you use an umbrella whatever it maybe so it won't get to your skin because sun isn't good for your skin for a long period of time even though we have melanin in our skin the average black woman all these things was instilled in us about out here we had bad hair what is good for your hair and what is not some people can take coconut oil and boy that he loves it but some women can't so find the products that are good for you

[@lorebay2593]

Dana Taylor, we can. All our hair is not the same, there are many textures, curls, loose, tight and it is not really difficult to deal with, actually it is very easy. What you have to do is know your hair type and what to do with “your” hair. It is a learning process. After years of relaxing my hair to work in my career as I got older my hair was just tired of the heat game of press and curl, relaxed hair and it began to rebel, would not hold a curl and became limp and falling out. I remember when I was young all mom did wash wash, a little vaseline and pony tail it, but sometimes near holidays she would press it with heat and curl it which was time consuming but beautiful. So I wanted to get my hair back. At this time I was not working so now is the time to transition. I told my husband this is coming off, I’m going back to get my natural hair. I began to cut and inch or two every month when I began to see it grow out. I cut it all down to about 3inches, he hated it, but I love it, I see the tight curl. I washed condition and shaped my Afro with my hands and go. It was so easy and so freeing. As time went on it grew and I began to see it stretch out in waves. I tried many different products to see what works on my hair. I found two that really work well, now I just wash, apply a styling gel and go, so easy 15 min. I’m done. Next morning, wet my hands comb through my hair with my fingers to shape it and go. To make different styles sometimes I wash, twist 40 minutes but the style last a week, so i wake up primp and go. Take it down it is wavy, wear it 2 days and wash gel and go. Once you learn what you hair does, what works and what doesn’t, it is easy. I’ve learned that water is key, when my hair does not cooperate, rinse, and gel to get it back in shape. I also learned that it looks best for about 3days, to keep it at best, I wash every 3 days, but once a week is good for upkeep. I encourage it, find what works for you and set yourself free. it will give you a lot of time back to do other things.

[@martintod2006]

Black women can rock any look. What a panel. I am in love.

[@PureButterflies]

I have spent my whole life with my hair trying to conform to a standard of hair texture that was never my own. Saying to myself my hair is not manageable without a relaxer, I look prettier with straight hair, I want looser curls because its considered better. But what I realized is that those are all lies. I like so many black women fed into lies that our hair isn't good enough just in its natural curly, kinky, coiled texture. But it is!!!!!!!! I am now ready to truly embrace my hair texture the way it grows out of my scalp, and no longer will I care what anyone else has to say. I'm going to rock my wash n go's, and twist and be proud because God made my hair curly, kinky, and coiled and in his eyes its beautiful. This third time go natural will be forever this time around, and I won't go back to any chemical, I don't need it. I never did.

[@AnniesLocs]

Such powerful information, iv been natural all my life but always wanted to be relaxed as i never knew how to care for it. Videos and hair gurus and knowledge, makes me proud to be natural, embracing my natural tresses. I love my hair and everyone else should do to.

[@MillieMaa]

These women are so beautiful!!!

[@MissRichTV]

Black is BEAUTIFUL our hair, our skin, we are a diverse group of people, and I love how we can all relate to this segment.

[@lisacobr]

I'm really confused. I am a black woman so before I begin let me say this is coming from a space of love. But to hear other black women talk as if there's a "pain" associated with this "decision" to go natural, boggles my mind. It not political, it just looks better. It's Goddess hair, sexy, earthy, "he just can't keep his hands off of you," hair. The fried, greasy looking curls and dead stringy boring, "I'm afraid of my awesome sexuality," hair, is really not cute. It's definitely not sexy. It's puritanical like the people who imposed the standard on us. We've been conditioned by a dominant culture that constantly says, "Oh your hair is ugly, your lips are ugly your butt is ugly etc... Yet the people from this group run out trying to have everything we have. It's a classic case of jealousy and it's so obvious. "I want what you have but I can't really have it, so let me make you feel like it's undesirable." I don't understand why so many of us fall for it. Our men most of all. When you get out of this country men all over the world love black women and I mean the things about us that are intrinsically us, our kinky hair, our butts, our skin, our full lips. In Latin America they call it TUMBAO which means African sexiness. This whole thing here is a big scam, being run on us, trying to confuse us. When you see black women in Brazil, Africa etc... earthy, natural sexy goddesses, they are some of the most sought after women on earth. I see sisters here starting to realize their own power, shedding emotional baggage along with the wacked weaves and perms. Our hair is gorgeous. I've never had a relaxer, my mother never had a relaxer, so maybe it's that factor that helps me see it so clearly. But honestly, I say to you sisters and brothers don't fall for the okie doke. Black people are beautiful and that's why we have so many haters, trying to distract us from that truth.

[@tawhneebaby]

the problem is that a lot of our mothers did have weaves and perms. I remember getting my first perm in 6th grade, my grandmother at age 76 still gets perms. it is considered easier for outsiders to accept us. the thing about going natural is the perceived notion that you are "giving the finger" to the comfort of outsiders. in most cases outsiders are not part of your decision, but that is what makes it political.

[@noggie3041]

lisacobr

[@albertareid8776]

lisacobr I couldn't have said it's any clearer,

[@emilyeerosew]

it's not political? then why have they said its ok to discriminate against black hairstyles in military, employment and school telling girls to cut, straighten hair not to wear braids, cornrows, dreads, or afros

[@Rhonpatout30]

You say men from other countries "love" us. Sorry, but that doesn't sound like love, that sounds like non-Black men wanting to fuck us. Sorry, but non-Black men lusting after ass and skin tone, hardly equates to love, its sexual desire. I'm not impressed by non-Black man seeing us as sexual objects, and I absolutely HATE non Black men and women, reaching to touch my Sisterlocs.. Its offensive, intrusive, and just plain rude. I handle that rudeness by putting up my arm, and blocking their hand, and add a firm "NO!!!! DO NOT TOUCH MY HAIR!!!! With that said, Black women need to stop acting as if Black men don't love our natural hair. They have been making that clear....that they do love our hair....for about 20 years. Many hate weaves and permed hair. If non-Black men lusting over Black women impresses Black women, keep in mind that non-Black men lusting after us, does not equate to respect of Black women, again, they are expressing their desire to get some of that booty. Black women need to just be honest and admit that they don't like their own hair, and that they need non-Black men to validate their self worth.

[@trnigyul]

IKR!...they all look so gorgeous and regal, i love it.

[@1naturalhairportugal]

I'm so proud of you girls. I almost cried. I never thought I'd live to see this in my life, we black women proud of our hair.

[@anyas8714]

All of this made me want to cry - but the thing that hit me the hardest was when the Street car actress was talking about her baby girl. I never thought of my hair as being influential until I gave birth to my daughter and started to do her hair myself. That's why I decided to BC, that's why I am dealing with my TWA and fighting the temptation to just throw my hair

[@kaleba5203]

This is so interesting and eye opening. I'm white, and expectedly I have no first hand and very little second/third hand experience with black hair. But, as someone who loves hair, black hair naturally interests me because I /don't/ know much about that part of the hair world. The more I learn, the more I realize how the way black women wear and are pressured to wear their hair hugely relates to basically society's entire racial structure. I want to be involved in this movement because I feel it's such an important movement.

[@kmcc5051]

Kaira A After 2 years, what is your involvement with the Black hair movement? Thx

[@mfmarshall4478]

K McC I find it funny how white people just find there way to forums that have nothing to do with them. Why is that.

[@Rhonpatout30]

I really wish white females would stay the hell out of our hair discussions. That said, I am so happy to see Black women wearing their natural hair. The weave industry is a multi-billion dollar hair business. Hair restoration and products to regrow hair that has been damaged by and hair lines destroyed, are becoming popular. Wigs have made a huge comeback, as more and more Black women are ditching the relaxers and weaves, and proudly wearing their own hair. I have been wearing sisterlocs for almost 20 years. They are expensive to maintain, but are worth the money. They are a much less heavier version of traditional locs, which can break near the scalp from the weight. I don't allow my sisterlocks to grow longer than 16 inches, when they grow past 16 inches, have my sisterlock-tician cut them.

[@shantiturbicornielle5058]

.....what's wrong with a White woman being supportive of a movement PS: I'm latin

[@ln4104ify]

Thanks, appreciate your comment. Wish more whites felt the way did.

[@MsRockstar013]

These women are sooo beautiful!

[@yggiz06]

"Don't push mommy in the pool" The real reason black kids don't push mommy in the pool is because they value their lives, not because they are worried about ruining her hair.

[@rozziethomas8037]

Ok, but, why?

[@rozziethomas8037]

Is it because some can't swim? (Because lots of white, yellow, light brown, basicly all people, can't swim.)

[@estherstrategicadvisor749]

Rozzie Thoons The answer was actually in the interview. The average Black person's hair usually shrinks into a tighter curl pattern that looks like the lady with the Afro when wet. Also most ladies spend a lot of money to go to the salon once a week and the hairstyle has to last all week. White people washing their hair daily only started in the 80's. Women of all ethnicities used to go to the beauty parlor once a week to straighten, get curls or perm their hair.

[@memesow1834]

Rozzie Thomas it's a joke😂they value their lives as in the mom will whop them if they push them in the pool not because they can't swim my moms black and she can swim but if I push her in the pool she will end my life 💀💀

[@livlovsucceed3894]

You missed the entire point of that statement. Re-watch the video.

[@taraquinch1256]

This as a great discussion. Also if you can't relate to the topic. Keep it moving. I don't make comments about the issue with artificial tanning beds or tanning spray; something I can't relate to. I don't add negative comments or try to put someone down. It just a sure of information and I keep it moving.

[@albertareid8776]

Tara Quinch I agree with you 100%

[@sheshabrown7813]

it is a shame that BET don't really show real black women with real black hair(natural, and braids) not that i care being that rap music has been corrupt by commercialism but little black boys and girls don't get to see real black people that is why i love seeing the increase of women going natural

[@marklance5921]

BET is run by white people, not too much credit is given to black people

[@rainrankin7295]

Yah. I'm not saying that these are not real black women, but they always show women with all the make up and fake hair, they don't ever show that on BET. I also want to see that more on every other channel to, but specifically on BET, because we are black and our beauty is based off if unreal things. I just love my natural beauty and know hair is not everything, looks aren't everything. But confidence is, knowing that you were born worth feeling beautiful is, know matter how you naturally look you should feel absolutely beautiful.🌺

[@RiCristy]

It's also a shame that BET constantly displays shows where black women are either being loud, promiscuous, or side chicks.

[@carlraymondpierre1858]

RiCristy BET= almost black television - Paul Mooney

[@rebelsneverdie]

braids are not a "real black" thing.... were in a major mixed race culture and world now. so real what ? real ? who ?. its not real black people or white people...its just real fuckin people.

[@cysyca]

This was the best video I've ever watch and I love my natural hair. My daughter who is over 21 decided to go natural mainly because she sees how much her mother now embraces her natural hair. Thank you for discussing this.

[@albertareid8776]

Some people are jealous Of natural hair

[@peridot0408]

Great video... I personally started going natural after I had my daughter. I wanted her to see that we have a vast versatility in how we choose to look.

[@LorIanIriE]

We need more conversations like these in America. Globally!

[@ecstaticblues]

thank you for this. The fact you encourage your daughter by saying look all you can do with you hair. Most can't and that makes it beautiful. I'm gonna keep that in mind for when I have children.

[@talicia18]

Some people will never understand this conversation if it doesn't apply to your culture. Like any culture hair does matter either way but its not talked about much.

[@racqueldillon3560]

This is such a necessary conversation! I don't know why anyone who hasn't experienced the issues discussed would come on here and voice an opinion. Millions of black women aren't making this up. And we were not the first ppl to make an issue of our hair. That decision was made for us. From chopping it off to take away our cultural identities to making us cover it up so as not to entice non black men. Look that up if you don't believe it. And then calling the natural hair that grows out of our heads unprofessional. Women have been fired for wearing their hair the way it naturally grows. And as far as black men having a say in "our women's hair" - only your own daughter until she is an adult. Racism is cannot be perpetuated by a minority group. The position of power of the majority make that impossible. So in a white patriarchal society such as ours blacks know the history of discrimination, hatred, rape, kidnappings, murder, etc perpetuated against them by a group of ppl and hate the privilege that allowed them to commit these acts. When many black ppl say they hate whites, they don't mean individuals. They usually mean any white who supports white privilige( anynone who hates them) Hatred or hateful acts committed by anyone is not OK whether black, white or other. But they most likely will be considered criminal if the perpetrator is black. This is ppls real, everyday lives and not the unexposed lifestyles of many of the commentors here. You can't discount someone else's experience because it isn't your own. If you have not witnessed or experienced anything discussed here, be grateful because ppl are living and DYING it everyday. Anyone who thinks this isn't an issue is happily ignorant or in denial. I've always worn my hair natural and have been told by ppl to get a relaxer or straighten it. I will take my curls any day, but thanks for the suggestion.

[@solusovium5007]

+Racquel Dillon I love the way you think and I am a black man and truly do appreciate a woman how she is and not how she is told to be. BEAUTIFUL because God made her that way and did not intend for his people to bleach or stain their skin and hair. Yewah (Meaning Jeseus in Hebrew) made us in his IMAGE (Revelations 1:14-15). The birth of civilization Including the bible came from Africa. Our Hair is both political and a statement of liberation from the Eurocentric leading pioneers of society. And I am not Afrocentric just have and still doing research by the mighty Yeshua's name! All the answers are right before are eyes! My people are waking up and realizing a beauty that they have always had. Without the chemical relaxer and the skin bleach cream.

[@solusovium5007]

+Hair Care Just gotta figure out how to braid my Fro lol!

[@webdesignerguy]

+Racquel Dillon "Racism is cannot be perpetuated by a minority group". Seriously? So if a black person commits a racially motivated assault on someone, they're not racist? "When many black ppl say they hate whites, they don't mean individuals. They usually mean any white who supports white privilige". Well then they should say they hate white supremacists, not white people. Don't start a conversation by saying that you hate the ethnic group I'm a part of, and then expect me to sympathize with you for having experienced racism.

[@MCWon212]

+Racquel Dillon Racism has nothing to do with power. If you hate someone simply for their skin color, you are in fact a racist. White, black, brown, or yellow. Power or no power. Have a nice day.

[@PAFloridian]

+Racquel Dillon honestly, who the fuck cares?

[@liawatson5789]

Wow! Curly nicki is beautiful!😍😍

[@ladylamb1967]

I LOVE this conversation about Natural Hair. Awesome!!!

[@VusiJabu]

Beyonce's recent braided hair is a good reference point on the policing of black women's hair. comments like Beyquisha, as if braids make her less of the successful black woman she is, as though that style of wearing her hair is in correlation to her IQ. we have internalized the wrong ideals about ourselves.

[@darleneniles9391]

Glow Mamiii it does she wanna look k stupid then she will be considered stupid .

[@germyw]

Thank you for uploading this sister, whoever you are.

[@chico5817]

As my mother would say.."its not whats on your head, its whats in it." Blacks folks, we need to catch a clue.

[@shemmy8467]

My mom said this all the while I was growing up and still says it!! You have a smart mom!! (:

[@abalb9321]

Evester Edd I am pretty sure we know that and these ladies have it both brains and beautiful hair but thanks for the reminder anyways.

[@sheilaorangd1967]

Can I call you could have did a better job on your hair you have lovely hair I've seen you in wigs but you have lovely here but you could have done something better you could have went to a beautiful salon and let them help you with your hair because that does not become you it's 2018 and we can do so much with our hair to make it looks like we really care about here I feel that a lot of women they go oh well you know this is my head this is what it is goes in for just natural hair our here is very delicate so we have to take care of it

[@sheilaorangd1967]

My daughter's friend her daughter is black or African-American if what you want to call it and she has waist-length hair and it's 4A 4B hair she couldn't do anything with her daughter's hair because of the length of her hair and it was a lot to do and the child didn't want to sit still so she took her to a professional and that is the best thing to do for the simple reason she could have pulled her hair outbreak take her to a professional stay there with her so that you can be a good support for her to let her know that the reason why you sending her to a professional because you want the best for her and this professional you know would know how not to pull or tug and when she sees mommy there she will be reassured

[@TheDtfamu89]

It's nice that some of us are starting to like how we look wearing our own natural hair. It took me years to come to grips with me extremely kinky hair. I love my locks now and wonder what the heck took me so long.

[@ejakaegypt]

Lol these angry white comments tho!!

[@albertareid8776]

Lucifer Laveaux I agree with you 100% (jealousy) African American people can do so much with their hair

[@d.joseph98]

floyd schott lol it's funny how y'all whites hate our natural hair but make tutorials on how to make straight into an Afro.

[@mfmarshall4478]

floyd schott white people are known for getting and having lice. You know that.

[@christinetomaro5399]

Lucifer Laveaux all you have to do is look @ YOUR community to see all the anger. Your music, your dance, even your literature. Yet, you have no problem still enslaving YOURSELVES to all the government handouts. Where would you be w/ out ebt, & section 8 housing.

[@user-st3vq5yg7k]

@@christinetomaro5399 Yet white people use Foodstamps and welfare more than blacks. White people also have the same percent as blacks for section 8.

[@CarmenJonesOne]

Love it...I'm inspired. Thank you.

[@albertareid8776]

Black, natural hair are beautiful

[@jeromethompson3825]

"Black queens... you look better without the weave"! ~ A black man. 🙏🏾❤

[@Roddykris]

Jesus has a woolly hair, and woolly is what you see there in the video.

[@andrewmorris7654]

Jesus did not have woolly hair. He had coarse hair, like all middle eastern people do. It could have been a jewfro he had.

[@Roddykris]

He did have a woolly hair. He is not from middle east. Those are big lies.

[@andrewmorris7654]

Christopher Chukwunyere He did not have woolly hair.

[@Oceananswer]

Christopher Chukwunyere It says he was from the middle East in the bible. And its more likely he never existed

[@andrewmorris7654]

Oceananswer Wrong,he actually did exist.

[@albertareid8776]

All you guys are so beautiful with your natural hair

[@aoki556]

some of these comments are ridiculously ignorant.

[@christinetomaro5399]

Well, look where they are coming from.

[@emaculant42000]

I'm loving my natural hair and wouldn't change nothing about it for no one else. I think it's bold, healthy, beautiful, different, etc. There's nothing like it!

[@benaiah93]

#BlackHairMatters

[@xKLUsive08]

This video gives me chills! These women are well-spoken and beautiful!!

[@cleodontina1]

Why do African Americans always start their history with slavery? Hair has always been very important and political to Africans. Dig into that a bit more. You care a lot about your hair because your ancestors attached a lot of value to hair. It was symbolic of people's political status, marital status and many other things.Your history began before slavery.

[@bryannabarnett4557]

It's because african-AMERICAN culture begins at slavery

[@cleodontina1]

+Bryanna Barnett Incorrect. that's the beginning of their American history not their African history. They should not omit the 'African' aspect of 'African-American'.

[@brianatippens3010]

+cleodontina1 100% agree. Most black people don't know anything about their African identity. If you're going to talk about your experiences as an African-American, you can't just focus on the American aspect and forget the role that your African heritage played.

[@starsareangels]

+Bryanna Barnett Exactly right dear one.

[@destinyafinni1147]

+Bryanna Barnett But what most African Americans fail to realize is that you came from somewhere, even the whites came from somewhere, Europe, so know that Africa is where your roots are and dig a little deeper than "oh well our history started from slavery", because it didn't.

[@snsnoddy]

Such a powerful and very relevant conversation. There is always somebody of diff races assuming my political stance or mentality based on my hair. I like several of you enjoy the flexibility of natural hair. I can color it, flat iron it, twist it, braid it,....the options endless. Thank you for posting this. It feels good to know that I am not alone in my feeling of being being judged simply based on my so called transition.

[@lemari178]

wow, we are in the 21st century and still some white Europeans in this country nit ready for a 1st lady in the white house with her natural afro texture hair , it's so sad! WE are different, phenomenal women the most eccentric in the world, we love ourselves, we love our hair thank God for all different the ethnic stylist and hairstylist who style afro texture hair for a living!

[@breakpoint4match]

I'm two+ years natural, absolutely LOVING it, and NO ONE can steal my joy, freedom, and self-acceptance that I now have. I love how I no longer feel the need to "fit in". However, i think too much emphasis is put on HAIR...PERIOD!!! W

[@calvinmirandamoritz4507]

Comments for this video make me want to destroy humanity even more so than Breaking Bad fans ever did.

[@Thiefree]

This is fascinating! It's so great to see intelligent, impassioned, and well-mannered discourse like this. I don't think we have anything similar in Britain.

[@lisaaugustin9761]

if black people had honor we wouldnt have to exlpain nothing to the world !!!

[@Tebbles07]

Love this!!!!!!! I'm feeling so inspired..

[@D00FY]

This woman has more than 80% European genetics, I guarantee it.

[@theadversary1188]

+Lunar Cactus Yet to you she will always be a Black woman. All of these women are Black because it's how they define themselves.

[@theadversary1188]

Darrell Danos That's not what I am talking about baria. In this country, the United States of America, Mariah Carey is considered a Black woman even though she is less than 50% Black due to her Afro-Venezuelan father and White mother. In this country, Halle Berry is considered a Black woman even though she is 50% Black and 50% White. In this country, President Barack Obama is considered a Black man even though he is only 50% Black. Why are all of these people classified as Black by White people? Because there's this thing that was created in this country BY Whites called "the one drop rule". It mean one drop of Black blood and you are Black. In this case, if you have one Black parent and one White parent, then to Whites, it makes them Black. All of these women clearly have African ancestry so they proudly define themselves as Black women. Not one of them on this panel look like they are over 50% White or anything else. Rachel Dolezal is a completely different story baria.

[@theadversary1188]

Darrell Danos Who do you think they are trying to be? Elaborate please.

[@D00FY]

+Amelia Meraux Dont play dumb. She wants black privilege so she can tell people what words to use and that you're racist if you don't obey.

[@D00FY]

+Amelia Meraux Who wouldn't want affirmative action and impunity to be racist?

[@LoquaciousPint]

I am glad to have heard the women discussing the perception of other people and how someone feels that they know who I am because of how my hair looks. So many times I have heard people say that they expected me to be a certain way or expect me not to appreciate other kinds of hair but for me, I appreciate all types of beauty my natural hair is simply a reflection of how much I love &appreciate my own as well. :]

[@nicobozzo545]

As a white latino (Italy/Spain blooded born in Argentina), sorry if I'm ignorant but I think black folks (or black bi/multiracial) is the only race with sucha hair texture vs white, asian, indians, arab, non-black latins, etc. Yet Melissa Harris-Perry is a lil cutie and looks damn fine in her long braids. Alotta blacks girls look great with long curly, braided, or twisted hair. But yeah I'd push for that pride like that girl said "oh my gosh you can do so many things" and "she loves herself but I had to work on that"

[@MsLotusBlooms]

Carlos Nico Wonderful comment Carlos.

[@nicobozzo545]

Tina Brown thanks :)

[@Angela-Renae]

the economy of black hair!...wow that is truly a MOUTHFUL!...this is a good piece..off to see part two...

[@gaffle-411]

Nicole Ari Parker looks sooooo much better with a natural. I was never really feeling her prior to seeing this natural look.

[@marilynwillett804]

Every single youtube site with black women SCREAMS; LOVE ME LOVE ME LOVE ME-TELL ME I'M A BEAUTIFUL QUEEN.

[@talentovision]

Wow its not just hair...its self-esteem, self-acceptance, mental health? l Like how some people are not getting this? Oh. Pure ignorance. Oh and its a woman's issue so of course it doesn't matter. We like our women to lack confidence and feel less than because of how they look. Like..please keep showing how IGNORANT you are!!! I'd like to know more!!!

[@1perle]

I so agree with you. It took me 15 years to accept who I was. My mom hated and discouraged me from having my hair nappy (I copied Lauryn Hill hairstyles a lot) I thought she was right for a long time until I started doing my locks 7 years ago and even though she was negative I still pursued my journey. Im so glad to see how it blossomed today and Im so proud of representing WHO I AM. Being natural has been such a struggle that I feel like a beautiful warrior :)

[@ladiebohiemia7302]

for me, my hair is a statement.

[@ladiebohiemia7302]

Lucifer Laveaux dont even waste ur breath. He is hopeless and he doesnt matter. The type ro have a lot to say behind a computer screen but bitch up in person.

[@albertareid8776]

Lucifer Laveaux I don't understand why this person is on the site, all black women discussion about their type of hair

[@cccurls]

I love this! What beautiful well spoken black women. I have natural hair and thank God for how he made me. We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

[@kaneicamcneil6775]

I think this is a great piece, though alot of viewers disagree who cares! There are alot of topics that should not be on tv, but THEY ARE.! Just because this does not apply to you, you the right to keep scrolling and watch another youtube video. Racism exists, PERIOD. As sad as it is, the way someone wears their hair brings that person attention, just as the way they choose to dress.

[@besttrick2]

Your right racism does exist, which is why this video is getting so much flack !!! Come on now, you know dam well that if they used a whole segment to talk about how wonderful white peoples hair is all these black liberal freaks would be franticly playing the race card and pissing their pants. Double standard here.

[@Altovise0214]

everyone of these women are beautiful with the variety brown shades, sizes, ages, and hair textures!!

[@albertareid8776]

It's no one business how you style your hair

[@ejdarly4733]

I used to feel sorry for myself a lot but I learned so much from all of the ladies on the internet on youtube and natural hair care forums and it's really been a blessing. I started out focused on my hair growing long and strong and it led me to improve the things I ate and start to exercise more. If you want health in you hair then your body has to receive it first then it will show through your hair skin and nails. This is why a lot of naturals decide to be vegans and vegetarians.

[@marineninga]

What happened to judge not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character?

[@thelasonj]

Oh what a welcomed discussion! In a day full of voices, this is the best thing I've heard today. Let's keep going with this hair talk. I'm 2 years "natural" and I couldn't be prouder!

[@LeeDee5]

has she forgotten her mother is white or does she lives her entire life ignoring that fact.

[@liawatson5789]

Is the host mixed race?

[@chevybelair1847]

+Lara Orane lol wouldn't saying that imply that

[@Tcbmap]

+Lynn D It`s everything else she talks about that makes people think she "forgot" that her mother is white.

[@Changamira]

+The Dee This video is titled why BLACK hair matters, not about who's other is white or not?? I have biracial relatives with more so called 'nappy' hair than I. Why detract from the subject

[@bbb-si8mb]

+The Dee but that would negate her race card

[@IrishCherryVixen]

Been natural almost 5 years and let me tell you I when I was in the military I got the most grief I have ever had in my life. I was told every day that my hair was not within regulations and that my hair was unkempt. It scarred me, I thought should perm it or just keep putting weave in it. I said screw that and I kept my real hair! I fought them every step of the way and I am so glad that I did! I had a SGM tell me one time "They have worn weave for so long they forgot what real hair looks like

[@recalcitrist1]

Pay attention to thith woman, Melitha Harrith-Perry. Thith ith what happens when you thuck your thumb too many years ath a child.

[@FeelinErie]

omggg you made me wake up everyone in the house with my laughter! XD

[@FightForMe73]

All is hear is "Thufferin Thuckitath!"

[@FightForMe73]

FeelinErie kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpzLgah-baxofsk

[@FightForMe73]

How much would you pay to go on here show and ask her "will you please say Mississippi?"

[@recalcitrist1]

Eye RULE In lieu of having Mellitha thay it, I'd like to thee her thpell it. It would go thumthing like thith..... M-i-eth-eth-i-eth-eth-i-p-p-i.

[@brianajones424]

This video gives me life! I have been natural for about two years but I recently decided to stop straightening it. I have received positive and negative responses as well as many inquiries from all races. I love doing many things with my hair and every style, no matter if it's natural, straight, relaxed, colored, in braids, or weave, I receive different responses from everyone and I have also notice I attract different people.

[@BrittCoin]

Sad that people out there believe their true identity is a superficial thing (hair, body, etc) and not within their hearts, souls and minds.

[@michaelj.4521]

So true, I have a saying "Beauty is only skin deep, but when your ugly, it goes to the bone".

[@YurrahAlHadi]

If you are not a "minority" or a women, you would not understand. Yes, the surface topic is about hair. The reason why so many black women are talking about this is because it is important to us. As people of color, especially of African descent, we have always been told that we are ugly. We are always told to hide the things that makes us most different from white people. Our hair, primarily, is the #1 thing that separate us from a lot of other ethnicities. Yes, other groups have curly hair, but ours is the most diverse and still a bit different. By loving our hair, it is allowing us to love other things about ourselves. Hair, is very feminine, so by loving our curly hair, we are redefining what it means to be beautiful for a women. The standard is changing. By loving our skin colors, we are stepping away from how white people want us to be. You cannot imagine going your whole life trying to change your hair or trying to understand why people cannot see that you are beautiful, or why other people are constantly looking down on you. It's freeing being able to be who you are. For many women, they are choosing to start with hair. Yes, it is not the only thing that define us, but it is a part of an individual. By saying, "My hair IS beautiful too." it's boosting another form of self confidence.

[@MsLotusBlooms]

Brittain Bush True, they do feel that way and it is in most cases. I admit, when I wear my hair out, I feel confident and attractive. Also, a lot more males compliment and talk me up when it's out. I normally wear it up most of the time and i feel humbled. There is a real difference in how i feel. I think that's what this is about, feeling good about having unique qualities, and reversing the mental programming that occurred about those qualities that are natural to them. But also, non-blacks have to do a lot of fighting against their natural selves too. Many of them straighten out curly or wavy hair everyday. Many of them devote a lot to time to excessive hair removal or hair bleaching regimens, skin care routines, weight management etc. Nobody is allowed to be completely authentic. We're all slaves to standards.

[@BrittCoin]

+Yurrah Al-Hadi "if you are not a minority or a woman, you would not understand." That's an incredibly racist statement. That I can't understand based on the color of my skin or the determination of my chromosomes. I doubt you'd say the same to a person who agrees with you even if they weren't a woman nor a minority

[@BrittCoin]

+Yurrah Al-Hadi "if you are not a minority or a woman, you would not understand." That's an incredibly racist statement. That I can't understand based on the color of my skin or the determination of my chromosomes. I doubt you'd say the same to a person who agrees with you even if they weren't a woman nor a minority

[@allabouttheoldschool]

love it...hate I dont have cable! Gosh this is a keeper...thanks for posting !

[@lucyrosevelt5274]

I have to say it....sooooo, everyone knew they had to show up in their "natural" hair for this show. lol

[@angelmclemore1785]

To show their support to black hair and how that's the whole topic? uh.....yeah?

[@thedivinehostess]

I wish I could've seen the whole show. This is so interesting!

[@ciphbudd7102]

I never seen Melissa Harris Perry with the poetic justice braids. She lookin good . Ijs

[@ejdarly4733]

I had a husband do that. When I told him I want my hair to be natural he said, "You need to stick to relaxers because your hair is nappy." He caused me to feel so ashamed the whole transition stage. Since he wanted a divorce I went natural 100% To my surprise a year later he said something that I thought I'd never hear him say: he said,"Your hair looks nice" He could have said that at least once before. IDK Maybe someone really taught him something Maybe he regretted being so cruel about my hair

[@PEB979]

This is getting so sick . The world investigating on black woman hair. All black women hair is not alike , and that is not a bad thing . All black women don't worry about going into the pool or shower . If I just got my hair done at home or salon of course it is normal not to want anything to happen to your new doo . Black women have the most versatile hair in the world and everyone else knows it but won't voice it . Whites with the fluent sarcasm questions and statements know what the heck they are doing and saying . Their game didn't work any more we have caught on long ago so depending on who you are speaking too except the behind slamming you might get for your sarcasm. Black is sooooo beautiful and different and not the normal [''''''''] . Someone needs to do a report on the smell of their scalp and the very thoughts of suicide if they don't get to color their hair . WHITE WOMAN if you didn't know who I was speaking of .

[@Lone432345]

Is there really people against black women wearing the hair anyway they want. Hey its your hair. Do what ever you want.

[@chico5817]

Black hair?? High unemploment, 70 percent or more out of wedlock births, high percent of black men in jail or caught up in the criminal justice system, black females highest rate of AIDS and STDs, lowest rate of males graduating high school, highest rate of poverty..AND YOU WANT TO DISCUSS HAIR!!. Thank you MHP and MSNBC for the diversion.

[@MissBRItesyde]

I totally get what you mean, but her show has touched on those topics as well in other segments, and also as silly as it may seem to some, beauty standards in the Black American community directly affect so many other aspects of our society. So although it seems asinine to discuss hair when all these other things are going on in the world, one also must remember the social implications of self image are a big deal in pretty much every culture on the globe, especially here in the States.

[@AnDamKalet]

ItsMeMissyBri Great comment. Too many blacks are still indoctrinated into believing that the only form of beauty is "white" beauty. Straight hair, thin nose, thin lips... But God made no race ugly. A white child raised in China where every symbol of beauty is chinese will grow up to believe that Chinese features represent beauty and that he or she is ugly. This is not racist, it's just human nature. The dominant culture dictates beauty. Blacks, Latins, Asians, Native Americans, we all have to learn to love ourselves and appreciate that we too are beautiful.

[@besttrick2]

MSNBC = desperate

[@AnDamKalet]

Caesar Augustus

[@MonicasPlace28]

Please go away. Please 😑

[@EFFECTUALDAME]

Enjoyed this! I actually decided to transition October 2012 as a personal preference. Just tired of the chemical processing. And the kinky curly texture is beautiful to me. I just was never taught how to manage or care for it. Now, I am educating myself.

[@alexanderelkorek]

I can't believe this is a real issue worthy of discussion.

[@TheSpiritOfTheTimes]

+Alexander Elkorek Well, it appears to be to black women. I guess you know better what is a worthy issue of discussion and what isn't.

[@D1E5ECT]

it isnt

[@darleneniles9391]

Lyn Grey no really it isn't

[@anewmeePassion]

omg finally someone who feels the same way about this like me. I think being a different race is beautiful either way and shows your uniqueness.

[@johnsmith-kj8jd]

Who is really judging black women's hair? other then black women..... and Tommy Sotomayer?

[@SmartArtzzz]

A lot of people surprisingly. Everyone has something to say about black hair and it's something they don't hesitate talking about. You don't know until your on the other side.

[@emanihoward5470]

Pretty much every employer, every corporation, many schools, the military, the list goes on.

[@memesow1834]

john smith everyone is judging black women hair do u know the number of black women and men that have been fired or scent home from school because of their hair get the fuck up out of here get educated please and thank u

[@Stir_The_Pot]

Beautiful clip.. thank you

[@chico5817]

According to Wikipedia, MHP was born from a black father and white mother. According to most black folks, she got "good hair." Whats the deal?

[@Libra_Strings]

These are the only type of "Black" people that they put up there to speak to us real Black people....

[@Pixelynx]

And only simpletons consider half black people as simply black...even when they're also half-*white* [or other races that are not african (descent)]. This is why you generally only see those people shown doing these things, and you rarely see the black women who don't look mixed doing so or shown in a positive light in media. :/

[@Libra_Strings]

Simpletons don't do research, travel or know who they are.This is why I'm glad I know who I am. Too many Black people let mixed people claim their race just because White people say so when they in fact have their own race.

[@robertc4smb]

L Thom I totally agree with you it annoys me when half breed's claim they are black when they are not.

[@robertc4smb]

***** LOL i'm sorry i hurt your feelings lol over hair. I just say as i see it , if you don't agree that's your problem. Your the Ignorant one cause you can't face the facts and attack people like a typical american.

[@ScorpioSunScorpioMoon]

amazing interview! very real and raw conversation. 21 yrs chemical free

[@johnsonsa]

More hard hitting journalism from MHP and MSNBC.

[@OneCheri]

I am British/Caribean and Black. Just viewed the show and it is a good sign that we are beginning to love ourselves. The Bible Says:- Genesis 1:31 (NLT) Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. Psalm 139:14 (NLT) Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. ..... and I sincerely believe that.

[@MikeBarbarossa]

With ISIS cooking people in cages, and families going into retirement with no savings, and huge medical bills coming, it's good to know the important topics are covered here

[@Music45387]

Why are you here if you think this is irrelevant? Go watch CNN 👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾

[@niam9428]

I Think Slavery, Is Much Worse Than The Stuff Happening In ISIS. Disagree IF You Want, But The Cruel Treatment Of Blacks Back Then & Now Is Worse.

[@arefallout]

+asuh dud lol That is literally the same thing that happend to slaves lol.

[@tawhneebaby]

you mention retirement without enough money for a comfortable life. did you know black women's hair is still scrutinized enough to have them fired from their job. their hair can be very presentable, but because a lot of people "don't get it" it is still a discrimination tool. dreadlocks are still grounds for dismissal in some areas regardless of how kept they are.

[@ytyler123]

Pain can make you do a lot of things to avoid it. So, when straightening and the perm came along, providing a way of alleviating us of our daily painful hair styling routines, many opted for it. It was something that many of us thought of as being an answer to a prayer. Now, decades later we take a stance against those styles and the people who wear them. (part 1)

[@JUSTMEYOUKNOWWHO]

Kinda funny she brings this up when she clearly is wearing a headful of synthetic hair! How hypocritical.

[@ashleycrystal9719]

You mean the presenter right?

[@mariahsmith2402]

its a protective hairstyle you ignoramus

[@mariahsmith2402]

CT Peal I don't think you get what a protective hairstyle actually is, let me break it down for your ignorant white ass. A black female with natural hair that decides to braid her hair in box braids, Senegalese twist, Havana twist, Ghana braids, yarn braids etc. Is taking care of her hair. We do braids in order to keep our hair healthy and neat unlike other races. Just because a black women wants to keep her hair neat doesn't make her a hypocrite... Dumb dumb

[@mariahsmith2402]

+CT Peal i didnt pull the race card, its that of course you don't understand why black women wear braids because your A WHITE MAN. I'm not racist I just state the obvious. and people do take me seriously you don't because your a troll and your wrong.

[@mariahsmith2402]

+CT Peal aaaawww look at you changing the subject IDC about what you call me as soon as you called me a "dumb dumb" I didn't give a shit about your feelings so yes I called you an "ignorant white ass" because FUCK YOU and we were talking about hair I see you don't know much about it, because from the looks of your profile picture you could use some work. one comment on the internet doesn't make you racist. I don't know you (I don't want to it looks like you sell candy out of white vans) and you don't know me. So you saying I'm racist means nothing... dumb dumb

[@besttrick2]

Hey I just got the perfect idea !! Let's have a segment on black lisps !!! Another thing for good ole Melissa to be proud of :)

[@bigfuzzydog]

...and no wonder MSNBC always comes in last in ratings...

[@benvad9010]

Right on.

[@bigfuzzydog]

+ben vad ...and she replies a year later. lol

[@benvad9010]

bigfuzzydog Well.....she is what she is? Nazi Germany, really?? If that were the cae she'd would've been sterilised and deported already.

[@benvad9010]

***** sad girl no one to love. Get used to it as every day passes you'll be ignored more and more.

[@benvad9010]

***** Lonely dark girl, do you iron your hair or get extensions?

[@GreenUptowner]

Thank you for posting this!

[@BrittCoin]

This could be the most useless program on the worst network of all of TV.

[@teedawwggg]

I had no idea. I'm glad that this was uploaded so I could have the chance to educate myself.