Our Hair-itage - A Natural Hair Documentary (PBS Version)

This was my first documentary and was done for my senior project my last semester at Virginia Commonwealth University. I was honored to be the first female to ever produce/create a documentary SOLO from the Mass Communications program, especially since it was a topic I'm so passionate about.
This features a collection of stories from women in the African-American community who inspire others by sharing some of their experiences with their natural hair journey.
I hope you enjoy!

[@IntellectuallyAstute]

"We don't go natural-We return Natural! "

[@moniquejordan3055]

HALLELUJAH

[@TheBrownFaceBE]

Introverted Empath PREACH!

[@sylviaistheone1]

Truth

[@carlabraithwaite4617]

That's right

[@smilingface4761]

U better say that✊

[@tonntonns16]

"they're not dreads, they're locs" "there's nothing dreadful about them" hella snaps for that 😍

[@notmebutyou8350]

Damn right!!!! I can't stand when people refer to them as "dreads." SMH

[@TeePea4]

YESSSSSSS

[@shenanigans5915]

Rastafari don't agree wit dat

[@JusLivinAXA]

Dread come because Locks were the hairstyle of warriors, buffalo soldier, Marrons, the power of the rebellion, Rasta was not the friend of Europe, Rasta was intended to be the dread of Europe, it was intended to drive fear into the enemies of those who came to the Americas to rob us of our indigenous lands ie the America's. This is the reason why black hair was ruled illegal to be on display, it drove into the enemies the dread of Medusa. They whitewashed history but our stories are engraved on our hearts,!

[@ChakraZulu36]

Bob Marley called em dreads. Ima keep callin em dreads

[@cudacuda5371]

ain't nothing like a natural black woman

[@CrystolynMacklin]

:-)

[@LGnLA]

Say it again & louder, for the folks in back!!!! ❤

[@jackiebennett3649]

I don't agree. Black is beautiful. Diversity is beautiful

[@boxgaming281]

@@jackiebennett3649 Wow.hv nothing to do with diversity..smh Anytime we blck ppl full blck ppl try to uplift one another ALWAYS some emotional person hv to say some bs...even though we see the misrepresentation of full blck ppl.. BLACK PPL WE HV TO CONTINUE TO UNITE! ...the hate/jealousy is so real..ugh! Plz go watch something that's NOT about full blck women...lol🙄

[@mariejames3670]

Wrong ,Black is Beautiful!

[@kingfloridavegan792]

We need a video on natural skin color and embrace your skin tone and not bleaching.

[@christinajames6115]

Amen

[@Spiritual_876]

Yes.. I agree....

[@camarogoddess1391]

The filters on these phones aren't helping either! Just love you!

[@andleenjo27]

True Hebrew King I agree ☝️

[@jessicacooper3236]

I agree..... 💝💝💝

[@angelscurls]

That lady said her natural hair give her power and that's exactly how I felt

[@mauricedavis5763]

Once I grew my hair back,I'm more aware of things,my hair has small tight curls all over

[@listentoauntrobin9617]

Yes! That's how I felt when I cut off all my hair and returned to wearing my natural hair.

[@uniqueorganicshaircare9880]

I feel amazing wearing my own hair

[@shawandahargrove1515]

I swear. When I wear this fro you can't touch me😂

[@ElusiveCube]

@@shawandahargrove1515 Uou look more scary than charming, br,,,, makes my skin crawl by repulsiveness

[@15LaDell]

This documentry needs more views.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

That's very kind of you lol I didn't think I'd have as many as I do right now

[@michelleredd4756]

My daughter is busy building a career, and I get the honor of taking care of her two beautiful little girls when she has to travel or put in long hours. We have discussions about how nice our hair is but more importantly, how smart we are because of what is inside of our heads.

[@nasrick]

@@CrystolynMacklin power of the people✊🏿

[@outlandishmccandlish3873]

Share the video an get it more views then. Support one another.

[@jesusisthetruth4497]

Moon Orchid :)))

[@harrykhay7273]

I'm a black man from the Oceania region. I just wanna say my sisters you rock with your natural hairs, yes it's unique and beautiful.

[@ah5721]

Good hair is healthy hair that has shine and doesn't break easily.

[@mariejames3670]

So True!That makes it so much easier to manage as well.

[@nefertitiknight3749]

My hair do'nt have to shine it's all good. I don't like a lot of couk on it.

[@123nme1]

The bald lady is SO BEAUTIFUL ! When she took that scarf off I was smiling SO Big cause she's SO Beautiful !, especially when she's smiling !😍😍😍

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Pamela Kelley yes, she is 💜

[@charlesbush1166]

Me too!

[@Shavier777]

Same here, I got a chill when she said my hair is “free”. 🥰🔥

[@christinajames6115]

Me too!!!

[@courtneyveatch4207]

Agreed

[@TunTheOfficial]

14:20 damn, this spoke to me. I went to school one day with Bantu knots and i remember my class mates would point and laugh at my hair & ask me why would i wear my hair like this? (i was 18 in 11th grade) i explained to them that im going natural and it helps curl my hair. The next day i came to school in a huge afro & they couldnt stop touching my hair saying "You have inches!" My hair pulled touched my shoulders. Im glad to say i saw more girls going natural! 💙

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Tuna representation is SO important 💜

[@LGnLA]

Tuna Similar thing happened to me years ago when I embraced myself (before 'the natural movement, & youtube tutorials lol)... black women vs men at the job (the men were so stuck on WOW, I had all that hair before) asked WHY????? Within weeks, they were all attempting being natural... lol, priceless memories! Keep on trail blazing!! ❤😉

[@pinkbronze600]

Me too

[@kyeshacarter7807]

@Chigozirim ᴖᴥᴖ kinda is

[@MkCD.]

I love my kinky, coily , Afro-textured hair ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@IntellectuallyAstute]

Me too!

[@naturalhairchickonabudgett849]

M CD I know right?!! I absolutely love my natural Kinky coily locks

[@longislandny696]

I’m loving my curls and not having to pay someone a whole lot of money to do my hair. I’m saving a lot of time & money.Gone are the days of pretending fake hair is my hair.Im proud of the way God made me.

[@sweetsroyale8511]

Amina Abdullah 🙌🙌🙌

[@dustinsaidtoney2547]

You should. Allah created you just perfect. If that's your photo, you look great. ....Praise Him, amen and amen👍

[@kingfloridavegan792]

I love women with natural hair

[@She_So_Solo]

I do too.

[@mstrssmachinist]

And WE LOVE YOU TOO 💯

[@nasrick]

@@mstrssmachinist love my black women

[@Giggles50]

This documentary is so much better than Chris Rock's Good hair movie. I like how positive the people are in the video and the history you showed. GREAT JOB! Please keep up the good work!

[@crystalclear9747]

There is no need to compare. The brother did an amazing job and so did she.

[@Giggles50]

+Crystal Clear I can compare and I'm entitled to my opinion & so are you. I don't agree with you. She did a better job on a way smaller budget and kept it positive.

[@crystalclear9747]

Giggles​​ Clearly your missing the point. Just because someone points out the obvious doesn't make it negative. Everyone is not going to tickle your ears. Secondly at the end of the day everyone knows like it or not, that the truth hurts. We always find a way to put each other on this who's better than who madness. That's why there's so much division now even with natural hair. Because it's, I like how your hair looks. It looks much better than hers. Like no need for that. But of course I'll be waiting for your response which will include. Like I said before its my opinion smh. Have a nice day.

[@Giggles50]

+Crystal Clear LOL go away, you made your point AND I STILL DISAGREE WITH YOU. Get over it. No need for what? You sound crazy...go away ✌🏾️

[@CrystolynMacklin]

I appreciate you watching! Thank you very much :)

[@estherwilliams6666]

It's sad how Slave Plantation Culture is deep in Black culture today. But, I truly believe this mentality is being challenge. I'm happy for the next generation of young Black girls and women who don't have to break their backs just feel accepted.

[@sjay19babybaybay93]

I love my hair!!!! The natural hair is the best hair I have ever had!!!! I used to wear perm, weave I spent a fortune!!!! Now I save a fortune!!!!

[@LGnLA]

sjay19baby baybay 💯💯💯💯💯💯 beyyybeeee... if women, would just stop & add up all that money wasted... 👀👀👀👀👀👀 allowing Indian, Malaysian families to send their kids for free, because they buying up their weave... all that $$$$$$$$$$$ is going in someone ELSE'S's: pockets, pocketbooks, storehouses, farmlands, real estate, education, etc... while, we take out student loans... Ijs wake up & stay woke.

[@TheFYoung]

That news caster is gorgeous! Awesome documentary.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Yes, she is! & thank yoooouuu!!

[@NiasPinkPumps]

@@CrystolynMacklin who is that news caster?

[@akiraelai8053]

Mac Gregory Karla Redditte (:

[@taylorvettese8718]

I love the reporter, she's so cute

[@sanacole1543]

Taylor Vettese & I love how articulated she is

[@matildajohnson6639]

Richmond, VA stand up!!

[@royalgems5185]

Taylor Vettese I like her accent and her spirit is really good

[@NiasPinkPumps]

Whats the name of the news anchor:)

[@akiraelai8053]

Mac Gregory Karla Redditte🧡

[@HARLEMGIRLSQUARED]

My hair is a gift from The Most High!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Yes, it is! And we must see it that way even when the world around us says otherwise

[@loriferguson9526]

HARLEMQUEENMELANI

[@naturalmeriley9436]

HARLEMQUEENMELANIN HALLELUJAH

[@markholford4208]

Amen

[@reikomyles1495]

Thank you Jesus

[@pump1180]

As an African this makes me happy to see my brothers and sisters in America owning their heritage 🥰

[@heknows9441]

Stand up beautiful black Queens!!!!! We are all that and a bag of chips!!!!

[@usarocks6951]

queens BWHAHAHAHAHHHAHA

[@abbiowusu2857]

Very beautiful documentary, it's important for black women to love and embrace the hair that they were given.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Thank you so much! And yes, it is :)

[@Shavier777]

We should embrace our hair, but I feel we have to embrace “ourselves” first which encompasses our hair. 👩🏽‍🎤👩🏽🥰

[@IamJontelNicol]

"More times than not; the criticism of hair comes from African Americans...." "..... are we as a people working on our own demise...." YEEEEEEES 🙄

[@rummymossberg6097]

Because it was installed into the generations that black hair was horrendous. They also taught that straight and relaxed hair was good. So it really isnt our people it the fucked up thinking that was hardwired into our ancestor that was then passed down through the generation but our people are stupid enough to believe but it never started with us just like locs and dred locs I never called my locs dreds or let anyone refer to them as that. The white man first saw locs on Africans hence they would say look at those dreaded locs.

[@pjmasks7185]

i often wonder that since there is so much docos on African american hair. Even Africans don't have so many information about there hair but African Americans do. Even my culture we have coily to straight hair textures (i am mixed polynesian). And we also have inherited locs from our ancestors. No one thinks badly of locs, braids, curly or straight hair. It is a known thing that straight hair is a white peoples thing so people think it's good because it's easy to manage not because locs, curly or braids are ugly.

[@lovelylady5135]

Malcolm x once said who taught you to hate the texture of your hair.

[@taylorvettese8718]

I don't know how any business establishment can tell someone their natural hair is unprofessional. Wtf is wrong with ppl.

[@The.Whoever]

Taylor vettese What Rick have you been under? Oh Yea, you're white.

[@taylorvettese8718]

I don't know why I received an email where you stated I said racism wasn't an issue because in fact I say quite the opposite. I'm the one who's yelling at people all day who say it's not an issue so I'm quite confused how you ended up thinking that? I really think you misunderstood one of my comments somewhere?

[@CrystolynMacklin]

It's a sad truth :(

[@mthefangirl4956]

Taylor vettese I like you

[@ejones610]

your alright with me Taylor...

[@taylorvettese8718]

White girl here. Just wanna say from my point of view, this is so incredibly sad. I look at natural black hair and see that it's beautiful. I don't see any reason why someone would be insecure about wearing their natural hair. I mean obviously it's because of white supremacy but my shoes, I have never looked at black hair and thought it was anything but beautiful! I actually always hated straight white girl hair and always wished I had curls and volume. Always. Just thought id leave my perspective here. I'm glad black women are realizing their beauty. Bout time.

[@The.Whoever]

Taylor vettese Yea its bout time we stopped listening to white lies.

[@mymamacookingshow5741]

Taylor vettese shes really throwing shade y'all. Girl bye! Black woman are not insecure & been realizing our beauty sine before time every trend you & the world hops on we've been did we rule the beauty, hair , fashion ,sports, comedy, music, art, colleges etc.... It's about time you finally admit to our beauty & realize who birth creativity into this world

[@harlemswingdancehotjazz1205]

Not all - but there are quite a number. And the celebrities.... Beyaki... Mary J Blonde... I can go on and on. And in our hoods we see the permed hair hat addicts who REALLY want you to think its theirs ....

[@PHAT4LifeTV]

YEAH I DARE YOU TO SEE OPRAH OR MICHELLE OBAMA WITH NATURAL HAIR, ITS FAR FROM THE MAINSTREAM BUT GLAD PROGRESS IS BEING MADE #NaturalSince83

[@gmogottago7746]

aisha pepe Thank you!

[@viciouzvalentine4993]

natural hair absolutely gives you more power as a black person, especially in a white dominated society- Even in its imitation. It makes us look secure with ourselves and confident in our character. I live in the south and went to 99% african american schools full of nothing but african american students. When I was growing up, There wasn't a SINGLE BLACK FEMALE WITH NATURAL HAIR. Everyone had a perm. In High-school there were only 3 black kids, out of the hundreds, that wore our hair natural - me, this mixed race light-skin looking girl who had locs, and the principles daughter who had a beautiful fro. We all got made fun of because of our hair. AT AN ALL BLACK SCHOOL. WITH BLACK KIDS THAT LOOKED LIKE US. I got lucky in that I didn't have to cut my locs due to the principals daughter being natural but anywhere I else I would have to conform. In my experience I can honestly say White people never oppressed my hair.If it looked nice and appealing, I would get more opportunists to be successful in white institutions unlike black institutions - some of which that still forbid natural hair and locs. Anybody that hates on my hair, I just figure they are jealous of how handsome and natural I look with my locs and keep it moving. Not changing for anyone. My opinion is that the problem really started with us. How could white people hate on our natural hair if every black person was proud of their hair and styled it and took pride in it? They couldnt.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Viciouz Valentine I really appreciate you watching and sharing your experience! ✊🏽💜

[@NaturalInjector]

Viciouz Valentine tha is for sharing this. I think you have some great points! I think a lot of times ppl blame other people, races, and the media for them feeling less attractive and I think people should realize that the insecurity is from within. I believe the media is responsible for a lot, but not everything.

[@littlegothgirl8869]

I most DEFINITELY don't disagree with your opinion that self hatred is perpetuated in black communities. The issue I have with your comment is that you used your anecdotal experience to try to make a factual comment about the overall black experience in regards to Eurocentric beauty standards. Unfortunately, your take on this is wildly ahistorical. If your statment was fully accurate there would be no need for legislation in America called "the crown act". African people did not need to wear straight wigs to style and adorn their hair beautifully. These new standards began with slavery, colonization, racism and forced assimilation into a white dominant society.

[@sheryldonnell6455]

Yes they can u have to be strong enough and love what God made u

[@pansymurray9733]

This documentary is so beautiful. Makes me love my God given natural hair more. My hair is fabulous!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

I couldn't ask for a better response :) thank you so much for watching! God bless!

[@Vybrationz1]

Only date women with natural hair! Images shape reality and our people need that love and power. Salute all my sisters.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

BLKMediaTV - UK ☺️

[@tximeleta35]

Let us women choose the hair we want to have.

[@Vybrationz1]

You do choose...I just have my preference

[@irie888]

"But with the natural hair , all I need to know is when & where?!!" I know thats right!!!!!😍😍

[@She_So_Solo]

Yes I felt that.

[@jessicab331]

Irionne EYE REE YON * facts!!! Even wen i had a matted unruly fro... lemme just spray some water, oil, and fluff this thang out! 😭... now I’m on a loc journey.

[@sweetsroyale8511]

I_Been_ A_Boss 💯✔✅

[@globalcetzen5271]

Who else is sporting a jumbo afro while watching this documentary? I love my hair.

[@user-lu4xp7iv8c]

GlobalCeTZen can’t wait until I take my Fulani braids out, so I can wear my afro again!

[@AngelaLMays]

Does a TWA count! LOL

[@michelleredd4756]

@@AngelaLMays Yeah, TBA (totally BIG afro); and TWA ( teenie weenie afro) it's ALL Good!😀

[@jessicamoore198712]

Well I'm sporting my twa, but I cannot wait to get to the big huge afro state! Lol

[@pixeldonkey0422]

I'm rocking a baby afro at the moment

[@ManicKiwii]

I love my curly hair every curl and coil!

[@justrenee2640]

I love my coarse 4c hair and all the style variations I can do. Micro mini twists are my favorite just as the ancient kandakes used to do! My hair will NEVER THIN, WILL NEVER BE SHAPELESS NOR FORMLESS, YAAASSS BIHH

[@relaxlove.3678]

Yeah. That 4c is resilient as fk!!!! I have a friend with 4c and she can straighten it, natural it, hot curl, comb... My shit... If I THINK about heat, it's over. But it's cool. If I gotta wear it one way for the rest of my life, so be it. Love the 4c!!!

[@yamomma6479]

Or lack "volume " lol,

[@mymamacookingshow5741]

Some black people have Naturally straight hair, our hair is a statement. Men go crazy when the see our hair. The beauty & power that comes with it.

[@user-zx5xw4yw2e]

Right. Many blacks I know do not have natural 'kinky' hair, but wavy/straight hair.

[@jackpea7102]

@@user-zx5xw4yw2e The only Black people with natural straight hair are southern Indians. They have African faces and straight hair. I don't think there are any native Africans with straight hair. If you have straight hair, something is up in your gene pool.

[@boxgaming281]

@@jackpea7102 exactly...I dont no ANY blck woman with naturally straight her...most definately not apart of the tribe...

[@boxgaming281]

@@user-zx5xw4yw2e Full blck ppl hv kinks! We're not talking mixed or biracials...Full blck ppl do, I do! 2 blck parents

[@MK-qh8nq]

@@jackpea7102 That's true just look at Nicki Minaj. When her hair is completely natural, she has almost straight hair and you know why? She is Trinidadian of both African and East Indian descent so she inherited her straight hair from her Indian roots.

[@MasterMichelleFL]

She said "I'm not here to be pretty" Her strength and confidence is BEAUTIFUL. Inside out, including her pretty hair. Her voice, carrying her personal power, is mesmerizing. Naturally.

[@nappynatty10]

Very positive documentary I wish it was longer.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Aww, thanks!

[@kd4465]

I’m 21 and I’m only now starting my journey of loving my hair and texture. I have the kinkiest hair type (4c) and I have always struggled with wearing my natural hair outside to the point of committing myself to never wearing my natural hair outside or even showing my future husband. I’ve always told myself that I hated my hair. I regret the day I ever started wearing weaves. Black hair is beautiful and it’s unique, one day I’ll be able to whole heartedly say I love mine ✨

[@writerdoh]

Wonderful. I am writing a paper on the conflicts and contradictions of black hair. This is just what I needed.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Donna Hill I'm so glad you found this useful! Good luck on your paper 😃

[@juliebella1221]

Kinky hair is not a black feature. It's a mixed breed feature. Pure bred black women have long flowing hair like whites, Asians, etc. I don't understand why they keep saying it's a black thing. White girls that have black and white parents have aphros. Aphro means mixed breed. Like HermAPHROdite is a mix of male and female in one human body. So many think they're shunned due to their skin color. No, if you have kinky hair then people know you're a mixed breed and MANY cultures of all colors and creeds want to keep their DNA blood lines pure so they stay away from mixed/kinky haired as they don't want to mess up the purity of their heritage. Like ligers, they're made from tiger and lions, but that doesn't mean that the pure bred tiger and lion should stop mating and staying pure for their own sakes. My friend is a pure bred black woman and she has the most luxurious, soft and flowing hair down to her bum and she is black black like dipping your finger into chocolate. She's built like a brick house too!! She's stunning!!! A cool feature about certain Aphro's is it's superpower - Insta dry!! I tell my friends that don't want to go swimming due to their hair, I say but yeah, ten seconds out of the water your hair is insta dry!! Be well and take care. :)

[@deedeedmr]

Such a cool documentary. I went natural back in college in 2002. At the time, I didn't know anything about a 'natural hair movement,' I just decided to stop straightening and I loved it. I have never looked back.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

deedeedmr awesome! I love stories like yours 😊 mine was similar-along with wanting to be an example to my daughter of accepting yourself just the way God made you. Thanks for watching!

[@Shay45]

That's because the natural hair movement started in 2009 Chris Rock's Good Hair really started it off

[@thinblacknoodles]

Same year I loced MINE God bless

[@Spokentruths725]

So are you only free of relaxers or using a flat iron as well? I don’t think ill ever go back to relaxing but i enjoy to switch it up.

[@camilleriley3711]

Love this!! 7 or so months into my journey to my true self and I'm never looking back, thank you!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Awesome! As you can see, you're not alone!

[@achiepalaago]

Great. Very happy to hear. That's just how your creator made you. It's beautiful. There is nothing more enchanting and eye catching than a black woman in her natural glory.

[@NYSCNYC]

OMG... I'm in tears the min a saw the Afro. When the young would said it should've continue from the 70's, clap, clap. My locs are ankle length and not planning on cutting them any time soon. I'm creative, so they won't be dragging the floor. Maybe 10 yrs from now if I decide to cut it down to 1" to grow a bushy Afro.... I still shall embrace. :-)

[@NalaAmari]

Amazing Work! I applaud your efforts Queen!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

SOOO sweet of you! Thank you, my love!

[@natashahubbert4438]

My hair is culture ... unapologetically black :-)

[@Glad2BGolden]

Great documentary. My hair is free!!! I’ve been natural since before it was popular. I’m so happy to see so many women embrace their natural hair. It’s 2018, no one is keeping us from accepting our hair but ourselves. No one is forced either way; straight or curly. It’s a choice based on what YOU want.

[@shottabwoi3985]

THANK YOU! Someone finally said it! 'They're LOCS, NOT DREADS'!✔✔💯❤🖤💚✊🏾

[@jenm5178]

great documentary, helped me a lot with my sociology essay. :)

[@CrystolynMacklin]

That's amazing to hear! Thank you so much for watching :)

[@juddiehinton6293]

Okay I'm part of the generation that began the natural hair wearing Trend in the 60s. I was so happy when I begin to wear my hair naturally. I could never stand it when my mother pressed my hair. Hair pressing for me was extremely painful. When I began to wear my hair naturally I never let anyone touch my hair with a straightening comb since. I was one of the first women in my family, and Community to wear my hair naturally. I got a lot of opposition about my natural hair style especially from my mother. When people would question me about why I continue to wear my hair naturally, I simply told them, " this is the way my hair grows from the roots, this is how God made my hair, and it is my hair, and I'll wear the way I please." Wearing my hair naturally makes me feel free, self aware, and self accepting. If other people want to continue to over manipulate their hair by chemically processing it to make it straight, or by using what other process they use to straighten their hair, then that's their business. I have no criticism about how other people want to wear their hair, and you better not criticize how I'm wearing mine naturally.

[@qngs1]

Thank you so much for your honesty in this documentary. I too struggle with how to wear my hair on interviews etc. This was so REFRESHING to watch. Keep enlightening and empowering!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

This is more encouraging than you know :) THANK YOU!

[@rodwilliams7457]

You pic is gorgeous sister!!!

[@alvincantey1564]

qngs1 we as Gods chosen should love embrace our hair

[@TheLeah2344]

Same

[@patriciaallen7520]

It is good to have hair. I started my natural hair journey in 1970 by cutting off my permed and dyed hair. Now I rarely straighten (warm comb) my hair. I love my hairitage. We have so many choices of styles. Screw trying to look like caucasians. We are not white and shouldn't try to be. I am tired of looking at black women with tons of long weave. If God didn't give you long straight hair, be proud and comfortable with what He gave you.

[@dk50860]

Beautiful, soooo inspirational! This was right on time for me as a Broadcast Journalism major contemplating the future of my hair. This was even more motivation to remain natural and free! 💗✊🏾

[@CrystolynMacklin]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks for watching :)

[@rodwilliams7457]

Get it girl!!!!

[@lisamedla]

Join the club...well hope you joined tge club 8'm a little late to the party. That makes us the class😂😂 Different continents but yeah

[@jacquelinerobinson9158]

Try not to touch your hair when you are angry. You will not be gentle with yourself. Calm yourself then continue with patience.

[@rennieb_me]

Just lovely. All of these sistas, so well spoken, insightful, intelligent, beautiful...naturally 🌼 very nice documentary.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Thank you so very much!!

[@jackpea7102]

"So well spoken" that sounds like something a white chick would say. It is code for "You are not like them."

[@akiraelai8053]

Jack Pea please don’t turn that into a negative

[@msmichele60]

I started locs about 6 yrs ago LOVE IT!!! i got so tired of spending Saturdays in the beauty salon for hrs so when my stylist lost her shop i wasn't about to find another place and spend all day Saturday getting perms so i locd my hair and haven't looked back 😀

[@mzright7803]

Awesome. Love everything about this! I went natural in 2011 and recently decided to loc my hair. I remember being so ashamed of my OWN hair. Wouldn't be caught dead without a wig or weave. As I matured and became more in touch with myself, I just felt really disgusted that I had been brainwashed to hate my beautiful thick, jet black hair! Black women are queens and our hair is our crown. I embrace it all! I thank God, I love me some ME.

[@kamilareeder943]

This is a good documentary 👌🏾💅🏽

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Thank you so much!!

[@StellaIDugall]

Crystolyn, this is wonderful. I have been working on my master thesis film in visual anthropology and hope to produce an ethnographic film just as nuanced and critical as yours! Asé!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Wow...you have no idea how encouraging that is. All I can say is THANK YOU!! And you GO, girl! I'm sure you'll succeed in all you put your hands to. Blessings!

[@StellaIDugall]

Thank you! Asé.

[@karbonatedgoddess3696]

My hair is empowering im so in love with myself now!💜👑

[@wynterbreeze1202]

Black people ROCK !

[@tasharanicole1]

I loved the documentary. Thank you

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Thank YOU!!

[@ms.kornetta5635]

I'm happy to have come across this beautiful place and I will continue to work at the natural look, it's hard but I'll never go back to relaxers.

[@awesomeaj9454]

Black is beautiful. We get all colors, textures, of skin, hair, eye color.

[@ginagee8737]

Thank you for this documentary. I have suffered with alopecia areata since my teens. I was using wigs to hide it. But luckily I always suspected that relaxers were no good for our health. I decided to loc my hair 9yo. It has been hard work. I still get patches of baldness and thinning. However I managed to grow my locs to waist length. With a side undercut on my bald side. When I decided to wear my hair out. I faced discrimination at work. People on the street would avoid walking near of sitting next to me because they ignorantly believe that loc wearers do not wash their hair. White friends I had for yeaes suddenly changed towards me. I was hurt, especially since having problem hair my locs are a big achievement. Watching this videom has helped me feel better about my choice to do me no matter what. I love my hair and thank God for having it even with the alopecia. So I really appreciate your work. I'm from the Uk btw

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Gina Gee thank you so much for watching and sharing a piece of your story 💖

[@queenaudi9538]

This video is amazing!! Shoutout to all the Sistahs struggling with embracing their true selves..it is truly a self love journey 💪🏾👑

[@michellecalling]

Hello Ms. Macklin. Yes, you should be proud of your documentary. It was a great production and I wish you more success in your next productions. I really enjoyed this one. I must say that I remember 1968 vividly when afros were just coming out and we as kids were taught to "Say it loud. I'm black and I'm proud!" What the heck happened in the years since? As young adults as we headed toward the corporate arena we wore our hair bone straight or got perms thinking that we had to conform to white America. Then the 80s came and Gheri curls were the way to go leaving behind grease spots everywhere else but our heads. And now we're in the Natural Movement which I have to say is great. At least for me this latest movement makes more sense to me rather than wearly greasy hair with chemicals. My hair is much more healtither that it has ever been. For all of us this is truly a learning experience through the years. I do hope we've learned something from all this and I too also hope the we as African-Americans build each other up and not put ourselves down. I've experienced the negative talk about my hair mainly from my own people and not from others outside our culture. Sad, but true indeed. Thanks again.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

I questioned the same thing...like, why did our pride ever dissipate? What made us lose our sense of identity and all the uniqueness that God gave us? Lets you know how powerful negative-thinking can be and how detrimental it is for years to come. I hope that each woman bold enough to walk around with her natural hair is inspiration to the next to walk in who God made her to be :)

[@starr6465]

My Hair is the GOD in Me.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Love it!

[@veronicalgraham]

What a beautiful documentary. As a woman who has recently embraced the transition to locs, I appreciate this film so much. Thank you for creating and sharing this.

[@princesspoetess775]

I love this documentary ❤️😍❤️😍

[@CrystolynMacklin]

That means a lot to me!

[@aresleve619]

I got chills 20 seconds into the documentary. I had to pause and process. I'm a sista with locs who wore weaves for 10 years. I'm 7 years natural and love it! I feel very confident!

[@ngonigriffith8856]

I guess the takeaway from this is what is said in the Ten Commandments: thou shalt not covet. I am going to be happy with my natural hair and not seek after another. My hair is a miracle.

[@jackpea7102]

The 10 commandments was stolen from the 42 Admonitions Maat.

[@DD_MENEN]

Natural hair has shot up in South Africa in recent years... in the past year alone hair relaxer sales have dropped by over 20% and it keeps going and going and im so so so happy to be apart of this... been 100% natural for 12 years now.

[@simplyandoime7344]

Thank you for this documentary. I enjoyed it.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Thank you for taking the time to watch! God bless you

[@ddm0429]

Here I am watching this again and it's JUST as good and empowering the previous times I've seen it. Love all of this!!!❤❤❤

[@CrystolynMacklin]

This blessed me 🫶🏽 thank you!

[@torieispretty]

Really enjoyed this documentary. I hope you got an A+!!!!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Victoria Gullins haha I got an "A" (minus the plus lol) but I didn't care; I was so proud because I was the first female (and second person ever) to ever do a solo documentary from the Mass Comm program. My teacher was an older, peach man who probably didn't understand the topic too much lol but he appreciated how hard I worked on it. I appreciate you watching & taking the time to comment 😃

[@LushkaMedia]

"My hair is free" This last statement carries alot of power and meaning and I am literally crying at right now......... what a time to be alive and to witness how far we have come ....I feel so blessed. Going natural 5 years ago and finally truly accepting how beautiful it is to wear only my natural hair out for the past one year now has given my life so much beauty and meaning.

[@HelenEk7]

Made me cry too. And I am white. Beautiful and inspiring documentary!

[@benw9949]

The young woman in the video who says she's unsure about going on interviews with her hair a certain way, natural hair, etc. -- If a company gets that bent out of shape over a common hairstyle, when you're looking your best for that interview, then very possibly, that would not be a good workplace for you anyway. The young lady is educated and professional and friendly. If a company doesn't want to hire her like that, they might be crazy. or prejudiced. Natural hair, or traditional styles? Fine. :) Her hair in the video is perfectly fine for anyone reasonable, I think. -- I would like to think I'm not too unusual for a white guy, in that opinion. --- But to someone like her, unsure: Wear your hair natural or how you want. As long as you're presenting well, a professional, neat, clean appearance, that should be plenty. A little variety ought to be a good thing. I liked the reporter's story about a co-worker complimenting her and saying she should wear her hair that way on air, or the hairdresser talking about other women (white, Latino, etc.) who wanted to try their hair like that. If given a chance, some people are open-minded and friendly, and can learn and change. There are ways for us to get past the old prejudices and really, truly outgrow those, to a nation where racism and prejudice have no place. Curious, friendly people are a good way to start. I'm from a big city. I'm around all sorts of people every day. I'd feel weird without that. It would feel like something important, something really good, was missing.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Ben W if you’re willing to share, where do you live? Sounds like I might need to move there 😄 again, thank you for your positivity and ability to see people for who they are and not what they look like

[@susankelembeck2866]

I don’t usually comment but I was compelled to having watched this video. It touched me so deep because I could relate to everything the woman were saying. I have been natural for 3 years this summer I chopped off the last of my chemical treated hair 2 weeks ago. I was 16 when I relaxed my hair for the first time and I am 52 now and discovering my natural hair all over a again. My hair is growing fast it’s past my shoulders not when stretched and my natural curls are amazing I have fallen in love with my natural hair. Thank you all who contributed to this wonderful message. Gods blessings 🙏🏽 x

[@petitfleurrr]

How am i JUST seeing this!? This was AMAZING! ✊🏽🙏🏽👏🏽 thank you for this

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Natasha Yvette thank you my sister!

[@ram_ichi5585]

I smiled all the way through this video :)

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Yay! I like to hear that :)

[@amberfaerie82]

Thank you so much for making and sharing; as richmond resident I'm so proud of you and our town!! All hair rocks, but I'm a happy curly natural and this made my morning!!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Aww, Terri--thank you so, so much! I appreciate your kind words :) God bless you!

[@ninagordon4434]

We NEED more documentaries like this one! 👌💞

[@jeanetteterry9386]

Thank you! Tears, tears, tears of joy!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

So sweet :) I appreciate you watching! Glad you got something out of it

[@tinamichelle6969]

I grew my natural hair out for 5 yrs. I decided to perm it and after about 6 months my hair started thinning and breaking off But, I praise God I can start over a forever let perms and hair dye go!!!

[@TheSimpleWaywithDelila]

I love natural hair! I love MY natural hair! Natural hair is beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@preprethereal1920]

When I went back natural I had a lot of positive feedback. Even strangers black and white would tell me my natural hair is beautiful. I had this new confidence and awareness. I was taught my natural hair was unacceptable growing up and made me ashamed of it. I went back natural in 9th grade but I got a relaxer in 10th and years later I hated being relaxed I didn't know how to deal with it anymore. So I went natural again my senior year and I'm loving it and my hair is flourishing in its natural state.

[@danay6093]

“They’re locs, not dreads.” 🗣🗣🙌🏾

[@writersnotes1292]

This video is amazing... I appreciate you guys bringing light to this topic. I have been natural before it was a trendy.. I just want every girl to know it's ok to be yourself..its ok to be natural! Society has damaged us enough.

[@iam_tracion]

Hey, I just wanna say that I am truly appreciative of this video. Eve though, I am a black male I believe inspiration can be taken from anywhere so if I can see my sister's being empowered by wearing their beautiful natural hair then so can I (cause I definitely need to).

[@kellyfloyd9506]

Those two sisters crack me up! They remind me of my own daughters. My girls were very young, 8 and 9 years of age and they told me they didn't want to get a perm or a curl. "Mom why can't you just keep doing our hair?" I was so proud of them for making their own decisions! So I washed, conditioned and pressed their hair, or braided it up. Later they learned to use a flat iron (long before I did), and started styling their hair themselves. Now my eldest daughter is a stylist, and eventually wants to specialize in natural hair care. I already told her I will be her first client! After a bad fall out in 2016 due to thyroid and surgery I decided to stay natural when my hair grew out. It came back strong, and I love it.

[@lovelyladycarter3687]

This was very well received 🙌🏽👏🏽you did an amazing job💯👌🏾thank u for sharing 💋

[@CrystolynMacklin]

LovelyLady Carter thanks, love! 😘😘

[@4562deedee1]

I started my natural hair journey shortly after being diagnosed with systemic lupus in 1997. I had been wearing a Jheri curl, and my curl texture changed after bouts with this autoimmune disease. I cut out the perm, wore locs, and now have the most healthy hair I've ever had!!

[@coppertone9403]

Melaninated👏🏿 hair is a work of art from GOD Love ❤️

[@anb2881]

Great Job! I enjoyed your documentary!!! I have never been more empowered since I let my natural hair shine 5 years ago!

[@horsepanther]

I'm white, finding this documentary really eye-opening. I had no clue that black women feel kind of like they must "opt out" of chemically altering their hair if they want to wear it naturally. It's like if white people felt like they had to choose NOT to get a perm, as if natural hair were somehow unnatural! It's just crazy that black people have felt so much pressure to chemically alter their hair or to even be treated in school, workplace, etc. as if there's something wrong with it in its natural condition. i say wear your hair however you damn well please and feel good about it! Anyone who considers your fucking hairstyle in a job interview etc. is a total weirdo.

[@chamillarobbins2275]

horsepanther if you were pressured by a supremist white people to straighten your hair just to get a job, you would have done it too, just to survive!!!!!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

horsepanther thank you for watching & taking the time to comment! I appreciate it ❤️❤️

[@rawdothmulan4515]

Thank you 🙏🏿

[@kachs1756]

Most of us do it just to get a job. When you have the qualifications for a job, but you constantly get denied. It makes you look at your hair, because the 2 reasons we get denied jobs is the color of our skin or our hair. You can't change skin, but you can change hair. The world, it's changing but it still happens. It happened to me, 2 jobs ago. And the racist bitch actually said to my face that my hair was unprofessional. It was permed and in faux silky locs, it was absolutely beautiful and neatly pulled back. Yet, still a problem. RIGHT THEN I DECIDED TO GO NATURAL. So thanks you racist ignorant white man. I went natural to spite his white racist ass. Still can't find a good job, but i'm loving my natural hair.

[@mmitchell1680]

If only it were that easy

[@tinokats]

Wearing my natural hair gives me confidence and that gives me power...#Respect

[@chestchirecateyes]

My impetus for going natural started with two things. First, it was a health issue; and second, I had begun getting irritated with how much time I was wasting/spending in the hair salons for what was supposed to be a simple wash and set. In 1995, I decided that was last time I allowed my time and the demands of society to dictate how I wear my hair. It was a Saturday, and I went into the salon for my usual wash, set, trim and blow out. This should have taken no more than 1 to 2 1/2 hours, but instead I was there for EIGHT hours !When it was finally my turn, I got in my hairdresser's chair, I told her to forget the trim and to just keep cutting my hair until I tell her to stop. When I told her to stop, my shoulder length hair was gone and I had a buzz cut! :) The freedom I felt that day was indescribable. And an immediate change took place in my demeanor I had never seen someone get so emotional about a haircut before - no, not me! My hairdresser was! I think it finally registered to her what I was actually doing and that it was me saying, good bye! As left the salon for the last time, I held my head a little higher when I left, my spine was straighter and shoulders were back and my chest opened and ready to embrace the world as I told myself, bowed heads do not wear crowns! Now, my authentic self meets the world eye to eye. I have been natural since that day and I have not regretted my decision. I've become more comfortable in my skin being free from the constraints of what society says my hair should look like. I'm now the only one who dictates how my hair should look. I've gained control so that I'm the only one who defines my beauty base on what's important to me without using the artificial processing designed to tarnish my crown and control me, and make no mistake that's what it's about. I have grown even more confident than I was before because I'm outside of the box. If society cannot be labeled you, you can't be defined. If you can't be defined, you can't be controlled. I now stand hair and shoulder above the rest as the Creator intended for the Black queens. Yes, I own me now!. All of me and I wear my HAIR CROWN (Seriously, I have an Angela Davis' Fro,-actually, it's a bit larger than hers, but who's cares! - going on!) like the true queen I am.

[@nat-natc.8142]

Wow this was great, I enjoyed the part when the woman said the "The best course of action is to understand what in a woman's head, not what's on it!". Praise God!!!!!

[@steveford1430]

Beautiful. Respect to all of the sisters who love and enjoy their Natural crown.ALL hail the QUEEN. SALUTE

[@chimwemwemoyo9374]

That. Lady with the bald look. The way she smiled on the mirror. Melted my heart

[@natashaglover1592]

Girl do your thang!! This way wonderful and a joy to watch!!

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Aww, thank yooouuu!!

[@pamelabrown6661]

My hair has been natural for over ten years. It is multi dynamic. I choose not to put chemicals in my daughters hair and she has stood strong. All hair that God place on our head is good hair.

[@lilyraimey3499]

Thank you for posting! I thouroughly enjoyed this short documentary. I'm one one the rarities who's never had a perm in my life.

[@CrystolynMacklin]

Good for you! That's a wonderful thing :) I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment

[@latonyasaffor152]

So happy to see the professional news anchor from thee Today Show expressing such confidence and not confirming because of society. Love you beautiful!