The following images show the stages of development work, produced by mself, based upon the theme of Afro-textured hair and the politics behind its controversial history.

Afro hair is the natural state of Black African heritage hair. It is a textured form of hair and has many versatile states in which it can be worn. African Afro hair is also known as napptural or nappy hair (in its natural untouched state) and has a low density compared to naturally straight hair. Afro textured hair has a drier and more matte appearance (Davis-Sivasothy, 2011). Because of its drier texture and low density, textured hair is prone to breakage and if not treated well the length may stay at the same level, thus appear not to be growing. There are a number of reasons why Afro hair visually does not look the same as other races, which may add a number of reasons why the majority of Black British/African American women do not showcase their hair in its natural state, yet instead, choose to wear weaves or relaxers. Is this a way to mask what is really underneath? Is there a psychology behind the relationship black people have with their hair? Or have the times changed where the natural is not important, but the cover up is? Is hair ever-just hair? Or is there more to it than it growing out of peoples’ heads?