By Miya Tene
NABJ Monitor
Across the nation 22 states have passed the Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair or CROWN Act, but Alabama is not one of them. The legislation prohibits race-based discrimination based on hair texture and styling. Birmingham is known for its Southern traditions and formalities which include strict standards for Black women’s hair.
Karmen Perry is a hair stylist in Birmingham and owner of Lavish Lounge Suites, a local salon. She said the traditional hair standards stop many of her clients from wearing their natural curly hair to work.
“Overall they like me to press their hair out and wear it in more of a flow,” Perry said. “I have a lot of clients who are doctors and lawyers, and in that field they feel like their hair is perceived better when it’s pressed out versus in its natural curly pattern.”
The workplace is where Black women often experience hair discrimination. Bria Chatman is a news anchor at WBRC in Birmingham. She said anchors must consider how people may react before selecting a hairstyle.
We have to make sure our hair is right because that’s part of our presentation,” Chatman said. “You know, I’m on tv, so I have to make sure that I look good, I present well because any little thing, no matter what the story is, they want to see how I look. That’s what they’re going be focused on.”
Hair maintenance comes at a cost. When it comes to natural hair, there are two main factors clients consider: time and money. Chatman said that some days styling her hair can throw off her morning routine.
“I’ve got to get out the door, she said. “Drying my hair in the morning, that takes a while. My hair is usually soaking wet. So trying to dry it and put my makeup on, make sure I eat breakfast. That might be the only time I eat that time of day.”
To save time some women in Birmingham are choosing to wear their hair straightened or tucked away in wigs and braids.
“I’ve got a lot to consider,” Chatman said. “I usually lean towards those because I can just wake up, take the scarf off, even if I do work out and just still get out the door.”
Braided or straightened hair styles can be more convenient and cost effective. Hair stylist Perry said that many of her clients are choosing another style to cut down on their spending.
“It’s a little costly coming in a lot to get your hair pressed out”, she said. They’re trying to figure out, by going back to a relaxer, would it have helped them in their everyday life? Like getting ready for work. Will it make their time faster?”
Hair relaxers are making a comeback in the city of Birmingham. The chemical process permanently changes hair to loosen curls or straighten them completely. Perry said she’s already seeing women go back to the controversial style.
Research has suggested that at least one chemical in hair relaxers can cause cancer.
“Over this past week I had about six of my clients asking me how I feel about doing relaxers on their hair,” Perry said. “I’m good with either way they want to do it as long as they stick to a regimen and the hair is not breaking off.”
The future of women’s hair in Birmingham is still being decided. The CROWN act is still working its way through Alabama’s legislature. Until then the question remains women will decide for themselves to wear their natural hair or bring back relaxers.
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