As you look through the halls at Tosa West you’ll see a collection of different types of students. However, if you pay attention to the more femininely presenting; students you will most likely begin to see similarities not only in their appearances but their actions too. Rachel and Hazel, both Sophomores at Tosa West highlight this. They both come from completely different backgrounds and have different features however for them, their hair is something they share. They are both able to braid their hair, bringing out an unlikely similarity between them despite being so different whilst creating a safe space to talk to each other. 

Our argument is that hair unites women across all cultures by cultivating a similar safe space . This is important to recognize as it seems that we live in an extremely divided world, however we are more similar than we think. This distinct pattern of connection that exists between women and each other’s hair deserves its own attention . The deeper meaning behind this is creating community and forming a bond that is unique to women. A sort of trust that comes with getting so close to one another and sharing physical contact.

 This goes back to our argument that hair unites women across all cultures as they show an example of how women are more connected than we think as both come from different backgrounds yet share the similarity of braids:¨I think braids are beautiful in all hair types. I see them everywhere.¨-Coretta.

Hair can serve as a cultural connection and universal sisterhood for both Nyah and Coretta. Coming from diverse backgrounds- it just brings them closer together with the bond of braids, showing that women are more alike than different.

The joy of simply braiding a friend’s hair can go a long way like a bonding experience of some sort: “I do feel like doing my friends’ hair brings us closer. It gives us a chance to talk”

Both these photos illustrate the connection that hair can bring between women. A sort of shared experience that brings women closer together even when we have different life styles, traditions and something simple as fixing someone’s hair or styling it, it’s a chance to bond. 

Lilly and Kaiya demonstrate how hair gives an opportunity for women to look after each other, Lilly sharing, “When I see someone who’s hair is messed up I always ask to help them even if I don’t necessarily know them. It’s just kinda girl code.

Hair can be an act of service for women, just by helping each other out can support women each and every day. The simple and little acts of this can create a safe and sense of belonging for Lilly, Kaiya and other women. As well as empathy and empowering each other.

Hair brings excitement and collaboration. A chance to share new ideas and work together to create something new. Pam said that, “One time I was in a hair salon and a girl came in not knowing what she was wanting and lots of the women in the salon started to give her ideas on what she should do.”

Hair is something that all women can connect with. It’s a topic of collaboration and excitement. It’s become a normal topic of conversation, and can encourage new relationships with new people.

For Nola and Zion, their hair has connected them to women in their families. Nola recounts that many women in her life, mom, aunts and cousins, have done her hair for her in the past saying “That’s when we have deep talks. We give each other a lot of advice.”

For many black families, hair is something that brings them together and remains as a generational connection. As well as a safe space for vulnerability, just like Nola noted. Something that is deeply routed and cultured into their hair.

  Since hair comes in all different shapes, colors, and textures it can also be a teacher. Jo shares, “I’ve known Taylor since 8th grade and since then she’s taught me a lot about her specific type of hair. She taught me how to do her edges and how she takes care of her braids. Because of this I’ve had a common topic to talk about with people I wouldn’t have talked to otherwise.

Hair can remain as a cultural bridge, by learning about different hair textures and styles helps create inclusivity. Just by something simple as learning and understanding how their hair works can create new forms of inclusion. 

Braiding hair in lines is something the girls on Cora’s volleyball team often do. “When we are doing our hair, it’s a time for us to talk about the upcoming game like what we think is going to go well or what we’re worried about.”

Team cohesion and communication can act as some sort of safe space, and tradition that is passed down from other sports teams. Doing this allows them to build trust with each other.

“Helping a friend out is always fun,”  as seen in the photo, where both of their smiles are peering. “Also it’s not just me helping her but getting a chance to relax, talk and whatever we need to do. Her hair is also fun to play with lol.”-Gwyn

Hair should be seen as a platonic affection for each other. Whether it’s styling or playing in their hair, it creates a bond for and sense of trust that girls can develop for each other and simplifies the meaning of (their) friendship.

Concluding from all of the photos shown, these images illustrate the importance of hair as a connector. It shows how hair makes a space between women that’s at its core & built from trust. Although every person in every photo is different, you can find that a majority of the women share things like their technique, hairstyles and features all while sharing stories of how hair has and can bond people through their own hair experiences.