Don't Touch My Hair
Understanding the cultural and historical significance of black hair
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:5th Mar '20
Should be back in stock very soon
This insightful book examines the cultural significance of black hair, exploring its historical, social, and political dimensions. Don't Touch My Hair reveals its role in identity and liberation.
In Don't Touch My Hair, Emma Dabiri presents a compelling exploration of the significance of black hair, revealing its deep connections to race, gender, and cultural identity. Through a series of insightful essays, Dabiri takes readers on a journey from pre-colonial Africa to contemporary movements like the Natural Hair Movement, examining how black hair has been straightened, celebrated, and often misunderstood. The narrative delves into the complexities of hair politics, illustrating how hair serves as a powerful symbol of both oppression and liberation.
The book highlights key historical figures and events, such as Madam C.J. Walker's pioneering contributions to the beauty industry and the cultural implications of hairstyles throughout the Harlem Renaissance and Black Power movements. Dabiri also addresses the ongoing challenges of cultural appropriation in today's society, shedding light on how black hair continues to be stigmatized and erased despite evolving societal norms. The author effectively weaves together personal anecdotes and historical context to illustrate the multifaceted nature of black hairstyling.
Ultimately, Don't Touch My Hair argues that black hair is not merely a superficial aspect of identity but a profound reflection of cultural heritage and resistance. By uncovering the hidden meanings behind various hairstyles, Dabiri encourages readers to rethink their perceptions of black hair and recognize its role as a blueprint for decolonization and empowerment.
Emma Dabiri's groundbreaking Don't Touch My Hair is a scintillating, intellectual investigation into black women and the very serious business of our hair, as it pertains to race, gender, social codes, tradition, culture, cosmology, maths, politics, philosophy and history, and also the role of hairstyles in pre-colonial Africa -- Bernardine Evaristo * The Times Literary Supplement Books of the Year *
FASCINATING, educational, personal, humble and engaging. I urge you to read it! -- Marian Keyes
I've been pleasantly engrossed this autumn in Emma Dabiri's nonfiction debut Don't Touch My Hair. Part memoir, part spiky, thoroughly researched socio-political analysis, it delves deep into the painful realities and history of follicular racism -- Diana Evans * Observer Books of the Year *
Both a richly researched cultural history and a voyage to empowerment. -- Colin Grant * Guardian *
Sensational * Women's Health *
Pulled together with meticulous research, Don't Touch My Hair is an unmissable read by a writer who's set to become a household name -- Francesca Brown * Stylist *
The first book from one of Ireland's brightest literary talents, Don't Touch My Hair brilliantly deconstructs western views of everything from beauty to social value systems, and even to our understanding of time, all through the lens of how African cultures value hair. * Hotpress *
Groundbreaking...Her sources are rich, diverse and sometimes heartbreaking. Some books make us feel seen and for me, that is what Don't Touch My Hair does. I would urge everyone to read it -- Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff * Guardian *
An excellent and far reaching book...a call to arms for black African culture * Irish Times *
A powerful and arrestingly relatable account of the rich history of Afro hair that seamlessly interweaves her personal perspective with meticulously researched historical facts * Metro *
Dabiri's brilliant book recognises that black hair - particularly women's hair - is charged with social and racial significance * Tank *
ISBN: 9780141986289
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 15mm
Weight: 191g
256 pages