Texture: a Photographic and Written Reflection By Ashley Janeck

Texture: strands of hair that seem minor, but are packed with history and significance. My father’s hair is close to the 1b hair type. My father’s hair tells a story of the multiple ethnicities coursing through his veins. (Czechoslovakian, Cuban, White and Italian). My mother’s hair tells a different story. Her hair seems like it would fit the 1c or 2a hair type, but that is the result of society telling her that her hair “looks better straight” or that “straight hair is the better hair type”. The suppression of her natural hair, suppressed her culture as well. Although, straight hair can be an easier hair type to manage, it is certainly not superior. All hair types are beautiful, all hair types tell a story.

My brother’s hair fits the 3a hair type. I envied his for a long time. He could always wear it down and never have it tangle like my own. While I spent hours washing my hair, my brother only spent minutes. He never spent late nights detangling and braiding his hair. He was never welcomed with sourness in the morning from the night before. For a long time, I wanted his hair and almost received a relaxer to resemble his. However, I later realized that our hair is our hair for a reason. It represents who we are, why ruin that?
I have a variety of hair types throughout my hair. Starting with 3b to 3c to 4a, I have learned to love my textures and the coarseness that comes with my hair. It Is the result of my parent’s love and the representation of my culture. Your curls are your story, so wear your hair proud! Make it known to the world!️