On April 23, Washburn Black Student Union hosted a meeting for a “Don’t Touch My Hair” discussion from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
The meeting, which didn’t just tell how to back off—was also about respecting the culture and confidence behind the curls. Toni Burks, the owner of the Perpetual Growth Braiding Salon, said that home care is super chill with gentle shampoo, co-washes in between, the occasional deep mask, a bit of oil, a satin wrap at night and a quick trim when split ends pop up. No salon trips necessary.
Students discussed the challenges of losing their shade of hair and the presence of white hairs from the products they use in daily life.
“The theme is perpetual growth,” Burks said. “We’re a salon that is a natural hair care salon. So, we not only want your hair to grow perpetually, but we want you to grow perpetually. We want you to understand when you’re away from the salon, how to take care of your hair, how to grow your hair and how to sustain your hair.”
The importance of understanding and respecting Black hair is not just as a physical attribute but as a symbol of identity, culture and personal journey. This self-awareness fostered confidence and a deeper connection to their heritage. Embracing their natural hair has become an act of self-love and resistance against societal pressures, reinforcing that their hair is an integral part of who they are.
“This program shapes individuals when it comes down to hair,” Mildred Davis, a CMA certified said. “Being able to understand our hair texture, how to be able to take care of our hair, instead of it [being messy.] It teaches us how to provide the growth in our hair and how to maintain oils, just to be able to be natural with it.”
Davis’s words reminded everyone that hair care is really a form of self-care, and helped everyone discover what their hair needs, whether that’s a gentle cleanse, a nourishing hair mask or just the right oil to seal in moisture. Also including, when the hair is treated with the strands at home by wrapping them up in twists or braids, sleeping on with the satin and trimming split ends, as they are doing more than styling.
“I really enjoyed this event, especially with the speaker,” said Choiz Ehyst, a sophomore history major. “She really opened my eyes especially with edge control because I didn’t know that if it turns white, and [the product] contains alcohol, [you] could potentially lose your hair. That was very eye-opening. I really enjoyed how the turnout was out here and the different types of vendors that were here.”
Near the end of the sessions, there was a raffle draw which was an effective way to engage everyone by promoting good hair practices. There was a gift pack for the winner which included hair oil, a shower cap, a brush, hair serum, hair treatment and shampoo.
After the meeting, attendees enjoyed taking tips from the speakers, free gifts and more, providing a relaxed atmosphere to connect.
Edited by Morgan Albrecht and Reid McEvoy
