Last month in Brooklyn, NY there was an event inviting people to touch the hair of various African American women. There were opinions on all sides ranging from those who supported breaking down the perceived mystique of black hair. On the other side was outrage for an event that to some seemed reminiscent of the exploitation of Saartjie Baartmen, a South African woman who was fetishized and put on display throughout various places in Europe. No matter where you stand on the issue, it is clear that there is something about black hair that arouses curiosity in those who don’t have it.

Check out the “You can touch my hair” event, here and here.

Basic hair care instructions (not just for afros):

Lather, rinse, repeat, and whatever funky things you want to do to YOUR hair.

Warning:

Touching other people’s hair without asking first may cause serious harm.