Should the Black Race be Allowed to “Own” Certain Hairstyles?

by Mya Miller
Lion’s Roar Staff

There has been an ongoing debate over social media whether or not the black race should be able
to own certain hairstyles and the comments are filled with diverse opinions.
Certain members of the black race claim that their culture includes specific hairstyles such as
cornrows, box braids, dreads, durags, along with so many others. They say these hairstyles can not be
worn by someone who is not of the descent of a culture whose history is these hairstyles. When a white
person is seen wearing these hairstyles it is greatly looked down upon by the majority, and is often
considered to be cultural appropriation.
Yet, some people say that a culture can not own a hairstyle, and that they simply enjoy wearing
the hairstyle. They claim that if everyone wants equality then how should a race own a hairstyle?
Some of the videos on TikTok claim that there is a major difference between a dutch braid and
cornrows. The dutch braid is a thicker braid that is not as tight braided on to the head. On the other hand,
cornrows are a smaller, tighter, and more box shaped braid that is braided onto the head. Others say it can
be challenging to differentiate the two braids depending on the thickness and hair type of someone’s hair.
In addition, certain people that are online wearing these acclaimed cultural hairstyles are of the
intended hairstyle’s race, but look as if they are not, with lighter skin and less distinguishable features. So,
comments start off by bashing the video creator and then once they comment saying that they are apart of
the race the comments do a 360° , and start to applaud the creator.
It also seems as if it very much depends on the looks of the person wearing the box braids or the
cornrows for the viewer to be able to decide whether or not the hairstyle is acceptable.
Some people who are not of the originated culture who wear the specified hairstyles also turn the
tables and ask why people of those races straighten their hair or wear wigs. Is that culture appropriation?
A popular t.v. show, Shameless, displays a white character, Carl Gallagher, wearing cornrows
throughout the recent season. Carl, played by Ethan Cutkoshy, was applauded for this hairstyle change
and is beloved by fans all over social media for being known as the “hot bad guy.” Was this hairstyle not
questioned by Carl, because he is a famous character on a popular t.v. show, because he is male, or
something other reason?
Furthermore, other instances such as these have happened with culture appropriation
controversies. Henna, a tattoo-like stain that is for your skin originated from India, and is considered to be
a part of their culture. For a little while last year a large sum of girls on TikTok were using henna to create
freckles on their face. The comments were flooded with some people saying that this was going against
their culture. Others differed by saying that it was not a big deal, because it was not the traditional Indian
cultural henna designs that were being used.
In other instances, the long going argument has been going on to this day about certain words that
are racially related. So, does the same go for hairstyles?
All in all, the controversial topic of the black race claiming to own certain hairstyles is very much
debated within current generations and seems to be overall biased.