Have you ever though about the reality that young girls, specifically ages 9 and under, become distracted by their hair for reasons we can all help prevent? I grew up playing with my curly dark hair as a favorite pass time. My favorite thing was to do was brush out my curls, tie the frizzy mess into a high pony tail and gel down my fuzzy baby hairs. The past two summers while working in a predominantly African American community, i learned that I only had only known one side of hair care. I was educated as I worked with my students and now advocate for equity in professional and dress code restrictions on hair.
I can say that as a child and teen, I have been distracted when told my frizzy curls were “poofy”. My 3rd grade friends with light wispy hair would get irritated when their ponytail feathered around their face and fell into their eyes. I've had students with dark textured hair become distracted when her barrette broke and her hair untwisted into a small puff on her temple and then played with it as it hit her just above the eye. I had a pre-K teacher that I worked under comment on how ridiculous some the hair situations were with students. Why do we continue to let this go on?!
Parents/Family Members:
As a soon-to-be teacher I ask that you send your child to school with a hairstyle that is first and foremost out of your child’s eyes and appropriate for learning. From there, encourage your daughter to wear the beautiful hair God gave her. Empower her to rock what she already has everyday. Tell her that it's ok that she messed up her braid at recess and teach her to have pride in her own appearance while teaching her to style her own hair.
Teachers:
All teachers should learn a basic braid, rope braid, French braid, and to make all sorts of pony tails on hair that is fine to hair that has thick texture. No, it's not your job to style your students but it is your job to facilitate your students’ learning. Identify when hair is a distraction and address it. Have a discussion with parents at the end of the day to help prevent any other issues and let them know you are looking out for their child. The important thing is that your students are learning and not swatting or playing with their hair!
Administrators:
Check your policy and dress code. Make sure that hair guidelines are appropriate for girls of all ethnicities and hair types. Make sure you aren't limiting young women of color because you are assuming that all hair is the same. It isn't. Also keep in mind that there are health conditions that cause hair loss and other hair anomalies like natural bleach spots. Be sensitive. You may find compassionate friend emulating the situation. Check the news to see this happens all the time. Set school dress and hair policies that enforce the academic achievements of students by not being a distraction or something that is deeply feared.
Community:
Consider holding “Daddy Do’s” classes or support groups. Help single dads teach their daughters about their hair. Help them teach their girls how to get learning ready and feel confident. There are other needs too! Work together to supply families in need with the appropriate basic supplies such as brushes, combs, oils, hair ties, and clips. Finding affordable or free hair cuts for children are important too!
So you may have noticed my emphasis on not only keeping hair physically out of young learners’ faces but also on teaching confidence. In my education classes, I have learned that according to a child's hierarchy of needs, the threat of low self confidence supersedes learning. It's not logical, as adults looking back, but it's the reality of the young growing student. When a student feels safe and comfortable, they are able to learn.
