The shifting image of black women's hair in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa

Abstract

In this article, we explore the motivations for the changing image of black South African women's hair in Tshwane, Pretoria. We argue that black South African women's hair, in the past, as in the present, has largely been misconstrued. We demonstrate that like all black South African inhabitants, South African women's hair has had its own fair share of ridicule, ostracising, and racial classification. As a result of this, black South African women's hair is constantly in motion, searching for recognition and appreciation. The article is based on a review of literature and interviews conducted with 30 black South African women in Tshwane, Pretoria, from July to September in 2015 and in August 2016.