Should I Straighten My Hair? Identity, Agency, & Natural Hair in College | Your hair MadeSimple Ep33

Should I Straighten My Hair? Identity, Agency, & Natural Hair in College | Your hair MadeSimple Ep33

Should I straighten my hair to fit in? To look professional? To feel accepted? In this episode of Your Hair Made Simple, Shannon sits down with Dr. Brittany Williams, lead author of "Should I Straighten My Hair?: Narratives of Black College Women with Natural Hair" (published in the Journal of Women and Gender in Higher Education), to explore what happens when the way your hair naturally grows feels at odds with the spaces you are trying to succeed in. From the cultural roots of straightening to the real health costs of heat and chemical treatments, this conversation covers professionalism, identity, community, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. Dr. Williams's research found that Black college women navigate a constant push and pull between personal choice and external pressure, what she calls interpersonal dualism. But she also found that community and kinship with other natural-haired women on campus can change everything. Whether you are in college now, years past it, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you. 🧴 Nourish your hair from the outside in. Shop our Nourishing Hair Oil: https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/sh⁠https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/shop-the-brand⁠ [https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/shop-the-brand%E2%81%A0] 📩 Keep the conversation going. Join the YHMS Community Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimplehttps://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimple/your-hair-made-simple-community-newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimple/your-hair-made-simple-community-newsletter] 🔔 Subscribe to the Your Hair Made Simple YouTube channel Find Dr. Brit Williams: 🌐 http://www.ascensionbehavioralhealth.comwww.drbritwilliams.com [http://www.drbritwilliams.com] 📱 @DrBritWilliams Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction: Should I straighten my hair in college?  02:00 Historical and cultural context around Black hair and professionalism  05:00 Personal stories of going natural in college, resistance and acceptance  08:00 Societal pressures and the impact of the Crown Act  12:00 Health risks associated with chemical relaxers and heat damage  15:00 The time investment and daily negotiation of hair styling  18:00 Social reactions and dating experiences related to natural hair  21:00 Resistance, community affirmations, and pride in natural hair  25:00 Reinvention, flexibility, and embracing change at any life stage  28:00 The power of hair as a communication tool and personal expression  32:00 Connecting with professional colorists and exploring hair color options  36:00 Practical self-care tips: making hair routines enjoyable and stress-free  39:00 Final affirmations: embracing your natural hair journey and self-love  41:00 Closing thoughts: all hair is good hair Resources: Williams et al. (2022). "Should I Straighten My Hair?": Narratives of Black College Women with Natural Hair. Journal of Women and Gender in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/26379112.2022.2067861 [https://doi.org/10.1080/26379112.2022.2067861]

The Real Reason You've Been Avoiding Your Hair - Ep. 32

She's a licensed clinical psychologist who has been featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, and Essence. She co-founded Not So Strong to improve the mental health of Black women. And she said something in this conversation that stopped us both. "Your hair is part of your body." Which means when you stop caring for it, that's not laziness. That's information. Dr. Ayanna Abrams and Shannon go to the place most hair conversations never go. Why does your hair fall apart when your life does? Why does perfectionism show up in your wash day routine? Why do so many Black women carry the emotional weight of their hair in silence and call it normal? This conversation explores the connection between hair care, mental health, identity, and self-compassion. Because the way you treat your hair is connected to the way you treat yourself. And when the pressure to get it right starts building, Dr. Ayanna asks the question worth sitting with: "What am I trying to control?" Once you hear that, you can't unhear it. Send this to someone who needs it. "We are in this together." If this episode makes you want to start showing up for your hair with more intention, here's where to begin: 🧴 Nourish your hair from the outside in. Shop our Nourishing Hair Oil: https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/sh⁠https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/shop-the-brand⁠ [https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/shop-the-brand%E2%81%A0] 📩 Keep the conversation going. Join the YHMS Community Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimplehttps://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimple/your-hair-made-simple-community-newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimple/your-hair-made-simple-community-newsletter] 🔔 Subscribe to Your Hair Made Simple on Spotify Find Dr. Ayanna Abrams: 📱 Socials : @dr_ayanna_a 🌐 www.AscensionBehavioralHealth.com [http://www.ascensionbehavioralhealth.com] Chapters:  00:00 Navigating Hair and Mental Health  14:20 Personal Hair Journeys and Cultural Connections  29:13 The Impact of Hair on Identity and Self-Perception  43:49 Embracing Hair as a Reflection of Health  49:03 Final Thoughts on Hair Care and Self-Compassion 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @yourhairmadesimple  🎧 Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts

Less Is More: Simplifying Natural Hair Care Abroad

What does it mean to care for your natural hair while exploring the world? In this episode of Your Hair Made Simple, Shannon sits down with Bianca to talk about the ups, downs, and breakthroughs of embracing natural hair while traveling. From navigating beauty standards abroad to searching for hair products in unfamiliar places, Bianca shares her personal journey of moving from relaxed to natural hair and the lessons travel taught her along the way.✨ Highlights include:Finding simplicity in natural hair care while on the moveCultural differences that shape beauty experiences abroadDIY hair care discoveries like aloe vera + coconut oilBuilding confidence and identity through travelThe power of community and reaching out to Black women globallyThis conversation reminds us that less can truly be more, and that self-acceptance is the most powerful travel companion.🌍 Ready to Take Your Life Abroad?If this episode sparked something in you, Bianca is sharing her resources to help you explore boldly:✨ Digital Nomad Takeoff ToolkitYour step-by-step guide to planning your move, structuring remote income, and preparing mentally + logistically for life abroad.Use promo code YHMS for 20% off:https://bit.ly/mylifeabroad✨ U.S. Dropout FreebieA free resource to help you start thinking differently about location, lifestyle, and what’s possible beyond traditional paths:https://bit.ly/usdropoutBecause sometimes caring for your hair… is connected to caring for your freedom. 💛🎧 Subscribe and listen for more natural hair conversations📩 Join the Your Hair Made Simple Community Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimple/your-hair-made-simple-community-newsletterSecure Your Hair Nourishment with our Nourishing Hair Butter and Oil: ⁠https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/shop-the-brand⁠Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: ⁠@yourhairmadesimple⁠🧼 Travel-Friendly Hair Bars MentionedFor those simplifying their routines abroad, the bars referenced in this episode/video are:• Plantmade Moisturizing & Strengthening Conditioner Barhttps://www.amazon.com/Plantmade-Moisturizing-Strengthening-Conditioning-Manageability/dp/B0CFW2GFVN• Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk 3-in-1 Cleansing Barhttps://www.briogeohair.com/products/be-gentle-be-kind-aloe-oat-milk-ultra-soothing-3-in-1-cleansing-bar-for-hair-face-bodyPerfect for carry-on travel, minimal routines, and keeping your curls nourished on the go ✈️

Perms & Cancer? Breaking Down the AJC’s Report + What It Means for Us

In this solo episode of Your Hair Made Simple, Shannon revisits a powerful AJC article that details the health costs associated with perms and chemical hair treatments. With over 600 women in Georgia filing lawsuits, this isn’t just a headline — it’s a reflection of beauty standards, health risks, and cultural identity in the Black community. We’ll walk through: * What the AJC report reveals about perms and uterine cancer * The legal battles and personal stories behind the lawsuits * How culture, convenience, and beauty ideals influence our choices * The power of making informed, healthier decisions for our hair ✨ It’s about more than perms. It’s about our health, our beauty, and our empowerment. Read the full article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/08/her-hair-was-perfectly-straight-her-body-paid-the-price/ [https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/08/her-hair-was-perfectly-straight-her-body-paid-the-price/] 🎧 Subscribe and listen for more natural hair conversations 📩 Join the Your Hair Made Simple Community Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimple/your-hair-made-simple-community-newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimple/your-hair-made-simple-community-newsletter] Secure Your Merch and Your Hair Nourishment with our Nourishing Hair Butter and Oil: ⁠https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/shop-the-brand⁠ [https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/shop-the-brand%E2%81%A0] Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: ⁠@yourhairmadesimple⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/yourhairmadesimple/]

Scalp Secrets: Alopecia, Dermatitis, Psoriasis & Healing Habits | Your Hair Made Simple Ep 29

Is stress stealing your hair? Or are scalp conditions like alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis making your journey harder than it should be? In this episode of Your Hair Made Simple, host Shannon Walker sits down with Dr. Tunisia Cornelius, a board-certified dermatologist, to unpack the truth about scalp health. Together, they explore: ✨ The different types of alopecia and what causes them✨ How seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis impact your scalp✨ The role stress plays in hair loss and flare-ups✨ Natural remedies and professional treatments worth trying✨ Healthy scalp habits to support long-term growth Whether you’ve struggled with hair loss, itchy scalp, or just want to better understand your hair’s foundation, this episode blends science, personal care, and encouragement to help you walk confidently in your natural hair journey. 🎧 Subscribe and listen for more natural hair conversations 📩 Join the Your Hair Made Simple Community Newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimple/your-hair-made-simple-community-newsletter [https://mailchi.mp/yourhairmadesimple/your-hair-made-simple-community-newsletter] Secure Your Hair Nourishment with our Nourishing Hair Butter and Oil : ⁠https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/shop-the-brand⁠ [https://www.yourhairmadesimple.com/shop-the-brand%E2%81%A0] Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: ⁠@yourhairmadesimple⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/yourhairmadesimple/] Follow Dr. Tunisia & DivineDerm ATL on Instagram: @divinedermatl [https://www.instagram.com/divinedermatl/?hl=en] @levels2skin [https://www.instagram.com/levels2skin/?hl=en] 💻 Learn more about Dr. Tunisia’s work:🌐 Divine Dermatology: DivineDermATL.com [https://divinedermatl.com/]🌐 Levels 2 Skin: Levels2Skin.com [https://levels2skin.com/] ✨ Special Offer: Get 20% OFF Levels 2 Skin’s NEW Pure-mineral, antioxidant-boosting, anti-aging sunscreen LUMINOUS DEFENSE SPF 50 with code LAUNCH20 at Levels2Skin.com [https://levels2skin.com/]. 💛 Your natural hair journey doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s make it simple—together. #ScalpHealth #Alopecia #HairLoss #SeborrheicDermatitis #Psoriasis #HealthyHairHabits #YourHairMadeSimple