Roots of Culture

For many families, haircare is more than a daily routine. It’s a moment of connection, storytelling, and cultural pride. Whether it’s Saturday morning wash day, a quick before-school detangling session, or a special occasion style passed down through generations, these moments hold deep meaning. They teach children patience, identity, resilience, and confidence.

As an occupational therapy doctoral student, I created this space because I saw a gap: while haircare is a meaningful Activity of Daily Living (ADL) for many children, culturally specific practices, especially Black and textured-hair care, are often overlooked in mainstream pediatric care and educational settings. I wanted Occupational Therapists to understand the cultural importance of their routines, the time involved, and the skills their children were learning through them.

This blog is part of my capstone project, hosted in partnership with a local church community that values inclusion, family support, and community-grounded care. My goal is to celebrate, uplift, and support families by offering culturally responsive education, resources, and storytelling that reflect real experiences.

From this, you can expect:

Guides that explain haircare routines, sensory-friendly strategies, and how occupational therapy can support children’s participation.

Information about the hands-on resources being created for families and caregivers—including assessments, visuals, and haircare tools designed with cultural representation in mind.

Interviews with stylists, caregivers, and church community members who bring invaluable lived experience and expertise.

My hope is that this blog becomes a place where families feel seen, supported, and celebrated. A place where culture and occupation meet. A place where children, parents, caregivers, and professionals can learn from and with each other.

Thank you for being here. I’m excited to walk alongside you as we explore the beauty, meaning, and connection rooted in culturally inclusive haircare.

---