Roots of Culture

Haircare is so much more than shampoo, conditioner, and a style. For many families (especially in culturally diverse communities), haircare is a tradition, a ritual, and a way of staying connected across generations. The routines we practice today often come from the hands, hearts, and stories of those who cared for us long before we could care for ourselves.

As I explore cultural haircare for my doctoral capstone, I’ve realized that the styles we wear and the routines we keep often reflect the values, teachings, and traditions passed down by our families. Haircare becomes a living legacy and one that continues to grow with each generation.

For many families, haircare is woven into the rhythm of the week.
Sunday evening wash days.
The smell of hair grease or conditioner filling the house.
The sound of beads clicking against braids.

These moments often become rituals, not just tasks. I remember sitting between my mom’s knees, bonding through laughter, tears, and stories. The laughter was because my mom could only do 5 hairstyles. The tears were because she always brushed my hair a little too hard (or I was a little tender-headed). The stories were because, for some reason, hair always reminded her of her history. Even the process of detangling, though sometimes challenging, becomes an act of patience and love.

These experiences teach children that haircare is more than appearance; it can be care, comfort, and connection.

The First Teachers

In many cultures, hair knowledge is passed down like a family recipe. Grandmothers teach techniques that their mothers taught them. Mothers teach daughters and sons how to moisturize, braid, twist, or wrap their hair. Aunties step in with tips, products, and guidance. I was blessed with many women in my life who shared their hair wisdom.

These traditions create stability and pride.
They also create autonomy: children learn how to take care of themselves by watching the ones who care for them most. Families often have their own signature styles or patterns. Styles that have been worn by generations. My grandmother only knew one hairstyle: 4 braided ponytails with hair clips were our common Sunday church appearance.

Passing these down becomes a way of preserving cultural identity.

When a child’s hair is celebrated at home, it reinforces pride. It builds confidence. It helps them feel grounded in who they are.

Beyond technique, haircare strengthens relationships.
The conversations during styling sessions often become the heart of family bonding. It’s a time when children open up, share stories, ask questions, and learn about their history.

Haircare becomes a safe space, more than a simple ADL. It’s a place where children learn about identity, resilience, and culture without even realizing it.

Family traditions in haircare shape far more than routines.
They shape identity.
They shape confidence.
They shape the way children learn to love themselves.

And that is why honoring cultural haircare is not only meaningful. It’s essential.