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Have you noticed how quickly conversations about Black baby girls turn to their hair texture and skin tone? This episode dives into the uncomfortable reality of how our community scrutinizes Black girls from the moment they're born, sometimes even before. When Cam Newton's child's mother, Jasmine Brown, spoke out about the constant questioning of her daughter's hair and complexion, she hit a nerve that resonates with countless Black mothers. "Why are y'all so freaking critical of little black girls?" she asked, calling out a practice so normalized we barely recognize it anymore.

The truth is, this obsession with Black girls' aesthetic features isn't just annoying, it's rooted in generations of colorism and texturism dating back to slavery. We've internalized these beauty hierarchies so deeply that we perpetuate them with our seemingly innocent questions: "Does she have hair","What's her complexion", "Is her texture more like yours or his?"

What's most concerning is how these questions prioritize appearance over personality, health, or development. We're subtly teaching our daughters that their worth depends on their curl pattern and skin tone before they can even understand words. And when someone like J Brown calls it out, they're often gaslit or accused of exaggerating. 

As both a hair professional and a mother, I've seen both sides of this dynamic. I've caught myself comforting moms worried about their baby's hair growth and wondered about my own daughter's features during pregnancy. This episode isn't about shame but awareness. Our daughters deserve to be celebrated for who they are, not what grows from their scalps.

Ready to break this cycle? Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. And if these conversations matter to you, consider supporting this self-funded podcast by clicking the link to buy me a coffee. Every contribution helps keep these crucial discussions going.

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Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

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Our conversation about Black hair takes an unexpected turn when a clip that almost went viral before I turned off the comments to slow down the engagement, showcasing the messy yet necessary path toward healing from texturism and lenthism in our community.

• Addressing the fallout when a short TikTok clip from a longer conversation about "long hair for a black woman" sparked cruel comments

• Examining how the same content created different reactions across platforms; war on TikTok versus reserved engagement on Instagram

• Clarifying that repeating harmful language to examine it is not the same as endorsing it

• Challenging the myth that Black women cannot grow long hair; it's a retention problem, not a growth issue

• Providing specific medical tests to request if experiencing hair loss (thyroid, iron/ferritin, vitamin D, B12, hormones, cortisol, blood sugar)

• Understanding that coily textures have physical properties that make moisture retention more challenging

• Offering alternatives for respectful correction: "I hear how that language can sting. Can we unpack why?"

• Encouraging description of hair by its properties (texture, density, porosity) rather than perceived value

Share this with a friend who needs the reminder that her hair can thrive, her voice matters, and her words have weight.

Support the show

Are you a part of our Patreon Community and Family?
Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

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Nia Ford returns to unpack the deep, quiet ways texturism affects Black women's relationship with their hair, from childhood experiences to adult self-acceptance. We explore how external criticism and family dynamics shape our perception of beauty, particularly for those with kinky, coily textures. Nia shares how her childhood love for big hair shifted after hearing classmates with looser textures praised for having “good hair,” and we discuss the role family members play in either perpetuating or challenging texturism, including how parents with different hair textures approach their children’s hair. She rejects the concept of “bad hair” entirely, favoring the idea of “healthy” versus “unhealthy” hair, and addresses how shrinkage often causes people to underestimate both the length and beauty of type 4 hair. We also explore the importance of finding products that work specifically for your hair type rather than following trends, reframing hair care from being a “chore” to an act of self-love and acceptance, and why giving your hair a name (like Tabitha Brown’s “Donna”) can foster a more loving relationship with your natural texture. Finally, we examine the mixed impact of social media on texturism and natural hair acceptance..

Stay connected with Nia by following her social media accounts  and website below:

Visit her website to schedule a makeover.
Join her Facebook Community to gain insightful information on makeup.
Follow her on Instagram for visual representation of her art. 

Support the show

Are you a part of our Patreon Community and Family?
Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

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Use code: DEWY at checkout to save 20% on my Dewy Curls Shampoo and Conditioner on my website at https://www.thevintagehipster.net/natural-hair-products and experience the intentional balance of silicones we discussed today.

Silicones have long been demonized in the natural hair community, but is this fear based on facts or misinformation? In this enlightening deep dive, we unravel the truth about these controversial ingredients and why they might actually be beneficial for your curls. 

Discover the science behind common silicones like dimethicone and cyclomethicone, and how they work together to create the perfect balance of protection without heaviness. Far from being the moisture-blocking villains they're often portrayed as, these intentionally formulated ingredients can seal the cuticle, lock in hydration, reduce frizz, and shield your strands from environmental damage, heat styling, and even hard water. 

The problem isn't silicones themselves but how they're used. We explore who benefits most from silicone-based products, proper application techniques, and why regular clarifying is essential to prevent buildup. You'll learn how to incorporate silicones into a balanced hair care routine and recognize whether they align with your specific texture, porosity, and maintenance habits.

The natural hair journey is about education and personalization, not blindly following trends or fearing ingredients without understanding their purpose. Whether you've sworn off silicones completely or never given them much thought, this episode will transform how you think about product formulation and help you make more informed choices for your curls. Ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about silicones?

Support the show

Are you a part of our Patreon Community and Family?
Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

Please leave a review and rate the show. Let us know how we are doing!

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This season on Hair What I’m Saying, we’re going beyond the surface to explore the hidden biases and pressures around hair texture and length — known as texturism and lengthism. We’ll dig into how these biases show up in our families, schools, workplaces, and even within ourselves.

Through honest conversations, personal stories, and guest perspectives, we’ll uncover how these ideas have shaped our self-worth and disconnected us from truly loving our hair. We’ll talk about the cultural, social, and emotional impact of hair discrimination — from microaggressions to dress code policies that police Black hair.

But it’s not just about naming the problem. This season is about healing — learning how to reject harmful beauty standards, reclaim our crowns, and build healthier, loving relationships with our hair. Whether your hair is short, long, kinky, curly, or somewhere in between, this season is for anyone ready to rewrite the story they’ve been told and embrace their natural beauty on their own terms.

Support the show

Are you a part of our Patreon Community and Family?
Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

Please leave a review and rate the show. Let us know how we are doing!

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Time is the most valuable asset in the hair braiding business, and it's something veteran stylist Vandy of VLS Hair ATX has mastered through years of perfecting her craft. In this candid conversation, we dive deep into the realities of professional braiding that clients rarely see and stylists often don't discuss.

Vandy shares her journey from doing hair as a side hustle while working as an accountant to opening her own salon and preparing for a second location. Her perspective combines artistic talent with business acumen, offering rare insights into how financial literacy transforms a passion into a sustainable career. Through stories of challenging clients, industry evolution, and professional growth, she reveals the strategy behind her success.

We explore current trend favorites (the barrel boho bob is winning for low-maintenance beauty), unpack common misconceptions about different hair types, and discuss why touching your hair during an appointment is the ultimate stylist pet peeve. Vandy doesn't hold back when addressing client behaviors that disrupt the creative process – comparing it memorably to someone throwing milk on a painting you're working on.

The conversation takes practical turns too, with Vandy dispelling myths about who can wear braids (everyone, but not every style works for every texture), offering advice for clients with traction alopecia, and explaining why deposits matter to serious professionals blocking out significant time for appointments. Her efficiency tips for fellow braiders demonstrate why some can complete a full head in three hours while others take ten for the same style.

Ready to transform your understanding of what happens behind the salon chair? This episode delivers professional wisdom served with honesty, humor, and insights you won't find in beauty school.

Stay Connected with Vandy by following the links below:

@vandyvanity

@vlshairatx

TikTok 

Support the show

Are you a part of our Patreon Community and Family?
Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

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When Raeshetta Thompson discovered her first sign of hair loss at age 12, she couldn't have known it would become the foundation for her life's purpose. After hiding her alopecia for nearly 30 years while building a successful career as a hairstylist, Raeshetta finally embraced her natural self and discovered a world of women who needed exactly what she could offer.

This conversation takes us through her emotional journey from feeling "cursed" to recognizing her experience as a blessing that allows her to serve others with profound empathy. Rayshetta shares the vulnerable moments that defined her path: hiding under wigs even while sleeping, refusing to let her romantic partner see her without hair, and finally cutting it all off in a moment of spiritual clarity that changed everything. Her story illustrates how self-acceptance becomes a powerful force not just for personal healing, but for creating ripple effects throughout a community.

The Hair Rich Club, Raeshetta's mobile salon, offers more than just quality hair services; it provides dignity, privacy, and understanding for women experiencing hair loss. She explains that having alopecia while working as a hairstylist gave her a unique perspective on beauty that transcends conventional standards. Through her business, she's creating safe spaces where women can feel seen and supported rather than judged or pitied.

Perhaps most fascinating is Raeshetta's holistic approach to hair health. As a certified trichologist, she shares how changing her diet helped regrow hair in places that had been bald for decades. This conversation reminds us that true beauty isn't about perfection but authenticity, and sometimes our greatest challenges become our greatest gifts when we have the courage to embrace them fully.

Stay connected with Raeshetta by following the links below:

Instagram

Hair Rich Club Instagram

Enroll in Raeshetta's Wig Class/Schedule an Appointment

Support the show

Are you a part of our Patreon Community and Family?
Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

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Angel Henderson turns conventional wisdom about "protective" braided styles upside down in this eye-opening conversation about hair health, scalp care, and the true cost of convenience styling. The natural hair expert begins by challenging our fundamental understanding of protective styles, asking the provocative question: "What are we actually protecting?" Most of us aren't protecting our hair at all; we're protecting our time. This mindset shift sets the stage for a deep exploration of when braids help versus when they harm. Hair loss warning signs get special attention as Angel outlines exactly what to watch for: white bulbs appearing consistently around edges, persistent itching, inflammation, and redness. "When you see consistent white bulbs, especially around your hairline, sometimes that's not coming back," she cautions. Her professional experience reveals how ignoring these signals can lead to permanent conditions like traction alopecia or Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). The conversation tackles hard truths about our beauty priorities, with Angel noting how willing we are to invest in synthetic hair while neglecting our natural crown. "You spend all that money on weave and braids, but you will not spend money on your hair," she observes. Her passion for client education shines through as she describes turning away business rather than participating in clients' hair damage cycle. Angel shares practical scalp care recommendations, including her favorite treatments, and explains why that six-week mark seems to be the sweet spot for most braided styles before they become counterproductive. For anyone wearing braids or considering them, this conversation offers the science and soul of proper hair care, emphasizing that healthy hair isn't about quick fixes but a committed journey worth taking.

________________________________________________________

Stay connected with Angel by following the links below:

Website 

Schedule an Appointment with Angel

Instagram

_____________________

Support the show

Are you a part of our Patreon Community and Family?
Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

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Postpartum hair loss is a reality for many women, yet it's rarely discussed in mainstream pregnancy and postpartum care. In this episode, Hillary Washington-Goodner shares her personal journey; from minimal shedding after her first pregnancy to significant, unexpected hair loss after her second. She opens up about the emotional toll of watching her hair change, the surprising timeline of postpartum shedding, and the lack of medical guidance that leaves many women unprepared. For Black women, the conversation is even more limited, making it difficult to find relatable experiences and resources. Hillary sheds light on these gaps and offers insight into the unique challenges faced by women with textured hair during this time.

Beyond the physical changes, we explore postpartum hair loss's mental and emotional aspects, emphasizing self-care, patience, and resilience. Hillary shares her approach to nurturing her hair back to health with product recommendations, lifestyle adjustments, and a mindset shift that turns hair care into an act of self-discovery. Whether you’re experiencing postpartum shedding or simply want to understand it better, this episode offers valuable knowledge, support, and encouragement to embrace the journey with grace.

Stay Connected with Hillary Washington-Goodner by Following Her on Social Media:

Instagram Account

Instrumentals: duwhop_2.0 

Support the show

Are you a part of our Patreon Community and Family?
Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

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In this eye opening episode, we engage with Empress, a multi-licensed beauty ritualist and founder of Root Honey, who bridges the worlds of beauty and holistic wellness. Our conversation delves into the transformative power that hair has in our identity and emotional well-being, revealing how beauty rituals serve as a portal to self-care and acceptance.

Empress shares her journey and cultural connections to beauty, emphasizing that hair is much more than just a physical trait — it holds deep significance linked to our histories, communities, and mental health. Together, we explore emotional challenges faced by many, including the struggles of hair loss and the healing journey that unfolds through mindfulness and holistic approaches.

Listeners will discover practical strategies like mirror work and affirmations that support emotional healing while promoting healthy hair practices. These insights highlight the importance of nurturing oneself and embracing change with grace.

As Empress invites us to engage in deep conversations about mental health and beauty, she also looks ahead to exciting upcoming workshops that foster community and support. This episode resonates with anyone seeking to find empowerment through their beauty journeys.

Join us for this thought-provoking exploration, and let’s redefine our relationships with our hair together. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review!

Stay Connected with Empress by Following the Links Below:

Schedule a Hair Appointment

Instagram

Instrumentals: duwhop_2.0 

Support the show

Are you a part of our Patreon Community and Family?
Join us today and let’s continue building and fostering healthier connections with our hair—from the inside out. As a member, you’ll get access to bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, limited e-books, early access, and a supportive space for real conversations that go beyond the mic.

👉🏾 Join us on Patreon and become part of the Hair What I’m Saying family.

Do you have a story to share that’s worth our listeners hearing, please fill out the Listener Letters Form and tell us your story! We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget to follow Kinetra on Instagram @_hairwhatimsaying_ and check out her website Hair What I'm Saying for more.

Please leave a review and rate the show. Let us know how we are doing!

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If this podcast has ever made you feel seen, inspired, or helped you better understand your hair, please co...