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/shop-the-brand⁠

📩 Keep the conversation going. Join the YHMS 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

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