Team Zahara!
Thanks to all of you who have sent me that Newsweek article by Allison Samuels about Zahara Jolie Pitt and “the politics of uncombed hair.”
I know y’all already know how I feel, but I wrote about it for BVHairTalk in a post titled I’m on Team Zahara! Just so everyone else knows.
Baby Z looks fine to me!
Is it weird to quote yourself? Oh well:
“Sometimes when I read posts on gossip blogs about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s children, I’m left feeling lost and alone in the universe.
Am I the only one? The only black woman in the world who doesn’t feel inflamed with rage when I see baby Zahara’s unstyled hair?
When I see this little girl, it makes me flash back to myself at that age. Strong willed, outspoken, and quick to say no when my mom tried to tame my tresses.
Small wonder I got a dose of kiddie hair relaxer at age 7 — I didn’t exactly make myself easy to handle.
When I see Baby Z — and the same goes for her sister, Shiloh — I see two happy, loved, very independent-minded little girls, and an indulgent mother who allows them to express their own style.”
“I disagree with the conclusion of that Newsweek article: “…there will come a day when this beautiful little African girl will understand what it means to be an African American woman in this society and realize unlike her younger sister, hers is not a wash-and-go world.” That sentence revealed more about the author than she may have realized. For some African American women, the expectation isn’t that hair needs to be tamed into submission. For many natural hair bloggers and our readers, this world is whatever we want it to be. I’m comfortable and happy with a wash-and-go style, and I dare you to look at a natural-hair Web site like Le Coil and tell me those women look unkempt or “a hot mess.”
So there you have it, and for further reading allow me to recommend Roslyn Holcomb’s take, and Gina of What About Our Daughters, who titles her post Leave Zahara Alone!
Cosign THAT.
I’d love to hear your opinions on this, seeing as any photograph of this four year old child will invariably be torn to shreds by writers, bloggers, and commenters who apparently are all experts on black hair styling. Is Baby Z under a different kind of scrutiny than other celebrity kids her age? What are your feelings on that? And if you have advice for Brad and Angelina about her hair, what would it be?
Category: Famous Faces, Hair, Issues
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Her hair is beautiful!!!
I agree with Bella. Her hair isn’t tangled or frizzy or flyaway… It looks moisturized and in all it’s curly glory.
I think whoever is caring for her hair is doing a great job!
I wish more people would just learn to love and accept their own natural hair texture and color. I happen to really like Zahara’s afro hair style and think it looks natural and cute. It does not look un-kept or un-moisturized. That is her natural hair and kudos to Angelina (for a change!) to let the child wear her hair the way nature intended.
I’m on team Zahara too – her hair looks great (as does she).
I’m in agreement with team Zahara. I love Zahara’s hair. Having a little girl of my own now and loving my own natural hair will play a significant role in how she views hers. I’m all for raising a new generation of little African American girls who know that their natural hair is a gift from God and not a curse.
baby Z looks FABULOUS! What is wrong with black women who will perm their hair into submission and get traction alopecia and God knows what else for their efforts. My dermatologist says that hair loss among black woman is one of the biggest issues he sees these days. “Good Hair” is a great representation of the craziness around our hair. Kudos to Angie and Brad for letting their child’s lovely head of naturally curly hair free. Good for them!!!
Baby Z is adorable…The problem is, why is she being used as a Handbag??? Question is do you love baby Z?? or those flashing lights??? or are you getting people acquainted with your future meal ticket?? cause she is Beautiful..Be glad she didn’t perm her hair. I gotta give her that much.Did she really steal baby Z?? now that’s the question…
I dont see the big deal. She looks so cute! Im in love. My daughter doesnt get her hair combed all the time because she’s too busy exploring something else. I just slap some Magic from Carols Daughter and let her go! Let the babies be themselves, they dont need all that hair buisness so soon. let them do them.
Afrobella i completely agree with you every time i even see a picture of her people are complaining about her hair i see nothing wrong with the girls’ hair she in no way looks unkept because her hair isn’t in braids or any other style I’m really that they have her hair out and no is telling hey you’re not allowed to do that you’re different she’s too young and yes the author is telling a lot about herself in this article.
The only problem I have with her hair is that it doesn’t look combed or healthy. I have a feeling that Zahara doesn’t have anyone taking care of her who knows how to style natural black hair. Whether it be Brad, Angelina or a nanny. I have a strong feeling that when she gets older she will start getting weaves or perms. I am just considering her environment, and what her surroundings will be with the whole “Hollywood” lifestyle.
For 4 years old there’s nothing wrong with her hair being un-permed (many women prefer perms for the upkeep and ensuring the hair doesn’t break off (an issue with young children who don’t always allow for daily upkeep without leaving momma with some battle scars)).
That being said I don’t really love Zahara’s hair on the general. I think she’s a lovely girl but I just feel like it’s lazy parenting whenever I see her hair. That being said I don’t really love what Angelina and Brad are doing with ANY of their children’s hair (the green dye, mohawks, bizarre hair cuts) so it’s not like she’s being singled out by myself.
Perhaps it is just perception but I do think you do have to invest something extra in your child’s daily appearance especially when their hair is natural. Granted Zahara’s hair does look really cute sometimes so I’m not too worried. A few pics doesn’t mean the girl is being abandoned, lol.