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?
I don’t have a problem with baby Z wearing her hair natural. I have a problem with her momma not bothering to comb that child’s hair! She could have at least picked it out some.
Designdiva – your comment kinda proves what I’m saying — how do you know she didn’t comb her hair that day? It looks detangled and moisturized to me. It’s not like her hair is dry and matted and shows signs of being truly uncared for. But again – that’s just me and my opinion…
My question is, why do you have to screw with any kid’s hair? To look proper in public I suppose is an excuse, but there are things to do with a kid’s head before you get to styling, straightening and whatnot.
I love Zahara’s hair! It’s thick, natural and beautiful. She’s a beautiful child.
Maybe I am in the minority, but I really didn’t/don’t notice Zahara’s hair. I mean, I absolutely give kids way more lenience when it comes to hair, no matter their ethnicity, as long as they look taken care of – which Z most def is, along with the other kids.
A kid gets to be a kid and shouldn’t need to worry about hair as much as the hot mess in the next cubicle at work, in my opinion.
I Like Baby Z’s hair. Sometimes I wear my hair like that 🙂 There was some debate on another blog about what “presentable” hair looks like. I think her hair fits that definition. I am of the thought that a person’s hair should be done(children & adults). Meaning that it should look like someone took the time to braid, twist, pull in a puff, fluff out the curly fro, etc. And Z’s hair looks done to me.
I was actually really surprised when I read the Newsweek article. I think Zahara looks totally fine and kudos to her mum for accepting her as she is.
I have to agree with DesignDiva here. Z’s hair looks like it’s in good condition to me, which only makes me question Ms. Samuels’ observations about the kid’s hair. If you can’t tell the difference between kinky and unkempt then you really have little business commenting on said hair in the first place.
If I may add, it’s actually refreshing to see the Jolie-Pitts treating their daughter’s as hair as hair and not some political minefield.
I also think Zahara looks fine. Because her hair isn’t pulled back into twenty tight braids and fastened with barrettes, it isn’t combed? Nah. If Brad & Angie really weren’t doing anything with that child’s hair, it would look WAY worse.
I just read the whole article. That woman has issues.
She said “I say natural hair—afro, dreads, etc. is fine, if it’s maintained regularly or when the child is old enough to make that decision for herself. Until then, the child’s parents are responsible for their general care and upkeep.”
I don’t get her point. I could almost interpret this as saying that a child’s hair should be straightened until the child is old enough to choose to have natural hair.
Like it’s been said Z or any other child who wears their hair in a free flowing fro hair is not unkept. Her hair looks moisturized and detangled. I saw her picture and I personally think it looks like a dried out unmaintained wave noveau, but I’m not going to write an article in a national publication about her hair.
Living here in DC, where there is a large population of Ethiopians, my friends who are Ethio doesn’t see anything wrong with the child’s hair. It’s how they wore their hair growing up and it’s how a lot of them still choose to wear their hair. Natural. If her hair was ‘unkept’…you’d be able to see that immediately i.e, lack of hairline, breakage, etc..etc..but she has a beautiful head of curls, that will cultivate into thicker/richer curls as she gets older.
Give the child a break.
I’m just glad to see she’s not walking around with a bunch of clunky hair accessories like so many people put into their children’s hair nowadays.
Ok – I do not think that the article was so much about Natural hair – it is more about Angelina putting more of an effort to style her hair. I guess sometimes her hair could be out – sometimes it could be in a pony tail and/or twisted. I believe the issue here is that Zahara’s hair has remained in one style since the inception of adoption – why not put a little effort in giving her some versatility with her natural hair. I personally do not have a problem with Baby Z’s hair – but at the same time we all know that there could be some versatility in the styling of her natural hair.
I love her hair and her self esteem will most likely be in cool because it doesn’t look like there are any hair issues. Sometimes I wonder if we manipulate and use so much produt and accessories, especially on children’s hair because we want so hard for our hair to be “acceptable”. At the end of the day can we accept clean conditioned hair wear and go without excessive manipulation. As this child grows up she may desire a different style, but it sure won’t be because she’s trying to hide her coily edges or kitchen.afrbella can you find more pictures like these of chioldren doing there wash and gos. That one picture will have more of a positive aspect on children than many we’ve seen so far. This gives me hope for future generations and this hair thing.
I have one piece of advice for her parents: let her do what she wants with it but keep it moisturized
I too am on team Zahara! I don’t think her hair looks unkept. As said before, it does look washed and moisturized, a real wash and go! I don’t see matting or anything. Plus she’s a child and probably does not really care at this point. She may not have any of the hang-ups on hair that older children and us adults have. Maybe as she gets older she may get interested in styling her hair in different styles. There is no law that says if you have naturally kinky/curly hair that you have to have your hair in a combed style. Would people react the same way if she had a kiddie perm??? Don’t think so. She’s a child, let her be.
I’m just a white/hispanic girl with boring stick straight hair who loves reading your blog and by reading it, learned a great deal of things about the complex nature of black women’s hair. Honestly? To me her hair looks cute and well cared.
And judging by the fierce looks little Z always gives photographers, I don’t think she cares about what all these grown-ups are saying about her hair 🙂
Oh I love your response..LOVE IT…”for some…the expectation isn’t that hair needs to be tamed into submission.” OH MY GUAH I’m using this!!
For the last time–that child’s hair *is* moisturized and kept up. There are pictures online of Zahara with her hair in two tiny afro puffs and with braids, so her hair has not been “in the same style” since infancy. Brad Pitt even gave a shout-out to Carol’s Daughter products by saying that’s what they use on Zahara’s hair.
A four-year old does not need a personal hair-stylist. She does not need grown-ass women passing on their issues to her. I remember people were complaining when Zahara had a cute, color-coordinated to her outfit scarf on her head and people claiming she “looked like a slave”, but these same people wouldn’t have blinked if Suri Cruise had the same thing on. I am personally tired of this sudden surge of black women’s bodies being ‘stripped for parts’ as it were, with everything we do being dissected without some real context. Just do you!
Don’t get me started on the issue with this child’s hair. Bella, no you are not the only one who does not go into a blind rage when you see photos of Zahara with her well conditioned hair out in the open. I see a cute little girl with soft, casual hair- and if I read “angie needs to put some cornrows/flat twists/etc. in that baby’s hair” one more time– aaarrgh
I did not read the article you posted because the “hers is not a wash and go world” comment already raises my blood pressure. Why are so many of us hell bent on projecting our own hair/skin/body issues onto every other Black woman/girl?! That comment right there reminds me of back in the day convos with Black matriarchs and their daughters/grandaughters, telling them not to expect much out of life cause it’s so hard being a Black girl. This wasn’t their fault back then but some of these folks are still on a plantation somewhere. I mean damn, it’s just hair, and this is a child.
I had a curly afro a few years back and was visiting a vendor with my boss. The receptionist, another young Black woman, complimented my hair and asked me very earnestly(in front of my “other” boss)-“do you wrap it up at night like Aunt Jemima?”-afterwards my boss told me HE wanted to slap her, but the sad part was she was not tryinig to be snarky, she actually thought maintaining our hair overnight with a scarf = “wrappin’ it up like aunt jemima”-sigh.
I’ve been looking at the picture of Baby Z for some time now and I still don’t see what’s wrong. I actually really love her curls open and free. That’s just how I wanted to wear it when I was young too but my mom would never allow. Now as my hair is growing out from a “big chop” i am ecited to wear it open. Mom can’t stop me now.
http://womanofcolour.blogspot.com
I think her hair is just fine. She’s a little girl and should be allowed to have her hair free and blowing. This is a different day. Natural means different things to different people. I’m sure as it gets longer, they’ll have no choice but to style it – but whatever. She’s beautiful regardless.
Getting past the fact that the white woman has adopted a black child, is the childs hair clean and healthy? She has the hook up with Carol’s Daughter from what I understand.White children are not required to wear pony tails or anything else.
you guys think that article was bad? check out the comments to the picture of zahara posted on theybf.com
http://theybf.com/index.php/2009/10/05/candids-zahara-jolie-pittthe-obamas-anniversary-date-night/#comments
they were absolutely infuriating. i just pray that angie and brad don’t give into the pressure, and baby girl pops up with a perm. that would be such a sad day…
I think Zahara is beautiful and so is her hair. Ms. Jolie is doing a good job in my opinion when it comes to the child’s hair. For the nay sayers would you rather her perm it into compliance? I think that many ppl[who are not black] who raise black babies do that because its the easiest for them. And it conforms to their impressions of beauty and correctness. I am glad Zahara has parents that let her rock her natural! It is obviously healthy and does not appear to be negelected at all.
Bloggal – UGH!!! Those comments made me wanna throw something. I hate that WE are the ones putting mental shackles on ourselves and expecting others to wear them as well. WE are the ones teaching our kids that they aren’t beautiful without conforming to those standards. Those comments hurt my heart.
LUV LUV LUV HER HAIR. LUV THE MESSAGE THAT THEY ARE SENDING THESE CHILDREN, LUV YURSELF EXACTLY AS GOD MADE YOU….NOTHING WRONG THERE….I REMEMBER GROWING UP AND HAVING MAJOR ISSUES WITH WHAT MY MOTHER WANTED FOR MY HAIR. I WAS SO HAPPY WHEN I CAME OF AGE AND COULD CUT IT AS SHORT AS I WANTED IT….MY SHAVED HEAD STARTED AS A REBELIOUS RAGE AGAINST SOCIETY…HOWEVER AFTER 16 YEARS MY SHAVED HEAD HAS BECOME MY TRADEMARK….I SAY DO YOU BOO!!!!!!!!
Okay I clicked on the link Bloggal typed. In THOSE pics Lil Z looks cute-from head to toe. But the pic ABOVE doesn’t look flattering to her hair. Her hair looks like some of it is laying down and some sticking up.
On Jezebel, Latoya Peterson suggested that Newsweek didn’t pick a representative photo. If that’s what Samuels is complaining about, I don’t get it. Zahara looks adorable.
sigh
I have a mixed race daughter. Her hair is combed, clean, moisturized and cared fo properly. I allow her to wait it free, out, and big as often as she wants. It gets a little unruly by the end of the day. Recently I was in target with my daughter and her father. I was one aisle over and two women came down the aisle talking to each other about how “you can always tell when the mama white because they don’t comb their hair”. My daughter is a bit like miss zahara- and I allow it… and her hair is WELL taken care of.
Please excuse the typos!
well said!
Zahara looks gorgeous. It’s really a shame that Newsweek chose to publish a spiteful and mean-spirited article hoping to ‘shame’ a 4 year old child into any style other than her own. This article is the reason I just turned down a FREE subscription to their magazine. Because it would be worth exactly what I paid for = nothing.
Gisele said: “Why are so many of us hell bent on projecting our own hair/skin/body issues onto every other Black woman/girl?! That comment right there reminds me of back in the day convos with Black matriarchs and their daughters/grandaughters, telling them not to expect much out of life cause it’s so hard being a Black girl.”
This hits on something very important: Black people have been taught to bond over the (erroneous) idea that we are less-than. If these issues are what binds us as a people, no wonder they’re reinforced even when we should know better. The “Black Is Beautiful” era only lasted for not quite a generation (less than 15 years); that’s not enough to undo almost 400 years — 25 extra generations — of built-in inferiority.
Ms. Samuels seems to think she’s HELPING Zahara by saying what she’s saying…and as evidenced by some blogs, there are plenty who agree. (I have yet to read the article in its entirety, but the bit I got on Jezebel, plus everyone else’s commentary, was more than enough.) But I would MUCH RATHER see Zahara’s (healthy, well-moisturized) loose ‘fro than some of her 4-year-old peers who already have damaged hair and scalps and broken/missing hairlines because their parents are too damn LAZY (yes, I said it) to learn how to care for their daughters’ hair properly and are too hung up on this STUPID victim narrative masquerading as culture and “proper grooming.”
My advice to Brad and Angelina: Read up on African-American history if you haven’t already. Really understand where all this brouhaha is coming from. Understand that African-Americans are not a monolith and that some of us aren’t living by the victim narrative. And then keep on doing what is best for your daughter regardless of what anybody thinks.
I think Zahara looks so cute! I commend Angelina for letting her hair be just the way it is. She’s a darling little girl!
I think Zahara looks so cute! I commend Angelina for letting her hair be just the way it is. She’s a darling little girl!
I’m glad you brought this up, bella, and I’m with you! I’m on team Zahara! I think the ridiculous reaction to this says alot about the black community, not just in the States but the Caribbean also. I think it’s an old school notion that open black hair automatically means it’s unkempt. I would know because my hair has had chemicals nearly my whole life (thanks to mom). Anyway, thanks for sharing the link to le coil. Those women look gorgeous,
Leave Zahara alone!Some of us need to quit with this whole concept that only straight, flowing hair can be worn free and loose.
The girl is out havin’ fun with mommy. She’s not interviewing for a job.
Nappy hair does not always “behave”, and if you’re going to live life and not have every waking moment revolve around “picking and patting”, then it’s best to accept the properties of nappy, coily hair or…do something else.
Le Coil is hawt! But it ain’t for everybody…there are those who have traded relaxed tresses for kinked-up minds.
Wow, I did not know that this issue is so deep that some black women now publicly place their own insecurities on four-year-old children. Allison’s rant is just as inappropriate as some random fried/dyed/layed-to-side-woman coming up to you in walmart telling you that your wash-n-go is unprofessional or that you look unkempt. By the way, I’ve looked at blow-up pictures of Z and her hair looks properly moisturized and I don’t see signs of breakage or traction alopecia. I think this article brings up the interesting issue of this need for black women to feel like they always need to have their hair “done” including 4-year old black girls…sheesh.
I’m a perm girl but I’m with you I like Zs hair and for a baby that age i think it’s cute and appropriate. You can clearly tell by the curl pattern and the glisten that the her hair is healthy and properly being cared for and thats whats important. If she has a dry fro with knots I would say Angenla doesn’t know what she is doing, but that doesn’t appear the case she’s done some research in to AA hair (or hired someone good) and has decided to let her girl be a lil natural diva. Way to go Angelina
Each & every time I see a picture of Baby Z, I smile. For me, it is refreshing to see someone who respects & appreciates the hair on that childs head. It looks to me that she is being taught at a very early age that she is beautiful just as she is. I see nothing wrong with her hair. . .nothing at all.
Brad & Angie need to keep doing what they are doing. All of their kids look happy, healthy & loved.
Bella- right on! I read the article and the author has some serious issues and outdated ideas of natural hair. I keep referring back to your other post where you talk about the acceptableness of natural hair. Loose/wavy ok, perfect curls, better, coily and uneven not so much. She looks beautiful.
PS: I read a while ago in the article about the adopted white family with the african daughter that prior malnourishment caused hair loss in their daughter. Perhaps the author shouldn’t be so quick to judge the “unkemptness” of Zahara’s hair. Her suggestion of “combing every night with oil and styling” could exacerbate the problem. But why do we even need to discuss it? She is four for goodness sake!
I have to say thanks to Patrice for sharing her blog to allow sane people to share thoughts-lol. I finally read that article out of curiousity, the comments section is through the roof. There are women saying Ms. Samuels should be fired, and that’s one of the more generous comments.
I think Z’s hair looks absolutely fine, I wear my hair out in a fro all the time. But what they should do is add some accessories to her hair. I use pins, clips and headbands to create shape and style to the fro. Thats all Z really needs.
And I’m glad the Jolie-Pitts didn’t relax her hair! They’ve done better than most black parents there.
She’s a child; let her be!
The people that complain about angelina jolie or modanna not knowing how to look after black hair because they choose to keep thier children’s hair natural are the ones that really don’t know how to look after black hair.
How those everyone know that Angelina did not bother to comb her child’s hair, other than looking at pictures has anyone got any evidence of this, some people’s hair looks like that when it is combed with out a a hair-dryer. Instead of praising these women for loving their children the way they are and not letting society tell them that they need to put nasty chemicals in their children’s hair, people want to crucify them.
I remember being on another blog site can’t remember the name it was a few years ago they had pictures of chris rock’s daughters who had natural afro textured hair and the comments made by black women was disgusting , majority where saying that he needs to put a perm on their hair quick , asking if Chris rock is broke and saying Chris rock and his mum are bad parents for allowing their children’s hair to be natural, how ludicrous is that.
why those it seem that black people have a bigger problem with natural afro textured hair than other races?
Z’s hair looks fine so did Chris rock’s daughters
Well stated, Bella! Natural hair is and can be ‘wash and go’ in all textures and types.
Is the concern that she doesn’t have two puffs with a ribbon attached?
Overall, Z’s hair looks healthy, moisturized and lint free. Triple plus for me.
I don’t get it. What’s with the obsession with this child’s hair? Kudos to Angelina for even adopting a child and opening up her world to so many opportunities. Yeah maybe I’d have Z’s hair up in a ponytail, but that’s just me because I’m old school. I can tell by the picture that Angelina really loves this child. So what if she doesn’t have a perfect hair style on this kid? Zahara is absolutely beautiful and I’m sure she could really care less right now. Instead of worrying about her hair (who cares?), people should really focus on the fact that this child will be able to live a privileged life and go to college some day. I’ll take her life and let Brad carry me around all day, messy hair and all! LOL
You’re not in the minority. Alison Samuels is getting her butt handed to her on every blog that re-posted that article. Most of the people are saying pretty much the same thing: that she’s a self-hating house negro who is projecting her own insecurities onto a little four year old girl’s hair. She needs to butt out and leave Z’s hair alone. Brad and Angelina are doing a wonderful job raising her and caring for her. They are raising her to be a strong, self-confident and happy child. They obviously adore her and focus on their main priorities which are giving her love, acceptance, nurturing, etc. They love Z for who she is, and that includes her natural hair.
I’m on Team Sahara too! The author seems to have gotten it into her head that black hair is “wild” needs to be “tamed” (haven’t we all heard that one before…). If there was one negative idea that I could get rid of in life, it would be that one.
I think Zahara is gorgeous and it’s such a shame that our own people can’t look in the mirror and find beauty within themselves so they strive to make everything thin, pale, etc. Eurocentric. Some people are even stressing to black men and women to engage in interracial mating so the “kids will have good hair” and “be pretty and yellow” and they won’t be “ghetto and ignorant”. I can’t believe people hate themselves so much they not only take it out on eachother, but babies like Zahara who resemble anything naturally black. What a sad time we live in.
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.
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