The burgeoning Natural Hair Movement, gaining momentum in recent years, has found a new ally at Kenyon College with the inception of the Natural Hair Club. Spearheaded by Sydney Lewis ’26, this student organization aims to create an inclusive and educational space devoted to the intricacies of hair care. Set to launch this semester, the club envisions providing a supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds to engage in meaningful discussions surrounding the beauty and care of natural hair.
For centuries, hair has held significant cultural and historical importance within the Black community. Traditional styles such as cornrows and locs have been emblematic of cultural expression and celebration. The evolution of attitudes towards natural hair is intertwined with pivotal moments in history, notably during the Civil Rights Movement and the subsequent Black Power Movement, where a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards encouraged Black individuals, particularly women, to embrace their natural hair texture. The advent of social media further propelled the Natural Hair Movement, with tutorials and influencers offering advice, support, and empowerment. While the movement extends beyond Black hair, its roots lie in the pursuit of Black liberation.
Sydney Lewis, driven by her personal connection to the Natural Hair Movement, shared her transformative experience with a high school natural hair club. In an email to the Collegian, she expressed her desire to replicate that sense of community at Kenyon. The Natural Hair Club aims to serve as an educational platform for all students and staff, fostering understanding and appreciation for coarse and coily hair. Lewis envisions a club that not only imparts knowledge on hair maintenance but also encourages love and acceptance for diverse hair textures.
The primary objective of the Natural Hair Club is to cultivate a sense of connection around the care and celebration of natural hair. Lewis anticipates that the club will broaden perspectives on coarse and coily hair while creating a space for sharing tips and tricks for hair care. In addition to how-to workshops, the club plans to organize campus events and collaborate with other affinity groups.
In a email to all students, Lewis provided a glimpse into the club’s offerings, promising demonstrations on hair styling and braiding, a resource library comprising books, podcasts, videos, and more for students to utilize. With over 20 students already on the mailing list, Lewis envisions further expansion in the coming weeks.
Sasha Pauline Fanny-Holston ’11, club advisor and Assistant Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, expressed her enthusiasm for the Natural Hair Club. Drawing on her own experience as a student with natural hair, she highlighted the need for a platform where students can come together, learn, and embrace their natural hair. Fanny-Holston anticipates that the organization will empower students to confidently express their personalities through their natural hair.
As the club awaits approval from Student Council, those interested in joining or learning more about the Natural Hair Club are encouraged to reach out to Sydney Lewis or attend an upcoming meeting. Looking ahead to Black History Month, the club is poised to celebrate the significance of all things curly, coily, and cute.
