GOOD HAIR: The After-thought

I went to see the Good Hair movie and the disappointment that I expected was confirmed. The movie seemed to focus more on weaves and perms; natural hair was barely discussed at all. With a title like "Good Hair" one would assume (or at least I did) that the filmmaker would actually discuss the real issue of "Good Hair/Bad Hair," but Chris Rock failed.

Although, much of the film was entertaining, there were also many parts that made me cringe. He took a controversial topic of Good Hair and made a mockery of the term. Chris Rock is a comedian, so I expected him to be funny, but I also expected him to get to the root of the issue; sadly he did not. I will spare you the details, for those planning to see the movie.

He did shed light on the negative effects of a perm on our hair and stressed that little girls should not use these chemicals, especially. He also took us "behind-the-scenes" in the weave industry by going to India where we get a large amount of the hair supply for weaves. Women in India cut their hair as part of a religious sacrifice once a year and that hair is then "given to God" in a temple. What they don't know is that the same hair they "give up to God" is being sold to American women at a Beauty Supply store near you! None of the proceeds go to the women who sacrificed their hair.

Just remember, if you are going to the movie with high hopes of a deep discussion about Good Hair vs Bad Hair, while destroying myths about our own natural hair, you will be sadly disappointed. However, if you are looking for a good laugh, then by all means, go see "Good Hair." Perhaps, he will make a Part 2 and really get to the root of Good Hair issue. We shall see....

Chris Rock's Good Hair Movie: A Pre-Thought

As most of you know, Chris Rock was inspired to create the film "Good Hair" after his precious daughter asked "Daddy, how come I don't have good hair?" Being in love with my natural locks and addicted to promoting natural hair, I instantly became excited and intrigued all at once. I thought, "Finally, somebody is going to bring the "Good hair/bad hair issue to light!" I expected the audience to leave the theater feeling encouraged and reassured that the natural hair growing from our scalp is beautiful and in fact good hair regardless of texture, density and color and we don't need perms and weaves to have "Good Hair"; perms and weaves are just options. Furthermore, I hoped the film would covey the message that Good Hair is healthy hair. Watch the trailer:

I must say, my high is coming down. After listening to reviews from those who've watched the pre-screenings and after watching the above trailer, I get the sense that Chris Rock, fails to answer his daughter's question about good hair. I also got discouraged after seeing all the celebrities at his promo parties rocking only weaves and perms, including his wife. For the record, there is nothing wrong with weaves or perms. I am happy that women have so many options with their hair. However, the message that seems to remain is "natural hair is still not good enough."

With all that being said, I'm still going to go see it because I am curious! Do I expect the film to encourage women to Rock The Natural? NO (although I secretly hope it does)! I hope that it explores the fact that the natural hair that grows out of our heads is good hair and we can be just as beautiful when we "rock our natural."

I will definitely fill a theater seat at the movie launch on October 9 to give you my final thoughts. For more information on Chris Rock's "Good Hair" visit http://www.goodhairmovie.net/ and see when the film launches in your area and go see it for yourself.

Tell me your pre-thoughts?