The stories that the boys shared in our workshop shows that even at a young age, hair becomes a crucial part of their identity. Here are some shared stories and memories of times during their hair journeys:
When I had really short hair in 2018 because a lot of people were doing waves. My brother told me about it. I didn’t like waves. Waves were a lot to maintain and I had to do it every night.
– Student from USA
Loom from South Sudan told us that his favorite hairstyle is dreadlocks. His girlfriend often helps him do his hair, which makes styling extra special to him. Having his hair done in this way gives him confidence and makes him feel handsome.
The workshop provided a platform for participants from different parts of the world to share memories, which describe their unique identity and experiences. Appreciating these differences is empowering and provides an opportunity to foster connections between something that we may not think about often, but experience every day. Participants in the workshop also share techniques for hair styling, encouraging interest in cultural exchange.
When we talked to our students in Sweden, they told us that guys in Sweden typically have shorter hair. The main reason for this is easy maintenance.
Dreadlocks were a common hairstyle between the USA and South Sudan students. In the USA locs tend to be worn to retain length, while South Sudan students wear them as more of a style. In both countries, locs have a deep-rooted cultural meaning that has historically been and is currently used as a form of expression.
Although we love to hear about hair styles from around the globe, it is important to look at some of the struggles people face with hair acceptance. Stereotypes, laws, regulations, and social standards all influence the way that people express themselves. In some cases, regulating hair is a result of discrimination towards women or race. Many countries uphold standards for various reasons, and here are some ways this has impacted the youth:
In conversation with our friends in Juba, they expressed to us how schools require them to shave their hair, but they don’t understand why because it doesn’t affect performance. A mentor for the group, Jok, explained that in their culture it is a way of teaching discipline.
People were joking about my hair when I cut it and it was bald.
– Student from USA
Dreadlocks are seen as a particularly unacceptable hairstyle and the most criminalized style.
– Students from South Sudan
A couple months ago I had my hair big so I had to cut it off..everyone stopped staying stuff.
– Student from USA
These pieces are all only parts of the overall task that the boys were given. Each group was asked to creatively, and digitally express their hair stories. Here are the amazing stories they decided to share: