Five panelists discussed how to return to your natural hair roots at a workshop held in honor of Women’s History Month in March.

Panelist Karl Mayes, an instructor and adviser at HCC Central defined going natural: “It’s allowing our hair to do exactly what it does.”

Although the focus of the event was on black hair, Mayes added, “Whatever your culture, whatever your background, you should enjoy what you have…Whatever grows out of your body is your mane, it is your crown.”

Host Erica Hubbard, an EDUC 1300 instructor and HCC Central librarian gave a history of black hair in America starting from slavery. “The house slaves would see that the straighter hair and lighter skin meant higher status,” Hubbard explained that the history of hair is entwined with race and class.

Gesturing to the audience of mostly black women, Hubbard said, “[I see] women who have gone the full circle and have decided to go back to their natural hair.”

During the discussion, an audience member shared her personal hair journey, “At first you’re insecure about it….I would stand in the mirror and ask, ‘Where do I come from?’ Everyone asks that, but we can’t trace our roots….My hair is the only thing I have that my grandparents had.”

Panelist Stacy Welcome, advising manager at HCC’s Central counseling department, spoke about how to reverse the effects of hair shame on girls, “It starts in the community, and it starts at home…If you don’t instill confidence in your children at home, when they go out into the community, what do you expect?”

An audience member claimed that a man’s perspective does affect how a woman feels about her hair; a father telling his daughter she is beautiful makes a world of difference.

However, the panelists emphasized the need to keep everything in perspective. Panelist Carla Robinson, an English Professor at HCC Central, asked, “Does your hair define you? It does not.”

Welcome said, “When considering changing your hair, ask, ‘Are you doing it for the reaction or for how you feel?’” Mayes said, “People who are truly happy with who they are do not care about pleasing other people,” adding that everyone should, “Love who you are and exemplify who you are…It speaks volumes to the universe if you embody who you really are.”

The panelists admitted going natural is not easy. Candace Hubert, a natural hair stylist and owner of the Natural Souls Hair Cottage in Houston, said, “If you have patience, natural is easy to you, but you have to have patience.” Mayes added, “The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

The panel discussion was followed by a natural hair care demonstration by Hubert.

The event was hosted March 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at HCC Central Learning Hub conference room 100.