Fiction/Non Fiction: Non-Fiction
Themes: Black hair.
Pages: 234
One sentence summary: Part memoir and part education, an insight into the incredible intricacies of Black hair.
Overview: Dabiri's Don't Touch My Hair is an accessible and detailed insight into Black hair - what makes it different and why it is so incredible for that reason. She talks through it's historiclal significance within enslaved individuals, the delicate science behind it and just how different that makes it. Dabiri also talks about her Yoruba heritage and how hair plays such a big role in that too.
Personal Thoughts:
I found this book fascinating from start to finish, I've learnt so much from Dabiri and inspite of the content her writing is incredibly engaging. After already reading What White People Can Do Next, I already had high expectations but Don't Touch My Hair went above and beyond again. There is so much knowledge packed into a relatively small book and I found myself making so many notes. There's a lot of herself in this book and I'd describe it as part memoir as she draws on her own experiences. It adds a really personal touch and feels like you have an old friend talking to you.
As a white woman who's hair is readily represented and common place in media, there is a lot I take for granted with my hair. This book was a really good insight into all of that privelige and has really opened my eyes to a lot more I'd been blind to. I loved learning about the first Black female millionaire, the Yoruba culture and the importanec of The Fresh Prince of Belair and Black Panther.
Another thing I love about Dabiri's writing is how feminism is always at the forefront. There are sections on the beauty standard and beauty becoming competitve which is something I hadn't considered before. This is a must read for intersectional feminisits alike.
Would I read it again? Yes. There's lots in here to come back to, there's so much knowdledge and learning.
Read this? Plan to read it? I'd love to know! Let me know in the comments below.
Available for purchase as part of our Beautifully You box here.