The beauty of hair goes far beyond the surface. For stylist Niani Barracks, hair is woven into her culture and identity. But women of colour are frequently stigmatised for their natural hair. Perceived as untidy and unprofessional, many are compelled to conform to western ideals. “Natural hair is not something that needs to be fixed,” Barracks says. “It needs to be loved and appreciated.” With her online classes, she is empowering women to take pride in the hair they were born with.
Raised in Detroit, Barracks was drawn to the bold hairstyles that characterised her neighbourhood. She taught herself to braid at the age of 12, and went on to pursue a career in styling. Through her years at the salon, Barracks discovered that many of her clients didn’t know how to style their natural hair, and felt embarrassed because of it. So when the COVID-19 pandemic forced Barracks out of her salon, she founded the platform A Safe Space for Black Girls that Never Learned How to Braid. “I started a virtual hair community for women not only to learn how to take care of their hair, but also to connect them with women who are just like them,” Barrack says.
Her online classes have since grown into a global community bolstering knowledge and confidence. From new parents to teenagers, Barracks teaches a range of people how to box braid, construct cornrows, and appreciate the hair they were born with. Each workshop comes with a private Facebook group, encouraging students to share their struggles and support one another. With her platform, Barracks is brushing aside negative perceptions and unravelling the strength that comes with embracing natural hair. “My goal is to empower black women to love themselves again, because an empowered woman can change society,” she says.
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