Abstract
Hair transition is the process of abdicating chemical or physical hair straightening, resuming its natural textures. This qualitative research aimed at investigating the construction of the meanings of identity in black women who went through the hair transition. Twelve black women between the ages of 18 and 34 participated in the study. For the data collection, semi-structured interviews were used and analyzed through the positioning analysis. Hair transition has changed the way of positioning towards itself, hair, society and the construction of self-image. In addition to elucidating the identity affirmation process of the interviewees, the study instigates the discussion of racism in Brazilian society, by dealing with the devaluation of black aesthetics and, therefore, the praise of whiteness.
Keywords:
Black women; Identity; Hair transition; Racism