“God, I can just see myself getting uglier.”
Seven months ago, this is what filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa said as her braided extensions were cut from her hair. She was shaving her head for a video installation and planned to return to the extensions in a few weeks. But today, she continues to wear her hair short, embracing its natural texture. Zina Saro-Wiwa unintentionally transitioned, joining many other black women who were motivated to return to their roots.
In her short documentary, entitled “Transition,” Saro-Wiwa explores the decision to “go natural.” She began taking photographs and filming herself and other naturals, inspired to begin a new relationship with her hair and with her body. In doing so, she suddenly recognized the lack of natural hair in the media.
Celebrities may continue to sport wigs and smooth weaves on the cover of magazines, but many black women are no longer conforming to this ideal of beauty. The natural hair movement is rapidly spreading across the United States, fueled by social media. Zina Saro-Wiwa believes that, at the core, the natural hair movement is one of freedom, brought on by different personal reasons but united by the theme of self-acceptance.
Watch the documentary here: “Transition”
Get tips and advice on transitioning here: All About Transitioning
