Nappy Head Club
We got a chance to speak with the founders of Nappy Head Club. They're two sisters with a vision to combat the lack of representation of 4c hair. With an aim to create community and conversation, they're well on their way and have created an amazing platform. We hope you enjoy their story!
When did you first realize you wanted to create a brand celebrating black women and specifically their hair?
We were on our way to a shoot and were venting about how 4c hair was never depicted as trendy/fashionable. We always felt so much pressure to tuck our hair away. Newly natural, there was a liberation to rocking our own hair, really refreshing self-acceptance. We wanted to share that feeling with as many black women as we could. Understanding that loving your hair as a black person is a conduit to the bigger challenge of self-love and self-acceptance.
Talk about how your relationship as sisters influenced the kind of community and culture you've created with Nappy Head Club.
Our personal dynamic translates very much into the tone of NHC as a brand. We are women who love fashion and style and don't shy away from serving a look and celebrating elevated art. But at the same time, we are down-to-earth, and damn-well silly, people. We know how to balance our political values with enjoying ourselves and the colorfulness that it is to be black. We are very intentional about creating a community that reflects these values: let's have a real conversation but also let's just have a good time.
How important was it to have such clear and empowering messaging on the apparel?
Our intention behind branching into apparel was to celebrate the underdogs. Making it clear with our messaging that we were designing something SPECIFICALLY for those people who have historically been told to alter themselves to suit societal standards. Our message is that WE ARE THE NEW STANDARD.
In light of mental health being a serious issue in the black community, how do you think communities like yours can help the many women who may feel insecure about their hair?
Representation is so impactful. One of the reasons so many black women do not accept themselves is because they don't see themselves presented in favorable ways in media. Our goal is to create a sense of a home-base, a community that looks like you, understands you, and also shows you how fly you really are.
What are some hurdles you've had to face as you've been growing Nappy Head Club?
As with a lot of small businesses, resources are tough to come by. We run the brand primarily just the two of us (with much appreciated help from family, friends, and our remote team), but sometimes our personal lives can get a bit crazy and slow down our momentum with the brand. We try not to beat ourselves up, and just pick things up when we can.
Is there any advice you'd give to a little girl who's getting bullied about her hair?
Know that your hair carries power and that these bullies are envious of your unique/special beauty. Surround yourself in imagery of women that look like you. Build a personal relationship with your hair, love on it and take time with it.
What is the final vision for Nappy Head Club?
We have a ton of projects that are underway for the growth of NHC. Most importantly, though, we are focusing on continuing to grow and foster our community and find ways to have a significant impact on the issues we face in the black community.