The Struggles of Black Hair Care at Georgetown: A Call for Community and Accessibility

Title: Navigating Hair Care Challenges: Black Women at Georgetown University Seek Community and Resources

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When Fathia Fasasi (SOH ’27) arrived at Georgetown University as the resident director of Black House, she was taken aback by the stark absence of resources for Black hair care in the campus vicinity. “At first, it was a shock,” Fasasi recalled. “I knew I was going to a predominantly white institution, but can I have a beauty supply store down the street?”

For many Black women at Georgetown, the struggle for accessible hair care products and services has become a significant hurdle in their college experience. The Georgetown neighborhood, with a demographic makeup of approximately 75% white and only 6% Black, starkly contrasts with the broader D.C. area, where over 45% of residents identify as Black. This lack of representation extends to hair care resources, leaving students feeling isolated and frustrated.

The Accessibility Gap

Students like Princess Diallo (CAS, MSB ’28), who grew up in predominantly Black neighborhoods, have found the transition to Georgetown particularly challenging. “In Brooklyn, I could walk two blocks to find a hair salon or beauty supply store,” Diallo said. “Here, there’s nothing.”

The absence of salons that specialize in type 4 hair—a common hair type among Black individuals characterized by tight curls—compounds the issue. “Georgetown has a lot of white hair salons,” Synai Harris (CAS ’27) noted. “We couldn’t easily go to them for services like silk presses. It’s about feeling comfortable and understood.”

Many students have resorted to traveling to areas near Howard University, an HBCU, to find beauty supply stores and stylists who cater to their needs. However, the costs associated with transportation and services can be prohibitive. “Getting from Georgetown to Howard is a hassle,” Harris explained. “It’s not just the service; it’s the travel costs that add up.”

Creative Solutions and Community Building

In response to these challenges, Black women at Georgetown have begun to create their own solutions. Some have developed hair maintenance calendars to balance their academic responsibilities with their hair care routines. “We have hair calendars,” Melissa Munroe (MSB ’27) shared. “It helps us keep track of how long we can maintain a style before needing to do something else.”

Despite the limited resources, students are finding ways to support one another. Harris, who styles hair on campus, emphasizes the importance of community. “If any Black woman at Georgetown has a skill, they should promote themselves,” she said. “It creates a space for us to uplift each other.”

To further foster this sense of community, Munroe and fellow students have revived the Black Book of Georgetown, now called The Georgetown Greenbook. This resource guide aims to connect Black students with local beauty supply stores and other essential services. “We wanted to provide safe havens for Black students to access resources and embrace their identity,” Taylor said.

Cultural Significance of Hair Care

For many Black women, hair care is not just a routine; it’s a cultural connection. “Hair is a way for us to bond over shared experiences,” Harris explained. “It’s a rite of passage to learn how to do your own hair.” This cultural significance is often overlooked by those unfamiliar with the intricacies of Black hair.

As students navigate their hair care challenges, they are also working to educate their peers about the diversity and versatility of Black hair. “I wish people understood that wearing a bonnet or scarf is normal for us,” Harris said. “It’s a practical solution when we don’t have time to style our hair.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the obstacles, Georgetown’s Black women are determined to create spaces for dialogue and support. Upcoming events, such as a braiding boot camp and discussions about hair, aim to empower students and provide them with the resources they need.

As the community continues to grow, the hope is that Georgetown will become a more inclusive environment where Black women can thrive, both academically and personally. “It means a safe space of not being judged,” Fasasi said of the importance of beauty supply stores. “It’s where I can truly let my hair down.”

In a world where hair care can often feel like a burden, the resilience and creativity of Black women at Georgetown shine through, proving that community and support can make all the difference.