Bad Hair Uprooted: Kinky Hair, Locs & Equal Hair Rights

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of presenting my documentary Bad Hair Uprooted in a packed hall at Mart Radio, made possible by Maureen Held of BlakaRutu. Surrounded by beautiful hairstyles, conscious women, and old acquaintances, it was a warm welcome — with an interactive presentation and an in-depth dialogue.

BAD Hair Uprooted, the Untold History of Black Follicles

After 22 years in America, it took some getting used to giving a presentation again in my home country, but it was by no means less special. One of the differences with America is that unequal hair rights, except among some naturals, seem to be less of an issue. Fortunately, my documentary BAD Hair Uprooted, filmed in New York, was well received — and I was quite happy about that.
Do you want to see it and contribute? Then visit BAD Hair Uprooted, the Documentary. 

Mart Radio Director Norman van Gom and Maureen Held of BlakaRutu

The word 'Kroeshaar' (Kinky Hair)

The first time I read that the word 'kroeshaar' (kinky hair) was controversial was in a column by the late writer Clark Accord, shortly after my very first book was released in 2003. He called kinky hair a badge of honor.
In recent weeks, the topic also came up in Facebook comments, so it was not entirely unexpected that the question was asked during the presentation. Milouska Meulens, presenter, writer, and a natural from the very beginning, asked: "Why do you call it 'kroeshaar'?"

Milouska Meulens, Mireille Liong, Sandy Weeks

Milouska explained that the word has a negative connotation in Curaçao and people prefer not to use it. Sandy Weeks, my very first kinky hair model, who is also of Curaçaoan descent, had a different experience. Like me, she has no problem with the word kinky hair.

Of course, I've thought about this. My answer is actually very simple: I don't know any better. I don't know any other word that describes my hair type so well. Perhaps mainly because I've never felt a negative connotation with the word.

My experience with kinky hair

For me, kinky hair was always just my hair type. The hair of Creoles, people of African descent, different from all other hair types. Whether you like it or not, you personally will never be able to insult me with the word 'kroeshaar' — because that's the hair type I was born with. More than just learning to live with it, I have always loved my kinky hair, despite all the stereotypes. This love brought me closer to my roots.

What makes me happy is that we can have these kinds of discussions with respect for each other's experiences. One person's experience is not another's. Slavery caused deep damage over 300 years, and you don't process that in a few minutes of conversation. That's why it's essential to keep talking.

📣 What do you think is the best name for our hair? Click here to fill out the survey and make your voice heard! 

Photo from the exhibition: Bad Hair Uprooted.

Dreadlocks vs. Locs

There is also a discussion going on in the Netherlands about this term. As far as I remember, it started somewhere in 2002 with the statement "There is nothing dreadful about my locs", on the Nappturality.com forum.
I have a strong opinion about this, and an ongoing debate with my buddy Solwazie, who thinks differently. You can read all about it in the blog and share your own opinion: Locs vs. Dreadlocks: An Intense Debate About the Origin & Meaning. Here too, I look forward to your comments. 

Old acquaintances & heartwarming moments

The discussions were good and certainly made me think, but the most beautiful thing was the old acquaintances who told me they had been following me from the beginning. There is no greater compliment for me. It was truly heartwarming.
It was wonderful to hear that with Kroeshaar.com and my documentary, I bring people together. And that Milouska said that thanks to my booklet and the tips on kroeshaar.com, she learned how to care for her hair, made me incredibly happy.

Old acquaintances from the beginning try the Magic Headwrap with patterns and the plain Magic HeadWrap for the first time. Photo by Pauline Niks

The Magic Headwrap

The Magic Headwrap demonstration after the break was also a great success. Moreen Dors and Danitsha both demonstrated in their own way how to wear the wrap. The audience saw two different styles.
Enthusiastically, two others from the audience came to try it as well. One of them had never tied a headscarf before, but they both did so well that spontaneous applause erupted.

Bad Hair Uprooted and 50 Hairstyles - Digital Books

Bad Hair Uprooted, the unwritten history of Kinky Hair, the book I read from, is now available digitally in the shop. It's a book with beautiful hairstyles from New York, and in this special Keti Koti Edition, it also includes hairstyles from Suriname at the end. Truly a valuable coffee table book for everyone and certainly a nice gift. With your purchase, you support the development of my documentary. 

The book with all my hairstyles, 50 Hairstyles for Your Natural Crown, can be downloaded from November for 15 euros, but you can also pre-order it now for only 9.99 euros.  

Keti Koti & Kinky Hair in de Volkskrant

In the Volkskrant, journalist Marjolein van de Water beautifully summarized the event:

"On the eve of Keti Koti, kinky hair is celebrated: 'Natural hair is a human right'."
*More than a century and a half after the abolition of slavery in Suriname, the hair of many Black women is still not liberated. 'The shame of kinky hair has been passed down from generation to generation.'"

A good article that you can read via the following link: On the eve of Keti Koti, kinky hair is celebrated: 'Natural hair is a human right.

Photo by Pauline Niks

Thanks & Call to Action

To everyone who was there: thank you. For your presence, your energy, your feedback, and your trust. Together, we not only bring stories to life — we build awareness, recognition, and ultimately: equal hair rights.

➡️ Share this blog, share kroeshaar.com, and keep an eye out for upcoming photos and videos.
Every share helps. Because our curls are more than just hair. They are history. And future. 

You can follow me in making photos, creating my documentary, and traveling to Africa by signing up via my WhatsApp Channel Locs & Stuff.