Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic, an independent journalism training program for high school students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.

Black History Month kicked off at the San Jose Public Library with a program on what some might consider an unusual topic — hair.

But Black hairstyles hold historical and cultural significance as a form of communication among African Americans, according to the Museum of African American History and Culture website. Hair in the African and African American communities has communicated their tribe, status, religion, geographic origins, and ethnic pride.

The program early this month at the Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library attracted a small but enthusiastic audience. Shawni Wrights, an African American hair stylist, used five mannequins to illustrate different textures of Black hair.

“This program is open to all hair textures and all races, simply because Black people are not monolithic, and our hair is not either,” said Tiffany Bradford-Oldman, the head of the Black Affinity Group for San Jose Public Library and the organizer of the event.

People participate in “Black Hair, a Conversation with a Black Hairstylist” at Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock library in San Jose, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. (Maxwell Alexander/Mosaic) 

At the event, each participant had the opportunity to practice braiding on one of the mannequins that matched their own texture of hair. Wrights went around the room helping the participants better their technique.

Nira Singh, a freshman at Prospect High School, said she had experience braiding a friend’s hair.

“I wanted to know how to do cornrows … and fix my technique,” she said.

Wrights advised Singh to start the braid by using less hair to make the braid look tighter. Singh said it was fun to learn Black braiding techniques.

Historically, African Americans have faced discrimination based on their natural hair. It has led to obstacles in employment and education.

African Americans, especially women, once widely used chemicals to straighten and alter the texture of their hair to gain social acceptance and even employment. People also used wigs and weave-in extensions, according to the museum, all practices that can damage hair.

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“A lot of people have decided to go natural and to go away from permanent relaxers, which are very damaging and have been known to cause health issues for African American women and girls in particular,” Bradford Oldman said. “A lot of reproductive and intricate endocrinology issues all stemmed from the use of relaxers.”

Wrights, the hairstylist, gave tips on hair care.

“Please just condition your hair,” she said. Another of her tips was to make sure to cut the ends of the hair to prevent split ends.

Learning how to take care of one’s own hair is important, Wright said.

“If you aren’t confident in your hair, a lot of times you aren’t confident in yourself.”

Brittany Pierola Diaz is a senior at Del Mar High School in San Jose.