Hair Transition in the process of black identification and identity: Memories evoked in the Psychodramatic scene

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present a reflection on “hair politics” in the process of black identification and identity, given that, in a racist culture, black children are stigmatized for having curly and frizzy hair and will have to identify themselves, through hair straightening, early on with straight hair that will deprive them of their black identity. As a methodology for reflection, a case study will be presented of a black woman, protagonist, participant of a Psychodramatic group psychotherapy, who in the sharing stage of the session, described her process of identity transformation, stemming from her hair transition. We concluded that hair transition can function as an important ritual of identity (re)construction, promoting healing, agency, and resistance in the face of structural racism.