Within the Black community, hair is more than just a style — it’s a form of self-expression and cultural connection. Yet, these trends are often overlooked in mainstream media due to a lack of cultural understanding.

From gravity-defying afros to braids that sway, Black students reflect the wide-ranging diversity and creativity of their community’s hairstyles on campus. But many still feel overlooked or judged from the world at large. Now, Ohio State students are weighing in on how Black hair shapes personal identity while representing a grander collective beneath the bundles. 

Historically, during the Civil Rights Movement, afros became a symbol of Black pride and resistance against Eurocentric beauty standards. Today, however, Black hairstyles are often judged based on people’s perceptions of professionalism, leading to discrimination in schools and workplaces, according to the Brookings Institution. 

 

With hair serving as a predominant form of expression for many students, Brielle Shorter, a third-year in psychology, said she frequently senses a feeling of underlying bias from her peers. 

“I do notice people are extra complimentary when I have straight hair versus when I’m wearing my hair naturally curly,” Shorter said. “And I think there is a little bit of a bias there that I wish people unpacked a little more. Like, why do you have a preference for straight hair?”

Shorter said receiving looks and stares based on her hairstyles can sometimes impact the way in which she views herself, creating a sense of isolation. 

“It feels like you’re being denied,” Shorter said. “It’s like someone coming up to you like, ‘Your whole office is ugly, your whole style is ugly — change it immediately.’”

Considering Ohio State is a predominately white institution, Trent Robinson-Brooks — a third-year in biological engineering — said he often expects his hair to create confusion for those outside of the Black community. 

”If you’re at a PWI like this, you expect to draw attention to yourself,” Robinson-Brooks said. “If you try to do something unique or less traditional with your hair, you’re definitely going to turn a few heads, and people might make comments about your hair.”

Robinson-Brooks also said specific hairstyles can carry a certain variety of interpretations, oftentimes resulting in Black students altering their hair to fit their environment. 

“People look at me differently when I have my hair out versus when it’s braided in cornrows,” Robinson-Brooks said. “If I was going for an interview at a job, I would feel more inclined to just keep my hair out rather than having it in twists, for example.”

Like many Black students, Robinson-Brooks said he has gotten used to the attention his hair garners, whether positive or negative. But throughout his time at the university, Robinson-Brooks has been able to shape his mindset in order to not isolate or devalue himself based on how others perceive him. 

”Being at the school for two years now, it doesn’t really bother me like that, but I try to look at it as people trying to be nice because you can look at it in multiple ways, but I just try to be positive,” Robinson-Brooks said.

Despite facing judgment from others, Samuela Osae, a third-year in molecular genetics, said her hair has served as a bonding opportunity for both herself and the other Black students surrounding her.

“I definitely feel like hair is a really easy bonding topic,” Osae said. “Immediately when I see someone’s hair, I’m like, ‘Girl, I've got to copy this,’ and things like that just help me connect. Then, when people compliment your hair and start talking to you, you guys start to have a whole conversation.“

Shorter said she has experienced similar situations, which have helped her find hope through the commonalities and connection of hair expression.

”It’s really cool to have similar hairstyles as other Black women,” Shorter said. “It adds to the community connections.”

When reflecting on the experiences and varying opinions that surround the expression of Black hair, Osae said she hopes those outside the Black community will think twice about the cultural significance and personal history behind each hairstyle before passing any judgment. 

”Hairstyles [are] art at the end of the day,” Osae said. ”You don’t have to do anything crazy to let the person know you like it. Just admire and go about your day.”

This story was published in collaboration with The Lantern as part of the 2025 Black Voices special edition.