The Black Hair and Skin Project
The Black Hair and Skin project aimed to address some of the long-standing concerns and inequalities faced by Black children and young people of African and Caribbean heritage.
The Black Hair and Skin Project
The Black Hair and Skin project aimed to address some of the long-standing concerns and inequalities faced by Black children and young people of African and Caribbean heritage.
The Black Hair and Skin project aimed to address some of the long-standing concerns and inequalities faced by Black children and young people of African and Caribbean heritage.
Our vision is that all Black children and young people of African and Caribbean heritage and are enabled to have their hair and skin care needs considered and met in all settings. This work will empower professionals to support Black children and young people in feeling safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful.
I have learnt that cream is good for our hair and body. The cream protects us from dry skin… I loved learning how to make cream. I love protecting my hair and skin”
Girl aged 10
The initial focus of the project was children in care, including children and young people in youth custody. There is a disproportionate number of Black children of African and Caribbean heritage in the criminal justice system, most significant for Black young people who have care experience prior to entering custody. It has been found that Black young people who are care experienced are facing ‘double discrimination’ and are impacted by racism, wider forms of discrimination, exclusion, adultification (treating children as adults), over-policing, and inadequate access to appropriate mental health and wellbeing support. Barnardo’s Double Discrimination report 2023.
The project sought to challenge hair discrimination and provide the tools for others to do this also. Evidence suggests that when children’s basic needs aren’t met, their health and wellbeing is impacted. A holistic approach is necessary, when considering the specific hair and skin needs of children from African and Caribbean heritage and system change is required across a number of sectors to improve outcomes in this area of work.
“One of the boys just asked to come to the office to say thank you for the hair products, he said they’re amazing, he’s used them and can feel the difference already. He said he was literally asking Amy about hair cream a few days before and she didn’t understand what he meant so it was a really nice surprise to get it, and asked if we could speak to Amy about getting something similar for the shop now that she knows what he meant. He said he would love to be involved in the project and would really like a chance to thank you personally.
The problem
Hair and skin discrimination represent significant challenge for Black children and young people in the UK. Discrimination based on physical appearance, particularly hair texture and skin tone, has deep-rooted historical and cultural underpinnings that have perpetuated systemic inequalities, impacting Black children and young peoples’ self-esteem and opportunities.
This discrimination has far reaching impacts in many aspects of Black children and young people’s lives including participation and access to sport. A research paper by the Black Swimming association, #OurSwimStory, found that 33% of Black survey respondents felt their hair was a barrier to engaging with aquatic sports. It also reported that Black and Asian participants were concerned about the costs associated with having to purchase swimwear, body and haircare products and recognised the importance of diverse and tailored solutions to increasing participation.
This was a really lush interaction because he has always been quite quiet and reserved and has struggled to fit in on the wing a little bit, so to see him so happy and wanting to engage in something was a very lovely way to start my Friday.”
– Amanda – Barnardo’s Your Rights, Your Voice – Independent Advocate
What did we do?
Provided training to 20 Barnardo’s Social Workers
Facilitated the distribution of hundreds of bottles of products in donations from Shea Moisture across the Youth custody estate.
Facilitated Body butter workshops for over 500 children and young people
Wrote an article; “Stereotyping, unconscious bias and assumptions” raising the awareness of the needs of Black Children in custody in relation to hair and skin in the Professional Social Work Magazine
Advocate with the Youth Custody Service to commit to work towards a consistent approach across all youth custody sites in the provision of meeting Black hair and skin needs.
Crowning Glory: Exploring the Stories of Black Hair and Skin
Barnardo’s SEEN commissioned ClearView Research to conduct research to explore the personal experiences and perspectives of Black children and young people of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK, particularly those who have care experience and/or have been involved with youth institutions, in caring for their hair and skin. The research provides key recommendations for creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for Black children and young people, both in care and beyond. The research seeks to empower professionals to support Black children and young people in feeling safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful.
Key findings:
- Community support networks played a key role in the in the psychosocial well-being of Black children and young people.
- Accessibility and affordability of suitable products was an issue for children and young people living in rural areas.
- Black children and young people have a strong preference for natural, sulphate-free hair products
- For many Black children and young people, their hair and skin are fundamental aspects of their identity.
Let’s work together
At SEEN, we pride ourselves on the work we do, and are striving to achieve our aims of creating a society where children and young people of African, Asian and Caribbean heritage have equitable futures – working with our partners to deliver these solutions. If you are interested in working with us on this, please get in touch below.
