Afrcan American girl in a CDC

This African America toddler in a child development center tells us about race in America by the way her hair displayed her cultural traditions, heritage, and struggles. This little girl, about three, had colorful beads in her hair at the bottom of several tight braids. Often, it can be seen as a cute decoration for those oblivious to the African American hair, but it is actually an easy and painless way to style hair. Most African Americans have frizzy, coarse, thick, non cooperative hair; it is often difficult and painful to brush or style. Instead of brushing girls’ hair every day, and hoping it would stay in place with the amount of energy kids have, the parents braid and bead their hair. Also, this design can be left in for long periods of time without washing or brushing every day. This hairdo also tells us about race in America because most Caucasians do not have this problem, and their hair can be left out without taking over the horizon. African Americans on the plantations wore head wraps to keep their hair from coming in contact with the things outside and help prevent the spread of lice.