April 22nd 2024.
Wash day looks different for each individual in the Black community, but the underlying theme of self-care is present in every ritual. Photographer Tomesha Faxio beautifully captures the tradition of Black haircare in her latest photobook, showcasing the diverse textures and styles of curls, coils, and locs. Despite the varying experiences of salon wait times and neck strain from leaning over the kitchen sink, wash day is an essential part of Black culture and identity. While the process may involve multiple steps such as steam treatments and hair masks, the core elements remain the same: cleansing and conditioning.
The timeframe for wash day can also vary greatly, with some textures requiring more time for detangling and moisture-locking. However, regardless of the method or duration, the act of caring for one's hair is a vital part of maintaining its health and vitality. Faxio's photobook, "Wash Day," celebrates this cultural ritual by capturing the stories and routines of 26 Black families. In an interview with CNN, Faxio shared her unique intentions behind showcasing everyday Black hairstyles: "I wanted to capture the beauty of our hair in its natural state, without any elaborate styling or manipulation."
In recent years, there has been a movement towards embracing natural hair, but unfortunately, it has also brought to light the issue of hair discrimination. Despite the passing of laws like the Crown Act in many states, Black hair is still being criminalized. However, "Wash Day" serves as both a celebration and a call to action for Black people to take pride in and protect their natural tresses. Faxio explains in the introduction of her photobook, "We are now more informed about why we grew up thinking our hair was 'ugly'...we can see that these views are steeped in racism."
But beyond these societal implications, wash day also holds a deeper significance within the Black community. Parents labor to ensure their children's hair is healthy, and the youth observe and learn for their own future self-care routines. For Faxio, the preparation for wash day only deepened her love for the process, and she hopes that readers will share this sentiment as they flip through her photobook. "It's not always easy, but spending time with these moms and thinking about how we pass on the love and pride for our hair to our children...it just renewed my love for the process."
Faxio's photobook, "Wash Day: Passing on the Legacy, Rituals, and Love of Natural Hair," was released on April 2 and is available now. As Beyoncé showcased her long, natural hair in a recent hair care tutorial, it is clear that the love and celebration of Black hair is only growing stronger. Let us continue to embrace and empower one another, and pass on this legacy of self-love and acceptance to future generations.
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