Throughout time, hair has been an integral part of understanding one's identity, especially when it comes to women. Many try to stereotype African hair by spelling out American hair to the end, but physical attributes are determined by lineage, not geography. In African American culture, hair is one of the few characteristics that connect individuals to their African ancestors. African American women may find a foundation of black pride in their hair, but they may also discover a source of humiliation and identity confusion. Marcus Garvey said that African Americans must "remove the knots from [their] minds, not from [their] hair," meaning they should ignore society's expectations and embrace not only their beautiful kinky hair, but their identity of African American. Choosing to style your hair in a meaningful way defines not only who an individual is, but their acceptance of their heritage. When Europeans began exploring Africa, they encountered intriguing hairstyles such as shell braids, beaded or braided materials, and shaved patterns. to the scalp. During this time hair was more than an enhancement to an individual's outward appearance, it had a "social, aesthetic, and spiritual significance" that was essential to understanding their sense of value for centuries (Patton 6). When Europeans realized the role hair played in their culture, the first oppressive thing they did was shave the heads of Africans, leaving them without an identity. Many wore headscarves to hide the damage that had been done, and since they didn't have access to their traditional styling tools, they had to invent other hairstyles that left them a little satisfied. African American women began to feel more.... .. middle of paper... her disapproval with a contradictory remark: "If God wanted your hair to be like that, He would have made it like that!" These types of comments have only deepened the idea of ​​double consciousness in the lives of African American women. Their hair was supposed to look that way, but many claimed it didn't. When it comes to hair, women in general have a hard time deciding how to style it, especially when it comes to African American hair. women. For generations, many have tried to decide what it means to have “good” hair or “bad” hair. While these women may not always understand their African heritage, they can embrace the attributes that make them who they are. By letting go of what society deems acceptable, these women will allow themselves to embrace not only their heritage, but also their individuality..