Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection
2-17-2025
African American Women’s Experience of Wearing Natural
Textured Hair
Tammy White-Jolivette
Walden University
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations
Part of the Clinical Psychology Commons
This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an
authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact .
, Walden University
College of Allied Health
This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by
Tammy White-Jolivette
has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.
Review Committee
Dr. Yoly Zentella, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Benita Stiles-Smith, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty
Chief Academic Officer and Provost
Sue Subocz, Ph.D.
Walden University
2025
, Abstract
African American Women’s Experience of Wearing Natural Textured Hair
by
Tammy White-Jolivette
MA, Walden University, 2019
BS, University of Phoenix, 2003
Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Clinical Psychology
Walden University
February 2025
, Abstract
African American women’s (AAW’s) experiences of wearing natural textured
hair are underrepresented in the literature. This issue, and hair discrimination more
broadly, is a form of social injustice that underscores the cultural and social significance
of natural hair as a symbol of heritage, identity, and resilience in African American
communities. Guided by social comparison and self-concept theories, the purpose of this
study was to examine how wearing natural hair influences AAW’s self-perception. The
research question was: How do AAW describe their experiences of wearing natural
textured hair? The qualitative method featured interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Data were collected by conducting in-depth interviews with a purposive sampling of six
AAW aged 18 and older who wore their natural hair at least 75% of the time over 6
months. Data analysis revealed eight themes: natural hair journey, impacts of texture
comparisons on self-image, influence of others’ acceptance, impact of beauty standards,
balancing of beauty standards, identity shaped by self-perception, authenticity as a
pathway to well-being, and balancing of mental well-being with cultural expectations.
Findings enhance the literature by highlighting the resilience of AAW in navigating hair
discrimination and its effects on self-perception, and suggest the need for inclusive
policies and support systems. This study’s insights may contribute to positive social
change by fostering cultural understanding and resilience within African American
communities. This will foster acceptance of natural hair and empower African Americans
through informing development of such educational efforts as school workshops on its
cultural and historical significance, reducing bias, and building pride.
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection
2-17-2025
African American Women’s Experience of Wearing Natural
Textured Hair
Tammy White-Jolivette
Walden University
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations
Part of the Clinical Psychology Commons
This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an
authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact .
, Walden University
College of Allied Health
This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by
Tammy White-Jolivette
has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.
Review Committee
Dr. Yoly Zentella, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty
Dr. Benita Stiles-Smith, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty
Chief Academic Officer and Provost
Sue Subocz, Ph.D.
Walden University
2025
, Abstract
African American Women’s Experience of Wearing Natural Textured Hair
by
Tammy White-Jolivette
MA, Walden University, 2019
BS, University of Phoenix, 2003
Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Clinical Psychology
Walden University
February 2025
, Abstract
African American women’s (AAW’s) experiences of wearing natural textured
hair are underrepresented in the literature. This issue, and hair discrimination more
broadly, is a form of social injustice that underscores the cultural and social significance
of natural hair as a symbol of heritage, identity, and resilience in African American
communities. Guided by social comparison and self-concept theories, the purpose of this
study was to examine how wearing natural hair influences AAW’s self-perception. The
research question was: How do AAW describe their experiences of wearing natural
textured hair? The qualitative method featured interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Data were collected by conducting in-depth interviews with a purposive sampling of six
AAW aged 18 and older who wore their natural hair at least 75% of the time over 6
months. Data analysis revealed eight themes: natural hair journey, impacts of texture
comparisons on self-image, influence of others’ acceptance, impact of beauty standards,
balancing of beauty standards, identity shaped by self-perception, authenticity as a
pathway to well-being, and balancing of mental well-being with cultural expectations.
Findings enhance the literature by highlighting the resilience of AAW in navigating hair
discrimination and its effects on self-perception, and suggest the need for inclusive
policies and support systems. This study’s insights may contribute to positive social
change by fostering cultural understanding and resilience within African American
communities. This will foster acceptance of natural hair and empower African Americans
through informing development of such educational efforts as school workshops on its
cultural and historical significance, reducing bias, and building pride.
