The Adams Hair Art Project is a student-led initiative designed to center the experience of Black students in Adams House and foster a sense of home on our campus through the celebration of natural hair. The Hair Art Project seeks to create spaces to celebrate natural hair and alleviate stressors that hair maintenance may bring to Black students through workshops and hair care services.
We designate spaces in Adams House for students to learn about (1) the art of hair braiding as practiced by the African diaspora; (2) the history of this practice prior to, during, and after colonization; and (3) the skills and knowledge required to be able to choose and access sustainable hair care practices. Throughout the year, we bring in Black hairstylists to provide free services to Adams’ residents. Our visiting artists offer a set of both natural and protective styles including: cornrows, twists, and single braids.