The Unbraiding Appointment

Braiding is public. Unbraiding is personal.

*Talent: Shelcy & Christy Joseph. Photography: Zayira Ray. Videography: Henry Kornaros. Creative Direction: Christy Joseph. Styling: Shelcy Joseph. Set Assistance: Marc Tarigan.*

It happens quickly, in a sacred place away from public view. One day, your braids are pulled back into a ponytail; the next day, it’s back to your curly afro. This ritual, a seemingly banal task that often leaves the person with braids hungry or restless, is cathartic for many Black women. It provides some respite from the scrutiny and well-meaning questions of onlookers. You could pay $25 to get it done at an African hair salon, but who would choose that over their sister, partner or best friend's hands? It’s a rare time for unfiltered conversations, deep soulful breaths, comfortable camaraderie, and genuine laughter.

It’s a rare time for unfiltered conversations, deep soulful breaths, comfortable camaraderie, and genuine laughter.

Braiding and unbraiding are complementary, reminding us of the endless versatility of Black hair. Just like braiding, unbraiding is inherited. Spanning generations of Black women, the cultural tradition quite literally reconnects us to our roots. Some people spend it unpacking the day’s gossip, indulging in reality TV, dreaming up new plans, or sharing major life updates. There are no pretenses, no stones left unturned.

In this visual photo series titled The Unbraiding Hair Appointment, we pull back the curtain on this concealed practice. Showcasing the moments and emotions associated with the rarely discussed ritual, we aim to expand the discourse on Black women’s hair and tackle the stigma of braids.