Good Hair (2009)

In the insightful documentary "Good Hair" (2009), comedian Chris Rock, a father to two daughters, embarks on a captivating journey into the heart of the influential world of African American hair. His quest begins at the vibrant Bronner Brothers' annual hair convention in Atlanta, the ultimate educational hub that teaches black women about an array of hair care products available in the market. Rock delves into the controversial use of Relaxer, a hair straightening product containing the hazardous chemical, sodium hydroxide. His exploration leads him to unravel the enigma of hair weaves, tracing their origins back to India's tonsure ceremonies - a cultural practice that interestingly fuels much of the hair trade in America. The film paints a vivid picture of the thriving hair industry, underpinned by the substantial contributions from local salons and barbershops, undeniably vital to the black community. Rock grapples with the dichotomy of hair as both a symbol of self-image and a mere decoration, as he humorously probes black men about the unwritten rule of not touching their partners' hair. Straddling between the exorbitant costs of hair weaves and their significance, Rock queries who truly profits in this multi-billion dollar industry. The narrative is interspersed with a chorus of diverse voices, including luminaries like Maya Angelou and Tracie Thoms, along with a multitude of women proudly flaunting their 'good hair.' "Good Hair" is not just a film about hair and beauty but a potent commentary on self-image and identity, raising a pertinent question: is it worth investing in something that is merely for show? It is an exploration that weaves together humor, cultural insight, and a profound understanding of an industry that influences and shapes the African American community.

Good Hair is a comedy movie featuring Kerry Washington.

Good Hair is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV and The Roku Channel and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video and Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Good Hair on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.