Good Hair (2009)

Who knew Chris Rock was a documentary filmmaker?

Good Hair is Chris Rock's adventure in trying to understand black women's hair. As the father of two young daughters, he was upset when his daughter told him that she didn't have good hair. So he went on a quest to find what was good hair.

He learned about the history of black hair care products and visited a hair show where they have a contest to see who does the best cuts. Not just sitting and cutting hair, there is underwater stunts, cutting hair upside down, scenes involving women on a bed, and a marching band. To determine who does the best cut - I'm serious.

Chris learned all about relaxers (which straighten out the curly hair). The chemical is so dangerous it can disintegrate a coke can. And you put it on your hair. And it burns. And if you aren't careful, it'll burn your hair off and leave you with a scab. Some girls as young as 3 participate in this endeavor.

So what are you other options? Weave!! This part hysterical as you learned about the different weaves. The women interviewed (included Nia Long, Eve, and other celebrities) talked about how no one can touch their weave and how they can't swim in their weave. Chris then interviews a bunch of men who talk about not touching a black woman's hair. Chris couldn't keep himself from laughing.

I learned that a lot of weave comes from India. Women (and children) grow their hair, then get their head shaved. It's a huge industry. And a good weave can cost several thousand dollars - women actually lay-away their hair? Wow - and I complain about $120 for a cut and color!!

This film was funny, but I did learn a lot about "Good Hair." All I can say is that I'll take my thin, fine, straight dirty blonde over all the grief these women have to deal with.......

Mo's Review:
Good Hair (2009): 4 out of 5 stars