Despite increasingly liberal world views, Black hair continues to be erased, appropriated, and stigmatized to the point of taboo. Through her personal and historical journey, Dabiri gleans insights into the way racism is coded in society's perception of Black hair--and how it is often used as an avenue for discrimination. Dabiri takes us from pre-colonial Africa, through the Harlem Renaissance, and into today's Natural Hair Movement, exploring everything from women's solidarity and friendship, to the criminalization of dreadlocks, to the dubious provenance of Kim Kardashian's braids. Through the lens of hair texture, Dabiri leads us on a historical and cultural investigation of the global history of racism--and her own personal journey of self-love and finally, acceptance. Deeply researched and powerfully resonant, Twisted proves that far from being only hair, Black hairstyling culture can be understood as an allegory for Black oppression and, ultimately, liberation.--Adapted from back cover.

"Originally published as "Don't Touch My Hair" in the United Kingdom in 2019 by Allen Lane, an imprint of Penguin Random House UK"--Title page verso.

It's only hair -- Ain't got the time -- Shhhh ... just relax -- How can he love himself and hate your hair? -- Everybody wanna sing my blues, nobody wanna live my blues -- Ancient futures: math, mapping, braiding, encoding.