Community Initiatives Provide Hair Care for Black Students at Yale

A student organization at Yale University, alongside the daughter of a faculty member, has taken significant steps to address the hair care needs of Black students on campus. According to the Yale Daily News, students have expressed frustration over the lack of accessible hair care options in New Haven, citing high prices and strict policies from local stylists as major barriers.

Sanaa Williams, a Yale student and a New York City-based influencer, highlighted her own challenges in finding affordable hairstyling options, often having to travel back home to her stylist in New Jersey.

In response to these frustrations, the Coily Curly Office was founded in 2024 to provide resources and support specifically for students with textured hair. Co-president Getrude Jeruto noted that the initiative emerged from shared concerns about the time and cost of hair care, stating, 'Everyone's just talking about how expensive, how hard it is to take care of their hair.' The organization organizes workshops to teach students how to style their natural hair and has partnered with brands like Kinky-Curly to provide free product samples, alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with hair care.

Despite these efforts, the Coily Curly Office has faced challenges in collaborating with local hairstylists, particularly braiders, who often impose strict policies that add further costs for students.

Jeruto mentioned issues like additional fees for late arrivals or for having thick hair, which complicate access to these services. Faozia Coulibaly, who has been offering braiding services through her Instagram account @yefa_hair_braiding, shared her own journey of starting her business in New Haven.

She emphasized the difficulty many students face in finding affordable stylists, noting that her clients often express concerns about the high costs and lack of nearby options. Coulibaly hopes to expand her services to include wig installations for students looking for versatile styling options.

The community's dedication to addressing these hair care needs reflects a broader movement toward inclusivity and recognition of diverse beauty standards in educational institutions. The Coily Curly Office’s initiatives showcase the proactive steps being taken by students to create a supportive environment for Black students at Yale, ensuring they have access to the hair care they deserve without the financial strain that typically accompanies it.