COMMENTARY
This was a fascinating and well-conceived study of the Hair Business, which is international in scale, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars every year in the United States alone. It was hosting by Chris Rock. He set a perfect example of the curious, non-intrusive guide. He did not “steal” any scenes. Rather, he executed his part with a fine deference to the issue at hand, allowing experts and participants to reveal this story. The various aspects of the industry were visited and commented upon by those most involved. Naturally, Chris Rock posed questions.
For non-African Americans this video trip was to a world few perceived.
The viewer will learn that Chris Rock has two daughters. Therefore, he has a vested interest in this important area of African American beauty preparation.
After a brief set-up, this documentary quickly got into its subject with a trip to Atlanta, Georgia, where there was an annual Beautiful Hair forum hosted by the Bronner brothers each year. This documentary was framed by the Bronner Brothers’ annual meeting. Chris Rock used it as the jump-off point for various aspects of his exploration of this international business. It also included a hairstyling contest, and major figures in the African American hair-styling category were on hand to vie for first place.
Each year there is a champion selected in regard to hair style. Jason Griggers, a white hair stylist for black women, won the previous year and hoped to repeat. He has some stiff competition from Kevin Kirk, Tanya Crumel, and others. Showmanship was an important element.
One of the first secrets learned is that the stylists use a chemical named sodium hydroxide to relax the hair. It is strong stuff. It apparently breaks down protein. When it is applied, it induces a very noticeable burning sensation.
At this Bronner occasion Chris Rock seized the opportunity to investigate some of the companies that catered to this niche in the billion-dollar women’s hair market. (I am referencing all products and services offered in this field of endeavor.) He took a trip from Atlanta to the company grounds of an African American bottler of this hair-care relaxer. A tour of the facility was given to Rock and the viewer. It’s all interesting.
A scientist was introduced to discuss sodium hydroxide. This proved to be educational indeed.
The viewer was also provided information why so few companies in this field were actually owned by African Americans.
A variety of well-known African Americans were introduced all along the way, and they provided insights, opinions and some humor as well.
Periodically, Chris Rock returned to the Bronner brothers Atlanta forum to check on the contestants in the beautiful hair contest.
Having completed the exploration of the chemical warfare for “good hair,” Chris Rock turned his curious eye to another huge area within the African American culture. This was the use of partial and full hairpieces. He visited some of the companies that marketed finished hairpieces, after which Rock proceeded to fly over to India, which was the most important source of raw hair for hairpieces. There he talked to some of the major wholesale outlets’ owners/managers.
This also led to interviews with noteworthy African American women on this very subject. One cannot help but to be impressed with female involvement here.
Chris Rock concluded this trip into “Good Hair”-dom by returning to his daughters. He decided that he would advise them that “it’s not so important what’s on their heads, as what’s in their heads.”
All in all this was a very informative and entertaining documentary. I recommend it.
PRODUCTION KEYS
Jeff Stilton – director, Chris Rock/Lance Crowther - writers
CAST KEYS
Chris Rock (host),Tanya Crumel (hair battle contest),Kevin Kirk (hair battle contestant), Jason Griggers (hair battle contestant), Maya Angelou (as herself), Bronner brothers (as themselves), Al Sharpton (as himself), Ice-T (as himself), Marvet Britto (as herself), Eve (as herself), Melyssa Ford (as herself)
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