Black All Year - More than hair


Is it just hair, or is it something much deeper?
In this episode, host Steph Edusei is joined by social entrepreneur and founder of Teakisi, Salha Kaitesi, for an insightful conversation about the cultural, political, and professional impact of Black hair discrimination.
From school policies to workplace bias, and from childhood identity to adult self-worth, Salha shares her personal experiences and why she launched a campaign to end hair discrimination, especially in places too often left out of the conversation.
Together, Steph and Salha unpack:
- How Afro hair is policed, politicised, and misunderstood
- Why “professionalism” is too often coded in whiteness
- The deep history and meaning behind Black hairstyles like braids and locs
- The emotional labour of constantly defending Black Afro-textured hair
- Why visibility, celebration, and education are key to real change
This isn’t just about hairstyles. It’s about dignity, identity, and challenging the systems that tell us we must change to belong.
Ban hair discrimination petition https://www.change.org/p/ban-hair-discrimination-in-the-north-east-cumbria-enforce-real-protection-now
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/teakisi
Website https://teakisi.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teakisi/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Teakisi/