When we think of hair, we often only consider three types: straight, wavy and curly. The “400 Years Without a Comb” art exhibit at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido breaks down this mentality within a matter of minutes.

With its title, it’s difficult to not be curious about what the exhibit entails. Aiming to teach visitors about the history of black hair and its prevalence in American culture, the exhibit broke down every idea I personally had about black hair.

The exhibit featured various art pieces that included photography, paintings, sculptures, etc. One of my favorite and most popular pieces was one that shows 50 years of the history of black hair and the evolution of hairstyles. This was not only eye­-opening, but historical, because it explains the origins and transitions of hairstyles throughout the years.

It showed the styling and the tools that were used, including harsh creams, combs and even a household iron; many being tools used to straighten hair. The exhibit also showcased some of the negativity that comes along with the immense need for black Americans to straighten their hair and fit in. This part of the exhibit highlighted how strongly black women felt the desire to have their hair reflected in the American norm, with styling efforts sometimes resulting in burns or other damage.

Apart from hairstyles, the exhibit showed the evolution of the afro pick and how it has transformed from a simple hair care tool to a symbol of the black American culture.

This exhibit was not just limited to African Americans’ hair, but also included the hair care of Africans, such as the people of Ethiopia, Sudan and Zimbabwe. The inclusion of these diverse tribes showed how black hairstyles have evolved to include braids, locs, twists and many others.

This diverse exhibit not only included art, but also poems and essays that highlight the difficulty that encompasses being a black American and having to feel the “burden” of hair care. An uplifting factor was that most of the poems and essays were written by young black American writers. These works reflected that their hair is no longer a “burden,” but a part of them and they are beginning to embrace these parts wholeheartedly.