Isis Brantley: Beyond The Braids

Artwork Coutesy of J.R. (@j.r.dubois)

In this day and age it is not uncommon to see a Black woman walking down the street rocking her natural hair proudly. The natural hair movement has been going on for quite some time and everywhere you look there are constant reminders. All types of products, accessories, bloggers, and hair stylists, that were not always available, have now flooded the markets. Nightly hair twisting routine videos and coconut based hair products are all the rage. However natural hair was not always so popular and in fact has some controversial roots.

Isis Brantley was a natural hair stylist who was arrested in 1995 for braiding hair without a license, although at the time there was no law. In 1995 cosmetologists had to complete 1500 hours of teaching; costing anywhere around $4000-$9000. Although Brantley was found guilty they could not find any evidence to charge her so they waited an additional two years. In 1997 police officers arrested Isis at work in front of her clients without a warrant. Brantley fought the state of Texas and in 2004 legislation was passed to lower class hours from 1500 to 35 for those who practice natural hair care. In 2007 Isis was dubbed by the state of Texas as the first natural hair care expert and educator in the state. Brantley currently teaches the only natural hair care licensing course in Texas, and she has been teaching underprivileged women for over 30 years. So the next time you rock your 'fro remember our sister, Isis Brantley.

Viginia State University

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