Positive Hair Day

PHD (Positive Hair Day) is a community project based in Brighton which is using hair as a focus for building greater understanding of Black and mixed heritage people's identity, culture and experience. During 2010 we ran free workshops and activities including:

HAIR CARE workshops

Our regular Hair Care workshops were free and offered advice and tips about how to care for Black and mixed heritage hair.

HAIRstories workshops and exhibition

We are creating an exhibition of family histories and stories from the Black and mixed heritage community in Brighton and Hove using a mixture of family photos and interviews carried out by our dedicated team of volunteers. The mobile exhibition will be launched on Sunday 13th November 2011 at the Brighton Museum. For more information please see our Calendar and Hairstories.

Where did the idea come from?

Our project has come from a clear need to create positive role models for Black and mixed heritage people who frequently feel very isolated in largely white communities.

Here's a selection of comments made by local people about why they think PHD is needed.

“There is a need for awareness particularly in this area because there are not so many Black people in Brighton and there is less awareness of Black culture and history.” (Becky, aged 23)

“PHD would help combat isolation and bring mixed race people together so they know there are not alone; for young people in particular that would be great.” (Anonymous female, aged 27)

“My 7 year old mixed race daughter is in a class surrounded by girls with long straight blonde hair. It's hard for her to feel that she fits in...this project would help her feel more confident to know that there are other people like her.” (Abby aged 40)

“Sharing knowledge and experiences will help to make people proud of their heritage and that will make a real difference to people's lives like my son.” (Jane, aged 28)

“It's a brilliant idea. A great way of celebrating Black and mixed race culture. And giving a sense of feeling that there are other people like you. Sharing knowledge, making people feel less isolated and helping people feel proud of where they come from.” (Sarah, aged 26)