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Welcome to HairMath
Black women have a head for Math! Hair is a deeply significant aspect of Black women’s identity. In the U.S., Black women spend over $2 billion annually on hair care products, according to Nielsen Reports in 2022—$2.29 billion, to be exact. Dr. Gloria Gilmer, a pioneering Black female mathematician, discovered that Black women literally have a “head” for math, rooted in culture and repetition. Dr. Gilmer conducted research on the advanced mathematical patterns found in African-American hair braiding.
But, while Dr. Gilmer’s research underscores the inherent mathematical abilities Black girls possess, their representation in high-paying STEM careers remains disproportionately low. According to the Pew Research Center and the American Institutes for Research, Black women make up only 2.5% of the entire STEM workforce, even though they represent about 6.4% of the overall U.S. workforce. Their representation in high-paying fields like engineering and the physical sciences is even lower, with only 2% and 3% of these professions, respectively, held by Black women.
The purpose of HairMath is to address these challenges. HairMath,” a series that showcases the beauty of natural hair through educational books, seminars, and webinars that celebrate the connection between Black hair braiding and advanced mathematics. HairMath is a bridge connecting Black girls’ cultural experiences with their academic and career potential. “HairMath” will be informational, showcasing the complex mathematics involved in hair braiding; aspirational, by linking everyday activities to lucrative STEM careers; and inspirational, by incorporating ‘hairsayings’—motivational quotes reinforcing the importance of self-worth and identity. As Publius Syrus said in the first century B.C., “Even a single hair casts a shadow.”
From a pedagological point of view, hair braiding is a collaborative and social activity. Research consistently shows that girls often thrive in learning environments that emphasize collaboration and social interaction. By creating collaborative and social learning environments, HairMath can encourage girls’ interest in STEM careers.