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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—$2.29 billion in 2022 alone, according to Nielsen Reports. Dr. Gloria Gilmer, a pioneering Black female mathematician, discovered that Black women literally have a “head” for math, rooted in culture and repetition. Her research explored the advanced mathematical patterns found in African-American hair braiding.
While Dr. Gilmer’s research highlights the inherent mathematical abilities of Black girls, 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, despite comprising about 6.4% of the overall U.S. workforce. Their presence in high-paying fields like engineering and the physical sciences is even smaller, with just 2% and 3% of these positions, respectively, occupied by Black women.
What is HairMath?
The raison d’être of HairMath is to challenge the disconnect between high-paying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers and Black women. HairMath is an initiative currently in development. It is a series that highlights the beauty of natural hair through educational books, seminars, and webinars, celebrating the connection between Black hair braiding, advanced mathematics, and STEM.
The How of Hairmath
HairMath” will be informational, showcasing the complex mathematics involved in hair braiding; aspirational, linking everyday activities to lucrative STEM careers; and inspirational, incorporating ‘hairsayings’—motivational quotes that reinforce the importance of self-worth and identity. As Publius Syrus said in the first century B.C.
“Even a single hair casts a shadow.”
The Greatness of Black Hair
Black hair holds incredible cultural significance and has the potential to become a powerful economic and career asset. Yet, despite Black women investing more in their hair than any other group, they often don’t reap the full career benefits that their hair and unique styling could offer. Imagine the possibilities if Black hair became not just a form of personal expression, but a launchpad for greater economic empowerment and career success! The opportunity is there to transform this cultural edge into a true advantage.
“Black hair holds incredible cultural significance and has the potential to become a powerful economic and career asset. Yet, despite Black women investing more in their hair than any other group, they often don’t reap the full career benefits that their hair and unique styling could offer. Imagine the possibilities if Black hair became not just a form of personal expression, but a launchpad for greater economic empowerment and career success! The opportunity is there to transform this cultural edge into a true advantage.”
WHY IS HAIRMATH A GOOD IDEA?
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. Research also shows that girls respond more when there
is a beautifying or beauty element involved in the learning. By
creating collaborative and social learning environments using beauty
and hairstyling, HairMath can encourage girls’ interest in STEM
careers.