Race, Beauty and Hair in Latin America

Carolina Contreras founded MissRizos.com, where she documents her personal journey from chemically straightened hair to her natural curly hair. Miss Rizos has gained thousands of followers and Carolina has become the driving force behind an international movement. She talks with Daniel Alarcón about hair, but more than anything, about what curly or “afro” hair means in terms of class, racism and identity in Latin America .

Carolina maintains a YouTube channel, where she posts videos on hair care and styling. In the video below, she answers a reader's question about growing out her natural curly/afro hair after cutting it all off, a process known as the "big chop". After encouraging her audience to enjoy their short hair, Carolina gives three tips: 1) Keep your hair healthy 2) Eat healthy, and 3) Stimulate hair growth with oils. Visit MissRizosTV to find more Spanish-language videos with tips, tricks and lots of encouragement. You can also follow MissRizos on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.

oembed://https%3A//www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DxHZBSOi8aiU

Curly hair, kinky, nappy, afro -natural curly hair comes in all forms. Radio Ambulante producer Luis Trelles went to a recent "Conexión Rizada" (Curly Connection) event in Puerto Rico organized by Dominican blogger Miss Rizos and the Puerto Rican group Diosas al natural. Luis takes us inside a movement that is about hair and so much more.

oembed://http%3A//vimeo.com/94774725

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!