The term “good hair” has become the topic of discussion among women for years.

“Good” hair has been defined in different ways in the past, present and also the upcoming future.

Some believe that good hair is thick and curly, or even thin and straight, what happened to braids and locks, or natural and kinky.

Taylor Mendenhall, a junior communication studies major, said being biracial exposed her to different types of hair textures.

“I did not know how to manage my hair when I was younger,” she said.

Mendenhall realized her hair was not the same after attempting to straighten her hair to resemble her Caucasian elementary classmates.

“I was so upset that my hair did not turn out like everyone else’s,” she said.

Mendenhall said getting a relaxer made my hair more manageable.

“Good hair is hair that can be managed and that is healthy,” she said.

Mendenhall said it takes some time to figure what hairstyle works best.

“I really had to find myself and what suited me,” she said.

Brittney Tremble, owner of beauty salon Sheer Illusions in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, said the key to good hair is healthy hair.

Tremble said the term good hair changed over a period of time.

“I was convinced that good hair was considered long and curly hair,” she said.

Tremble said healthy hair could be short or long.

Tremble said throughout the duration of being a beautician, she has come across a wide variety of hair textures.

Belita Bowen, a senior biological science major, said after over processing her hair she decided to grow dreadlocks and rid away relaxers.

“I love them. My hair makes me unique” she said.

Bowen said watching her mother, who is a beautician, style hair made her appreciate the beauty of hair.

“Hair symbolizes a form of beauty,” she said.

Bowen said women take pride in hair.

“We feel good when our hair is done,” she said.

This brings the term good hair back to into discussion.

“Good hair is what makes you feel good,” Bowen said.

Zinika Livingston can be reached at 581-7942 or zclivingston@eiu.edu.

A member of the faculty panel on integrative learning, Dr. Richard Cavanaugh professor in the department of health studies speaks on why integrative learning should be administered in the classroom Tuesday afternoon in the Charleston/Mattoon Room of the M

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