Original subtitles

Melony.

Melony!

Melony!

Come on, now.

Melony! Come on.

You hear me calling you.

Come on. Come on, now.

Let's get it, girl.

Stop fidgeting, Melony. But it hurts.

I know it does, baby, but when your mama's through with you,

you're gonna look like a pretty little angel

and not like some woolly old lion.

Ow! Why? I don't want to be an angel.

I'd rather be a lion.

Why can't I have my hair like this?

Look at this. Look at this.

Baby, you can't go nowhere looking like that.

Nowhere. Nowhere.

Melony, sit down.

Look. She's just free, honey.

Look at her.

Melony! Sit down.

She just free, ain't she?

Ode to my hair.

My hair defies gravity.

She is rebellious

and will never lay down unless she wants to.

She is soft as a sponge and brutal as a Brillo pad.

She can go from lyin' down to Lion King

with just three drops of rain.

My hair... Stop there, please.

Miss Renshaw, would you tell me

what you thought this assignment was?

Well, you asked us to explore a part of our personal psyche

that we considered to be... Substantial.

That's right. Identifying.

And you chose your hair.

Hair, Miss Renshaw.

Perhaps next to toenails...

the most superficial and transient aspect of a person.

When the hippies grew their hair long in the '70s,

they were making a huge social statement.

And what statement are you making?

Do the assignment over.

And this time, dig deeper.

Next.

Hair is a hallmark of beauty.

Whole societies have put great value on hair,

from ancient Egyptians to feudal Chinese.

And for him to just dismiss me like that...

Ooh!

Oh, God. I'm so sorry.

No harm done.

Whoever you were telling off sure had it coming to him.

Oh, you heard me? Kind of hard not to.

It's just my professor. He...

Can I ask you something? Okay.

Is hair a thing to you?

Like not your hair specifically. Just hair in general.

Like, does it mean anything to you, or is it

like a superficial thing, like a toenail?

Well, I don't think I'd like to run my fingers

through my lady's toenails.

I've got to... I've got to go.

He was cute!

He was just okay. Well, he was into you.

He was talking about running his fingers through your hair.

Just stop trying to hook me up. Whatever.

What do you think?

You going out? No. We're going out.

It's the St. Patty's Day dance. Remember?

Ah. Yeah.

Casey, I've had to make a lot of cultural adjustments

since coming to this campus.

You know, with all the loud music that I can't dance to

and raisins in the potato salad.

Hey! But St. Patty's Day?

I'm thinking about how much I don't want to spend tonight

saying no to every drunk sophomore

who asks me if I'm Black Irish.

Get dressed. Green for luck. No excuses.

So, where's your friend?

Hi.

You... look stunning.

No green for luck?

I couldn't feel any luckier.

So, how long are you here for?

Just one more week. Oh.

I came for an evangelism conference.

You're an evangelist?

No.

I majored in philosophy and religion, though.

So I wanted to see and feel what the evangelists do,

how they move people.

I want to open my own church someday.

In Mississippi, to be closer to my family.

That's cool.

I work construction to pay my bills.

What about you?

Well, I'm... I'm a psych major.

At least I thought I was. I'm...

I'm not so sure.

I'm starting to think maybe there's something else for me.

"Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin."

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

"Begin it now."

That's beautiful.

No, that's Goethe.

You're beautiful.

Mississippi's a huge move.

I really hope you're ready for it.

I have a Mississippi in my mind that's warm

and rich and Black and real.

Maybe it's where I'm supposed to be.

I can't wait to chop it up with your mom and G'Mom.

Ooh. Do they play bid whist? Seriously, Mel.

My mom and G'Mom, they're not warm and fuzzy.

It takes them a while to adjust to outsiders.

Well, I'm not an outsider.

I'm your wife. Mm!

Oh!

Grab that doughnut out of the trunk for me.

The doughnut is the... Yeah.

I know what a doughnut is, Kevin.

I'm sorry, city girl.

Oh! Ooh!

No! No, no, no! It's fine.

Oh. Come on. Come on. Kevin!

It's just water. It's just mud. Relax.

Oh, it's just mud? Yeah.

Oh, is that just mud? Aah!

Huh? Is that just mud? Stop!

You... All right. All right!

All right. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Oh, my God. Come on.

Come on. Aah!

Oh, they're here already!

Dee, I told you to move these toys!

Don't worry. I'll get 'em.

Hi!

Lord, what in the world is this?

Is that tire tracks on her shirt?

Ma Betty, G'Mom!

I've heard so much about you!

Mm.

There's a sink and a towel

just inside to your left.

Come on, sis. I'll show you.

Oh, okay. Behave.

I'm Dee, Kevin's sister. Oh! Oh, there he is!

There's my baby! Still so handsome!

Oh! Oh!

Oh, come here! G'Mom.

Hey. So, you met Melony.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

I'm sorry, babe.

I tried to warn you, but my mama and grandmama are not exactly...

That's fine.

I'm fine.

They don't know me.

I was wrong to expect more.

They just caught me by surprise is all.

But I'm not scared of some little old ladies.

Yeah. Just a little more.

Can I get it for you? I got it, babe.

Okay. Here you go. A little bit of ham.

Oh, no, thank you.

You don't like to eat?

I eat mostly vegetables.

Okay.

You don't eat pigs.

You just roll around in the mud like one.

G'Mom, can I talk to you in private, please?

I was wondering how long you'd last in there.

Welcome to the family.

I love my mama and my grandmama, but you couldn't pay me

to sit through one of those family dinners again.

Mnh-mnh.

That's why I spend so much time in there.

Is that where you live?

You must think we are country sho' nuff.

No. Baby girl, that is my salon.

Oh.

You want to look inside?

Sorry for the mess.

Do you have customers this late?

Lizzie works downtown till 7.

By the time she's fed her crew and gets the baby to bed,

where else is she gonna go?

Is it just you here?

Mm. Today it was.

My shampoo girl, Aquanetta, is seven months pregnant.

Has to rest her legs every 20 minutes.

I am gonna have to find me somebody else pretty soon.

Hm. Well, I can help.

You?

Yeah.

What you know about hair?

Not an awful lot, but I can help you shampoo.

I'm sorry again about my ma and G'Mom.

Huh. I don't know who got cut worse, me or that ham.

I love Dee, though. She even gave me a job.

Hey, that's great, babe.

The movers will be here with our stuff tomorrow.

I'll be at the construction site till 6.

Have a good first day with Dee.

I love you.

Homemade peach?

And some homemade vanilla ice cream.

Girl, I am so glad to see you. 'Netta didn't come in at all.

I need you to use that cream wash on Miss Cynthia there

and the rinse in the blue bottle.

This is my sister-in-law Melony, y'all.

She's gonna take real good care of you.

Hi.

Y'all act like y'all can't speak.

Hey. Hi.

Miss Cynthia, you've been waiting for 30 minutes.

Go on over there. Mm-hmm. Okay.

Whew! Um...

Oh!

Well, I like it hot.

Okay. But not too hot.

Like warm but not too cool.

Right. You follow?

Yes, ma'am.

You got good hands?

Um, I'm not... I'm not too sure.

Can I... Can I get your...

No. Mnh-mnh. I keep this with me.

Sure. I'm just gonna...

Is that o... Is that okay?

Mm-hmm.

Oof.

Oh.

Mmm! I'm just gonna...

Oh, yes!

Oh, that's good! That's good.

Ooh, yeah!

That's good. Right there. Right there.

Ooh-hoo-hoo!

And you're done, Miss Cynthia.

Oh. What? Yeah.

I'm done? Ooh, Lord.

So I'm just gonna lift you up now.

Ooh. Just... You good?

Wow.

Girl, I think I'm gonna need a cigarette.

Ooh! You know, you got the hands of life!

Whew! Mm. I'm more than all right.

Uh, so, uh, who's next?

I really like working in your shop, Dee.

It's like this feeling comes over me...

and my hands just know what to do and...

Mm. How to move.

Yeah.

When I was touching their hair...

it felt like... Like I was healing them somehow.

Like I could feel all of their tension and worries

just slide away.

And we really need the money.

Look, I know it's just hair, but...

There is no such thing as just hair

where Black ladies are concerned.

Hm. We are all about the hair...

What we do to it, what it does to us.

Wherever two or more are gathered...

we're talking about hair! We are talking about hair!

That's right!

Maybe it shouldn't be that way.

Well, the way I see it...

the first thing people notice about us is that we're Black.

Mm-hmm.

The next thing is how we wear our hair.

Then they judge us on that, right?

Mm. Like...

as if our hairstyle is gonna tell them who we really are.

Why you think so many Black women wear wigs?

Hmm? Trying to fool 'em off, honey.

I never thought of it like that.

Ma Betty and G'Mom? Oh, those are wigs?

They trying to fool you off too, honey.

They trying. And failing.

She's so disrespectful!

I don't know what Kevin sees in her.

Mm. She tried to cook dinner

and tried to make some chicken.

When I look at the chicken, ain't no skin on it!

She broiled it!

Well, what... what... Wait.

Where was the skin?

She threw it out! She what?!

Oh! Well, that's the best part.

She's wasteful. Mm.

Oh. Look there.

Is that Miss Cynthia?

Hey... Hey there, Miss Cynthia!

Good afternoon, ladies.

I can't stop and talk, you know.

I got to go get a place in line.

In line? At Dee Dee's?

Oh, yeah! Everybody is fired up about that Melony.

You know, she got good hands. Mm.

I just might have to buy myself a place in line.

I got to go! Bye!

She's selling seats?

A hundred and twelve dollars?

Mm-hmm. Doing what, now?

Hair. Shampooing hair.

I did sixteen heads today at seven bucks a head.

Dee makes a killing in that shop.

Working there has been a godsend.

Hey.

Where is everyone?

Light day today?

No day.

Ain't got no water.

Is it the bill? No.

It's G'Mom.

The shack technically sits on her land,

and she owns the water rights.

This morning, she had the county cut me off.

Why would she do that?

She doesn't want you working here, Melony.

Says I got no water until you're gone.

Oh.

Okay.

It's okay. It's not okay.

G'Mom always pulls stunts like this, just because she does...

Look, Dee.

Don't let her hurt your business.

Just tell her I'll leave.

I'm just gonna miss you.

Every head in this place is gonna miss you.

You're my family, Dee.

And my friend.

Don't let these healing hands go to waste.

I won't.

I promise.

We're really excited

to have you starting with us, Mrs. Armstrong.

Psychology major, huh? Yeah.

But I see you didn't finish college.

Dropped out in your senior year?

Yeah. I just felt like I wasn't getting anywhere.

I really want to make a difference in this world.

Well, the world starts coming in here at 5 p.m.

You'll be working the night shift.

Check the ladies in. Get them settled.

Okay.

Make sure everybody gets one food box and one cot set.

It's your desk. Okay.

Oh. A word of advice.

All of these women have stories,

and you do not have time to hear them.

Nobody comes here happy, Armstrong.

And their misery will drown you.

That's your coffee. For you only.

Can't afford to feed the masses.

Let's get your paperwork done.

Sure.

Yeah. It's the graveyard shift... 8 to 6.

Pay's not great, but we need the money.

And when will I see you?

I guess we'll have to get creative.

I'm feeling creative right now.

Oh, yeah?

Wait. Right now?

Oh, my gosh! You're gonna mess up my hair!

That bad?

It's terrible.

But it's hot.

Yeah.

That's what I said about my husband.

If you're not gonna drink it, I will.

Uh...

Yeah. Sure. Take it all.

I miss coffee.

I miss a lot of things, but I really miss good coffee.

Which this ain't, but it's like you said.

It's hot. Ah.

I'm Melony.

Leona.

Have you been here long?

Not here. Unh-unh.

I was at, uh, Langforth, and then Wesley before that.

Lots of us, we sort of run the circuit

until Social finds us a place to land.

Some of the girls, they go back to wherever they left.

But most of us, we can't do that.

You have any lotion?

They never have any lotion in this place.

It's like they never heard of ashy before.

Don't they got lotion in the showers?

Ladies!

Is there any lotion in the showers?

You know ain't no lotion in them showers.

No.

What they do have, though, is some cheap-ass soap

and some paper towels.

Paper towels.

How you supposed to dry your hair on paper towels?

Your hair?

Ain't no real shampoo in this joint anyway.

I know that's right.

I tried putting that green stuff in my hair.

Made it all stick together. Clumped up like dreadlocks.

Nappy hair.

When I pass my reflection in a store window,

I say, "Ooh!" Ooh!

"Who is that scary, messy woman? That's not..."

"It can't be me!" "It can't be me!"

Ooh! Girls!

Unh.

Um, can I get a freshen-up on the coffee?

Me... Me too?

I feel like if you're doing them, you might as well do me.

Ple-e-e-ase?

When I left my house, I was running for my life.

I didn't pack nothing.

My hair ain't seen a brush for two months.

Wow.

Those little brushes they give you? Heh.

They must be for Barbie doll heads.

I just want some grease.

Any kind of grease. My hair is so thirsty.

Girl, pshh.

I'm about to sell mine as Brillo pads, okay?

When my hair doesn't feel like my hair,

I just don't feel like myself.

You know?

That's why I keep my hat on.

But we can still see your kitchen back there.

Aah!

You're supposed to be my friend!

Are you sure this is okay?

Oh, it's fine.

They left for a two-day revival meeting last night.

I'm meeting them at the hotel in Jackson.

You've got all day and all night.

Thank you. Try not to burn it down.

Have fun. Thank you, Dee.

All right. Take care. Bye.

Hey! Hey!

Thank you! Hey, how are you doing?

What is this?

Well, you're gonna find out.

Okay. Follow me.

Come on, come on, come on!

Okay.

Right this way, ladies.

Oh, my goodness. Y'all.

Ooh! I smell real coffee.

Yes.

A real brush! Wow.

It's my sister-in-law's, but today it's ours.

Oh, my...

I can do shampoo, press and curl,

but nothing too fancy, okay?

Oh, girl, I know my way around a hot comb and curlers, okay?

You got grease!

Yes!

This coffee. Oh!

Enjoy, ladies. Ooh!

Yes. Thank you!

And, Miss Leona, you're first up at the sink.

Oh! Right over there.

No. Somebody else can go first.

Unh-unh. No, girl.

Age before beauty. Go ahead.

Stop. Screw you, chicky.

- I'm just saying. - You...

Just gonna put this over you.

Okay?

There.

All right.

Hm.

Hey.

I'm gonna have to take your hat off now, okay?

Yeah? Mm.

All right.

Just gonna...

Just gonna take it off.

There we go.

Oh. I'm sorry. I hope it doesn't smell bad.

No. Of course not! You're fine.

It's fine.

Come on. I got you.

Okay. There we go.

Miss Leona?

Are you okay?

Did I hurt you?

No. It's... It's just...

I just haven't been touched in so... long.

Go ahead, Miss Melony.

She'll be fine.

You got this, girl.

This is a healing, Miss Lee Lee.

We're all gonna get a healing.

Okay.

All right.

All right. Here we go.

Is that okay?

Wow. Just...

Wow!

Look at you!

I'mma get this throne.

Girl, you look good! Thank you!

God bless you, Miss Mel.

You have a gift. Truly.

You look so beautiful.

Thank you. All of you.

Kevin.

Hey. Mm.

Kevin. Mm.

What's wrong? What's wrong? Wake up.

You know how you said

you want to start your own ministry one day,

when the time is right and you hear God call you?

Yeah.

That's right.

Well...

I think... I think I hear God calling me.

I think I know my purpose.

It's something about hair.

God wants you to be a hairdresser?

I don't know. Maybe.

I can't help feeling like I should... do something.

I get that. You do?

Yeah. Maybe you could start a hair church.

Folks could tithe their combs and brushes.

You could have a special roped-off area

for folks with Jheri curls

so they don't drip juice on everybody.

I'm being serious. Okay! Okay.

Okay.

Whatever you're being called to do, babe,

I support it.

Thank you.

Just as long as you scratch my head

and keep me far away from the weave choir, okay?

All right. Yeah. Yeah. Scratch your head?

Mm-hmm. What, like this?

Huh? Stop. Stop.

Give me a kiss.

Give me a kiss. No.

Give me a kiss. You don't deserve it!

Who's calling this late?

Hello?

Oh, my God.

Oh, that's terrible.

I'll be right there. What is it?

The pipes burst at the shelter.

The whole place is flooded. They're moving the women out.

So, what are you gonna do? Where are you going?

Those are my ladies, Kev.

I got to be there for them.

I'll notify you when we can reopen.

You should go dry off.

Yeah. Good night.

Good night.

Where's Lydia and Rudy?

Both of them shipped to other shelters.

Just waiting on my play brother Garvin.

I'll stay with him a while.

We're all split up now.

I know. It sucks, right?

You see Lydia, though?

She gave 'em hell for making her stand out here in the rain

with her hair freshly did.

She was madder about that than having to move again.

I told her, "Calm down."

All our hair got wrecked."

I'm sorry.

Hey.

It's not your fault.

Hell, we all got to be princesses for a whole night.

Yeah. All four of us.

Couldn't nobody tell us nothing.

It's just, you know, water and nature

got the last word, as always.

I think that's him. That's him?

Take care of yourself. You too.

I'll see you again.

I just wish

there was something more I could do for them.

You were there, baby. That's enough.

Freedom hair.

What's that?

It's what I used to call this,

when my hair was just itself and wild and free.

My grandmother, she let me wear it out like this one weekend

when my mom was away.

One weekend of freedom in 25 years.

Split ends, breakage,

pain, relaxer burns, and...

who knows what other kind of damage

from more home perms than I can count.

And for what, Kevin?

Straightness?

Why? You're shaking.

Here's some soup. Your favorite.

I think I'm gonna be sick!

All right. All right. I got you.

All right. I'm here.

Well, folks, it is not the flu.

And, Mrs. Armstrong, you're gonna have a baby.

Uh, I'm...

You're pregnant.

W... I'm pregnant?

Baby, we're pregnant! Oh, my...

Congratulations. Oh, my God!

We're pregnant! Oh, my God!

So I've got to learn to breathe?

Also here's a sample of the vitamins you'll need.

Vitamins? Sweetheart!

Pregnancy takes all of the strength

and vitamins out of you.

Okay. But...

Excuse me, but your hair is magnificent.

Oh, my goodness.

I've never seen anything like it.

How did you... Where did you...

It's a little shop called Bernetta's.

I found it passing by in Memphis.

She's pretty pricy. Heh.

But, girl, she can change your life.

There's nothing stronger than the braid.

I can't believe

it took five months to get this appointment.

Well, I can't believe we drove to Tennessee

to get your hair done.

Melony, right?

Yeah. Hello. I'm Bernetta.

Hi. Look at you!

Come in! Sit down! Okay.

And I'm gonna wash your hair myself

so I can learn your textures.

My textures? Your textures.

Let me know if that's too cold or hot.

No. It's perfect. Thank you.

Wow.

Okay.

Is this your first time, Melony?

Yeah, it is. I've...

Oh. Thank you.

I've never done anything like this before.

Do you know what kind of style you like?

Oh. I do.

I saw this woman, and she had like...

like a hundred or two hundred braids

all in her hair just crisscrossing all the way.

Just swept up like a crown.

An up-do.

Is this for a special occasion?

Just my life.

I'm... I'm five months pregnant, though.

Oh. I see!

Well, let's make

the next four months of that journey beautiful, okay?

Okay. All right, now.

Then let's get started!

Here we go.

No peeking until we're done.

Oh. Okay.

Here you go.

Oh. Close your eyes and relax.

Okay.

Melony.

Melony.

Take a look, honey. We're done.

Excuse me, miss. That's my...

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

Do you like it?

I love it. Oh.

Can I... Can I touch it?

Oh, you can do anything you want with it.

It's indestructible.

Oh, oh.

Your hair is as beautiful as you are.

It's like what's always been inside of you

has finally got set free.

That's exactly how I feel, Kevin.

It's like... everything's all coming together.

This... Aah!

This transformation that I feel!

It's... It's a healing, Kev.

Like what if...

What if every Black woman in Mississippi felt this way?

Like, when we start feeling good

and beautiful and powerful...

that's a revolution, Kev!

And, God, I just want to... I want to free women up!

I want... And... And I'm gonna start by braiding hair.

Okay. But... you don't know how to braid.

Be real. When in your life have you ever braided hair?

But that's not the point.

If I know what I want to do, I can learn how to do it.

Melony... Look.

Bernetta told me about a huge hair show

coming to Atlanta in a couple of months.

They do a class on African hair braiding.

I... Look. It's not cheap, but it's an investment.

How large an investment?

Twelve hundred dollars plus hotel and travel.

Twelve hundred dollars?

I'm not asking you for permission or for money.

I'm asking for your support.

Okay.

You have it.

The keys to successful professional microbraiding

are patience, precision, and efficiency.

Move too fast,

and you'll make mistakes that can cost you hours to fix.

Move too slowly and you'll lose customers, money, and time.

This is an advanced class, and I'm assuming you all have

at least three years of prior braiding experience.

Yes?

Yes.

Today we're using Caucasian- grade wigs as subjects.

Now, the straightness will deliver its own set of problems.

Take your parting combs, and let's use the mannequins

to begin with a basic feed-in.

You'll never fix this.

Take that out and start over.

I'm the slowest, dumbest person there.

I'm so behind.

And tomorrow is gonna be even harder.

It's just impossible.

Cool.

Then let's jump in the car and get out of here

before they charge another day's parking fee.

Wait. What?

Well, you're saying you just can't do it, right?

You didn't know it was gonna be this hard, so let's go.

Come on.

I hate you.

You don't want to... You sure?

I love you.

You love me now? Yeah.

We're chillin'? We're chillin'.

Okay.

Thank you.

The hair you work on may be heat damaged,

broken off, fragile, or chemically stripped.

The extension should support the existing hair,

not just enhance it.

I want to see three different styles today, people,

for three completely different women.

Extensions are on the table.

You have two hours.

Go.

Mm-hmm.

Do you understand the assignment?

Oh. Y-Yes.

I just... I just have to get to know them first.

Know them?

Mm-hmm.

Okay. Who are they?

This one...

is...

Leona.

She's not fancy, but she...

She wants to feel pretty and respected.

Keep going. Everyone else, gather around.

This one here, this is Lydia.

She's all about fashion and glamour.

But she's also really smart.

And this last one here is Tiny.

She's young and wild, but her hair controls her.

She wants to control it.

Excellent, Melony.

Oh.

Keep working.

The rest of you,

if you haven't had a conversation with your client

and gotten a better insight into who they are,

rip out what you've started and start again.

This is about people first, then hair,

not the other way around.

Let's go.

Good job. Thanks.

For the baby.

Oh.

Thank you.

You have some nerve coming in here with no skills.

Nerves or... maybe courage.

I just had to learn.

I can't explain it.

Melony, you have a gift.

You braid from the heart.

And once your speed and your technique

is where your heart is,

you're going to be unstoppable.

Are there any more classes I can take?

Just so I can keep practicing.

You're from Mississippi, right? Mm-hmm.

Well, Melony, the cosmetology schools in Mississippi

don't even teach braiding.

After today, you learn by doing.

Braid everything.

Get strong.

The only limits are the ones you set for yourself.

I still can't believe they haven't fixed that hole.

We're lucky they fixed the pipes at all.

Hm.

How much you charge to... to do that on a real, live person?

I don't really know.

I haven't had a customer yet.

Girl, what are you waiting for?

I'll pay you 40 bucks if you can do something with this.

Now, I washed it before,

so you ain't got to worry about cooties or nothing.

Girl, don't be silly.

Rosemary, I'll braid your hair for free.

You just pay for extensions.

Sure.

What are extensions?

Oh.

I want to see. I want to see!

I can't take it!

Okay. Okay.

You're done.

Take a look. Ooh!

A mirror! Who got a mirror? Who got a mirror?

Hell yeah!

I'm gonna tell everybody I know about you.

Whoo! You better get ready. You're about to blow up.

Oh, my God!

Oh.

Ooh.

Oh. Ooh.

No. It's coming. Oh.

Kevin! Kevin!

Got it.

Perfect.

Dee, has anyone got back about...

Girl, relax.

I told them you'd push all appointments back

a couple of weeks.

One lady got salty.

She said when she dropped her baby,

she went back to work the same day.

No. I said:

"This ain't no dang plantation.

And you're not Kizzy."

Them nappy heads can wait. Mm-hmm.

Melony... this is your first baby.

You need to give yourself time to get your strength back up.

My chicken soup should help with that.

Is that my new grandbaby?

Ma Betty, I want you to meet Kevin Jr.

Oh! K.J.

Ooh! There you go.

Yes.

K.J.!

Mm-hmm.

Oh! Look at you, baby.

K.J. Oh!

Eight hundred and fifty dollars.

That's more in one day than one week at the shelter.

Last weekend I made $1,500, Kev.

But it's hurting you.

Your fingers are stiff. Your arms ache.

Yeah, but it comes with the job.

If I braid full time,

I could probably make enough to cover my half and...

And even rent a little studio to work out of.

I don't know. I could go professional.

I could... I could do this!

I wonder if I'd need a license or something.

Thirty thousand dollars for a license?

Miss Clara, that can't be right.

Hey, sis. I'm braiding hair,

not flying an airplane.

Well, let me talk to your supervisor.

Hello?

What happened?

Same person keeps giving me all kinds of ridiculous information.

No license costs that much.

Gonna have to go down there myself.

To Jackson? That's 400 miles round-trip, babe.

You sure you don't want to wait

and go when I can help you drive?

Let me take the baby. Oh.

I'll look after K.J. You take care of your business.

Thank you, girl.

Kev, 30 grand.

That can't be right. Can it?

Oh, no, dear, the license itself is only ten thousand dollars.

But after you've paid the ten thousand dollars,

then you must attend cosmetology school

for two thousand hours of training.

Now, that'll take about a year and a half, and the cost

is approximately twenty thousand dollars.

And then upon completion of cosmetology school

and payment of all school fees,

then your license becomes active.

Cosmetology school? Mm-hmm.

But I'm braiding hair. I'm an African hair braider.

And I'm an Irish Catholic, dear,

but the rules are the rules.

Ma'am, Mississippi cosmetology schools

don't even teach hair braiding.

I'd be wasting my time and money.

It doesn't make sense.

It... It is what it is, dear.

So please move on.

I will not move on!

I will not move on

until somebody in this office explains to me

why I'm being forced to pay thousands of dollars

for a course that has nothing to do with my profession!

I asked her to leave. She won't leave!

What the hell is a braiding salon?

I don't really know.

She has been quite vociferous,

and I'm afraid that if we don't deal with her,

this could escalate into an event!

What if she calls the press?

Well, all right, what can we tell her

to make her go away, huh?

What about Wigology?

Wigology? What is that?

If you obtain a Wigologist license for yourself,

then you can legally open up your shop.

Now, you'll have to take a Wigologist course, of course,

but for a much shorter time. About four hundred hours.

And the cost will be about a thousand dollars,

and then your license will be an additional three hundred.

So thirteen hundred?

So, where do I take this Wigology class?

Well, uh, that's on you, dear.

You know, she couldn't even tell me

one single school that teaches Wigology.

Before I left Jackson, I called six different schools.

Not one of them teach it.

How can they offer me a license

knowing full well I'll never be able to take the class

to qualify for it?

It's not even logical.

This is Mississippi, child.

There's always something deeper than logic going down.

What about that old place up on Boulevard? You check there?

A cosmetology school?

That's what the sign says.

It's a small place, looks kind of funky, but...

Are you sure? Mm-hmm.

Okay.

I'll check it out tomorrow.

Doesn't matter. Get this thing off my lot.

The truck. You can't park here.

I don't have to listen to you. Let me tell you something.

Let me tell your boss! No, get it out of here.

No, I'm not. Hey.

Hey, hey! Hey!

Come on! Break it up. Go over...

Yeah, walk away. Come on, come on,

come on, come on. Walk!

Come on. Don't worry about it. Don't worry.

What's up... What's up with you?

I'll get it together. I just...

Just having a rough time.

Need to talk about it?

What, with you?

Yeah.

Gus, I'm not just your boss.

I'm a Black man living in the world just like you.

Look, man, I'm... I'm having problems at home.

I-I can't... I can't think straight, you know? It...

She wants a divorce, but I love her.

Mm-hmm.

My minister says to... To work it out,

but what does that even mean?

Yeah.

Why don't we grab lunch, and we can talk about it?

Come on.

You are coming at a good time.

The spring course is just about to get started.

I'm just here for the one course. Wigology.

Wigology? I... I don't teach that class.

Wh... Oh, dear. Have...

Have I upset you?

It's not you, it's...

I'm just one person

trying to start a business, you know?

And I'm trying to do it right.

What's the nature of your business, dear?

I'm an African hair braider.

Oh.

Braids like these bring a lot of freedom

to women that have forgotten what their...

What their real beauty looks like.

You run a school dedicated to beauty, right?

Well, Black women, we...

We don't know our own beauty.

I can't teach you that class, Mrs. Armstrong.

Wigology hasn't been taught in Mississippi or beyond

for more than fifteen years.

What they told you was a lie.

Thank you for telling me the truth.

I'm so sorry.

I'm not really good company right now.

That's okay. I hate good company.

So, I talked with three men today,

two workmen and one of their friends.

It looks like they're searching for a new style of congregation,

one that tells them they can do more than just wait on God.

They want to be proactive in their lives.

So I told them about you.

Me?

Kev.

I just hit a roadblock I can't get past.

I'm not exactly your proactive poster child.

I told them you were stuck but to stay tuned,

because if anyone knows how to ride shotgun with destiny,

Mel, it's you.

I've never met a boulder you couldn't smash to pebbles.

Mm.

I'm not in the mood for Goethe.

"The moment one definitely commits oneself,"

all sorts of things begin to happen

"that would never otherwise have occurred."

I've never heard that part.

"Whatever you can do, or dream,"

you can begin.

"Begin it now."

Thank you for coming in.

I've done a bit of research.

Now, as you know, the Wigology course no longer exists.

But the Wigology exam and Wigology license still do.

Whoever schemed to get rid of this thing,

they did a terrible job.

But how can I take an exam if the course doesn't exist?

We will use the exam itself as your coursework.

You'll have to come at the regular times,

six hours a day, five days a week.

And the Board, they look at anyone who's

thinking outside the box as competition.

So you can't tell a soul what we're doing.

But if you're determined to get this license...

then I'm going to help you fight to get it.

There you go. Sorry.

Yeah, this looks good.

You ladies are now in the presence

of a fully licensed Wigologist.

Wigologist?

Ooh! Whoo!

Passed with 100 percent.

What? I...

Wait.

What do you think?

Is this...

Is this what... It's your shop.

My shop? Mm-hmm.

You got me a shop, baby?! That's your shop.

Oh, my God!

How?

Saving up. Oh, my God.

Lots of overtime.

There's chairs. Oh, my God.

I've been fixing it up after work.

What?!

Wait, what is this?

What is this?

I built that chair just for you. Sit down.

For me? Yeah.

Okay.

Is it comfy?

Yes.

So you like it?

I love it.

You deserve it all.

Thank you.

And over here, maybe we could put some sofas and chairs and...

And a coffee maker? Mmm.

Oh, and a sound system.

Just a little one. Okay.

Oh, Kevin, come here.

Here, feel this.

What?

This is what a living dream feels like.

I want this for you, too.

And your congregation.

Speaking of congregation,

I think you have some converts here yourself.

Huh? Ladies!

Pretty nice! Oh, my gosh!

Hi! Oh, my goodness.

Hey! Girl, you have

such a good husband.

Oh, my gosh. How...

Wait, how? How did you do that?

Uh, Dee helped me.

We, um... Dee?

Figured you'd need some support to get started.

And we're both on unemployment right now,

so we were thinking that by the time it runs out...

Yes, girl! Oh, my gosh!

Oh, my gosh. I'm so happy.

I feel like I'm dreaming.

Hello? Naturally Speaking Hair Salon.

This is Leona speaking.

All right. You're done!

Ooh!

All right, if your name is on the list,

you have an appointment. Just relax.

Wakey wakey.

All right. You are done.

Naturally Speaking Salon. This is Leona.

Is this your first time getting braids?

It sure is.

Me and my husband, we're going to the Bahamas.

And this time I'm getting my hair wet.

Ooh! Okay!

Get your hands off my pad.

Get your fingers off my pad.

Ma'am? Ma'am.

You all go have a seat. I got you. I got...

I said, don't touch my pad!

One, two, three, oh. Oh.

I just can't anymore. Ugh!

Welcome to Naturally Speaking. I'm Melony.

Now, tell me about who you are.

Whew, boy.

Don't you forget to send us some pictures, now.

Okay, bye.

Whew. I cannot believe how busy we were today.

Girl. Lord. My hands hurt!

Mm-hmm. They hurting?

Yes.

Mm, this will make them feel better.

Yes, it will.

Soak your fingers in some salt water,

then meet me two hours before opening tomorrow.

Mm. Bring friends if you want to.

But tomorrow, class begins.

What am I supposed to ask it again?

You ask her what she wants.

Oh.

She said she want the rest of her body.

We're here...

with Melony Armstrong... Okay. Here we go.

Of Naturally Speaking Salon.

Braids are what I call "Freedom Hair."

These braids, twists, and micro braids

free women up

so they can pay more attention to their lives

and not worry about how their hair might restrict them.

Tell 'em, Melony. And what inspired you

to do this African style hair braiding?

Were you born in Africa?

Is she serious...

No. No, I...

I was born right here in America.

African style braids are much more about

who you are than where you're from.

Mm-hmm. Black women

in America need to remember their own beauty.

My shop exists to celebrate that beauty that all of us have

but that many of us keep hidden.

Ah! That's it! Yes.

That's it. Ooh, she did good.

She sure did.

Yeah, I don't think it's the same.

It's that cheap hair.

Girl. It's cheap.

Welcome to Natur...

G'Mom.

Hello!

Hey, pretty baby, what you doing?

I didn't know you were coming by.

I got to have an invitation to see my great grand?

Or to see you and this little shop of yours for that matter?

Come sit down.

Oh, no, I'm just fine, thank you.

I'm very particular about my hair.

Mm-hmm.

G'Mom,

you've worn this wig for a very long time.

And underneath it...

there's hair that could stand some tenderness.

Come sit down. Let me spoil you.

Yeah?

Okay. All right.

All right then.

I'm just going to...

I'm just gonna massage you. Okay?

I used to have long hair.

It was long and...

And white. Wow.

All the way down to my waist.

Oh, I was something to see.

It was before I got sick.

I just...

I just can't wear my hair like this.

It's okay.

But I don't want braids, either, child.

Well, braids aren't for everyone, G'Mom.

But freedom is.

And if wearing your piece makes you feel free,

then that's exactly what we're gonna do.

Let me work on your piece, G'Mom.

I could restyle it for a softer look or anything.

That's right. That's right. Ain't no reason for you

to keep going around looking like Bea Arthur.

Girl.

And my cousin Tanika said she could do it.

But she got us looking like we got mops on our heads!

It's okay. And my rehearsal supper's

in two hours and I don't know what I'm supposed to do with...

Okay. Leona, Rosemary, start unbraiding bridesmaids.

Lydia, come up here and help me with the bride.

I don't know if you can fix it. Okay. It's okay.

You're gonna look beautiful. This is, like, so ridiculous!

It's closed for the day!

I don't think it matters, ma'am.

I need to see your license.

Um, just a second, okay? I'll be right back.

What is this about?

Wigology, huh? Mm-hmm.

Is that what this place is?

I need to see their licenses, too.

But these ladies are my students.

I supervise their every move. They're my trainees.

Ma'am, this license doesn't give you the right to train anybody.

Now, I'm gonna give you a citation and a fine today.

But if I catch you at this again...

I'll close you down

and may arrest you.

On what charge? Making a living?

The way these Mississippi laws are written,

it's only folks with money who can get a license.

It costs less time and less money

to get certified as a fireman or a nurse

or a sheriff than it does to be a hairdresser.

Wow. I know.

My shop has been flying under the radar for years.

But it's on private property, and I don't advertise,

so I probably don't exist to them.

Mm, that's true.

If women like me had to depend on the State of Mississippi

to certify us to do what it is we do...

Come on. We'd all still be

sweeping floors or working in Miss Ann's kitchen.

That's what they want. Yeah.

I don't want to stop learning, though.

I could really be good at this.

Yeah. I mean, I could teach you right here at my house,

but you can't braid at the shop.

But your business is gonna go right to squat

if you don't have some help. Yeah.

And the State of Mississippi strikes again.

Hmm.

What if we strike it back?

Yeah.

Institute for Justice.

Dana Berliner here, could you please hold a sec...

Wait, what? Slow down.

Miss, who are you?

Uh-huh.

What about the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology?

Put that on speaker!

I am a licensed,

professional African hair braider,

and the State of Mississippi is actively interfering

with my right to make a living. Are you familiar

with the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology?

Oh, we are very familiar with them.

Could you tell us everything from the beginning, please?

You are not the first people

to ever fight back against unfair licensing laws.

In our very first case,

Pamela Ferrell and Taalib Din Uqdah,

two highly successful salon owners,

were fined and threatened with closure for

running a natural hair braiding program without a license.

Through us, they sued the government of Washington, D.C.,

for violating their constitutional rights.

And D.C. wanted to avoid bad press.

They just changed the law.

So there's precedent. We can win.

Well, you have to remember that D.C. is not a state,

so the rules are not the same.

That's a city with a population of about 700,000

and a largely Black and sympathetic city council.

Mississippi has a population of over 3 million,

and a legislative body full of mostly

good ol' boys who couldn't care less.

Which is exactly why, Melony...

Ah, thank you...

That's why if you're going to do this, you have to be sure.

And you have to be brave.

I'm sure.

I mean, what choice do I have?

Well, you could probably strike a deal

with the State, keep quiet in exchange

for the Board leaving you and your trainees alone.

This case is about more than just Melony Armstrong.

It's about Black women everywhere

being refused the right to earn an honest living.

How could you even say that?

Melony, Melony, that was a test.

If you had said yes to that, I wouldn't have taken your case.

And now I'm very excited to.

Oh.

Okay.

Good. I was testing you.

Good. Have we both passed?

'Cause that's the kind of passion we're gonna need to win.

Okay.

This fight is not about hair, you know.

It's about money.

There are over 100,000

licensed cosmetologists in the State of Mississippi.

Wow. Every single one of them

paid $30,000 to obtain their license

and attend cosmetology school.

So when you do the math on that,

and you think about all the new licenses

being issued every year,

both the state and the schools

have a nice big, guaranteed source of revenue.

- Mm-hmm. - Mm-hmm.

And they do not want you

to come in and mess that up. Mm.

Ladies, your opponents have very deep pockets.

You know, they're gonna come at you

in some pretty creative ways.

Lobbyists are gonna attack your reputation,

your background, and your credibility.

If I win this case, Black women will have as much a chance

of running their own business as any white kid with a degree.

Hmm.

You ever think about what'll happen if you lose?

I'm not gonna lose.

Good.

Then I'll file suit next week.

No turning back now.

Armstrong versus the State of Mississippi.

I like the sound of that.

It's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

How do I pay for this?

You don't. I.J. is funded by donations.

So, are we going into the courtroom?

No, we're going into the hearing room first.

Luckily, the state legislature is worried enough

about this going to court that they want to hear us out first.

Oh. That's good for us.

Oh. That is Representative Steve Holland.

He's committee chair. He is smart and fair.

You're gonna want to get his ear.

So, in the case of Armstrong versus the State of Mississippi,

it is important to understand that my client

is filing for injunctive and declaratory relief.

She is not seeking money.

She is seeking to challenge the constitutionality of the law

and moves that that law be changed or struck down.

Thank you, Ms. Berliner.

But that's a longstanding law.

You've certainly got a lot of nerve, Mrs. Armstrong.

Good. We got their attention.

Hey.

I've been offered a pastorship.

I told them I'd decline until this lawsuit is over.

Oh, don't do that, Kev.

Take it.

Look, if I'm gonna go through this,

I need to know you're where you ought to be.

Besides, I might need you to whisper to God for me a little.

Are you scared, Mel?

Mm.

No.

But I think I should be.

They're calling it Hair Wars.

Local hair braider Melony Armstrong

takes on the State of Mississippi

over the right to braid Black natural hair.

Nearly 100 percent of hair braiders

in Mississippi are Black women.

So essentially, the Cosmetology Board

are seeking yet another way

to keep Black women out of the financial mainstream.

However, many lawmakers don't see it that way.

Maybe braids and cosmetology are not the same thing,

but they're close enough. They both involve hair.

Mrs. Armstrong faces an uphill battle

to convince the state lawmakers

that this longstanding law should be changed.

Babe, what are you doing up?

What's wrong?

We're not strong enough.

What do you mean not strong enough? Why?

We're fighting by their rules, trying to change their laws.

We should be bringing the fight to them.

The cosmetology board's caving to the negative press.

They're willing to reduce the mandatory hours of instruction

from 2,000 down to 600,

which will lower the cost of cosmetology tuition

from 10,000 to around 5.

Now, they want to make a deal.

No deal.

I want us to bring our own bill to the state lawmakers.

Something that will free braiders completely.

No license should cost more than $25,

and every braider should have to pass a basic hygiene

and safety test, as well as a demonstration of skills.

And if you can braid, you can teach braiding.

No more Wigology. No more Cosmetology, at all.

The art of braiding should be set free.

Yes. Yes!

Yeah? Yes.

It's good, right? All right.

It's great.

My friend, you married a very fierce woman,

and I like her so much.

I like her, too.

Okay, let's talk strategy, Melony.

You are gonna have to meet with a lot of powerful politicians,

shake a lot of hands...

You're making a big deal out of nothing.

And change a lot of minds before the hearing.

Traffic cops and Congressmen both involve law.

Do they have the same training, the same licenses?

No! You can't...

Where you going?

Come out with me.

Out?

Have you looked at me?

And there's tomorrow. No.

All the more reason. Just throw on a dress,

keep your hair wrapped if you like.

Mnh-mnh. But please.

What you doing? Mm.

Kevin. Mwah. Mwah.

All right! All right. All right.

I'm coming! I'm coming. I'm coming.

Lord, I'm coming.

You're crazy.

Cover your eyes. I'm covering them.

Don't peek. Kevin, I'm not peeking.

All right, there's two steps, ready?

Okay. Ooh. One.

One. One more. Two.

Two. Okay. Perfect. All right.

Can I open them now? Just wait.

My wife, Melony Armstrong!

Oh, my God. Oh, my God!

Look at you!

What is going on?

Why is everybody here?!

Oh, my gosh. Mom.

All right, now everyone take your seats!

Gonna be great.

My wife usually gets the last word,

but tonight is my night to speak.

A few years ago,

my wife came to me and told me she wanted to braid hair.

And I told her I thought she was crazy.

And she was.

At that time, she knew nothing about braiding hair.

But the thing about my wife,

she never once let the impossible stop her.

The improbable to her

just indicates a lack of imagination.

I once told her she never met a boulder

she couldn't smash to pebbles.

And I was right.

But tomorrow, my wife is meeting more than a boulder.

Tomorrow my wife is coming up

against the powerful State of Mississippi.

And I asked you all here to share in a prayer of courage

and strength for her, my wife.

Because we need her to be whole, to remain unafraid,

and carry her undaunted cause straight to the lap of victory.

So I ask you all, in the name of the Most High,

to bow your heads, close your eyes, grasp hands,

go to your innermost silent place, and pray.

Will I have to say anything today?

You don't have to,

and I'll respect your decision if you don't.

But...

But without your voice, there's just my own.

You are this truth, Melony.

I'm just your echo.

Okay. I got it. Come on.

You'll be great.

These are local cosmetology students.

They were ordered to be here or risk failing their course.

That seems unfair.

Yeah. Welcome to politics.

Fortunately, your supporters are a lot louder

and a lot more fierce.

Freedom hair! Freedom hair!

Freedom hair! Freedom hair! You've got this.

Freedom hair! Freedom hair!

Freedom hair! Freedom hair! Good morning.

Today we will hear testimony

regarding proposed bills that would change the laws

that apply to African hair braiding in Mississippi.

Ms. Berliner, we will first hear from you.

Thank you.

The current law denies hair braiders like Melony Armstrong

their constitutional right guaranteed

by the Fourteenth Amendment...

The right to earn a living in their chosen field.

The current laws in place with the State Board of Cosmetology

make it virtually impossible for hair braiders to be trained,

to train others, and to obtain a license truly relevant

to the work that they do.

The entire system of cosmetology

dates back to the early 1900s.

It doesn't make sense anymore,

but a lot of people make a lot of money from it,

and those people make sure that the rules don't change.

They don't care about the lives destroyed

when thousands of women cannot work.

And you might ask yourself how this could be so.

But to answer, you only need to look at Melony,

and then look around you.

There is not one person who understands Black hair

or African micro braiding at a single cosmetology school

in the entire state of Mississippi.

Not one.

Yet it is into this unbending wall of ignorance

that Melony Armstrong

and any person who wishes to practice African braiding

in the traditional styles is meant to throw themselves.

In return for what?

Nothing.

These archaic laws have to change.

And the bill that we are putting before you today

for your consideration...

can fix what's broken immediately.

Thank you.

Mm, mm, mm.

That was, uh, poetic and emotional,

but it's mere smoke and mirrors of the real point

of why we're here.

You don't keep a clean aesthetic by letting folks run wild.

If somebody touches your hair or your skin,

they need to be regulated.

If anybody touches my hair or my wife's hair,

I would want to know that they are clean,

licensed, and accountable.

We wouldn't want some bum off the street

washing our hair, now, would we?

Mr. Chairman?

Please stick to the point.

I think I've made my point.

Now, Ms. Berliner,

do you have anything further to add?

No. Thank you, Senator Holland.

I want to talk.

My client would like to speak.

My name is Melony Armstrong.

I'm not a lawyer or a politician.

I became a braider

as a way to touch and heal Black women's souls.

I wanted to restore to us a clear and unfiltered vision

of our own grace and beauty.

I was tired of us only seeing ourselves through a hot combed,

fried, and chemically treated lens.

We deserve a chance to just be who we are.

Braiding can give Black women a leg up in their self-esteem

and a footing in the workplace,

and it's exactly that financial opportunity

that the Cosmetology Board wants to suppress.

They don't want to teach hair braiding.

They don't want anything to do with us.

They just want to take our time and money

and give us nothing in return.

Right.

The bill that I'm urging you to pass

will put an end to that.

When I first started this journey,

I didn't know how to braid.

Now?

I am the voice of any Black woman in Mississippi

or in the world that wants to create this for a living.

Yes. Yes.

To the State of Mississippi in general,

and to the Mississippi Board of Cosmetology

specifically, I say, let my people braid.

Yes.

Thank you.

This woman is not who she says she is.

She's not even from Mississippi.

Melony Armstrong is a college dropout.

She has been cited for employing unregistered workers.

She's not even qualified to touch a dog's hair.

Mr. Chairman, that...

Mr. Billings, your vitriol is disappointing

and an embarrassment to this state.

The Board should be ashamed of itself

for allowing these tactics,

which are unseemly in any legislative hearing.

Now if you are done, sir, please be seated.

Now, hair braiding should have never been an issue

to come before this legislative body.

It is clearly a cultural art form.

And if it can be a means of financial support, too,

well, so much the better.

Mr. Chairman, please... Mr. Billings.

You can inform the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology

that I'm not recommending their bill

for further regulation moves forward.

However, I strongly advise

that Ms. Armstrong's bill to remove hair braiding

from any jurisdiction the Cosmetology Board holds now

or may ever hold in the future,

be approved by the State House and Senate

and signed into law by the governor.

Yes. Yes!

All right!

Thank you.

You did it.

Wow.

All right, all right.

"My hair defies gravity."

"She is rebellious and will never lay down

unless she wants to."

"She is soft as a sponge..." Yes.

"And brutal as a Brillo pad."

"She can go from lyin' down to Lion King"

with just three drops of rain!

"My hair takes no prisoners."

"My hair hides infinite secrets."

"Sometimes I feel she is magical.

And sometimes I feel she is possessed."

"She looks like she can be controlled.

But she can't."

No. No, no, no.

"Gel, hairspray, goo, and prayers are useless."

"She is silent except"

when a flat iron makes her hiss.

"My hair has attitude."

Yeah! Yes.

"She is born to be wild!"

Freedom Hair at last!

Yes!

Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair!

Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair!

Freedom Hair!

Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair!