Have you seen the preview trailers for Chris Rock’s new documentary “Good Hair” yet?  The ‘hair-sterical’ look at how black women feel about their hair – and the lengths they go to treat it – left me gasping for breath.  Last week Oprah “threw the Rock” through the TV when she hosted the comedian to promote the funny film.  I was trying to get over a case of the flu and by the end of the show, I had completely forgotten about being sick because Chris had laughed it right out of me.  Good Hair equals good laughs equals good medicine.

But behind the laughter, Chris Rock uncovers a veil of truth about how black women will go to virtually any length, as it were, to straighten their hair.  They use relaxers like some people use drugs, as is referenced in the movie.  Others acquire human hair that comes from the heads of young women in India.  It’s shocking to find out how many working and middle-income African American households sock away literally thousands of dollars annually on their hair regimens.  Some of the salons selling hair weaves that were featured in the film boasted about their lay-away plans, proving that people will plunk down big bucks and be committed for the long term to get a hair style they can live with.

All of this was totally fascinating to me as an image consultant.  Learning about an entire portion of the population dedicated to changing their appearance by altering their hair was an eye opener.

In my work with clients, hair is central to the process of helping most of them shift into a new look.  “New ‘do,’ new you,” I always say.  But the whole point is to do it naturally and authentically, working with what you have.  That’s always been the strategy.

Everyone’s got a personal style.  So I concentrate on the messages behind what each client’s personal style suggests, including each client’s goals.  Hair most certainly connects the onlooker to a perception about the wearer’s image.  Hair has to be styled to make sense for a person’s attitude.  But it also has to be cut so that it works with one’s facial shape, body type, length of neck, and so on.  Even one’s follicle thickness has to be taken into account because one kind of hairstyle may, in theory, work for someone in many ways.  But when the hair is cut the hair itself may not support the style.  So it’s really important to take all things into account before deciding on a new hairstyle.

So that’s why “Good Hair” is so fascinating.  There are so many considerations required in order to have good hair.  Is it better to have natural hair? Highly stylized hair?  Should a person have to put their hair on the lay away plan?  How much is enough?  How much is too much?  I try not to put blanket judgments out there.  Rather, I’m in favor of seeking the appropriate solution for each client because everyone’s needs are different.  How do you define your hair?  Do you have “Good Hair?”

Designing and managing your image is the secret science of your success.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.