The Puffy Hair Podcast | Hair Care, Textured Hair, Curly Hair, Multicultural, Cultural Diversity

Shar Roorda
The Puffy Hair Podcast | Hair Care, Textured Hair, Curly Hair, Multicultural, Cultural Diversity

Have you ever felt missed understood, misplaced, or like you don’t belong in the space you are in? Have you struggled to find a sense of self? Do you feel like no matter how hard you try you’re never going to measure up or fit in ? And you’re not sure if you even want to. Welcome to The Puffy Hair Podcast. Where misfits with brown skin and curly hair rule! Whether you’re a brown person adopted by lighter folk or raised in an interracial family, you belong here. Our upbringing made us hella weird and we’re going to talk about all of it. And learn some cool hair tips along the way. Are you ready to be seen? To belong? To be unapologetically who you were created to be? Join me on this journey to self discovery. Let’s laugh together, let’s cry together, let’s learn to be wholly ourselves right now. Not tomorrow, today. It might be painful, I promise it will be fun, it will definitely be helpful and it could be life changing!

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Clapbacks & Cheers - Conquering Holiday Hair Haters

    Welcome to the most magical yet potentially challenging time of the year – holiday season. It's Shar here, guiding you through navigating those awkward family dinners with a head full of snappy comebacks for any unsolicited comments about your magnificent mane. In this episode, we're armor up with words sharper than any scissors, ready to trim down any negativity tossed our way about our hair, or frankly, any part of our identity.   **In This Episode:**   **Unwanted Comments Be Gone:** Shar dives into tackling those inevitable and often awkward remarks about changes in our appearance – with a focus on our hair. The holiday season should be filled with joy, not dodging verbal bullets about our looks.   **Holiday Giveaway:** Stick around for a special segment where you could win some cool stuff. Participation details to follow.   **Family Matters...Or Does It?:** Shar shares a personal journey of cutting ties with a toxic family member. This year, she's rewriting her holiday narrative and empowers you to do the same if you're facing similar challenges. There's strength in choosing peace over tradition.   **Clapback Academy:** Gear up with a arsenal of comebacks fit for any remark. Whether it's deflecting ignorance with humor, invoking self-reflection in the offender, or simply standing your ground with grace, we've got you covered. Examples include:    - "**Flag on the Play**": Pointing out offensive remarks without escalation.    - "**I wonder why you feel comfortable saying that to me.**": Making them question their own biases.    - "**I don’t get it? Can you explain that joke?**": Highlighting the absurdity of their "humor".    - And several more tailored responses to shut down disrespectful banter.   **Community Support:** The episode emphasizes the importance of not bearing the burden of addressing racism or any form of discrimination alone. It's a call to allies and loved ones to step up and share the responsibility.   **Giveaway Details:** Learn how to participate in our holiday contest for a chance to win a Mizani holiday gift set. Head over to the Puffy Hair Podcast Facebook page for more details.   **Celebrating Success:** Before we part ways, we celebrate a milestone – climbing into the top 5% of all podcasts online. A heartfelt thanks to you, our listeners, for making this possible.   **Final Thoughts:**   This episode isn't just about surviving the holidays; it's about thriving, embracing our identity, and standing tall against any comments that try to bring us down. Remember, your beauty isn't up for debate.   **Happy Holidays from the Puffy Hair Podcast Team!** We're not just a community; we're a family, growing stronger and more resilient together. See you next year for more empowering conversations.   **Don’t Forget:** - Participate in our giveaway on the **Puffy Hair Podcast Facebook page**. - Join our conversation and share your own clapback stories. We're all in this together.   **Happy Holidays, and here's to a New Year filled with love, peace, and fantastic hair days!**

    17 min
  2. DEC 13

    Unraveling the Knots: Addressing Interracial Parenthood and Social Perceptions in a Digital Era

    **Podcast Title:** Puffy Hair Podcast   **Episode Host:** Shar   **Theme:** Unpacking the Trend of Praising Basic Parenting Duties in Interracial Families and the Underlying White Saviorism   **Key Points Discussed:**   **Opening Remarks:**      - Shar kicks off the episode with a lighthearted touch, sharing her personal social media browsing habits and setting the stage for a serious discussion.   **Social Media Trends:**      - Highlighted the increase in videos showcasing white parents managing their black children's hair.    - Shar expresses disturbance not at the content of the videos but at the disproportionate praise in the comments for basic parenting duties.   **Personal Insights and Anecdotes:**      - Shar shares her own experiences with interracial family dynamics and her concerns over the skewed appreciation of white parents doing basic hair care tasks for their black children.    - Detailed recount of a professional salon episode emphasizing the lack of skill in handling black hair, leading to wider discussion on standards of beauty and care.   **Critique of White Saviorism:**      - The conversation transitions into a critique of white saviorism, its implications on racial stereotypes, and the true nature of support versus overshadowing.    - Shar discusses the misconception that mastering hair care equates to parental success, challenging this narrative with personal and observed experiences.   **Specific Social Media Example:**      - Shar talks about a particular TikTok family from Cedar Rapids, using their story to illustrate misunderstanding and misrepresentation of black children's needs, particularly regarding hair care and identity.   **The Real-Life Implications:**      - The episode delves into the serious effects of these social media trends and behavioral patterns on children's identity, self-esteem, and understanding of racial dynamics.   **Opposing White Saviorism:**      - Shar presents an alternative approach to celebrating and supporting community-driven standards, empowerment, and real understanding of diverse needs.   **Closing Reflections:**      - The podcast closes with a call to action for more genuine, informed, and equal recognition of basic parenting efforts across all racial lines, highlighting the need to challenge societal biases and expectations.   **Listener Engagement:**   Shar encourages listener participation through comments on Facebook or direct messaging on the Puffy Hair Podcast website, emphasizing community discussion and shared narratives.   **Takeaway Message:**   The episode aims to foster a deeper conversation about societal perceptions, racial biases, and the true meaning of support and assistance across different communities, with a hopeful note on self-care during the holiday season.   **Next Episode Alert:**   Listeners are invited to tune in next Friday for another compelling discussion.   "You are such a good Dad" https://youtu.be/pfltmHtqdzM?si=3GfrhPh4KTugwcGv   Connect with Shar:  www.thepuffyhair.com

    25 min
  3. DEC 6

    Exploring the Power of Black-Owned Beauty Brands

    **Welcome to today’s episode**, where we're diving deep into the beauty industry, specifically focusing on the significance and impact of supporting Black-owned haircare and beauty brands. Black women are at the forefront of beauty spending, investing up to $7.5 billion annually, which is double the amount spent by other demographics. Today, we're here to guide you on making smarter, healthier, and more ethical choices in your beauty product selections.   **Today's Highlights:**   - **The Economic Power of Black Women in Beauty**: Discover the substantial influence Black women have in the beauty market and the importance of directing that spending power towards brands that truly understand and cater to their needs.   - **Choosing the Right Products**: We'll discuss what questions to ask when selecting haircare products, including ensuring they are ethically sourced and support Black-owned businesses.   - **The Importance of Supporting Black-Owned Brands**: Learn why it’s crucial to support Black entrepreneurs in the beauty industry, who often create products based on personal experiences and struggles with black hair, leading to innovative and effective solutions.   - **Recognizing Black Entrepreneurship**: Highlighting the success stories of Black-owned brands like Mielle Organics, Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross, and Beyoncé's Cecred, and discussing the positive impact of supporting emerging Black entrepreneurs in the beauty space.   - **The Truth About Brand Ownership**: We address the importance of researching the real ownership of brands that target the Black community, using examples such as Cantu and Mizani, and encouraging support for truly Black-owned businesses.   - **Balancing Support**: Our host, Shar, shares their approach to balancing the support between Black-owned brands and broader market options, explaining the rationale behind their product selections, including local and non-Black-owned brands.   - **Holiday Shopping Reminder**: As the holidays approach, remember that haircare products make fantastic gifts. Check out our link to Shar’s hair shop for some great options that deliver.   **Closing Thoughts**: Supporting Black-owned businesses is more than just a purchase; it's an investment in economic empowerment, innovation, and the future of the beauty industry. We encourage our listeners to make conscious decisions about where they spend their money, not only to look good but to do good.   **Next Episode Tease**: Have specific haircare questions or need advice? Join us next Friday for more insightful discussions. Meanwhile, send your queries to our page at thepuffyhair.com  We can't wait to hear from you!   **Stay connected**: Don’t forget to support Black and shop local! For more beauty insights, tips, and recommendations, tune in every Friday.   ---   Thank you for joining us on this journey towards more mindful, impactful consumption in the beauty industry. We hope today's discussion inspires you to make choices that resonate with your values and contribute to a fairer, more inclusive world. Shop from me  www.vagaro.com/shars

    11 min
  4. NOV 29

    Black Friday Deals: Tips on Snagging Your Favorite Afro Hair Tools at a Discount

    **Welcome to Today's Episode!**   Hello, fantastic listeners! Did your day bring you joy and satisfaction? Well, let's add to that happiness with some savvy shopping tips and hair care advice. Brace yourself for a wonderful episode where we explore essential tips for snatching the best Black Friday deals on hair products. Plus, we delve into how to prepare your hair for a protective style this holiday season. Ready to give your wallet and hair some love? Let’s dive in!   **Celebrating Milestones and New Looks:**   - **A Thousand Thank-Yous:** Kicking off today's podcast with a massive shoutout to you, our listeners, for helping us reach 1,000 downloads since our start in August this year. Your engagement, calls, and shares mean the world to us. Here’s to many more milestones together!    - **Twist It Up:** Our host shares a personal hair journey, switching from braids to twists for an easier-to-maintain look this holiday season. Discover a humorous tale of shots on Thirsty Thursday at the salon and tips for choosing your next style or stylist.   **Prepping Your Hair for Protective Styles:**   - **Know Before You Go:** Learn the importance of preparing your hair for braids or twists to avoid unexpected costs and ensure the best results. We cover everything from the necessity of a good wash, conditioner, and the right use of products before your stylist appointment.   **Black Friday Shopping Tips for Hair Enthusiasts:**   - **Gear Up on Tools:** Now's the time to upgrade your hair styling arsenal. We spotlight the Babyliss brand and encourage exploring small businesses this Small Business Saturday for unique finds before diving into Cyber Monday deals.   - **Stock Smart:** Advice on smart shopping for hair growth products and essentials, emphasizing the importance of mindful purchases, especially products with short shelf lives or those requiring refrigeration. Plus, discover how to check the product’s lifespan via batch codes.   **Exclusive Deals and Recommendations:**   - **Wig Wonder:** Considering a wig? We share insights into scoring deals on high-quality wigs, including a special promotion from Maven Hair. Enjoy 30% off plus an additional $40 off your first purchase with Maven, perfect for those seeking versatility and quality in their wig choices.   - **Get the Deal:** Don’t miss out on Maven’s Black Friday promotion. Visit [Maven Hair’s Website](https://mayvenn.com/puffyhair) for 30% off and more on your order. A must-visit for those eyeing a new look with wigs, 360 wigs, and closures.   **Closing Thoughts:**   - **A Heartfelt Thank You:** Once again, we express our deepest gratitude to all our listeners for their support and engagement. Your stories, questions, and shares fuel this podcast's journey.    - **Stay Tuned:** Keep your hair happy and your shopping savvy. Share your Black Friday hauls and hair transformations with us – we love hearing from you!   **Links and Resources:**   - [Check Cosmetic Batch Codes](http://checkcosmetic.net) - [Maven Hair’s Special Offer](https://mayvenn.com/puffyhair)   Thanks for tuning in to today’s episode. We hope you’re leaving with your cart full and your hair ready to stun this holiday season. Remember, happiness is a good hair day!

    18 min
  5. NOV 15

    The 8% : A Post Election Reflection on Community Support and Personal Growth

    Reflecting on Post-Election Feelings and Community Support   Emotions and Election Impact   - **Personal Reaction**: Shar opens up about being significantly affected by the recent election results, expressing a mix of shock, upset, and hope. - **Emotional Support**: Emphasis on the podcast serving as a space for shared feelings and a sense of community. - **Unedited Expression**: Chooses to share thoughts in an unfiltered manner, prioritizing authenticity while maintaining respect.   Experiences with Race and Politics   - **Colorism Discussion**: Planned topic was sidelined to address the immediate emotional impact of the election. - **Racism and Denial**: Shar discusses personal encounters with racism, including being discredited and gaslit by others. - **Trump's Election**: Attributes an increase in openly racist behavior to Trump's presidency, recounting personal experiences of discrimination.   Personal Journey and Growth - **Voting Shift**: Shar shares a personal transition from voting for Trump in 2016 to advocating for black women's rights, based on increased awareness and rejection of past influences. - **Family Dynamics**: Highlights the complexities of discussing politics and race in interracial families or with those holding differing views.   Community and Solidarity - **Importance of Black Community**:Shar discusses the struggle and isolation felt in white-dominated environments, especially for those raised in white families or communities. - **Sisterhood and Support**: Encourages reaching out to fellow black women for support and understanding, emphasizing the strength found in communal connections. Action and Engagement - **Avoiding Family Arguments**: Shar advises against engaging in potentially draining and divisive discussions with family members about politics. - **Call to Action**: Motivates listeners to focus their energies on support, education, and the fight for equality, emphasizing the power of community to overcome challenges.  Outreach and Future Focus - **Listener Engagement**:  Shar invites listeners to reach out for support and promises to return to regular programming, underscoring ongoing commitment to dialogue and community support.   ---   This reflection encapsulates the depth of feeling in the aftermath of a polarizing election, providing a heartfelt call to action for unity, understanding, and mutual support within the community. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and solidarity among those facing discrimination and highlights the importance of continual growth, learning, and advocacy.   Connect with me:  thepuffyhair.com

    24 min
  6. NOV 5

    Election Day Special: Beyond the Ballot - The Politics of Black Hair

    Welcome to a very special episode of our podcast, where we dive into a conversation that's a cut above the rest - literally. As we stand on the brink of election results that promise to free us from the barrage of political spam, we're channeling our Election Day jitters into a discussion that's both timely and timeless: the politics of black hair.   In an arena where the aesthetic has often leaned towards a Eurocentric ideal, we're combing through the history and significance of black hair in political spheres. From historical focus groups obsessing over presidential partings to the game-changing locks of today's trailblazers, we're exploring how hair intersects with identity, power, and societal norms.   Dive deep with us as we untangle the story of black hair in politics, from Eisenhower's bald presidency to Barack Obama's paradigm-shifting presence, and the fascinating emergence of a woman of color candidature. We're not just talking hairstyles; we're probing the critical role of appearance and voter expectations in political candidacy and representation.   Hear the scandalous side of political hairdos, from Nancy Pelosi's controversial salon visit during pandemic lockdowns to the alleged haircare faux pas of other high-profile politicians. And amidst all this, we're shedding light on the struggles and achievements of black women navigating this tangled landscape, smashing stereotypes with every curl and coil.   Our special salute goes to those making a resounding statement with their hair in the halls of power: Stacey Abrams, Karine Jean-Pierre, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, to name a few. Their courage and authenticity are reshaping perceptions and challenging norms, proving that leadership and professionalism are not a matter of hair texture but of skill, dedication, and authenticity.   This episode isn't just another talk. It's a celebration of progress, a call to action for more inclusivity, and a reminder of the diverse beauty that strengthens the fabric of our democracy. Amidst the tension of Election Day, let us reflect on how far we've come and the leaps still ahead, in the politics of hair and beyond.   So, before you cast your vote or post your "I Voted" sticker selfie (sweater orientation checked), join us for a meaningful detour into the politics of black hair. It's a conversation you won't want to miss - because when it comes to shaping our future, every strand counts.   Stay tuned, subscribe, and let's keep unraveling the stories that matter. Your voice, your vote, and your hair - they're all part of the big, beautiful democracy we live in. Here's to making every bit of it count. See you on the airwaves, and remember - democracy looks good on you.   Till next time, keep embracing the inevitable, and maybe, just maybe, let's start voting for folks based on their policies rather than their hairstyles. Mmkay, bye bye now!   Check out where to vote here:  https://www.vote.org

    23 min
  7. NOV 1

    Embracing Cultures with Care: A Journey Beyond Halloween

    **Episode Summary:**   In this enlightening episode of the Puffy Hair Podcast, Shar delves deep into the vibrant yet often misunderstood aspects of Halloween, cultural appropriation, and the celebration of black culture. From dissecting the thin line between cultural appreciation and appropriation to navigating the complexities of blackfishing and the importance of embracing one’s roots, Shar offers a candid look at the significance of our choices in fashion, style, and beyond. Join us as we explore the liberating, yet sometimes daunting, journey of self-exploration and cultural sensitivity. It’s a hauntingly insightful episode you won’t want to miss.   **Key Topics:**   - **Halloween Revisited:** Shar's personal reflection on Halloween and its unique charm, despite a conservative upbringing.   - **Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation:** The crucial understanding of why some Halloween costumes can be harmful and the significance of making respectful choices.   - **The Shadow of Blackfishing:** An exploration of blackfishing – the problematic trend of altering one’s appearance to mimic the look of being of Black or African heritage and why it's considered exploitative.   - **A Personal Journey into Black Culture:** Shar shares her own path towards connecting with her black roots and the joy of celebrating one's culture from a position of understanding and respect.   - **Listener Engagement:** An invitation for listeners to share their views on Halloween participation, cultural exploration, and embracing diversity.   - **Inspiring Action:** Encouragement for those feeling disconnected from their cultural heritage to begin a journey of discovery and connection.   **Episode Highlights:**   - A candid discussion on the realities of cultural appropriation and its impact on minority cultures.    - Shar's personal anecdotes and reflections on growing up with a conservative background, and how it shaped her understanding of Halloween and cultural celebrations.   - Insightful conversation on the concept of blackfishing, its implications, and the broader discussion on racial and cultural sensitivity in contemporary society.   - Encouragement for individuals, especially those of black heritage, to explore and reconnect with their cultural roots in meaningful ways.   - A heartfelt call to action for all to approach cultural exploration with respect, empathy, and an open heart.   **Quotes from the Episode:**   - "It’s so much more fulfilling to be part of black culture, celebrating it from within, rather than admiring it from a distance."   - "People’s races, customs, and cultures are not costumes. Cultivating a world of respect and understanding starts with seeing past the surface."   - "Bridging the gap between who you are and the cultural roots you've yet to explore isn't just enriching, it's a journey back home."   **Call to Action:**   Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and join us next Friday for another engaging episode. If Shar’s journey resonated with you or if you have insights and experiences to share, reach out. Let’s broaden our horizons together and foster a community rooted in respect, curiosity, and inclusiveness.     Stay tuned, keep listening, and let's embark on this enlightening journey together.

    26 min
5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Have you ever felt missed understood, misplaced, or like you don’t belong in the space you are in? Have you struggled to find a sense of self? Do you feel like no matter how hard you try you’re never going to measure up or fit in ? And you’re not sure if you even want to. Welcome to The Puffy Hair Podcast. Where misfits with brown skin and curly hair rule! Whether you’re a brown person adopted by lighter folk or raised in an interracial family, you belong here. Our upbringing made us hella weird and we’re going to talk about all of it. And learn some cool hair tips along the way. Are you ready to be seen? To belong? To be unapologetically who you were created to be? Join me on this journey to self discovery. Let’s laugh together, let’s cry together, let’s learn to be wholly ourselves right now. Not tomorrow, today. It might be painful, I promise it will be fun, it will definitely be helpful and it could be life changing!

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