● Programs
Black Hair & Cultural Care
The Black Hair and Cultural Care Program (BHCCP) exists to affirm and support every child of African descent in Oregon’s foster care system, past and present, by preserving cultural connection through Black hair care. Through initiatives such as the Black Hair Cultural Care Kit (“The Kit”), braiding circles, styling demos, and natural hair career support, the project provides culturally specific tools, education, and community-based experiences for youth and their families. The BHCCP also desires to supplement what is needed so the youth feel beautiful, seen, and self-assured.
● Program Overview
Hair is Identity
We hope that all children of African descent in Oregon remain connected to culture and gain/maintain a sense of self, even as they navigate separation from family and/or community. Guided by the Black Community Guide, the program seeks to ensure that kids of African descent and their resource/kinship families remain knowledgeable about where to find Black community, organizations, resources, programming, and support throughout the State of Oregon, in order to meet and/or supplement their cultural needs.
"The Kit"
A culturally-specific hair care kit and care package (products, tools, accessories, instructional booklet) sent out to every child of African descent as they enter foster care. In addition, we hope to support children currently placed in a resource home, those in kinship families, and those who are aging out. We'd also like to provide "refills" of items as they run out, or if damaged.
Care & Styling Demonstrations
Interactive workshops offered throughout the year for youth, foster/resource parents, and kinship caregivers. Each session provides foundational skills and styling techniques for Black hair, increasing youth and caregivers’ confidence and children’s self-esteem.
Braiding Circles
Quarterly social events designed for elementary and middle school youth. These gatherings are inspired by traditional salon culture and provide a space for connection, conversation, and hair braiding (on doll heads), encouraging cultural expression and exploration in an informal, affirming environment.
Natural Hair Career Support
One-on-one support, group support, and internships for young adults interested in the field of natural hair care and hair design. This element of the program supports workforce development while celebrating Black beauty traditions. Young adults will have access to experiential learning and practice through the Braiding Circles and Cultural Hair Care and Styling Demonstrations.
● Kit Overview
What’s in a kit?
Kits vary based on gender, age, and seasonality of products, but here are some staples to expect in every bag.
Dual-sided brush (medium and hard bristle) to smooth out hair, lay fly-aways down, or to bring out waves.
Boar Bristle BrushUse this body lotion liberally from head to toe. Works great straight out the shower, or when skin if feeling dry or looks ashy.
Body LotionThis moisturizing body wash can be used in place of bar soap. Can be used from head to toe to cleanse skin during bathing.
Body WashThis spray, formulated by Amber is designed for both the scalp and the hair. Use it on your scalp as a light moisturizer or on your hair prior to styling, or simply to refresh your leave-in products. It's great for all hair types and can be used daily, if desired.
Coiled! SprayAfter cleansing with shampoo, liberally distribute condition on hair from root to tip while hair is still wet. Leave in for a few mins. Prior to rinsing out, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to do a primary detangle. This will make detangling much easier prior to styling. You may also choose to co-wash (wash with conditioner) in between big washes to hydrate your hair.
ConditionerWide-tooth to comb through and detangle hair. Great to use on wet/damp hair. Best to start from the ends and work your way up to the scalp.
Detangling CombCan be used daily to cleanse skin. See directions.
Face WashCan be used to lay edges, control frizz, accentuate curls, twist locs, or to help maintain styles (including protective styles such as box braids, conrows, or twists).
Hair GelHair picks are used to detangle short to medium length hair or to add volume to such styles as afros or curly wash-and-gos.
Hair PickHand mirrors are great for close-ups, checking details, or even admiring the back of your head (in conjuction with another mirror).
Hand MirrorLarge hair ties are great for thick/dense hair (including locs). The reduce pulling and breakage, and minimize headach from hair ties that are too small and tight.
Large Hair TiesLeave-in conditioner is a great way to maintain moisturized hair. Can be used after washing, prior to styling, to detangle, or on a daily to weekly basis. Start at the ends and work your way up to the scalp (avoid the scalp if possible).
Leave-in ConditionerSmall-tooth comb for making clean and straight parts. Either end can be used to part with.
Parting CombA great oil-based scalp moiturizer. Can be used prior after washing, to styling, and weekly to keep scalp from drying out.
Scalp OilFocusing on the scalp, use the shampoo to cleanse and detox the scalp and build-up on the hair strands. Rinse thoroughly, leaving no shampoo or residue in your hair. Depending on your texture and style you may need to wash from once a week to once a month.
ShampooWaterproof cap to keep hair dry when showering. This is especially useful for styles intended to last for days, weeks or months.
Shower CapGreat for the ends of braids (with or without beads), ponytails, or for general styling. Can be ciut out or reused if they aren't damaged.
Small Rubber BandsFor hydrating hair with water or your favorite mix of moisturizing ingredients.
Spray BottleLarge waterproof cap to keep hair dry when swimming. This is especially useful for styles intended to last for days, weeks or months.This size is adaptable for all hair thickness and styles (including protective styles with extensions).
Swim CapA hair towel designed to absorb water well and quickly. These towels are made in a way that reduces shedding of towel.
Terry Clothe Hair Towel
● Kits
Order a kit!
Black Hair and Cultural Care Kits are available for youth who are Black, African-American, and/or of African descent between the ages of 7 and 23. Youth within this age range are welcome to place an order directly. Familial caretakers- including foster parents, kinship caregivers, and adoptive parents- may also order a kit on behalf of an eligible youth to help ensure they have access to culturally affirming hair care and support.
Spotlighted Hair Care Resources
DHS Specialized Hair Care Resource
Children and teens who have hair and skin care needs that require specialized practices, products, and techniques, often due to cultural, ethnic, or religious factors are eligible for a monthly allotment of up to $250 is available for each child
Elegant Boutique Beauty Supply
Most of our hair care products are sourced from local shop Elegant Boutique as a way to keep resources circulating within Black-owned businesses and ensure youth have access to culturally relevant, high-quality products. Elegant Boutique is Oregon’s first and only mobile beauty supply store, providing products that reflect identity, support healthy hair practices, and honor the importance of cultural care as part of dignity-centered services.
● Contact
Request Information
Want to learn more about the program or how you can support? Please reach out to us to learn more about our Black Hair & Cultural Care proram.