I was 13 years old when I first got my hair chemically straightened, after begging my mum for years to let me do it. I’d sit with the cream in my hair for as long as possible, trying my best not to wince at the burning sensation on my scalp - pain is beauty after all. I was so excited to have my hair just like all the women I saw on TV and in magazines.

It was after growing out my permed hair years later - embracing my natural curls - that I started reading about other black women’s stories. Many, like me, grew up feeling like their hair was never good enough.

This is why hair maintenance is so important to the black community. We learn to endure the pain of our mothers and aunts braiding patterns into our scalps. We spend a small fortune on butters, oils, and creams. We sit in the salon for hours on end to achieve the perfect look. And after all that we’re judged - no matter what we do.

I spoke to six women to find out what their hair means to them.