Social Media as a Virtual Hair Salon for Women

This thesis explores the developing online representations of non-normative hair culture and trends within the SWANA region, specifically at the intersection of gender, race, and nationality. It focuses on the role of social media in challenging and perpetuating beauty standards and norms by using two primary platforms for analysis: Instagram and YouTube. I argue that there are developing counter-discourses that are responding to the beauty standards and norms that society considers to be normal or beautiful. I also focus on the representation of women with curly hair on social media and how these platforms now serve as a space where women can embrace their natural hair.