Sisters Shelly Smith, back, and Glynnis Smith, right, braid hair for Bridget Dunmore, left, and Alicia McGee, front at their salon, Braid Heaven, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 in Kansas City, Kan.

The Physical Toll of Hair Braiding

The Brian Lehrer Show | Jul 26, 2023

The beautiful work of West African hair braiders can be seen on the heads of many who wander New York City streets. While their work is highly visible, little is heard about the many occupational injuries hair braiders obtain on the job. Houreidja Tall, NYC based freelance journalist, shares her reporting on the often untold stories of hair braiders, their pain, and systemic lack of workplace protections.

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