We were taught, and teach our children, that the hair holds all of our memories.
Its your medicine, your power.
The style is so normalized that its overlooked.
Sheep Mountain Table.
My hands are really sensitive, Gourd says.
Before I start, I will run my hands through the hair just to look at its overall quality.
But Im not just looking at hair health.
Reanna braiding Ashley at home.
I can feel how their vibe is.
To have somebody fix your hair is a very big honor, says Ashley Phelps-Garcia.
It means that you’re trusting them with your spirit.
Ashley’s sons, Joaquin and Wasose.
Reanna braiding Ashley at home.
Ashley’s sons, Joaquin and Wasose.
Ashley with daughters Miksuya, 9, and Nevaeh, 17.
Ashley with daughters Miksuya, 9, and Nevaeh, 17. Ashley wears conch & dentalium shell hair ties.
Ashley wears conch & dentalium shell hair ties.
I swear she’s lived a thousand lives.
Her family, they’re so intertwined with each other, they move like an engine.
Photographed by Carlos Jaramillo
They’re so considerate.
And I think that’s the first thing I thought of whenever I saw her.
Her hair had to be hearts.
Photographed by Carlos Jaramillo
Danielle Whirlwind Horse (Oglala Lakota), 26.
Doing intricate braids are like playing a game of Sudoku in your head.
You have to map it all out before you jump in doing the groundwork.
Photographed by Carlos Jaramillo
Danielle with husband, Ty, and daughter Aubrey.
Taylor Campbell, 25.
Taylors braids were inspired by Italian fashion house Versace.
Photographed by Carlos Jaramillo. Styled by Marcus Correa, hair by Reanna Ella Gourd.
Photographed by Carlos Jaramillo
Photographed by Carlos Jaramillo
Danielle Whirlwind Horse.
Danielle with husband, Ty, and daughter Aubrey.
Taylor Campbell, 25.
Photographed by Carlos Jaramillo
Photographed by Carlos Jaramillo
Photographed by Carlos Jaramillo
