Presented by Melanin Health Table Talks, a series committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with guests: 

  • Sarah Shaw, Associate Director Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Community Outreach at Global Healthy Living Foundation
  • Tiffany Peterson, Founder and CEO of #LupusChat
  • Alisha Bridges, Psoriasis Patient Advocate
  • Jamila Rowser, Chronic Migraine & Sjogren’s Syndrome Patient Advocate
  • Tammy Jolivette, Hair Stylist & CEO Texture of Me

We recognize the pressing need for a dedicated space where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices are not only heard but centered in discussions surrounding health and wellness.

Fast Facts and Background: Wash Day and Chronic Illness

Living with chronic illnesses such as lupus, psoriasis, chronic migraine, fibromyalgia, and long-COVID symptoms presents unique challenges for BIPOC individuals. Cultural stigmas and health care disparities often impact the diagnosis, treatment, and management of these conditions.

For Black women [and people], these challenges extend into the realm of self-care, particularly during Wash Day — a culturally significant practice deeply connected to mental well-being. “Wash Day is more than an ordinary task — it’s a cultural ritual. Something precious that is passed down through each generation. It is a reverent moment in which we connect with ourselves and nurture our crown,” says lupus patient Tiffany Peterson, Founder and CEO of #LupusChat. “It is a sacred time in which we pour back into ourselves. Cleansing away all our worries while nourishing our tresses and envisioning the style we will adorn that day, week, or month.”

Cultural Significance of Wash Day

Deep-Rooted Tradition

Wash Day is a sacred ritual for many Black women, deeply embedded in cultural practices that go back generations. Tiffany described it as a time to connect to her Afro-Latina heritage and the broader history of Black hair care. It’s a moment to embrace creativity, try new styles, and express oneself culturally.

Self-Care and Identity

For Tiffany and Jamila, Wash Day is about more than maintaining hair; it’s a powerful act of self-care and an affirmation of identity. Jamila noted how her approach to hair care evolved over the years, aligning with her growing confidence and cultural pride. For Sarah, the journey to embrace her natural hair began later in life, leading to a newfound connection with her Black identity and a rejection of societal pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.

Impact of Chronic Illness on Wash Day

Physical Challenges

Chronic illnesses such as lupus, chronic migraine, and psoriasis add layers of complexity to Wash Day. Tiffany shared that lupus makes the physical demands of Wash Day overwhelming at times, turning a nurturing experience into an exhausting and painful process. Alicia discussed psoriasis’s specific challenges, such as scalp sensitivity and the difficulty of managing hair care routines prescribed by doctors that don’t always align with the needs and sensitivities of Black hair.

Adaptations and Tools

The panelists discussed various tools and strategies to manage these challenges. For instance, Tiffany uses a shower stool to reduce the strain on her body, and she breaks the Wash Day process into smaller steps over multiple days to cope with fatigue. Alicia highlighted the importance of using products that come in pump bottles to avoid lifting heavy items. Jamila shared how she detangles her hair in sections to minimize pain and make the process more manageable.

Dr. Tammy also recommended applying conditioner to your hair before you wet it to make the detangling part of Wash day more manageable. The panelists agreed on the importance of listening to your body, doing what’s right for you during an active flare or when you lack the energy to go through the entire process.

Emotional and Mental Health Benefits

Mental Well-Being

Wash Day is also a mental health ritual, providing a sense of relaxation and accomplishment. Tiffany spoke about how, despite the physical challenges, completing Wash Day can feel like a personal victory. For Sarah, the transition to embracing her natural hair was transformative, allowing her to connect more deeply with her cultural roots and find peace in the self-care ritual of wash day.

Support Systems

Sarah mentioned how her partner helps with the more physically demanding parts of Wash Day, such as styling her hair into protective twists. Jamila highlighted the value of reaching out to friends for help when managing her hair feels overwhelming, and Dr. Tammy stressed the role of hairstylists in providing care that respects the client’s health conditions and lifestyle.

Health Care Disparities

Underdiagnosis in BIPOC Communities

The panel discussed the significant health care disparities that affect BIPOC communities, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions. Skin conditions like psoriasis are often underdiagnosed in Black patients, leading to delayed treatment and worsening symptoms. Jamila and Tiffany recounted their struggles with being misdiagnosed and dismissed by health care providers, who often overlooked her symptoms or attributed them to stress.

Advocate for Better Care

The conversation highlighted the need for patients to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. Alicia stressed the importance of educating doctors about the specific needs of Black hair when prescribing treatments, such as shampoos that require daily use, which isn’t feasible for many Black women. The panel also called for greater diversity in the dermatology field and better cultural competency training for healthcare providers.

Working With Your Stylist

Dr. Tammy encouraged open communication with hairstylists, advising clients to be upfront about their health conditions and how they affect their hair care routine. By sharing this information, you can better inform and collaborate with your hair stylist to come up with a style that best suits your needs and what you have the energy to do. She also suggested bringing your products, if you have specific needs, to ensure the products used during your appointment are safe and effective for your hair and your health.

Are You a BIPOC with Chronic Illness?

Join our monthly meetings of ChronicHue, a global online community empowering melanated people living with chronic illness and disability. Meeting monthly, it provides a forum for discussing topics that combine chronic illness, culture, and navigating the world as BIPOC patients. ChronicHue provides a supportive space for BIPOC folks to connect with others who can share and understand their racial or cultural experiences.

This webinar was made possible with support from Bristol Myers Squibb.