-- Community Hair Braiding is expanding its efforts to provide affordable, culturally appropriate hair care for children while increasing outreach to schools, families, and community organizations throughout Hennepin County.
Founded by registered nurse and hair care advocate Betty Boley, the nonprofit was created after she repeatedly noticed children arriving at school with neglected hair while volunteering in her son's middle school cafeteria. Her experience inspired her to establish an organization dedicated to removing financial and educational barriers that prevent families from accessing healthy hair care.
"Hair care is part of healthcare," said Boley. "Healthy hair affects confidence, school participation, emotional well-being, and how children see themselves. Every child deserves that opportunity."
Operating under a pay-what-you-can model, Community Hair Braiding provides hair washing, blow-drying, and natural hair braiding services for children while also teaching parents and caregivers how to properly maintain textured hair at home.
The organization's mission reflects a growing national conversation around hair equity. Research has shown that many Black children continue to experience hair discrimination in educational settings, while legislation such as the CROWN Act has sought to prohibit discrimination based on natural hair textures and protective hairstyles.
Boley believes healthy hair contributes to confidence and long-term well-being. Research has also linked positive racial identity and self-esteem with improved educational outcomes, reinforcing the importance of culturally appropriate hair care for children.
Unlike many salons where textured hair services can cost hundreds of dollars per appointment, Community Hair Braiding ensures financial circumstances do not prevent children from receiving professional care.
The nonprofit intentionally avoids synthetic hair extensions, focusing instead on healthy natural hair.
"Our goal isn't simply to braid hair," Boley said. "It's to teach families how to keep children's hair healthy while helping children feel confident when they walk into school."
Education is incorporated into every appointment. Parents receive guidance on maintaining healthy hairstyles while avoiding overly tight braids that can create discomfort and interfere with children's sleep and daily well-being.
As demand continues to grow, Community Hair Braiding is expanding its search for volunteers, licensed hairstylists, executive leadership support, and financial donors to help serve more children throughout Minnesota. Boley also hopes to strengthen partnerships with schools and community organizations so more families become aware that affordable, culturally appropriate hair care services are available.
Recent research has also highlighted the long-term effects racial discrimination can have on children's confidence and self-esteem, further supporting the organization's belief that healthy hair care should be viewed as part of broader family well-being.
"The help is here whether families have money or not," Boley said. "If someone leaves feeling confident, that's what matters most."
Looking ahead, Community Hair Braiding plans to expand its outreach throughout Hennepin County and neighboring communities while growing a volunteer network capable of serving more children each year.
Contact Info:
Name: Betty Boley
Email: Send Email
Organization: Community Hair Braiding
Website: https://communityhairbraiding.org/
Release ID: 89205491
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