Good Hair

Good Hair follows Chris Rock as he investigates the social power of hairstyles in the Black community. The film uses humor to explore why hair care becomes a battleground of fashion, status, and identity, moving from bustling beauty salons to science labs and even Indian temples. Along the way Rock interviews stylists, engineers, and celebrities who weigh in on costs, time, and how hair choices shape intimacy and self esteem. Maya Angelou, Ice-T, Nia Long and others appear as themselves, offering candid reflections that mix humor with frank observations. The result is a lively look at a deeply personal topic that affects daily life without becoming didactic.

Released in 2009, Good Hair is directed by Jeff Stilson with Chris Rock and Lance Crouther among its producers. It presents itself as an original documentary that blends sharp humor with investigative reporting, drawing on Rock's voice to examine the cultural phenomenon of hair in Black communities. The film features interviews with stylists, scientists, and celebrities and premiered at film festivals before a wider theatrical release, earning attention for its candid approach.

Good Hair sparked conversations beyond entertainment, revealing how hair rituals function as markers of identity, business opportunity, and political stance. It brought relaxers, weaves, and natural hair movements into mainstream discourse, prompting audiences to question beauty norms and the economic forces behind them. The film’s mix of humor and listening moments with figures like Maya Angelou and Ice-T left viewers with concrete questions about authenticity, community standards, and the price of looking a certain way.

Critics praised the film for balancing comedy with social analysis, letting Rock's persona open doors to tough topics without preaching. Core themes include the economics of hair care, cultural heritage, gendered expectations, and the tension between personal choice and collective pressure. Grooming becomes a lens on race and class, showing how style fuels debates about identity. It leaves audiences engaged and more aware of the politics surrounding appearance.

Box office figures for Good Hair were modest and not widely reported, reflecting its niche documentary appeal rather than a blockbuster run.