Hair

Hair is a symbol of identity for Ifemelu. It begins with her mother’s hair when she is a child. Her mother cuts off her long, beautiful hair that was often referred to as her “crowning glory.” After that, she becomes a different person. After Ifemelu moves to America, the symbolism is further developed. In fact, the part of the book that reveals to the reader who Ifemelu is is told as Ifemelu is sitting in a braiding salon having her hair braided.

Ifemelu makes the decision to relax her hair when she goes for her first post-college job interview because she remembers Aunty Uju doing the same when she received her medical license. In fact, Aunty Uju told Ifemelu she had to do so because she needed to fit in to get a job. When Ifemelu begins to lose her hair because of the relaxer...