Exploring Textured Hair Care as a Meaningful Occupation: A Thematic Analysis

Background. Current health and occupational therapy literature lacks discussion on textured hair care as a meaningful occupation. In the Canadian context, this topic remains unexplored. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to explore textured hair care as a meaningful occupation through experiences and perceptions of Canadian occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants who identify as Black or Mixed race. Method. A qualitative thematic design was adopted; 11 occupational therapists and one occupational therapist assistant were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and subsequently coded. Themes and subthemes were identified using thematic analysis. Seven participants engaged in a focus group to confirm preliminary findings. Findings. Five main themes were identified: textured hair is diverse, personal perceptions of textured hair, societal perceptions of textured hair, barriers to participating in textured hair care and addressing knowledge gaps in the profession. All themes are accompanied by subthemes. Conclusion. All participants acknowledged textured hair as a meaningful yet under-addressed occupation. This study begins a critical conversation based on lived experiences with textured hair to promote culturally safer research, education, and practice.