DOCSLIB.ORG

Straight Hair Culture and Natural Hair Politics Among Ghanaian Women

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Straight Hair Culture and Natural Hair Politics Among Ghanaian Women BLACK BODIES, WHITE MASKS?: STRAIGHT HAIR CULTURE AND NATURAL HAIR POLITICS AMONG GHANAIAN WOMEN Amelia AmeDela Amemate A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS May 2020 Committee: Timothy Messer-Kruse, Advisor Apollos Nwauwa ii ABSTRACT Timothy Messer-Kruse, Advisor Hair straightening and the usage of hair extensions, particularly chemical relaxing and ‘Brazilian’ weaves are common and, in many cases, preferable over natural Afro-textured hair among African women in both the continent and the diaspora. The practice, which has been extensively studied from the African American perspective, is largely explained as (1) a result of internalized racism and self-hate and (2) simply stylization, versatility, and choice. However, even though diasporic and continental Africans share similar hairstyling practices, their historical and cultural situations are not the same. This study looks at Ghanaian women’s hair culture from a whiteness-decentered approach. The goal of the study was to research African women’s hair norms from continental African women’s perspective and find out whether their hair culture could be explained as a result of internalized racism and self-hate or stylization. The study interviewed thirty women. It asks why do they relax their hair and wear hair extensions: whether they are pursuing ‘white beauty’, or they have other reasons why they alter their hair. It found out that Ghanaian women do not relax their hair and wear hair extensions as a result of ‘mental slavery,’ and they do not hate their hair, or perceive white women’s appearance iconic. It also found that hairstyling among Ghanaian women is not simply for stylization; there are specific reasons why they relax their hair and wear weaves. These reasons include the attachment of privileges and benefits to straight hair and stereotypes and consequences to coily hair in Ghanaian society. Contrary to earlier studies that explain African women’s negative relationship with their hair as a result of colonialism and Euro-American influence on the continent, the study iii found out that negative attitudes displayed toward hairstyles like (dread)locks in many African societies stem from pre-colonial traditional cultural norms. iv This work is dedicated to my mother, Evelyn Mama Vordoagu. Thank you for believing in girls' education against all the odds and going the extra mile to make sure I furthered my education. v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am thankful to Bowling Green State University, the American Culture Studies Department and the School of Culture and Critical Studies for giving me the opportunity and equipping me with the necessary interdisciplinary skills to study continental African women’s hair culture. I am also grateful to my committee members, Dr. Timothy Messer-Kruse and Dr. Apollos Nwauwa for being patient with me, challenging me to think outside familiar views, and being available even at short notices. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY ................................................. 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1 Frequently Used Terms and Their Meaning .............................................................. 10 Methodology .............................................................................................................. 12 Paper Outline ............................................................................................................. 18 CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK .............. 19 Explaining African Women’s Hair Straightening: Internalized Racism, Self-Hate and Whiteness Desirability vs. Stylization, Versatility, and Choice ......................... 19 De-Centering Whiteness and Re-Centering Blackness: The Way Forward for African Hair and Black Beauty Studies ..................................................................... 29 CHAPTER III: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ................................................................. 35 Hairstyling Among African People ........................................................................... 35 The Development and Proliferation of Hair Straightening Among Africans ............ 50 The Hair Situation Among African People Today .................................................... 60 CHAPTER IV: DATA ANALYSIS ...................................................................................... 63 Current Hair Forms Among Ghanaian Women: How Participants Wear Their Hair 64 Identified Factors ....................................................................................................... 68 Part I: Social Norms, Stereotypes, and Privileges: Hair Forms and How They Determine Acceptance and Rejection in Ghanaian Society ...................................... 70 Hair Forms, Education Policies, Racial Undertones and the Politics that Come with Them............................................................................................ 73 vii Religious Affiliation, Social Behavior, and Mental Condition Stereotypes .. 81 Beauty and Gender Stereotypes and Privileges ............................................. 84 What the Male Gaze Has Got to Do with African Hair ................................. 90 Natural Hair, Corporate Work, and Formal Gatherings ................................ 95 Employment and the Consequences of Maintaining Natural Hair ................ 102 Class and Hair Forms ..................................................................................... 104 African Hair and the Paradox of Cost ............................................................ 113 CHAPTER V: FURTHER FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION ............................................. 120 Part II: Other Factors That Emerged .......................................................................... 120 Cultural Identity ............................................................................................. 120 Sources of Influence ...................................................................................... 130 Health Implications and Physical Damage .................................................... 138 Hairdressing and Styling ................................................................................ 143 Availability of Hair Products ......................................................................... 143 The Difficulty of Finding Salons and Hairdressers ....................................... 144 Convenience and Versatility .......................................................................... 149 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 152 Recap of Major Points of the Study So Far ................................................... 152 Addressing Research Questions ..................................................................... 155 The Role of Whiteness in Understanding African Hair Culture and Politics 161 How Straight Hair Became a Norm and More Desirable Among African Women ........................................................................................................... 165 WORKS CITED .................................................................................................................... 168 viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1 Photo by: James Barnor; Model: Marie Hallowi; Place: Rochester; Year: 1966 ...... 43 2 Photo by: James Barnor; Model: Rosemarie Thompson; Place: London; Year: 1966-1967 .................................................................................................................. 43 3 Photo by: James Barnor; Model: James Barnor’s cousin; Place: London; Year: 1964 .................................................................................................................. 43 4 Photo by: James Barnor; Model: Mohammed Ali surrounded by his fans; Place: London; Year: 1966 ................................................................................................... 44 5 Photo by: James Barnor; Model: A shop assistant at the Sick-Hagemeyer store; Place: Accra; Year: 1971 ........................................................................................... 45 6 Photo by: James Barnor; Model: A Wedding at Holy Trinity Cathedral; Place: Accra; Year: 1970-1980 ............................................................................................. 45 7 Photo by: James Barnor; Model: A group of children, after Sunday Church Service at Holy Trinity Cathedral; Place: Accra; Year: Early 1970s ..................................... 45 8 Photo by: James Barnor; Model: Blavo and friends at a Youth Development Club Party; Place: Scout Headquarters, Accra, Ghana; Year: 1953 ................................... 46 9 Photo by: James Barnor; Model: Woman posing in swim wear from London; Place: Accra; Year: 1972 ........................................................................................... 47 1 CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY Introduction The Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria believes that the head, which hair is a major part of, is the most important part of the human body. So, they say ‘Orilonise’ and “Ori inu mi ko ba ti ode je” (Lawal 93, 95), meaning the head determines whether one succeeds or fails in life, and may one’s thoughts not spoil their outer look. Cultural groups all over Africa share the view of the Yoruba. Long before major
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Curly Girl: the Handbook
    curly girl THE HANDBOOK EXPANDED SECOND EDITION by Lorraine Massey with Michele Bender Photographs by Gabrielle Revere Workman Publishing, New York Copyright © 2010 by Lorraine Massey and Michele Bender Design copyright © by Workman Publishing Photographs copyright © Gabrielle Revere All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced— mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying—without written permission of the publisher. Published simultaneously in Canada by Thomas Allen & Son Limited. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available. eISBN 978-0-7611-6402-9 Design by Lidija Tomas Cover design by Janet V icario Workman books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for premiums and sales promotions as well as for fund-raising or educational use. Special editions or book excerpts can also be created to specification. For details, contact the Special Sales Director at the address below or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Workman Publishing Company, Inc. 225 Varick Street New York, NY 10014-4381 www.workman.com Photography Credits: COVER PHOTOGRAPHY by GABRIELLE REVERE (Front and Back) Author photo Courtesy of Lorraine Massey ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY GABRIELLE REVERE: vi top, vii top and middle, 1 (all images), 7, 9, 18, 21 left, 22 left, 23 left, 24 left, 25 left, 26 left, 27 left, 32, 33, 37 left and right, 38–41 (all images), 42 right, 44–47 (all images), 48 left, 50–61 (all images), 66 top and bottom, 67 top left, 67 top and bottom right, 68 left, 70, 71, 75, 77, 90– 93 (all images), 94 right, 96–99 (all images), 102–104 (all images), 106–110 (all images), 112–116 (all images), 118, 121 right, 123 bottom, 124–126 (all images), 134–137 (all images), 138 top, 140 right, 151 right, 156, 159–161 (all images), 162 left middle and bottom, 162 right top and bottom, 163–164 (all images), 165 top left and right, 167 (all images), 170 (all images), 172 (all images).
    [Show full text]
  • SECRETS to MAKING MONEY in the Business of HAIR BRAIDING & EXTENSIONS
    presents SECRETS TO MAKING MONEY in the business of HAIR BRAIDING & EXTENSIONS With JOY G PHIDO (SRH) HAIR BRAIDING BUSINESS CONSULTANT & EDUCATOR www.worldofbraiding.com Acknowledgements This introduction to the Business of Hair Braiding & Extensions is based on my experiences and research put together in my career in Hair Braiding services and education. I would like to acknowledge the students I have trained and the customers’ hairs I have braided. It is the experience I have accumulated while dealing with the customers and the students that inspired me to put this material together. The knowledge, skill and experience I have accumulated continues to be of great value to me. I would also like to thank my family for being supportive as without them I would not have been able to go the extra mile. To my three girls – Mega, Zina and Efe who happily posed as my models during the first few years of starting out, I would say a big thank you as it would not have been possible without them. Joy Gbenewa Phido November 2008 © 2008, World of Braiding & Extensions Ltd All Rights reserved. No part of this material should be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from World of Braiding & Extensions Ltd. 020 8983 9815 [email protected] www.worldofbraiding.com MAKING MONEY WITH HAIR BRAIDING & EXTENSIONS Welcome to the Business of Hair Braiding & Extensions World of Braiding & Extensions aims to introduce you to the business of Hair Braiding & Extensions as this is what we do best. Whatever you’re situation in hair braiding, we aim to combine theory and practical demonstrations in making your understanding of this skill easier.
    [Show full text]
  • Black Women, Natural Hair, and New Media (Re)Negotiations of Beauty
    “IT’S THE FEELINGS I WEAR”: BLACK WOMEN, NATURAL HAIR, AND NEW MEDIA (RE)NEGOTIATIONS OF BEAUTY By Kristin Denise Rowe A DISSERTATION Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of African American and African Studies—Doctor of Philosophy 2019 ABSTRACT “IT’S THE FEELINGS I WEAR”: BLACK WOMEN, NATURAL HAIR, AND NEW MEDIA (RE)NEGOTIATIONS OF BEAUTY By Kristin Denise Rowe At the intersection of social media, a trend in organic products, and an interest in do-it-yourself culture, the late 2000s opened a space for many Black American women to stop chemically straightening their hair via “relaxers” and begin to wear their hair natural—resulting in an Internet-based cultural phenomenon known as the “natural hair movement.” Within this context, conversations around beauty standards, hair politics, and Black women’s embodiment have flourished within the public sphere, largely through YouTube, social media, and websites. My project maps these conversations, by exploring contemporary expressions of Black women’s natural hair within cultural production. Using textual and content analysis, I investigate various sites of inquiry: natural hair product advertisements and internet representations, as well as the ways hair texture is evoked in recent song lyrics, filmic scenes, and non- fiction prose by Black women. Each of these “hair moments” offers a complex articulation of the ways Black women experience, share, and negotiate the socio-historically fraught terrain that is racialized body politics
    [Show full text]
  • James Barnor: ‘A Retrospective’
    Press Release 31 October 2019 Nubuke Foundation reopens on 23 November 2019 with photographic exhibition- James Barnor: ‘A Retrospective’ Nubuke Foundation is pleased to officially announce the reopening of its bespoke arts space and extended campus at its existing premises in East Legon, Accra, following two years of reconstruction. This is a milestone in the development of arts and cultural infrastructure in Ghana and West Africa. Designed by architects, Baerbel Mueller and Juergen Strohmayer, the space now comprises of 3 buildings with galleries, shops, meeting areas, a residency and studio space, library, visitors lounge and a mix of recreational areas. The highlight of the reopened space is the new naturally lit and airy two-tiered gallery with over 500sqm indoor and outdoor exhibition space, which connects to the indoors through majestic doorways, windows and vitrines with sweeping views across the city, luscious plantations and environs. Visitors can expect varied experiences through an exciting programme of exhibitions, performances, film screenings, talks and private events. In the past decade, Nubuke Foundation has quietly but boldly initiated many significant programmes to support the career of many young Ghanaian artists. This building project is a testament to our belief that Ghana has an incredible pool of talented creative people, and this space has been carefully and purposely recreated to spotlight them and their practice. Nubuke Foundation will continue to be ambitious, nurture and showcase the works of young Ghanaian artists whilst playing host to international exhibitions through our networks. Our focus will turn also to strengthening the capacity of our team so that we can continue to offer world class programming, inspire creatives, children and the community.
    [Show full text]
  • Mobile Hair Salon Business Business Plans Handbook Ed
    Mobile Hair Salon Business Business Plans Handbook Ed. Kristin B. Mallegg. Vol. 34. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2015. p91-96. COPYRIGHT 2015 Gale, Cengage Learning Full Text: Mobile Hair Salon Business MostlyKids Hair Styles Inc. 5821 Cunningham Ave. High Point, WI 53000 Paul Greenland MostlyKids Hair Styles is a full-service mobile hair salon specializing in serving children and busy moms. ​ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY MostlyKids Hair Styles is a full-service mobile hair salon specializing in serving children and busy moms. Owned by hairstylist Tina Parker, the business provides an innovative solution to busy families by bringing a regularly needed service directly to their homes. By taking a mobile approach and offering flexible hours, MostlyKids Hair Styles saves customers valuable time compared to traditional brick-and-mortar hair salons. Additionally, the business also is a helpful option for individuals with short-term or permanent disabilities, for whom traveling to a traditional hair salon is inconvenient, difficult, or impossible. By adhering to a mobile business model, Tina Parker is able to establish a new business without the overhead of a traditional salon, including mortgage/rent payments, utilities, and property taxes. INDUSTRY ANALYSIS According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 13 percent annual employment growth is projected for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists from 2012 to 2022 (about as fast as the average for all occupations). Among the factors contributing to job growth is rising demand for services such as hair straightening and coloring, as well as other “deluxe”services. Nationwide, the BLS expects that employment will increase from 611,200 in 2012 to 688,700 in 2022.
    [Show full text]
  • Menu of Services
    Daytona State College Cosmetology Salon Daytona State College Cosmetology Salon Menu of Services Menu of Services for Hair, Skin and Nails for Hair, Skin and Nails HAIR SERVICES 114 Cap Hi-Lights $25 & up HAIR SERVICES 114 Cap Hi-Lights $25 & up 100 Shampoo Only $3 115 Toner $15 & up 100 Shampoo Only $3 115 Toner $15 & up 101 Bang Trim $3 _______________________________ 101 Bang Trim $3 _______________________________ 102 Clipper Cut/Haircut/ TEXTURE SERVICES 102 Clipper Cut/Haircut/ TEXTURE SERVICES Beard Trim $5 (Includes Shampoo/Style & Haircut) Beard Trim $5 (Includes Shampoo/Style & Haircut) 103 Haircut/Blow-Dry/Style 116 Chemical Relaxer (Virgin) 103 Haircut/Blow-Dry/Style 116 Chemical Relaxer (Virgin) $10 & up $30 & up $10 & up $30 & up 135 Hot Lather Shave $6 117 Chemical Relaxer (Retouch) 135 Hot Lather Shave $6 117 Chemical Relaxer (Retouch) _______________________________ $25 & up _______________________________ $25 & up STYLING 118 Soft Curl Perm $35 & up STYLING 118 Soft Curl Perm $35 & up 104 Shampoo and Blow-Dry $10 119 Regular Perm $25 & up 104 Shampoo and Blow-Dry $10 119 Regular Perm $25 & up 105 Specialty Style $10 & up 120 Specialty Wrap Perm 105 Specialty Style $10 & up 120 Specialty Wrap Perm (May include; wrap, twists, press & curl, wet sets with (May include; wrap, twists, press & curl, wet sets with $40 & up $40 & up detailed finish, up-do’s, spiral curls, freeze curls or flat-iron) detailed finish, up-do’s, spiral curls, freeze curls or flat-iron) 203 Keratin Straightening 203 Keratin Straightening 202 Dominican
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Review & Accounts 2011-2012
    Life IN PARTNERSHIP NATIONAL stories WITH Life NATIONAL stories Review and Accounts Contact us Online catalogue access National Life Stories www.cadensa.bl.uk 2011/2012 The British Library 96 Euston Road Listen to the collection at the British Library London NW1 2DB Contact our Listening and Viewing Service: T +44 (0)20 7412 7404 T +44 (0)20 7412 7418 [email protected] [email protected] www.bl.uk/nls www.bl.uk/listening Listen online http://sounds.bl.uk National Life Stories Chairman’s When many people think about history, they think about oral history fieldwork. For twenty-five years it has initiated a Foreword books and documents, castles or stately homes. In fact series of innovative interviewing programmes funded almost history is all around us, in our own families and communities, entirely from sponsorship, charitable and individual donations in the living memories and experiences of older people. and voluntary effort. Everyone has a story to tell about their life which is unique to them. Whilst some people have been involved in Each collection comprises recorded in-depth interviews of momentous historical events, regardless of age or a high standard, plus content summaries and transcripts to importance we all have interesting life stories to share. assist users. Access is provided via the Sound and Moving Unfortunately, because memories die when people do, if Image Catalogue at www.cadensa.bl.uk and a growing we don’t record what people tell us, that history can be number of interviews are made available for remote web lost forever. use. Each individual life story interview is several hours long, covering family background, childhood, education, work, National Life Stories was established in 1987 and its mission leisure and later life.
    [Show full text]
  • WHAT DOES SHE LOOK LIKE? Preview a 1–09 Listen
    2 WHAT DOES SHE LOOK LIKE? Preview A 1–09 Listen. Circle the words you hear. 1. Person A has (long / short) red hair. 2. Person B has (wavy / curly) brown hair. 3. Person C has (blond / black) hair and (green / blue) eyes. 4. Person D has (black / brown) hair and (blue / brown) eyes. 5. Person E has (spiky / short) black hair and (brown / green) eyes. B Look at the photos. Find people to match the descriptions in A. Write the numbers. C Work with a partner. Choose three people in the photos and write notes about them. Describe the people to your partner. PERSON DESCRIPTION This person is male. He has short black hair. Is it Person 2? 16 569101_TZSB2_U2_PP6.indd 16 2/25/15 3:40 PM short black hair 1 straight blond hair 2 3 long black hair 4 brown eyes 5 6 7 short brown hair 8 blue eyes 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 short, curly red hair 16 long, curly 17 18 brown hair 19 20 17 569101_TZSB2_U2_PP6.indd 17 2/25/15 3:40 PM Language Focus A 1–10 Listen and read. Then repeat the conversation REAL ENGLISH I’m on my way. and replace the words in blue. B Practice with a partner. Replace any words to make your own conversation. Ming, I’m at the soccer 1 game now. Where are you? 2 She has short blond hair and blue eyes. Emily? What does Sorry, I’m late. I’m on my way. she look like? Do you see Emily? hockey straight black / brown rugby spiky red / green 3 Does she wear glasses? 4 Excuse me, are you Emily? I’m .
    [Show full text]
  • Wave Techniques
    These ARE NOT your grandma’s perms and probably not the perms you learned in school! With quick, easy wraps, unique tools that create texture and modern styles, you can bring those wave profits back into your salon! Learn from the industry experts – Tressa! Before You Begin Analyze & Test Directions for IT Test: Analyze the hair and determine the Step 1 appropriate Tressa wave to use to reform Take a single strand of hair and hold the strand between thumb and forefinger of each hand, the hair (see the Wave Selection Chart about 11/ " apart. included in this kit). Read the important 2 cautions on the inside of the Tressa wave box before beginning service. Test with an IT Test (Internal Tension Test, below). Step 2 This step determines the minimum rod or Move your hands towards each other and the tool size needed to effectively produce hair will form a loop. The loop determines the the desired result and should never size of the tool to be used. be omitted. If the wrong size of tool is used for reforming, the longevity of the service may be compromised. General Waving Tips 1. Cleanse and prepare hair by using Remove-All Plus Shampoo. Lather and leave on the hair for 5 minutes. This ensures that all product build up and contaminates are removed from the hair. 2. Spray on Tressa’s Moistureze to balance the porosity and to ensure even, consistent curl patterns. 3. Apply Tressa’s Protage Skin Protector to all skin that will be exposed during the wave service.
    [Show full text]
  • An Exploration of the Hierarchies in the Natural Hair Community
    Georgia State University ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University Institute for Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Theses Studies 8-11-2015 (De)Tangled: an Exploration of the Hierarchies in the Natural Hair Community Schillica Howard Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/wsi_theses Recommended Citation Howard, Schillica, "(De)Tangled: an Exploration of the Hierarchies in the Natural Hair Community." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2015. https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/wsi_theses/49 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Institute for Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Theses by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. (DE)TANGLED: AN EXPLORATION OF THE HIERARCHIES IN THE NATURAL HAIR COMMUNITY by SCHILLICA HOWARD Under the Direction of Tiffany King, PhD ABSTRACT Within popular discourse, natural hair is considered to be a source of liberation where Black women can accept and nurture their natural hair texture. My research explores the points of contention in this community and the hierarchies that exist based on length of hair, curl pattern, and texture. By using product content analysis, interviews with Black women with natural hair, and analysis of social media, this thesis brings the ideal aesthetics in the natural hair community to the forefront for closer examination. Findings insist that, in the natural hair community, a curl is more attractive than a kink, longer hair more preferable than short, and that “manageable hair” is vital to Black women’s successful performances of Black femininity.
    [Show full text]
  • Running Head: ANESTHESIA REQUIREMENTS for REDHEADS 1 Anesthesia Requirements for Redheads Nathan Classon, RN, BSN, SRNA Adventis
    Running head: ANESTHESIA REQUIREMENTS FOR REDHEADS 1 Anesthesia Requirements for Redheads Nathan Classon, RN, BSN, SRNA Adventist University of Health Sciences Project Mentor: Tom Andrews, MD, JLR Anesthesia Group Committee Chair: Alescia DeVasher Bethea, PhD, CRNA Nurse Anesthesia Program, Adventist University of Health Sciences March 16, 2016 ANESTHESIA REQUIREMENTS FOR REDHEADS 2 Abstract As the melanocortin-1 receptor gene was not discovered until 1995, only anecdotal observation supported that redheads had an increased anesthetic requirement. Utilizing relatively recent research, this project aimed to enhance the knowledge regarding the anesthetic requirements for redheads among student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs). Interestingly, there was a decided perspectival shift in the opinion of literature reviewed between 2004 and 2015. Earlier studies were supportive of an increased anesthetic requirement of redheads, while more recent studies discouraged such an approach. It is possible that the later studies relied on self-reported hair phenotype, rather than analysis of genetic makeup of the MC1R genotype. Given this, it is plausible that there is a significant difference in the anesthetic requirements of redheads, depending on whether they are homozygous, heterozygous, or compound heterozygous. Therefore, current literature was reviewed, synthesized, and presented simultaneously to two cohorts of SRNAs at Adventist University (ADU). The project’s efficacy was determined by comparing the scores of an identical pre- and post-test.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparative Antimicrobial Efficacy of Locally Made African Black Soaps
    Acta Scientific Microbiology (ISSN: 2581-3226) Volume 1 Issue 3 March 2018 Research Article Comparative Antimicrobial Efficacy of Locally Made African Black Soaps Produced in Akure, Nigeria and Medicated Soaps Against Selected Clinical Skin Pathogens Adebayo OC, Afolami OI*, Oladunmoye MK and Bolaniran T Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria *Corresponding Author: Afolami OI, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo Received:State, Nigeria. Published: DOI: January 02, 2018; February 16, 2018 10.31080/ASMI.2018.01.0026 Abstract Microbiological analyses were carried out on African Black Soaps locally produced in three different settlements of Akure, Ondo Aspergillus niger state, Nigeria and Industrial Medicated Soaps to ascertain the type of organisms associated with them. It was discovered that the Aspergillus fumigatus Candida albicans Aspergillus flavus Black Soaps and the Medicated Soaps were bacteriologically sterile while ubiquitous air-borne fungi such as (2), (1), (3) and (2) were present in the African Black Soap samples and as well Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the medicated soaps. Comparative evaluation of the antibacterial and the antifungal efficacy of the African Black Soap and Medi- Mucor racemosus, Articulosporum Saccharomyces exiguus cated Soaps against selected clinical pathogens such as for bacteria; spp. and for fungi were done adopting the standard methods described by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, 2014). The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the African Black Soaps (A.B.S.1, A.B.S.2, and A.B.S.3) and that of the Medicated Soaps (I.M.S.1 and I.M.S.2) was not significantly different (400 µg/ml) at P ≤ 0.05 levels of significance while the standard Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the A.B.S.
    [Show full text]