About the Founder

Linda Jones is an award-winning journalist who has written extensively about the lifestyle and culture of people of African descent in the US and abroad.

She is author of “Nappyisms: Affirmations for Nappy-Headed People and Wannabes!” Her essay about A Nappy Hair Affair appears in the books “Chicken Soup for the African American Women's Soul,” and "Tenderheaded: A Comb-Bending Collection of Hair Stories." Her reporting appears in "Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America."

Linda is also owner of ManeLock Communications, a professional writing service.

In 1997 she was featured in D Magazine, a monthly Dallas publication as one of the 50 most influential African Americans in Dallas.

Linda has used stories about hair in her writing as a device to explore lifestyle and cultural issues.

She founded A Nappy Hair Affair in 1999 and made it an extension of her commitment as a writer to help dispel stereotypes and negative perceptions of people of color. The organization evolved from a series of informal hair grooming sessions she started having at her home in 1998 in response to concerns expressed by her friends who wore their hair in natural or African-inspired hairstyles. Her "happy, nappy hair care affairs" met the needs of those women who were either unable to find or afford stylists to tend to their hair in its natural state or simply preferred getting their hair done in a home setting.

At Linda's gatherings the women not only groomed hair but also socialized, relaxed and expressed themselves artistically. They also discussed the challenges they faced when they decided to go natural. Some stories were humorous but many revealed how they were adversely affected by negative reactions from family, friends, coworkers and employers. The poignant stories inspired Linda to take her "hairepy" sessions to another level and develop a project focusing on pride and self-appreciation.

One of the women who regularly attends the gatherings claimed that Linda was leading her people away from "o-pressed hair" into a state of chemical free nappiness and nicknamed her "Mosetta" as in female Moses. 

Linda's hair grooming sessions, now called Hair Days have grown in popularity and are attended by women, men and children of all hair textures.  The gatherings are imitated in cities across the US and abroad. She delivers her message through the ANHA website, product sales, speaking engagements, workshops and other related events.

With the help of her team of nappy proponents, Linda produced an ANHA video documentary which was part of the Dallas Video Festival in 2000. She also gathered artists together to produce the "Love & Nappiness," spoken work and music CD and a stage production called "The Love and Nappiness Revue." Linda is also "headitor" of The Nappy News, a member newsletter.

Membership Statement

A NAPPY HAIR AFFAIR , INC.

Membership in A Nappy Hair Affair , Inc. (ANHA) has its privileges, but also has its responsibilities.

The mission of our support and service organization is to promote a positive image and self concept of people of African descent through support, affirmation and education. Taking a holistic approach, ANHA exists to raise awareness, boost self-esteem where necessary and to play a role in further empowering the African American community.

Promoting the uniqueness and beauty of our natural hair and African-inspired hairstyles is the principal way we convey an overall message of self-appreciation and cultural pride.

We are on a journey to build ourselves up, not tear others down. We spend our time celebrating ourselves, not denigrating others.

Therefore, as an organization ANHA does not endorse or condone members who degrade those who do not choose to wear natural or African-inspired hairstyles

We also do not condone debasing those whose culture or lifestyle preferences are different from ours.

Individuals are entitled to their own opinions and criticisms, but they cannot be represented as the official position of ANHA.

Making the choice to be a member of ANHA means that you have made the choice to be in keeping with our mission of contributing to the positive development of people of African descent. Your membership helps support our efforts and our existence.

Linda Jones Founder, A Nappy Hair Affair , Inc