Sesame Street is giving women of all ages and races a reason to put away the extensions, curling irons, hot combs, and chemicals in order to embrace their natural hair. The new skit features a young African-American puppet who is stylishly wearing an afro. With pride, enthusiasm, and confidence she sings “I Love My Hair!”

ABC News highlighted the song during an interview with the show’s Head Writer, Joey Mazzarino after the October 4^th airing led to “I Love My Hair” going viral on YouTube. Mazzarino says he was inspired to address the issue of African-American hair on the show because of his daughter.  Adopted from Ethiopia, she used to play with Barbie dolls with long, blonde hair and make comments about wanting the same.

Lyrics to the song include “Don’t need a trip to the beauty shop. ‘Cause I love what I got on top. It’s curly and it’s brown and it’s right up there! You know what I love? That’s right, my hair! I really love my hair.” When mothers tell their daughters “You are beautiful just the way you are,” it’s now supported by a fabulous girl who boldly proclaims “I Love My Hair,” giving confidence to all girls!  Be sure to also check out the full video of the song.

This video is helping to erase self-esteem issues for women within the African American community. The “I Love My Hair” video brings to light an issue that has plagued African women for centuries: the standard of beauty and colorism. These topics have been heavily discussed in the 1939 Clark Doll experiment and more recently in the documentary “Good Hair” starring Chris Rock and the music video for India Arie’s “I Am Not My Hair.”