According to the school, dreadlocks, afros, Mohawks and other "fad" hairstyles are deemed unacceptable. The girl's story has sparked outrage according to an article published by The Huffington Post. Holly Styles, Hairstylist, believes community anger is justified and asserts that people should celebrate all hairstyles.

"It is a shame that certain hair styles are deemed unacceptable by societal factions," Holly Styles, Hairstylist, said. "No matter the style, it is a form of self-expression and many hair styles do carry cultural relevance."

The article asserts that the charter school told the girl's parents to change the hairstyle, but instead they chose to take their child out of school and send her to a different institution.

After the incident, many women issued letters of support to the little girl. They encouraged her to continue to sport her natural hairstyle and embrace her cultural heritage and beauty. The girl's father, a barber, told the school that he always ensured that his daughter looked presentable. He also noted that the style was not new--she had the same style in previous years without incident.

One letter from an MSNBC host has garnered extra attention. Melissa Harris-Perry addressed the little girl to offer encouragement and teach her about her history.

Part of the letter reads, "For the record, Tiana, your hair is not distracting, unacceptable, a fad or wrong. Tiana, your hair is wonderful. You come from a people with a beautiful array of styles and textures that range from short to big afros that come in colors from gray to black, curly naturals that spiral every which way just because they can. And you, dear Tiana, are part of a people that have the choice of sporting dreadlocks which have a rich history in black culture."

African American hair styling is no stranger to the spotlight. In 2009, comedian Chris Rock produced a documentary examining African American hairstyles and perceptions of beauty. His goal was to teach his daughters that they are beautiful, and that the choices they make should not have anything to do with outside perceptions of beauty.

Holly Styles, Hairstylist, hopes that the spotlight on this recent controversy changes opinions and attitudes about cultural aesthetics and beauty.

ABOUT:

Holly Styles, Hairstylist, is an expert hair colorist and stylist. Her salon in Gramercy, New York offers a variety of services to members of the community. Services offered include cuts, styles, and color and chemical treatments. Additionally, waxing services are available. Holly Styles, Hairstylist, brings 16 years of beauty industry experience to her salon.