By filling out this survey, I accept that I understand how the collected data from this form will be used for research regarding the experiences of Black Women around the globe about their personal life experiences with natural hair, and I am willingly contributing my information for further research. I understand that Artificial Intelligence is used in the data collection and analysis of this research. Β (Click arrow to review the Consent form)Β
Global Crowns: Emotions Surrounding Natural Hair of Black Women Around the Globe
Research Team
Principal Investigator
Nicole Bao, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Howard University, Dept. of Sociology & Criminology
Co-Investigator
Dr. Christella Kwizera
University of Burundi
Co-Investigator
Dr. Dimitra Larochelle
Sorbonne University Paris
Co-Investigator
Dr. Gamze Ar
Bartin University, Turkey
You are invited to take part in a research study. Please read this form carefully β it contains important information to help you decide whether to join.
Purpose: To better understand the experiences of Black people as they navigate various institutions with natural hair.
What you'll do: Complete an online survey (~30 minutes) and participate in one in-person interview (~1 hour). Up to three follow-up interviews may be offered (each ~1 hour).
AI in this research: This study uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with transcription, translation, and data analysis. AI supports the research team but does not replace human review and oversight.
Risks: You may experience some emotional discomfort when discussing your experiences. You are never obligated to answer any question.
Benefits: There are no direct benefits to you personally, though your participation may help others in the future.
This research explores narrative experiences with natural hair and how Black people navigate institutions β professional, educational, religious, social β while wearing their natural hair and hairstyles.
You will be asked to:
Complete an online survey
Participate in unstructured in-person interviews conducted in public settings (cafes, festivals, hair salons) β or upload audio, video, or written stories about your natural hair
Interviews will be audio or video-recorded. Recordings will be kept secure and private.
This study uses AI-powered tools to support the research process. Specifically, AI is used for:
Transcription β converting audio and video recordings into text
Translation β making data accessible across multiple languages
Thematic Analysis β identifying patterns and themes across participant responses
Important: All AI-generated outputs are reviewed and verified by members of the research team. AI is a tool to support accuracy and inclusivity β human researchers remain responsible for all interpretations and conclusions. Your data will never be used to train commercial AI systems, and all AI processing occurs within the secure research platform.
Activity
Time
Online Survey
~30 minutes
In-Person Interview
~1 hour
Optional Follow-Up Interviews (up to 3)
~1 hour each
The online survey can be completed remotely from anywhere.
In-person interviews will take place at Howard University and public settings such as cafes, festivals, and hair salons across geographic locations.
Uploaded audio, video, or written data will be fully encrypted and accessible only to the research team.
You may feel emotional or uncomfortable when discussing certain topics related to your hair and identity.
You are never obligated to answer any question that makes you uncomfortable.
There is always a small chance that confidentiality could be breached β we will take all reasonable steps to minimize this risk.
If we have reason to believe you intend to harm yourself or others, we are required to notify the appropriate parties.
No direct benefits are guaranteed to you personally.
This study is designed to better understand the global experiences of Black people wearing natural hair.
Results may be used to support advocacy, policy, and future research that benefits communities worldwide.
Your participation will not affect your employment, parole status, or any other legal matters.
Results may be used in publications and presentations β your name and identifying information will never be used.
All data will be encrypted and stripped of identifiable information.
Data is coded by a study ID number known only to the research team.
De-identified data may be shared with other researchers or used in future studies.
Only the Principal Investigator has access to password-protected uploaded data.
There is no cost to you for participating, and you will not be paid for your participation.
Your participation is completely voluntary.
You may withdraw at any time without penalty or loss of any benefits.
You have the right to refuse to answer any question.
Study results may be presented at scientific meetings or published in academic journals.
Your individual privacy will be maintained in all published materials.
Questions about the study:
Dr. Nicole D. Bao, Ph.D. π§Β
nicole.Bao@howard.edu πWhatsApp (760) 977-9094
Independent concerns or complaints:
Howard University Institutional Review Board 1840 7th Street, NW, Suite 309 Washington, DC 20001 π (202) 865-8597 π§Β
theorrc@howard.edu Available MondayβFriday, 9:00 AM β 5:00 PM EST
If you suffer a physical injury during participation, Howard University Hospital will provide acute medical treatment and referrals. Treatment costs will be charged to your insurance carrier. Howard University and Howard University Hospital cannot provide financial compensation for injuries sustained during this research.
Please indicate your preference:
β¬ Yes β I agree to allow the researchers to use my contact information to reach me about future research studies.
β¬ No β I do not agree to allow the researchers to use my contact information for future research studies.
Please read the following statement carefully before proceeding.
By submitting this form with my name, I confirm that:
β I have reviewed the consent form for the Global Crowns research study (click the arrow above to review)
β I understand that this study collects personal narratives about my experiences as a Black woman with natural hair, and that my responses will be used for academic research purposes
β I understand that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are used in the data collection, transcription, translation, and analysis of this research, and that all AI outputs are reviewed by the human research team
β I understand that my data will be kept confidential, de-identified, and protected according to the procedures described in this consent form
β I am voluntarily choosing to contribute my story and information to this research
β I am 18 years of age or older and eligible to participate
IRB-2022-0346 | Approved: 12/10/2025 | Expires: 12/09/2026 Howard University, Department of Sociology & Criminology