Good Hair review

Chris Rock discovers the history behind some hair politics

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

When Chris Rock’s daughter asked him, “Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair?” the comedian was inspired to embark on a tonsorial voyage of discovery.

Good Hair covers the racial politics you’d expect from Rock’s stand-up material (“If your hair is relaxed, white people are relaxed,” summarises stand-up Paul Mooney), but this fast-moving doc also riffs on men vs. women, globe-spanning economic injustices and several other fascinating hair strands.

Footage from the fabulously camp Bronner Bros Hair Show keeps things frothy, while a superior collection of talking heads (Maya Angelou, Ice T, Salt-N-Pepa, Al Sharpton) deliver a commentary that really tackles the issues.

Rock’s journey to India – where tonsure ceremonies are responsible for the majority of the hair sold Stateside – is particularly shocking.

A deserved winner of the special jury prize at Sundance, Good Hair makes you wish all comedy was this insightful and all docs this funny.

More info

Available platformsMovie
Less