Graduate Studies, UNL

 

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

First Advisor

Mary Alice Casto

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Committee Members

Adrienne Oliver, Charlene Maxey-Harris, Kylin Flothe, Sandra Starkey

Department

Human Sciences

Date of this Version

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Major: Human Sciences

Under the supervision of Professor

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2025

Comments

Copyright 2025, the author. Used by permission

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative, multi-case study was to explore the identity-related dress and appearance management implications of culture-specific beauty blog readership. The study was informed by three research questions: (a) Why and how do African American women seek out culture-specific beauty blogs? (b) What roles do African American women assume while engaging with culture-specific beauty blog communities? (c). How do African American women use culture-specific beauty blog content to inform identity-related processes of appearance management and dress?

The sample of this multiple-case study included nine participants, each representing a distinct case. Data were collected through individual, semi-structured, in-depth interviews, field notes, and a process of data mining the culture-specific beauty blogs introduced during the interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, analyzed, and coded for themes.

Data analysis revealed that study participants sought out culture-specific beauty blogs because they were interested in locating beauty media that featured Black representation of beauty and cultural ideals. The Natural Hair Aesthetic was a key driver of interest for study participants, as they sought information to adapt the aesthetic. Participants overwhelmingly identified an online search engine query for a beauty-related interest as their original method of connection to culture-specific beauty blog content.

All participants reported that, following their initial introductions, they regularly returned to culture-specific beauty blogs for content of that type. During those visits, participants reported only engaging with their chosen blogs from the perspective of a viewer. That is, although blogs feature optional two-way communication, participants elected not to engage in online dialogue with bloggers or members of blog communities. Instead, some reported discussing culture-specific beauty blog content with friends or family members offline.

Finally, data revealed that a large majority of study participants routinely visited culture-specific beauty blogs for content related to their natural hair. Beauty resources for hair care and styling, such as step-by-step tutorials and product reviews, were identified by participants as resources that they regularly referenced and used in processes of appearance management.

Advisor: Mary Alice Casto

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