How to Wear Your Hair as a Black Model
Models,
Long time, no see! I’m writing to tell you how to wear your hair as a BLACK or POC model with textured hair. With #NYFWCastings coming up - I want to send a message to all my Black models who continue to ask the BIGGEST question - what do I do with my hair? How do I wear my natural hair?
The following are my suggestions - take them or leave them but these have worked best for me!
1) Remember, your hair is beautiful and stands out. Use that to your advantage. If your childhood was like mine then you understand the challenges of habitually getting a relaxer, the costs of not knowing how to do your own hair, and the frustration that comes with learning hair or even being turned away from a salon because they don’t do kinky textured hair (a damn shame and I stand by that). Please understand that what makes you YOU is the best asset you can have. Agencies and brands want you for your look - sometimes we don’t always fit the mold, but when rejected, just know that there is another opportunity out there where your natural hair will be celebrated and BOOKED!
2) Learn how to do your own hair as a Black model. I know, I know, I know! You probably don’t want to hear this. Probably thinking, ‘Why should I have to learn when industry professionals should know better?’ And I agree with you. However, knowing your hair type and knowing how to manipulate it with little cost will help you in the long run - both personally and professionally. It is never a bad thing to learn something new and develop a skill that you will be using for the entirety of your lifetime and career. I encourage you to learn how to do your own hair to fill in the gaps of the fashion industry. Many hair stylists in GENERAL are not trained to work with different hair textures - so, unfortunately, it is your responsibility to learn how to work your hair. From cornrows to twist outs, there are many different ways to play with your hair and find what works best for you. Hey, even a low bun or fro will do the job!
3) Black textured hair is trending, but not for the reasons you may think. Yes, our hair should be celebrated because it is so malleable and beautiful. However, we will see Black models on the runway but with only specific types of styles that appeal to the white gaze - bald, platinum blonde buzzcut, loose coily hair, or a wig. Now nothing is wrong with these hairstyles, but it goes to show that the fashion industry has no idea what to do with us - more often that not, we are backstage doing nothing as our white counterparts get pampered OR getting our hair beyond fucked up by stylists who have no clue what they are doing. Systemic racism has plagued the industry for decades, as well as our very own upbringing within our households. According to Vogue Business, “Within the Black community, there are the terms “good hair” and “bad hair.” Good hair is usually depicting a Black woman with curly, silky hair. Bad hair would be more kinky, coarse hair like mine.” Only “good hair” is shown on the runway and it goes to show that the fashion industry sees Diversity as a trend, not a necessity. It is not truly inclusive all around and that needs to change. Kudos to the brands who showcase our fros/natural hair and show up with Black hairstylists and makeup artists (I’ll create a separate post about this one 👀).
4) Ideally, wear your hair all back if possible. I usually pull my natural hair back for castings so they see my entire face. For digitals, I always have 2 photos of my hair pulled back and 2 photos of my natural hair out so agencies/brands can see the versatility, as well as the length. For examples, check out my Instagram page here. You got this!
5) And lastly, show up as your most authentic self. I know we love to experiment with sew-ins, weaves, ponytail extensions, wigs, etc. I’m all for the protective styles of course - because how else are you meant to FURTHER limit breakage while rocking a new do? If you MUST wear a wig or extensions, I recommend investing in a texture that matches your own. Please avoid any unnatural colors or quirky hairstyles if you are showing up for a casting. The only exception is if you know that particular brand you’re applying to aligns with that kind of look. This varies, but when in doubt, always stick to your original hairstyle.
Thanks for reading! Comment any topics or tips you'd like for me to go over. Much love.
