I hope it’s ok for a white, blonde, straight-haired girl to take on this subject – but one of the reasons I wanted to shoot the ‘Afro-disiac’ Story is because I have a thing about natural, curly, black hair. It’s absolutely beautiful.. Tight curly textured hair lends itself to stunning bold shapes, and styled correctly is a knock-out show-stopper.
Afro hair in general has not been getting the praise I think it deserves. Most models with this hair-type who I see at castings, have done something to change their hair texture – usually by having it chemically straightened, and often have added hair extensions as well.
Hair straightening has become a multi billion dollar industry world wide. Black women are spending a fortune on their hair – through wigs, hair pieces and straightening potions. Unfortunately once it’s chemically straightened, the hair becomes brittle and breaks easily – and after years of weaving in hair pieces, many women are left with very little of their own original hair.
So why this large scale rejection of natural state hair? One possible reason is a lack role models in fashion and film championing this look. But I also think the hair product market has been skewed towards European hair types. The good news is that there is change in the air…(or should that be hair…)
There are now more women in the public eye staying true to their hair heritage. Girls like Solange Knowles (who absolutely nails her look every time) and Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, who has been gracing the glossies worldwide, are triumphing with their natural curls.
We now also have hair brands like Boucleme, especially formulated for frizzy hair texture. Curly hair is usually much drier that straight hair, and needs hair products that inject a lot of moisture.
Hairdresser Elvire Roux used Bumble and Bumble ‘Hairdressers Invisible Oil” on the models Catriona Frean and Mimi Coreia when styling their hair for our shoot to give it shine and manageability. And lots of it!
Catriona and Mimi are great examples of girls embracing their natural hair texture – and maybe on a more philosophical level there is an argument to say that by accepting the hair type you have, and making the most of it, a message of self acceptance is sent out. Not only to the outer world but also to yourself. Which in turn might mean that you feel more confident and true to who you are.
And that could just possibly be a bit of a turn-on – an ‘Afro-disiac:)
I hope you enjoyed the story.
Until next time.
xxElisabeth
