A discussion about hairstylists not being prepared to handle black or natural hair on Hollywood sets was started on social media. The discussion was started by the model, Olivia Anakwe, on Instagram. She shared several disappointments she has faced on set due to lack of trained hairstylists who could handle black hair.
She talked about her Paris Fashion Weekend experience. She said she was billed to rock cornrows but there was no hairstylist available backstage able to style her hair. This attracted comments from several other black female actors. Gabrielle Union, Natasha Rodwell of “Insecure,” and Yvette Nichole Brown were not left out.
They all said they usually hade to come on set with their own supplies as the stylists were not always prepared for black women. Check out Anakwe’s lengthy post below:
In Union’s post, she pointed out that untrained stylists could damage their tresses leading to permanent hair damage.
Check all the posts below:
The pressure to “just be happy they picked you & you got a job, don’t ask for the SAME things every other actor/model gets on GP…” Listen, if u stay quiet, u WILL have bald spots, hair damage, look NUTS (tho they will tell u its cuuuuuuuuute ?) https://t.co/vBMFla2cQ2
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) March 11, 2019
Most black actresses come to a new set w/ their hair done (me) or bring their wigs & clip-ins w/them. It’s either that or take a chance that you will look crazy on screen. Many of us also bring our own foundation. One too many times seeing no shade that matches you will learn ya! https://t.co/mGAzpuoKtb
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) March 11, 2019
See also:
Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union open business for Kaavia
Octavia Spencer and Gabrielle Union to produce “Coffee Will Make You Black”
Union, Hough, and Crews get on “America’s Got Talent”
