From colonization to modern day, black hair has always been controversial. Historically,
black women have been pressured to conform to European standards of beauty.
Magazines and advertisements continue to promote these ideals today, typically
featuring women, of any ethnicity, with a lighter skin tone and long flowing hair. This,
coupled with the constant stereotyping of black women who are featured in the media,
means black women often have to fight to be seen as individuals.
My latest work, becoming, is a celebration of the diversity and individuality of black
women. It exhibits different hairstyles, skin tones, and body types, simultaneously
showing the beauty in differences as well as combating the idea that one look fits all. The
women pictured wear both natural and processed hairstyles, showing that this is not a
critique of straight hair, but rather recognition of the freedom in the choice to be
oneself.
Journeys through changing hairstyles show growth and self-reflection. For black
women this journey is one of resilience, strength, perseverance, and beauty
unparalleled.