Hair Stories 2

Bald & Brass

Pat Evans by Anthony Barboza, 1970.

Hair is a definite part of fashion; it is just as significant as the stitch in Levi jean pockets or the sole of Louboutin pumps, but just like fashion it tends to appeal to the masses and target markets. So how can hair that belongs to the minority become more appealing? Black women have always felt compelled to conform to western ideals, though women of all races believe hair defines their beauty and femininity. So how radical is it for a lady to shave her head, let alone a woman of colour, how else will she flaunt her sexuality? But progressively more black women are embracing their afrocentricity and the greatest thing, society is accepting this in an era of trend setting and standing out. 

In the 1960's Native American supermodel Pat Evans shaved her head bald in protest to industry standards, but afraid her agency Stewart models would drop her if clients discovered her shiny head, she wore wigs to castings. Despite uncertainty, Pat walked her first bald headed runway for designer Stephen Burrows, instantly paving the way for many coming up behind her, including icon Grace Jones

Grace Jones with her flattop fade influenced people like glamour model Amber Rose, who famously recreated a series of Graces poses for Complex magazine in 2009. Amber was recognised by her full figure and shaved hairstyle, dyed bleach blonde. Just like Pat she set a trend for generations of women, with young black girls shaving their hair worldwide. Singer and actress Willow smith recreated the style by adding an age appropriate baby pink.

Tyra Banks ‘Americas Next Top Model’ is famed for giving the big chop to aspiring models. Many models whose hair was amputated on the show have since gained major modelling contracts. It is fair to say legends like Pat and Grace influenced Tyra’s eye for a beautiful head and built a sturdy foundation for supermodels like Alek Wek and Ajuma Nasenyana, who are both of African decent.

Over the past 50 years this crusade has inevitably trickled down to popular culture with women of all backgrounds rocking shaven heads and quirky boy cuts. With this trend rising in the mainstream, perhaps it will become less political for black women to proudly rock their natural hair. 

Grace Jones

Amber Rose

Willow Smith

Alek Wek

Ajuma Nasenyana