My project honors the beauty of black hair and identity through photography. As a Black woman, I’ve experienced the joy, creativity, and complexity of Black hair firsthand. From childhood memories of sitting between my mother’s knees as she braided my hair to the shared rituals of moisturizing and protective styling with friends, hair has always been more than aesthetics—it’s culture, identity, and power. This project reflects that experience, celebrating the beauty and resilience in Black hair, skin tones, and body image. Through photography, I challenge the stereotypes that have defined what is considered “professional” or “acceptable,” instead reframing Black beauty as an art form that is fluid, dynamic, and deeply personal.
Grounded in cultural and historical research, my work explores the politics of Black hair, its resistance to Eurocentric beauty standards, and its role in self-expression and empowerment. The tactile experience of Black hair—its textures, patterns, and versatility—serves as both subject and medium, emphasizing its artistic value. By centering Black women’s experiences, this project sparks conversations about representation, pride, and agency. If this work could speak, it would say: “Black hair is beautiful. Black hair is powerful. Black hair is art.” Through this lens, I invite viewers to see, celebrate, and honor its significance.
