Bald & Brass
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| 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.
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| Grace Jones |
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| Amber Rose |
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| Willow Smith |
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| Alek Wek |
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Ajuma Nasenyana
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