Black actors call for more hairstylists who know how to style black hair

Several actors took to Twitter to explain how they often have to have their hair done externally before they start work because the hairstylists provided on set have little to no experience working with ethnic hair.

Malcolm Barrett, who is best known for starring in the television series Timeless, wrote:

"Most black actors get their hair cut or styled outside of set, often at their own expense because Hollywood hairstylists are one size fit all and that 'all' does not include black hair," he tweeted. "This has been my experience for the last 20 years in the business and it hasn't changed at all."

Gabrielle Union, Gabourey Sidibe, Loni Love, and many more all contributed to the discussion. 

See their tweets below:

100% of Black Actor/Actress I've spoken to on this topic face the same thing in film and television. Hair Stylists in our industry should have proper training, AND be able to show proof. Too often they begin to "figure it out" the second we sit in the chair. https://t.co/qf662oqA8d

— Yahya Abdul-Mateen 2 (@yahya) March 9, 2019

Most Black actors get their hair cut or styled outside of set, often at their own expense because Hollywood hairstylists are one size fit all and that ‘all’ does not include Black hair. This has been my experience for the last 20 years in the business & it hasn’t changed at all. https://t.co/3kniFzAET5

— Verbal The Rapper (@malcolmbarrett) March 10, 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

If they don’t have the budget to hire a black hairstylist for me, or won’t, I just get the director to agree that my character should have box braids or senegalese twist.

— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) March 11, 2019

PSA: If you cast a POC— And thank you for doing so!—you also have to hire someone who knows how to do ethnic hair. Not someone who's "comfortable with it" but someone who actually knows how to style ethnic hair types.

Congratulations on advancing to the next level of inclusion! https://t.co/A1Q9ZpvXmH

— Natasha Rothwell (@natasharothwell) March 11, 2019

Important Thread! 👇🏾 What alot of non-industry folks don't realize is that u can't just use ur normal hairstylists/barbers/makeup artists on a union job (most jobs are union) Those artists HAVE to be IN THE UNION & getting them in has NEVER been easy or smooth. Ever. Like never. https://t.co/vBMFla2cQ2

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) March 11, 2019

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

Those of us responding to this feed are sharing our unique experiences #ActingWhileBlack. No one is dying. We have all adapted. Life goes on. ❤️ I just always think it’s important to pull back the curtain so you guys know what the real is. This mess is the real!

— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) March 11, 2019

______
Sign up for my free newsletter: LA LA's Insider.
Merch: Ooo La La Shop!

Tweet me: @OooLaLaBlog_.

"Like" OooLaLaBlog on Facebook.

Follow on Instagram: OooLaLaBlog.