HAIR DISCRIMINATION

Why Are Black High-Fashion Models Pressured to Cut Off Their Hair

This trend is reflective of an industry that treats black hair as difficult

For Black Women
Published in
7 min readSep 28, 2024

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Beautuful young Black woman | Photo by Delmaine Donson

How a Black woman wears her hair is typically seen as a personal decision, though it is impacted by external factors, such as her profession. Where she works, and whom she works with will undoubtedly influence her choice. This can be seen in the fashion industry, as Black models are often pressured to cut their hair, rather than style it. Author Ayekpa Anne-Laetitia noted that Black models that are selected are typically those with “a dark complexion” and “bald haircut.” She described these features as “the secret ingredient” to a successful audition. While there’s nothing wrong with Black women having short hair, or preferring a buzz cut or shaved head, to longer hair, as women should feel empowered to choose, it’s the unspoken rule that women must conform to this standard to reach a level of status that’s problematic. Londone Myers shared her experience, saying “when black models start, I feel like we all have to have short-cropped hair. Imagine if white models had to get a buzz cut,” she added.

When we consider that White women are not expected to cut their hair short to succeed in the fashion industry. That they’re provided…

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Allison Wiltz M.S.
For Black Women

Black womanist scholar and doctoral candidate from New Orleans, LA with bylines @ Momentum, Oprah Daily, ZORA, Cultured #WEOC Founder. allisonthedailywriter.com